Hob apparatus, hob system, installation tool and method for installing a hob apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a hob device (12) with a heat conducting element (14) which is provided for fixing to an underside (18) of a kitchen worktop (16) and for holding at least one hob component (20).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a cooktop device according to claim 1, a cooktop system according to claim 9, an installation tool according to claim 10 and a method for installing a cooktop device according to claim 12.

[0002] A mounting system for securing a cooktop in a recess of a kitchen worktop is already known from the prior art. In this system, a support rail is arranged on each of two opposite sides of the recess, specifically on the sides of the worktop facing the recess. The cooktop is locked into the recess by means of this support rail when mounted. It is also known to screw the cooktop to the underside of the worktop.

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular but not limited to, providing a generic device with improved efficiency characteristics. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 9, 10 and 12, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0004] A cooktop device, in particular an induction cooktop device, is proposed with a heat-conducting element which is intended for fixing to an underside of a kitchen worktop and for holding at least one cooktop component.

[0005] This design can increase efficiency, specifically regarding the mounting of at least one cooktop component to the underside of a kitchen worktop. This improves the overall construction. Furthermore, efficiency can be increased in terms of product, work, assembly, disassembly, manufacturing, and / or cost efficiency. By using such a heat-conducting element, which is designed to fix at least the cooktop component to the underside of the kitchen worktop, the mounting can be improved, simplified, and safety enhanced, while avoiding the need for additional and complex fastening devices, such as drilling and / or screwing fixtures, to attach at least the cooktop component to the underside of the kitchen worktop.Furthermore, the weight of at least the cooktop component can be advantageously distributed over a large area beneath the countertop, thus preventing localized stresses in the countertop. Additionally, cutouts in the countertop for installing at least the cooktop component are unnecessary. Moreover, the mounting on the underside of the countertop prevents damage, such as scratching, to the countertop surface. Furthermore, the use of a heat-conducting element can effectively reduce thermal stresses in the countertop. Finally, in at least one operating state, particularly during heating, the temperature gradient between hot and cold areas within the countertop can be reduced. This, in turn, enhances user comfort.Furthermore, at least the cooktop component can preferably be mounted below the kitchen worktop, independent of its thickness and / or material composition. This ensures high functionality and versatility. It also reduces installation and / or removal effort.

[0006] The cooktop device could be configured as a resistance cooktop device and / or preferably as an induction cooktop device. The term "cooktop device" is understood to mean at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of at least one cooktop, advantageously an induction cooktop, and may also include accessory units for the cooktop, such as a sensor unit for measuring the temperature of cookware and / or food being cooked. It is also conceivable that the cooktop device comprises the entire cooktop. The cooktop device and / or the cooktop is / are intended for use and / or arrangement in a household, in particular a kitchen. Preferably, the cooktop is a matrix cooktop. It is conceivable that, in addition to the cooktop device, the cooktop has further, namely at least one additional, cooktop device, which together form the cooktop.

[0007] The cooktop device is in turn part of a cooktop system, in particular an induction cooktop system, wherein the cooktop system could comprise a plurality of units and / or devices that can be used for the preparation and / or processing of food. For example, the cooktop system could comprise at least one cooktop object, which could in particular be a subassembly of at least the cooktop. The cooktop object could, for example, comprise at least one control unit and / or at least one user interface and / or at least one housing unit and / or at least one heating unit and / or at least one exhaust fan unit and / or at least one heating unit control electronics.For example, the cooktop system could additionally include at least one extraction unit and / or at least the sensor unit and / or further sensor units, in particular at least one temperature sensor, which could be designed for placement in the cookware and / or the food being cooked, for example in the form of a roasting spit. The cooktop itself is a key component of the cooktop system. It is also conceivable that the cooktop system could comprise several, specifically at least two, cooktops.

[0008] The kitchen worktop is at least one unit, particularly a slab-like unit, designed for placing at least one stand and / or at least one food item, especially food to be cooked. In a preferred embodiment, the kitchen worktop has a thickness, particularly a material thickness, of at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm, and most preferably at most 12 mm. The kitchen worktop differs in particular from a cooktop, preferably from a cooktop made of glass-ceramic. Preferably, the kitchen worktop, especially in contrast to the cooktop, is additionally designed to provide a food preparation area, in particular by allowing, for example, cutting, mixing, pounding, and / or peeling of food.

[0009] In particular, the kitchen worktop is a piece of furniture, preferably a piece of kitchen furniture. The kitchen worktop is advantageously part of the kitchen and, in particular, defines and / or encloses a portion of an assembly of kitchen cabinets and / or kitchen furniture and / or other household appliances, such as a dishwasher and / or a washing machine and / or an oven. It is also conceivable that the kitchen worktop could be, for example, a worktop in a commercial kitchen and / or an outdoor cooking area. Preferably, the kitchen worktop is made of a non-metallic material.The kitchen worktop could be made at least partially or at least predominantly of glass 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 term "predominantly" means at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85%, and particularly advantageously at most 95% of a volume and / or mass fraction. In this document, location terms such as "below" or "above" refer to the installed state of the kitchen worktop, unless explicitly stated otherwise. It is conceivable that the kitchen worktop may have engravings and / or imprints, in particular to mark at least one heating zone for heating the installation unit.Preferably, the kitchen worktop should be free of engravings and / or prints.

[0010] The kitchen worktop could have an opening. The opening preferably extends at least partially along a normal direction from the top to the underside of the worktop and can be created by a suitable forming process either directly during the manufacturing of the worktop, for example, using a suitable mold, or subsequently, for example, by a drilling or milling process or the like. Preferably, the opening is designed as a bore in the worktop. The opening could have a diameter of at least 1 mm, advantageously at least 5 mm, preferably at least 1 cm, and particularly preferably at most 2 cm.In particular, the opening is designed to enable, at least to the extent possible, low-loss transmission of infrared radiation and / or visible light to and / or from another unit of the cooktop device, in particular a sensor unit and / or a lighting unit, from an area below the kitchen worktop to an area above the kitchen worktop. For example, the sensor unit could use the opening to detect and / or measure the temperature of the unit placed on the kitchen worktop. Alternatively and / or additionally, the lighting unit could be used to indicate a heating zone for the unit to the user.

[0011] The opening could contain at least one radiation guide element of the cooktop device in an assembled state. A "radiation guide element" is defined as an element that is transparent to both infrared radiation, particularly infrared radiation with a wavelength range between 800 nm and 7,000 nm, and visible light with a wavelength range between 380 nm and 800 nm, and that is designed to transport visible light and / or infrared radiation at least partially along the normal direction of the kitchen worktop, from the top to the underside of the kitchen worktop and / or from the underside to the top of the kitchen worktop. Preferably, the radiation guide element is made at least predominantly, and particularly preferably entirely, of quartz.A "normal direction" of an object is understood to be a direction that runs perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the object. A "principal extension plane" of a component is understood to be a plane that is parallel to a largest face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the component, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid. Preferably, the opening is free of elements and / or units, especially the radiation guide element.

[0012] The base unit can accommodate a small household appliance and / or cooking utensils. The small household appliance could be, for example, a coffee maker, toaster, kettle, blender, or mixer. It would be advantageous if the small household appliance could be at least partially inductively powered when placed on the base unit. The cooking utensils could be, for example, a pot, pan, or roasting pan. If the cooktop is an induction cooktop, the cooking utensils could be at least partially inductively heated when placed on the kitchen countertop. It is also conceivable that the base unit could include a support unit to place under the cooking utensils and / or small household appliances.The advantage of this base unit is that it can be positioned between the kitchen worktop and the cookware and / or small household appliances. In particular, the unit can be placed on the worktop within the cooking area.

[0013] The cooktop device could have at least one heating unit, which could be designed as a resistance heating unit and / or preferably as an induction heating unit. Advantageously, the heating unit is provided for heating at least the base unit in the cooking area on the kitchen worktop. In particular, the opening is arranged in the cooking area on the kitchen worktop. The opening could indicate at least one heating zone in the cooking area to the user. Preferably, the cooking area is designed as a variable cooking area. A "variable cooking area" is understood to mean a cooking area that is designed to form at least one heating zone adapted to at least the base unit, in particular the small household appliance and / or the cooking utensil. The heating zone can preferably be adapted to the base unit with regard to at least one size and / or shape.The variable cooking surface area differs advantageously from a cooking surface where heating zones are fixed, especially by markings on the kitchen worktop.

[0014] In particular, the heating unit is arranged below the kitchen worktop. Preferably, the heating unit is designed as a matrix heating unit and is specifically intended to provide the variable cooking surface area. In particular, the heating unit has at least one heating element and preferably a plurality of heating elements. A "heating unit" is understood to be a unit that is intended, at least in one operating state, to transfer electrical energy, at least to a large extent, to the installation unit, preferably through at least the kitchen worktop, and / or to convert electrical energy into heat, in particular to heat at least the installed installation unit, preferably through at least the installation surface.In particular, the heating unit is designed to transmit a power output of at least 100 W, particularly at least 500 W, advantageously at least 1000 W, and preferably at least 2000 W, in at least one operating state in which the heating unit is connected to the power supply electronics of the cooktop device or the cooktop itself. If the heating unit is designed as an induction heating unit, it may have at least one heating element designed as an inductor. For the purposes of this text, an "inductor" is understood to be an element that has at least one induction coil and / or is designed as an induction coil and is designed to supply energy, particularly in the form of an alternating magnetic field, to at least one receiving element, in particular at least the mounting unit, in at least one operating state.The receiving element could be designed as a metallic heating medium, in particular as an at least partially ferromagnetic heating medium, for example as a ferromagnetic base of the installation unit, in particular of the cooking utensil and / or the base unit and / or the small household appliance, in which, in an operating mode of the heating unit, eddy currents and / or remagnetization effects are caused by the inductor, which are converted into heat.

[0015] To advantageously reduce thermal stresses, at least during heating of the installation unit, the heat-conducting element is designed for fixing to the underside of the kitchen worktop. Specifically, the heat-conducting element is intended to reduce thermal stresses in at least the kitchen worktop. In at least one operating state, particularly of the cooktop and / or cooktop system, the heat-conducting element can at least partially reduce thermal stresses in the kitchen worktop. Here and in the following, "thermal stresses" are understood to mean thermally induced mechanical stresses in the kitchen worktop, which can be caused by at least one temperature change and / or at least one temperature gradient, particularly of the kitchen worktop, in conjunction with a coefficient of thermal expansion, particularly of the kitchen worktop.In particular, the thermally induced mechanical stresses arise without any external force acting on the kitchen worktop. Higher thermal stresses of the kitchen worktop occur, especially in an area above and / or around the heating element, particularly the heating zone for the stand unit. The way in which the thermal stresses of the kitchen worktop act and / or occur can depend, especially during operation, on the temperature distribution around the heating zone. The heat-conducting element could include a diffuser element or be designed as such. The heat-conducting element could consist, at least partially and preferably at least predominantly, of a metal, for example, aluminum and / or gold and / or copper and / or silver and / or zinc, and / or a composite material.In particular, the heat-conducting element surrounds the cooking surface area at least partially and preferably completely. Preferably, the heat-conducting element has a recess. The recess can be identical to the cooking surface area with respect to at least one shape and / or size.

[0016] Preferably, the heat-conducting element is designed to fix and / or hold at least the cooktop component to the underside of the kitchen worktop. In particular, the heat-conducting element holds and / or fixes at least the cooktop component to the underside of the kitchen worktop, at least in its mounted state. The heat-conducting element could hold the cooktop component directly or indirectly.

[0017] The cooktop component could, for example, include the heating element. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the cooktop device includes the cooktop component, which is designed as a cooktop housing. This allows for improved design and increased efficiency with regard to product, assembly, disassembly, cost, and / or manufacturing efficiency. Furthermore, integration can be optimized, and the cooktop housing can be conveniently attached to the underside of a kitchen worktop. In addition, the assembly and / or disassembly effort required for mounting and / or dismounting at least the cooktop housing can be reduced.

[0018] The cooktop device could, for example, also have several, specifically at least two, cooktop components. It is conceivable that each cooktop component is designed to define and / or provide exactly one cooking surface area, at least for heating the installation unit. If the cooktop device has several, specifically at least two, cooktop components designed as cooktop housings, the cooktop device could have an outer housing unit that at least partially surrounds and / or encloses at least the two cooktop housings, particularly below the kitchen worktop. It is also conceivable that the at least two cooktop housings are each part of a cooktop device, and that the cooktop system has at least two cooktop devices. At least the two cooktop devices, in particular the at least two cooktop housings, could have at least one electronic connection to each other.Preferably, at least two cooktop devices are arranged side by side on the underside of the kitchen worktop.

[0019] The cooktop component could, for example, consist at least partially and preferably at least predominantly of a mineral, such as glass and / or ceramic, and / or a plastic and / or a metal and / or a composite material. Advantageously, the cooktop component, specifically the cooktop housing, forms a housing at least for accommodating the heating element and / or at least one other unit of the cooktop device, such as an electronic unit and / or a fan unit.

[0020] The term "intended" here and in the following text refers to specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function means that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. Furthermore, in this document, numerical prefixes such as "first" and "second" serve only to distinguish between process steps and / or objects and / or to assign objects to one another, and do not imply a total number and / or hierarchy of objects and / or process steps. In particular, a "second" object and / or process step does not necessarily imply the presence of a "first" object and / or process step.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the heat-conducting element be provided for fixing to the underside of the kitchen worktop by means of at least one adhesive bond. This can further increase efficiency in terms of work, assembly, disassembly, and / or cost efficiency. In addition, assembly and / or disassembly effort can be reduced, and additional fixing elements, such as screws and / or snap-fit ​​connections, for fixing the heat-conducting element to the underside of the kitchen worktop can be advantageously dispensed with. Moreover, the design can be improved.

[0022] In its assembled state, the heat-conducting element is fixed to the underside of the kitchen worktop, at least by adhesive bonding. Additionally, force-fit and / or form-fit connections could be used to fix the heat-conducting element to the underside of the kitchen worktop, such as plug connections, twist-fit connections, and / or screw connections. The heat-conducting element could be at least partially coated with an adhesive on one side facing the kitchen worktop. The adhesive is preferably a non-metallic material designed to bond at least two elements through surface adhesion and its internal strength. In at least one process step, particularly an adhesive bonding step, during the method for installing the cooktop device, the heat-conducting element can be bonded to the underside of the kitchen worktop.In this process step, particularly the bonding step, the adhesive could be applied to the side of the heat-conducting element facing the kitchen worktop. Alternatively, the adhesive could be applied to the underside of the worktop. In the assembled state, the adhesive at least partially bonds the heat-conducting element to the underside of the worktop. It is also conceivable that the cooktop assembly incorporates an adhesive in the form of a double-sided tape, by means of which the heat-conducting element can be fixed to the underside of the worktop and, in particular, is fixed to the underside of the worktop, at least in the assembled state.

[0023] The assembled state refers to a state in which, unlike the unassembled state, at least the heat-conducting element is adhered to the underside of the kitchen worktop. In terms of timing, the unassembled state precedes the assembled state. In the unassembled state, at least the heat-conducting element and the underside of the kitchen worktop are arranged separately from each other. In particular, the cooktop component is arranged separately from the kitchen worktop in the unassembled state. It would also be conceivable that the heat-conducting element is already fixed to the underside of the kitchen worktop at the factory during its manufacture. Preferably, the heat-conducting element is already fixed to the underside of the kitchen worktop in a pre-assembled state.With regard to the temporal progression, the pre-assembled state defines a state of the cooktop device after the unassembled state and before the assembled state.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that the heat-conducting element be designed as a plate-like element with a material thickness of at least 1 mm, advantageously at least 1.5 mm. This allows for a particularly thin and compact design of the heat-conducting element. Moreover, efficiency can be further increased with regard to product, work, assembly, disassembly, manufacturing, and / or cost efficiency.

[0025] The adhesive, in particular the double-sided adhesive tape, can have a material thickness of at least 0.1 mm, advantageously at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.6 mm, and particularly preferably at most 1 mm. The material thickness of the heat-conducting element could be at most 1.8 mm, particularly at most 2 mm, and advantageously at most 3 mm. Furthermore, the term "plate-like" is used to refer to a three-dimensional object which, viewed in a plane, has a non-circular cross-sectional area in a cross-section perpendicular to the plane and, in particular, has a material thickness that is at least substantially constant perpendicular to the plane. In this context, the "plate-like element" is to be understood as an element which has a material thickness that corresponds to a maximum of 50%, particularly a maximum of 20%, advantageously a maximum of 10%, and preferably a maximum of 5% of a length and / or a width of the element.Preferably, the plate-like element has at least one, preferably at least two, in particular opposing, sides with a flat, in particular smooth, surface. The heat-conducting element could, for example, have a round, oval, or square shape. Preferably, the heat-conducting element has a rectangular shape. In this context, "at least substantially" means that a deviation from a predetermined value is less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, and particularly preferably less than 5% of the predetermined value.

[0026] Furthermore, it is proposed that the heat-conducting element incorporate at least one stabilizing element in at least one edge region. This would improve the design, efficiency, and safety. It would also enhance user comfort. A stabilizing element would allow a cooktop component to be advantageously stabilized and / or positioned when fixed to the heat-conducting element.

[0027] The stabilizing element could be designed as a raised edge. In particular, the stabilizing element is intended to stabilize the cooktop component, at least in its assembled state. Preferably, the stabilizing element rests against the cooktop component, at least partially and advantageously completely, in its assembled state. Alternatively and / or additionally, the stabilizing element could rest against the underside of the kitchen worktop, at least partially, and in particular, make contact with the underside of the kitchen worktop. Advantageously, the stabilizing element is arranged on at least one side of the heat-conducting element, which is designed as a plate-like element. This side could be a width side or a length side of the heat-conducting element. The heat-conducting element can have its edge region on the aforementioned side. The stabilizing element could extend over the entire edge region.Preferably, the stabilizing element extends over at least 10%, advantageously at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and particularly preferably at most 90% of the edge area.

[0028] The stabilizing element can be formed at least partially and advantageously in one piece, particularly as a single component, with a base plate of the heat-conducting element. "In one piece" is understood to mean at least materially bonded, for example by an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or a welding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art. "One piece" is understood to mean formed in a single unit. Preferably, this single unit is produced from a single blank, a compound, and / or a casting, particularly preferably by an injection molding process, especially a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process, and / or by a stamping process from the single blank. Particularly preferably, when manufactured from a blank, the heat-conducting element is shaped, in particular bent, in at least its edge region such that the stabilizing element is formed.The stabilizing element can be arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the base plate. In particular, the stabilizing element is aligned at least substantially perpendicular to a principal extension plane of the heat-conducting element. In this context, "at least substantially perpendicular" is understood to mean an angle between 85° and 95°, preferably between 88° and 92°, and most advantageously 90°. A "principal extension plane" of an object is understood here to be a plane that is aligned parallel to a largest side face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the object, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid.

[0029] The heat-conducting element could have at least one further stabilizing element in a further edge region opposite the edge region. The stabilizing element and the further stabilizing element could be identical to each other. Advantageously, the stabilizing element and the further stabilizing element are arranged at least substantially parallel to each other, wherein a principal extension direction of the stabilizing element deviates by less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and particularly preferably less than 2% from a further principal extension direction of the further stabilizing element. For the purposes of this document, a "principal extension direction" of an object is understood to be a direction that runs parallel to the longest edge of the smallest geometric cuboid that just completely encloses the object.In particular, the principal extension direction of the object extends within a principal extension plane of the object.

[0030] In the method for installing the cooktop device, the cooktop component could be connected to the heat-conducting element in one process step, in particular an insertion step. In the insertion step, at least the stabilizing element could serve as stabilization and / or positioning aid for the cooktop component.

[0031] It is conceivable that the cooktop component is directly connected to and held in place by the heat-conducting element, particularly without any intervening components. The cooktop component could be connected to the heat-conducting element by means of a material-bonded connection, such as an adhesive bond and / or weld. The cooktop component could be formed at least partially, and preferably entirely, as a single piece with the heat-conducting element.

[0032] If the cooktop assembly includes a holding unit designed to secure at least the cooktop component, which can be connected to the heat-conducting element, the design can be improved and efficiency further increased, particularly with regard to fixing the cooktop component to the heat-conducting element. Furthermore, safety can be enhanced and greater stability in fixing the cooktop component to at least the heat-conducting element can be ensured. The holding unit may also compensate for positional tolerances and / or variations in the material thickness of the cooktop component and / or the heat-conducting element, thus preventing the cooktop component from uncontrollably coming loose or falling off, as well as an unstable fixation of the cooktop component to the heat-conducting element.Furthermore, the holding unit can facilitate assembly and / or disassembly, consequently reducing assembly and / or disassembly effort and thus increasing assembly and / or disassembly efficiency.

[0033] In particular, the cooktop component is indirectly connected to the heat-conducting element via the mounting unit. Specifically, the mounting unit can be connected to the heat-conducting element by a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. During the installation process, the mounting unit can be screwed to the heat-conducting element in at least one process step, in particular a fixing step, to secure the cooktop component. At least in the assembled state, the mounting unit can be connected to the heat-conducting element by a force-fit and / or form-fit connection.

[0034] Preferably, the holding unit is screwed to at least the heat-conducting element. This allows for further design improvements and provides a particularly simple, compact, and preferably reversibly connectable and detachable fixing of the holding unit to at least the heat-conducting element. Furthermore, efficiency can be increased, for example, with regard to product and / or labor and / or assembly and / or disassembly and / or manufacturing and / or cost efficiency. In addition, assembly and / or disassembly effort can be reduced.

[0035] Preferably, the holding unit is reversibly connectable to and / or reversibly detachable from the heat-conducting element. The holding unit can have at least one fixing element, and preferably several fixing elements, specifically at least two fixing elements, which are provided for fixing to at least the heat-conducting element. Preferably, the holding unit has at least four fixing elements for screwing to at least the heat-conducting element. Particularly preferably, the fixing element has a screw. Advantageously, the fixing element has a nut, for example, a wing nut. In particular, in the assembled state, the holding unit is screwed to at least the heat-conducting element. In addition to being screwed to the heat-conducting element, the holding unit could also be screwed to the kitchen worktop.

[0036] In further embodiments of the invention, it is proposed that the holding unit provides at least one support element for the cooktop component. This further increases efficiency by facilitating the assembly and / or disassembly of a cooktop component and reducing the assembly and / or disassembly effort. Furthermore, stability and / or safety can be increased, since the cooktop component, in at least one assembled state, can rest on at least one support element on the underside of a kitchen worktop. Moreover, the weight of at least the cooktop component can be advantageously distributed over a large area beneath the kitchen worktop, thus avoiding local stresses in the worktop.

[0037] In particular, at least the support element, at least in its assembled state, is designed to bear and / or absorb the weight of the cooktop component. The holding unit could include a retaining element designed to hold the cooktop component to the heat-conducting element, at least in its assembled state. Preferably, the holding unit includes at least one further retaining element. This further retaining element could, at least in its assembled state, fix the cooktop component to the heat-conducting element and to the underside of the kitchen worktop on a side of the cooktop component opposite the retaining element. Preferably, the main extension direction of the retaining element and the main extension direction of the further retaining element are aligned parallel to each other.The retaining element and / or the further retaining element can / could hold the cooktop component on a longitudinal side and preferably on a width side to the heat-conducting element in at least the assembled state.

[0038] Preferably, the retaining element is screwed to at least the heat-conducting element by means of the fixing element. The further retaining element could be screwed to at least the heat-conducting element by means of a further fixing element. The retaining element and / or the further retaining element could have an L-shape or, advantageously, a stepped shape.

[0039] The retaining element and / or the additional retaining element could, at least in the pre-assembled state, provide at least the support element and / or at least one further support element for the cooktop component. In the method for installing the cooktop device, the cooktop component could be connected to the retaining unit in a process step, particularly the insertion step, preferably inserted into the retaining unit, especially the retaining element and / or the additional retaining element. At least in the pre-assembled state, the cooktop component could rest on the support element of the retaining element and / or the additional retaining element. Preferably, the retaining element and / or the additional retaining element could be arranged along the entire width of the cooktop component.The cooktop component could, at least in the assembled state, rest at least partially and preferably completely on the retaining element and / or the further retaining element, in particular at least the support element, in the width direction.

[0040] In the method for installing the cooktop device, the cooktop component could be pressed against the heat-conducting element in a process step, particularly a fixing step. Preferably, the holding unit has at least one fastening element designed to position the cooktop component, at least in the assembled state, at least partially flush with the heat-conducting element. Preferably, the fastening element is designed as a screw, for example, a wing nut. By means of the fastening element, particularly the wing nut, the cooktop component can be pressed against at least the heat-conducting element in a vertical direction. Advantageously, the fastening element serves to adjust and / or fix the cooktop component along a z-axis in the vertical direction.In the method for installing the cooktop device, the cooktop component could be pressed against the heat-conducting element in the fixing step by screwing in the fastening element. Preferably, the fastening element can be screwed into an opening of the retaining element. In particular, at least in the assembled state, the fastening element presses against an underside of the cooktop component. In the assembled state, the fastening element can provide the contact surface for the cooktop component. In particular, the cooktop component rests on a surface of the fastening element, at least in the assembled state.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention relates to an installation tool for installing a cooktop device, in particular the aforementioned cooktop device, on the underside of a kitchen worktop, comprising a positioning unit for determining a predefined position for the arrangement of the heat-conducting element on the kitchen worktop. This enables convenient and efficient, and advantageously simple and / or quick, installation of a cooktop device. Furthermore, the positioning unit allows for optimal alignment of at least one heat-conducting element on the underside of a kitchen worktop. It also enables the convenient and efficient determination of a predefined position for at least the heat-conducting element. In particular, the positioning unit is designed to determine the predefined position for at least the arrangement of the heat-conducting element on the underside of the kitchen worktop.Preferably, the predefined position is on the underside of the kitchen worktop, where at least the heat-conducting element is provided for placement on the underside of the worktop. Since the heat-conducting element can advantageously be positioned only outside the cooking surface area, and in particular the recess in the heat-conducting element is specifically designed to keep the cooking surface area clear of the heat-conducting element, the predefined position can be precisely the position in which the heat-conducting element should be positioned on the underside of the kitchen worktop, considering the aforementioned aspects, in order to keep the cooking surface area clear and simultaneously reduce thermal stresses in the worktop.

[0042] To increase efficiency, for example with regard to product, work, assembly, disassembly, manufacturing, and / or cost efficiency, and to improve user comfort, it is proposed that the positioning unit include a pin that can be inserted through an opening in the kitchen worktop, in particular the aforementioned opening in the kitchen worktop, and an alignment element that can be joined to the pin to mark the target position. This would also allow for a particularly efficient and convenient installation of a cooktop appliance. Furthermore, the installation could be carried out by just one person.

[0043] Preferably, the positioning unit serves as a centering unit for centering the heat-conducting element around the opening, particularly the cooktop area. The alignment element could potentially be a drawing element, for example, a compass, for marking the target position. Preferably, a main dimension of the alignment element corresponds to a dimension, particularly a diameter, of the cooktop area. In particular, the alignment element is designed to indicate the shape, size, and / or position of the cooktop area to at least one installer on the underside of the kitchen worktop. A length of the main dimension, particularly a longitudinal dimension, of the alignment element could correspond to a diameter of the recess for the heat-conducting element. In this context, the "longitudinal dimension" of an object is understood to mean its extension in a longitudinal direction.The "longitudinal direction" of the object is a direction parallel to a longest edge and / or side of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just encloses the object. The heat-conducting element can be in contact with the alignment element, at least partially. In particular, during the positioning step, the pin is guided through the opening and brought together with the alignment element. Preferably, the pin can be screwed to the alignment element.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for installing a hob device, in particular the aforementioned hob device, on the underside of the kitchen worktop using an installation tool, in particular the aforementioned installation tool, wherein the pin is passed through the opening in the kitchen worktop and joined with the alignment element to determine the preset position.

[0045] Such a method enables convenient and efficient installation of a cooktop device. Furthermore, it allows for the determination of an optimal alignment, specifically a predefined position for at least one heat-conducting element on the underside of a kitchen worktop, thereby improving the positioning of the heat-conducting element. Additionally, the method can be performed by a single person. The method for installing a cooktop device could comprise several process steps and / or sub-process steps. Preferably, the method includes at least the previously described gluing step and / or insertion step and / or fixing step. In particular, during a positioning step, the pin is inserted through the opening in the kitchen worktop using the installation tool and joined with the alignment element to determine the predefined position.

[0046] Furthermore, it is proposed that the heat-conducting element be connected to the underside of the kitchen worktop at the specified position. This would further improve and streamline the installation process. It would also reduce assembly effort. Regarding the timing, the bonding step could be performed after the positioning step. Specifically, in the bonding step, the heat-conducting element is connected to the underside of the kitchen worktop at the specified position, preferably by bonding. Preferably, the installation tool is removed after the heat-conducting element has been bonded to the underside of the kitchen worktop. Regarding the timing, the insertion step could follow the bonding step. Specifically, in the insertion step, the cooktop component is at least partially inserted into the holding unit.In the fixing step that follows the insertion step in terms of timing, the cooktop component can be fixed to at least the heat-conducting element, or advantageously pressed onto the heat-conducting element.

[0047] The cooktop device and / or cooktop system and / or installation tool and / or installation method shall not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the cooktop device and / or cooktop system and / or installation tool and / or installation method may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges given in this document shall also be considered disclosed and freely usable. Drawings

[0048] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0049] They show: Fig. 1 a cooktop system with a cooktop unit and a kitchen worktop, Fig. 2 the kitchen worktop with an installation tool for installing the cooktop unit, Fig. 3 the kitchen worktop with the installation tool in an installed state, Fig. 4 an exploded view of at least one part of the cooktop unit with a heat-conducting element and a retaining unit, Fig. 5 a pre-assembled state in which the heat-conducting element is fixed to an underside of the kitchen worktop, Fig. 6 a cooktop component of the cooktop unit in an installation step of the method on Figure 11, when inserted into the holding unit for mounting on at least the heat-conducting element on the underside of the kitchen worktop, Fig. 7 the cooktop component in a mounted state, Fig. 8 close-ups of the cooktop component in the mounted state, Fig. 9 another close-up of the cooktop component in the mounted state, namely of a holding element of the holding unit, Fig. 10 another close-up of the cooktop component in the mounted state, namely of another holding element of the holding unit and Fig. 11 a schematically illustrated method for installing the cooktop device. Description of the exemplary embodiment

[0050] The following figures are schematic and not to scale. For the sake of clarity, of the objects that appear multiple times in the figures, only one is labeled with a reference symbol.

[0051] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a cooktop system 10 with a cooktop device 12. The cooktop device 12 is designed as an induction cooktop device, and the cooktop system 10 is designed as an induction cooktop system. The cooktop system 10 has a kitchen worktop 16. The cooktop device 12a has a cooking surface area 78. The kitchen worktop 16 has the cooking surface area 78. The kitchen worktop 16 is provided for the placement of at least one mounting unit 70. The mounting unit 70 can be arranged in the cooking surface area 78 for at least one heating purpose. The mounting unit 70 is, as shown in Figure 1, Figure 1The unit 70 is shown as an example of cooking utensils, specifically designed as a pot. It is also conceivable that the mounting unit 70 could alternatively and / or additionally be a base unit and / or a small household appliance, such as a kettle and / or a coffee machine and / or a mixer and / or a stirrer. The cooktop device 12 has a user interface 68, which is shown here as an example integrated into the kitchen worktop 16. The user interface 68 allows at least the heating of the mounting unit 70 to be controlled and / or regulated by an operator.

[0052] The kitchen worktop 16 has an opening 56. In this example, the opening 56 is located in the cooking surface area 78 and is designed, at least, to indicate to the operator a placement position for the mounting unit 70 on the kitchen worktop 16, at least for heating purposes. A lighting unit of the cooktop device 12 and / or a sensor unit of the cooktop device 12, for example, an IR sensor unit for measuring the temperature of the mounting unit 70, can be arranged and / or may be arranged in and / or below the opening 56. In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting unit 70 is designed to be positioned on the opening 56. The opening 56 forms a central point of the cooking surface area 78.

[0053] The hob device 12 has a heat-conducting element 14 for fixing to an underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 and for holding at least one hob component 20 of the hob device 12 (see figure). Figure 7 The heat-conducting element 14 is intended to reduce thermal stresses in at least the kitchen worktop 16.

[0054] The following Figures 2 to 10 These figures serve to illustrate the fixing of the heat-conducting element 14 and the cooktop component 20 to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16. In the Figure 11 A schematic process flow diagram of a method for installing the cooktop device 12 is shown. The method for installing the cooktop device 12 could comprise several process steps and / or sub-steps. Here, the method is described by way of example using a positioning step 100, an adhesive step 102, an insertion step 104, and a fixing step 106.

[0055] At least the Figures 2 and 3 Figure 1 shows an installation tool 50 for installing the cooktop device 12 on the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16. The installation tool 50 has a positioning unit 52. The positioning unit 52 is designed to determine a predefined position 53 for the arrangement of the heating element 14 on the kitchen worktop 16 (see Figure 1). Figures 3 and 5 The positioning unit 52 has a pin 60 that can be inserted through the opening 56 in the kitchen worktop 16 and an alignment element 62 that can be joined with the pin 60 for marking the predefined position 53 (see figure). Figures 2, 3 and 5 The positioning unit 52 has a cap 66 which is connected to the pin 60. When the pin 60 is inserted, the cap 66 is positioned in the opening 56 above the kitchen worktop 16 (see Figure 3).

[0056] In the method for installing the cooktop device 12, in positioning step 100, the pin 60 is inserted through the opening 56 in the kitchen worktop 16 using an installation tool 50 and joined with the alignment element 62 to determine the target position 53. In this case, the positioning unit 52 serves as a centering unit for centering the heat-conducting element 14 around the opening 56 (see figure). Figure 5 ).

[0057] The Figure 4Figure 1 shows an exploded view of at least a part of the cooktop device 12 with the heat-conducting element 14 and at least one holding unit 30 of the cooktop device 12, which is designed to hold at least the cooktop component 20 and can be connected to the heat-conducting element 14. Before discussing the method for installing the cooktop device 12 in detail, the heat-conducting element 14 and at least the holding unit 30 will be briefly described here. The heat-conducting element 14 is designed as a plate-like element with a material thickness of at least 1 mm. In this case, the heat-conducting element 14 has a recess 38. In at least one edge region 28, the heat-conducting element 14 has a stabilizing element 26. The cooktop device 12 has an adhesive 72, in this case a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0058] The Figure 4This clarifies that the holding unit 30 can be screwed to at least the heat-conducting element 14. The cooktop device 12 has at least one fixing element 74 for fixing the holding unit 30 to the heat-conducting element 14. In this example, the fixing element 74 has a screw 76 and a corresponding nut 84. In this exemplary embodiment, the cooktop device 12 has four fixing elements 74, of which, for the sake of clarity, only two are provided with a reference numeral. Two of the nuts 84 of the fixing elements 74 are wing nuts 92.

[0059] The holding unit 30 comprises a holding element 80. In this case, the holding unit comprises at least one further holding element 82. At least the fixing element 74 is designed to fix at least the holding element 80 and / or the further holding element 82 to at least the heat-conducting element 14 by screwing it in place. It would also be conceivable that the fixing element 74 is additionally designed to screw at least the holding element 80 and / or the further holding element 82 to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16. In this exemplary embodiment, the holding element 80 and the further holding element 82 can each be screwed to the heat-conducting element 14 by means of two fixing elements 74. In this case, the holding element 80 is stepped. Furthermore, the further holding element 82 is stepped.

[0060] The heat-conducting element 14 is designed to be fixed to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 by means of at least one adhesive bond. Additionally, at least one force-fit and / or form-fit connection would also be conceivable, such as a plug-in and / or snap-fit ​​and / or screw connection. The heat-conducting element 14 can be fixed to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 by means of the adhesive 72. Regarding a temporal sequence, as in Figure 11 To clarify, after positioning step 100, the gluing step 102 takes place. In the gluing step 102, the heat-conducting element 14 is connected to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 at the specified position 53, specifically by gluing. Figure 5 shows a pre-assembled state in which the heat-conducting element 14 is fixed to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16, namely glued to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 18.

[0061] Furthermore, the Figure 5that the heat-conducting element 14 is positioned on the underside 18 such that the alignment element 62 is inserted into the recess 38 of the heat-conducting element 14. The alignment element 62 serves to center the heat-conducting element 14 around the opening 56. The recess 38 is designed to keep the cooking surface area 78 free of the heat-conducting element 14 in order to allow at least efficient heating of the installation unit 70.

[0062] After fixing, in this case by gluing the heat-conducting element 14 to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16, the installation tool 50 is removed again. In the insertion step 104 following the gluing step 102 (see below) Figure 11The cooktop component 20 is connected to the heat-conducting element 14. In this exemplary embodiment, the cooktop component 20 is designed as a cooktop housing. The cooktop component 20, designed as a cooktop housing, is a housing for accommodating at least one further unit of the cooktop device 12, such as a heating unit and / or an electronic unit and / or a fan unit. For the sake of clarity, the cooktop component 20 is shown free of further units of the cooktop device 12 (see figure). Figure 6 ).

[0063] Figure 6Figure 104 shows the insertion step, in which the cooktop component 20 is connected to the heat-conducting element 14 and inserted into the holding unit 30. Here, the cooktop component 20 is first connected to the holding element 80 before being connected to the further holding element 82. When inserting the cooktop component 20, it rests at least partially on the holding element 80 and / or the further holding element 82. As shown in the Figures 4 , 5 and 9 As can be clearly seen, the retaining element 80 has at least one arm 98 and, in this example, two arms, whereby, due to the identical design of the at least two arms, only one arm 98 is provided with a reference numeral. When the cooktop component 20 is inserted into the retaining element 80, the cooktop component 20 rests on at least the arm 98. The further retaining element 82 has an elongated recess 90 (cf. Figure 10Due to this recess 90, the additional retaining element 82 is movable in the y-direction. In the insertion step 104, the additional retaining element 82 is pushed towards the cooktop component 20 until the cooktop component 20 rests on the additional retaining element 82.

[0064] In the fixing step 106 following the insertion step 104, the cooktop component 20 is pressed against the heat-conducting element 14 and fixed with the heat-conducting element 14. The holding unit 30 has at least one fastening element 96. In this example, the fastening element 96 is designed as a wing screw. The fastening element 96 is designed to press the cooktop component 20 against the heat-conducting element 14. The fastening element 96 is arranged on the arm 98 of the holding element 80. In this example, the fastening element 96 is oriented vertically (see figure 1). Figure 4) screwable and presses against an underside 88 of the cooktop component 20 in at least one mounted state.

[0065] The Figure 7 Figure 1 shows the mounted state of the cooktop component 20 on the heat-conducting element 14, specifically on the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16. Figures 7 to 10 Each figure shows the assembled state and serves to illustrate the fixing of the cooktop component 20 to at least the heat-conducting element 14. While Figure 7 an overall view of the heat-conducting element 14 and at least the cooktop component 20 is shown in the Figure 8 Close-up views of the ends of the cooktop component 20 are shown, specifically the retaining element 80 and the further retaining element 82. Only a central part of the Figure 7 removed, so that the end areas are more clearly visible.

[0066] The stabilizing element 26 rests against the cooktop component 20 in the assembled state (see below). Figure 7, 9 and 10 The stabilizing element 26 serves to stabilize and / or position the cooktop component 20 on the heat-conducting element 14. In the assembled state, the retaining unit 30 provides at least one support element 32 for the cooktop component 20. In this exemplary embodiment, a surface of at least the fastening element 96 forms at least the support element 32 for the cooktop component 20. In the assembled state, the cooktop component 20 rests on the support element 32 (see figure). Figure 8 On the opposite side of the holding unit 80, in this exemplary embodiment, the holding unit 82 forms at least one further support element 33 of the holding unit 30 for the cooktop component 20. As in Figure 10As can be seen, the retaining element 82 extends across the entire width of the cooktop component 20. The cooktop component 20 rests on the support element 33 along its entire width. This provides a particularly stable, efficient, convenient, and integrated construction, as well as enabling easy and efficient installation of the cooktop unit 12. Reference sign

[0067] 10 Cooktop system 12 Cooktop fixture 14 Heat conducting element 16 Kitchen worktop 18 Underside 20 Cooktop component 26 Stabilizing element 28 Edge area 30 Holding unit 32 Support element 33 Support element 38 Recess 50 Installation tool 52 Positioning unit 53 Default position 56 Opening 60 Pin 62 Alignment element 66 Cap 68 User interface 70 Mounting unit 72 Adhesive 74 Fixing element 76 Screw 78 Cooking surface area 80 Holding element 82 Holding element 88 Underside 84 Nut 90 Recess 92 Wing nut 96 Fastening element 98 Arm 100 Positioning step 102 Adhesive step 104 Insertion step 106 Fixing step

Claims

1. Hob device (12) with a heat conducting element (14) which is provided for fixing to an underside (18) of a kitchen worktop (16) and for holding at least one hob component (20).

2. Hob device (12) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the heat-conducting element (14) is provided for fixing to the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16) by means of at least one adhesive connection.

3. Cooktop device (12) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the heat conducting element (14) is designed as a plate-like element with a material thickness of at least 1 mm.

4. Hob device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the heat conducting element (14) has at least one stabilizing element (26) in at least one edge region (28).

5. Hob device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya holding unit (30) intended for holding at least the cooktop component (20), which can be connected to the heat conducting element (14).

6. Cooktop device (12) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the holding unit (30) is screwed to at least the heat conducting element (14).

7. Hob device (12) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the fact that the holding unit (30) provides at least one support element (32) for the cooktop component (20).

8. Hob device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the cooktop component (20), which is designed as a cooktop housing.

9. Hob system (10) comprising a hob device (12) according to one of the preceding claims and the kitchen worktop (16).

10. Installation tool (50) for installing a hob device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 8 on the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16), with a positioning unit (52) for determining a predefined position (53) for the arrangement of the heat-conducting element (14) on the kitchen worktop (16).

11. Installation tool (50) according to claim 10, characterized by the fact that the positioning unit (52) has a pin (60) that can be inserted through an opening (56) in the kitchen worktop (16) and an alignment element (62) that can be joined with the pin (60) for marking the predefined position (53).

12. Method for installing a hob device (12) according to one of claims 1 to 8 on the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16) using an installation tool (50) according to claim 11, wherein the pin (60) is passed through the opening (56) in the kitchen worktop (16) and joined with the alignment element (62) to determine the preset position (53).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the heat-conducting element (14) is connected to the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16) at the specified position (53).

Images