Industrial cooking appliance

Abstract

A commercial cooking appliance (2) according to the invention comprises a cooking device (4), at least one control element (16, 18) for regulating the cooking device (4), and at least one display device (34) for indicating an operating state of the cooking device (4). The at least one display device (34) is arranged in an edge surface (36) of the cooking appliance (2), which is inclined obliquely downwards from a surface (10) of the cooking appliance (2) towards a front (21) of the cooking appliance (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a commercial cooking appliance for cooking food, in particular for roasting, grilling, boiling or frying food in commercial (large) kitchens, comprising a cooking device and a display device for indicating an operating state of the cooking device.

[0002] Such cooking appliances may have a substantially plate-shaped cooking device, for example in the form of a hob, griddle plate, griddle pan, grill, or the like, provided on the top of the cooking appliance, or they may have a substantially pot- or pan-shaped cooking device, such as a deep fryer, bain-marie, cooking pot, tilting frying pan, cooking kettle, or the like, which is recessed into the top. The heat to be generated in these cooking appliances is usually produced by electric and / or gas-powered heating devices.

[0003] The operation of commercial (large-scale) kitchens is characterized primarily by the simultaneous preparation of food on multiple cooking appliances. This food must then be served in large to very large quantities and / or numbers (e.g., in canteens, restaurants, on cruise ships, etc.) within a short timeframe. It is essential to constantly monitor the cooking appliances and processes running on them simultaneously to ensure adequate cooking quality and a smooth workflow. Such large-scale kitchens often employ a significant number of chefs and support staff at the same time. This creates a correspondingly hectic atmosphere within the typically limited space available in the kitchen.

[0004] Commercial cooking equipment must be suitable for and able to withstand these operating conditions. This also means that the equipment should be easy to operate and that operating errors should be avoided as much as possible.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a commercial cooking appliance which, in the most compact design possible, has a display device which can be easily and clearly read both when the operator is close to the cooking appliance and when the operator is far away from the cooking appliance, and which can withstand the high stresses of a commercial kitchen.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A commercial cooking appliance according to the invention, particularly for use in the catering industry or commercial kitchens, for cooking food, comprises a cooking device for cooking the food, at least one control element for regulating the cooking device, and a display device for indicating the operating status of the cooking device. The commercial cooking appliance has a top and a front, with the cooking device being formed on the top, the top having a surface, and the front having a front surface on which the at least one control element is provided. The cooking appliance further comprises an edge surface that extends downwards from the surface. This edge surface is inclined obliquely downwards towards the front, and the at least one display device is arranged in this edge surface.

[0008] The angled placement of the display at the front of the cooking appliance makes it easily visible and readable for the operator, both when positioned directly at the appliance and at a greater distance, particularly from a few meters up to approximately 10 meters. This allows the operator to see the settings when adjusting the appliance (e.g., the heat setting) or when inspecting or handling the food directly at the appliance. Furthermore, the settings or status of the cooking appliance, such as preheating, can also be identified from a greater distance, for example, when working on another cooking appliance, without requiring the display to be particularly large or positioned at a higher level.At the same time, at least one display device can be arranged very close to the cooking device in the edge area adjacent to the surface, resulting in an overall compact design.

[0009] Providing at least one easily readable display therefore has essentially no adverse effect on the size of the cooking appliance. Advantageously, the surface transitions directly into the edge surface. For example, the edge surface borders the surface along a rim, such as a (bend) radius. In a preferred embodiment, the surface and the edge surface are formed in one piece, particularly from a bent sheet metal. This allows for a particularly simple and cost-effective implementation of the compact design. The surface and the edge surface can be formed integrally, for example, by bending a sheet metal piece or welding two sheets together. At the same time, this allows high hygiene requirements to be met, as no gaps, corners, or edges are formed where contaminants could accumulate.Preferably, the surface and the edge surface are made of the same material, in particular a metal, such as stainless steel.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the edge surface has a downward inclination with respect to a plane defined by the surface at an angle of between 20° and 70°, more preferably between 30° and 60°, and even more preferably substantially 45°. This ensures good readability from near and far, but also allows the angle of inclination to be adjusted to the installation location of the cooking appliance and the available space.

[0011] The edge surface is preferably essentially flat. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the edge surface has a width of between 30 mm and 200 mm, more preferably between 35 mm and 100 mm, and even more preferably essentially 50 mm. This makes it possible to use different sizes of display devices without significantly affecting the size of the cooking appliance, thus enabling a compact design even with a clearly legible display device. The width is defined here as the dimension of the edge surface from the point where it connects to the surface of the cooking appliance to a front lower edge of the edge surface.

[0012] Generally, commercial cooking equipment can be a (gas or electric) stove, grill, fryer, griddle plate, griddle pan, tilting frying pan, bain-marie, cooking bain-marie, warming tray, braisière, or cooking kettle. In particular, with a stove, grill, fryer, griddle plate, griddle pan, or tilting frying pan, the surface surrounding the cooking device and adjacent areas are subject to high thermal stress, especially in commercial applications such as in the catering industry.

[0013] Commercial cooking equipment, due to the preparation of large to very large quantities and / or numbers of food (e.g., in canteens, restaurants, on cruise ships, etc.), is in use for longer periods and / or more frequently and is subjected to significantly greater stress than, for example, household appliances. Firstly, the thermal stress due to continuous operation is considerably higher than with household appliances. Secondly, it accumulates more soiling, leading to increased cleaning requirements, which entails greater exposure to water jets and (potentially chemical) cleaning agents. Finally, due to the hectic pace of operations and the constant movement of containers, such as large pots, and equipment, such as racks or serving trolleys, in a commercial kitchen, the mechanical stress is considerably higher than with household appliances. Commercial cooking equipment and its components, such as the display unit, must withstand these stresses.Therefore, the principles of household appliances cannot be readily applied to commercial cooking appliances.

[0014] The present invention also comprises a cooking appliance arrangement consisting of a plurality of cooking appliances described herein, which are arranged side by side in at least a first row or line of appliances. The arrangement of the cooking appliances is determined according to the specific customer requirements. The installation location can be configured such that the appliances are positioned with their backs against a kitchen wall.

[0015] In larger kitchens, and where necessary, the arrangement of cooking appliances can be designed to include a second row or line of appliances, with its back facing the back of the first row or line. The installation location can therefore be chosen with a significant distance from the kitchen walls, allowing access to the resulting kitchen unit from all sides.

[0016] The cooking appliance is preferably a floor-standing unit. Floor-standing units are those that stand on the floor, whereas tabletop units stand on a work surface or table and are therefore considerably lower in height. The cooking appliance therefore preferably has a housing and stands on the floor by means of several feet. The surface of the cooking appliance can, for example, be at a fixed height between 700 mm and 1,200 mm, preferably between 800 mm and 1,000 mm, and more preferably 900 mm above the floor. When several cooking appliances are placed side by side, this allows for the creation of a substantially uniform surface.

[0017] In principle, the cooking appliance can have a top surface on which the cooking device is located, a front surface facing the operator, a rear surface opposite the front surface (e.g., facing a wall or the rear of another cooking appliance), and two side surfaces connecting the front and rear surfaces. The surface can at least partially surround the cooking device, such as a cooktop or a pan, or, particularly in the case of a plate-shaped cooking device, such as a griddle plate, at least partially form it. The surface is preferably oriented substantially horizontally. The front surface comprises the front area on which the at least one control element is located. The front area is preferably oriented perpendicular to the surface, particularly substantially vertically. Furthermore, the front area is positioned below the surface in the vertical direction.

[0018] The at least one display device is preferably arranged in front of the cooking device. In other words, the at least one display device and the cooking device are arranged one behind the other. This arrangement, in the line of sight of the operator, allows for good association between the at least one display device and the cooking device. In particular, this ensures that the at least one display device is spatially close to the cooking device.

[0019] From a front lower edge of the inclined edge surface, a further front surface preferably extends downwards, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the surface. The front surface on which the at least one operating element is provided is therefore also referred to as the first front surface, and the further front surface extending downwards from the edge surface is also referred to as the second front surface. The first front surface and the second front surface are preferably parallel to each other. The second front surface is preferably arranged vertically above the first front surface. Preferably, the edge surface transitions directly into the second front surface. For example, the surface, the edge surface, and the second front surface are formed in one piece, particularly by a bent sheet metal part.

[0020] It is preferred that the second front surface is positioned at a distance from the first front surface, i.e., facing forward, i.e., towards the operator. In other words, the first front surface is set back from the second front surface. In this way, the second front surface acts as a kind of stop for, for example, pots or serving, dish, tray, or rack trolleys that are moved around the kitchen, thus protecting at least one control element from collision with such a trolley.

[0021] At least one control element can generally be a rotary knob to ensure simple and reliable operation of the cooking appliance, even under the harsh conditions of a commercial kitchen. Other control elements are familiar to professionals and can be used additionally or alternatively.

[0022] In principle, within the scope of the invention, the at least one display device and the at least one control element can preferably be provided separately and spatially spaced apart. The at least one display device is therefore purely for display purposes and is only connected to the at least one control element and / or a control unit by means of communication. In other words, the at least one display device can be configured only for displaying information and not for operating the cooking device. Thus, the at least one control element can, for example, be provided as an easy-to-use and reliable rotary knob in a location where it is not exposed to high thermal and mechanical stresses, while the display device can be designed compactly and positioned in a clearly visible location.

[0023] The cooking appliance can have multiple display devices. The display devices of the multiple display devices are preferably arranged side by side in the edge area. One direction in which the display devices are arranged side by side is defined parallel to an edge between the surface and the edge area. Preferably, the display devices of the multiple display devices are spaced apart from each other.

[0024] The at least one display device indicates the operating status of the cooking unit. If the cooking appliance comprises multiple cooking units, such as several fryers, or if the cooking unit comprises multiple cooking zones, such as several cooktops, preferably one display device is provided for each cooking unit or cooking zone. Furthermore, it is preferred that at least one control element is provided for each cooking unit or cooking zone.

[0025] For example, at least one display device can show the status of the cooking appliance, in particular whether it is switched on or off, and / or display a temperature and / or a power level, such as a heating level, to which the cooking appliance is set. Furthermore, at least one display device can additionally or alternatively indicate, for example, whether the set power level has already been reached (e.g., by a first symbol) or whether the cooking appliance is still heating up to this power level (e.g., by a second symbol). This indication can also be implemented, for example, by a diagram or a dynamic display. Additionally or alternatively, at least one display device can indicate whether the cooking appliance is occupied, e.g., whether a pot is on an induction cooktop or a basket is in a deep fryer.In addition, a variety of symbols can be displayed that are characteristic of an operating state of the cooking appliance, such as a locked or unlocked state, a readiness for use, a (to be activated or running) water supply, an alarm or a warning, a fat melting stage of a deep fryer, a core temperature probe in use, a selected program, a maintenance / service request, a request for action (e.g. by a start or stop symbol).

[0026] The surface, the inclined edge, and, if provided, the second front surface define a space in which at least one display device is housed. Due to the design of the cooking appliance, this space is located very close to the cooking unit and is therefore exposed to heat. To promote the most compact and cost-effective design possible, the space defined by the surface and the inclined edge is preferably uncooled. In other words, the cooking appliance does not include any active cooling system, such as air or water cooling, for this space.

[0027] The at least one display device is preferably designed to withstand temperatures between 60 °C and 100 °C, and in particular between 70 °C and 90 °C. This refers specifically to the constant operating temperature within the installation space. This temperature resistance is achieved, among other things, by the design of the at least one display device described below.

[0028] Furthermore, the at least one display device is preferably designed to withstand short-term peak temperatures of up to 105 °C, more preferably up to 110 °C, and even more preferably up to 115 °C. This makes the display device particularly well-suited for close proximity to the cooking appliance due to its compact design. This is especially advantageous for use in cooking appliances such as stoves, grills, fryers, griddle plates, griddle pans, or tilting frying pans.

[0029] The at least one display device preferably comprises a disc. The disc is preferably received in an opening formed in the edge surface. The disc particularly preferably has a front surface that is substantially flush with the edge surface. Preferably, the distance between the front surface of the disc and the edge surface is less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.5 mm. The disc is thus oriented substantially parallel to the edge surface and inclined accordingly, so that it is easily visible and the displayed information is readily legible. Furthermore, the disc protects the other components of the display device from thermal and mechanical stresses, for example, from contact with a pot or the like. If the front surface of the disc is flush with the edge surface, a sensitive edge of the disc is protected from mechanical stress and the accumulation of contaminants is prevented.

[0030] The front face of the disc can have a width between 15 mm and 70 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 50 mm, and even more preferably between 20 mm and 30 mm. The width of the disc is defined parallel to the width of the edge surface, i.e., in a direction from the junction of the edge surface with the surface to a front lower edge of the edge surface. It is understood that the width of the disc is smaller than the width of the edge surface.

[0031] The front face of the disc can have a length between 15 mm and 220 mm, preferably between 20 mm and 150 mm, and even more preferably between 20 mm and 90 mm. The length of the disc is defined perpendicular to and parallel to an edge between the surface and the edge face.

[0032] The pane is preferably made of glass, in particular shatterproof glass. Glass is especially hard and temperature-resistant. Shatterproof glass can preferably withstand impacts with objects, such as pots, with a mass of at least 10 kg, more preferably at least 20 kg, and even more preferably at least 30 kg. In particular, the shatterproof glass should be resistant to an impact energy of at least 2 joules, more preferably at least 5 joules, and even more preferably at least 10 joules. Shatterproof glass is preferably characterized by having an IK impact resistance rating (according to IEC 62262 or EN 62262) of IK08 or higher, in particular IK09 or IK10.

[0033] The glass preferably has a thickness between 2 mm and 10 mm, particularly between 4 mm and 7 mm. Too little thickness negatively affects the glass's impact resistance, so a thickness of at least 3 mm or 4 mm is preferred. Too much thickness negatively affects the readability of the display, so a maximum thickness of 8 mm to 10 mm is preferred.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one display device comprises a holder in which the disc is mounted. The holder is preferably detachably attached to the cooking appliance, in particular to an inner surface in the area of ​​the inclined edge, as described below. This allows for easy and reliable mounting of the disc.

[0035] The disc is preferably supported by the holder on a rear side opposite the front side, and in particular supported circumferentially, and surrounded by the holder along a circumference of the disc. In other words, the holder can have a recess for receiving the disc, in which the disc is at least partially and preferably completely received. The holder can surround a circumferential surface or circumferential edge of the disc over a portion of the disc's thickness or preferably completely. This protects the disc and provides sufficient support against mechanical stress. This is further enhanced by the holder having a circumferential bearing surface on which a rear side of the disc is supported. The bearing surface can be provided within the recess for receiving the disc. Preferably, the disc is bonded to the holder, particularly on the rear side of the disc along the bearing surface.The holder is preferably made of plastic.

[0036] It is also advantageous if at least one display device is designed and mounted in such a way that it has an IP protection rating (protection against water, DIN EN 60529) of IPX6 or higher, preferably IPX8 or IPX9. This protects the display device from water and chemical attack, e.g., from cleaning agents. In particular, the ingress of water, with or without chemical cleaning agents, can be prevented to protect the electronics from moisture.

[0037] In principle, the holder can have a flange that at least partially, and preferably completely, surrounds the recess for receiving the disc. The flange can face the inside of the cooking appliance in the area of ​​the edge surface to mount the display device to the cooking appliance housing. Preferably, the flange forms a sealing surface, and the at least one display device includes a preferably circumferential seal for sealing the holder against the cooking appliance housing in the area of ​​the sealing surface. The preferably circumferential bonding of the disc to the holder can also contribute to the seal. This makes it possible to achieve the IP protection rating described above.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one display device comprises an LED display with a plurality of LEDs and a display board on which the plurality of LEDs are mounted. Other forms of displays, such as an LCD display, are also conceivable, although an LED display is better suited to thermal and mechanical stresses. The LEDs are preferably controllable individually or in groups, thus enabling the implementation of different displays.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferred that the LED display is an LED matrix display in which the plurality of LEDs are arranged in a matrix having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Each LED of the plurality of LEDs is visible to contribute to the illuminated display. Preferably, the LED matrix display comprises at least 16 LEDs, more preferably at least 24 LEDs, and even more preferably at least 32 LEDs. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the LED matrix display has 168 LEDs, e.g., in an arrangement of 24×7 (W×H) LEDs, thereby increasing the flexibility and display versatility of the display. However, the invention also includes display devices with more than 168 LEDs. The LEDs preferably emit monochrome light. Advantageously, several dimming levels can be provided: a "bright" level, a "dim" level, and a "dark" level. Alternatively, stepless dimming can also be provided.

[0040] Preferably, the holder has a plurality of through-holes whose arrangement corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of LEDs, with each through-hole being assigned to one LED of the plurality of LEDs. In other words, the plurality of through-holes is arranged in a matrix that corresponds to the matrix of the plurality of LEDs. The number of through-holes then corresponds to the number of LEDs. The plurality of through-holes shields the light from the individual LEDs from one another and prevents light from an LED from spilling onto adjacent areas, such as inactive LEDs and thus adjacent pixels of the display. This results in the sharpest possible display and therefore good readability.

[0041] Preferably, the through-holes of the plurality of through-holes extend from the recess for receiving the disc in the holder to a rear side of the holder facing the display board. Preferably, one LED of the plurality of LEDs is at least partially enclosed in one of the through-holes of the plurality of through-holes, which further reduces overexposure and allows pixels to be generated according to the circumferential shape of the through-holes, such as round or rectangular pixels.

[0042] The majority of the through-openings are formed within a display area of ​​the holder. The surrounding bearing surface for supporting the disc can surround the display area. A surrounding wall can, in turn, surround the bearing surface to form the recess for receiving the disc. The flange of the holder can then surround this recess.

[0043] The readability of the display can be further improved by equipping the disc with a diffuser, preferably on the reverse side of the disc opposite the front. The reverse side of the disc preferably borders the plurality of through-holes in the holder, so that the light from the plurality of LEDs, after passing through the plurality of through-holes, strikes the reverse side of the disc equipped with the diffuser. The diffuser refracts the light emitted by the LEDs, thereby ensuring homogeneous illumination of each pixel.

[0044] The diffuser can be applied to the glass as a coating, printed on, or, for example, as a film. A particularly preferred method is to form the diffuser with a roughened, especially sandblasted, surface of the glass. This has the advantage that the diffuser withstands thermal stresses and does not significantly change its characteristics or even detach from the glass.

[0045] A particularly appealing appearance can be achieved if the pane is advantageously made of black glass. Black glass is colored throughout, making it more durable compared to a coating or base, and it forms a uniform display surface on the front of the pane without allowing a view into the display device.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one display device comprises at least one elastic element for resilient mounting. This elastic element can absorb impact forces, for example, if a pot strikes the display device, thereby protecting the other components of the display device. The elastic element can, for example, comprise an elastic rubber buffer or a spring element, such as a disc spring or a coil spring. The selection can be made, for example, depending on the flexibility of the other components, particularly the holder, to provide a sufficiently flexible overall system. It is particularly preferred that the elastic element be arranged between the holder and the LED display.

[0047] To enable the most compact design possible, the at least one display unit is preferably stored as a package within the cooking appliance, as described below. The holder can have at least two first openings, the LED display board can have at least two second openings, and the cooking appliance can include at least two bearing pins extending through the at least two first openings and the at least two second openings to support the holder and the display board within the cooking appliance.

[0048] The at least two bearing pins are therefore preferably aligned coaxially with the at least two first and second openings and accommodate the holder and the display board. Furthermore, the at least two bearing pins can each accommodate an elastic element, in particular between the holder and the display board.

[0049] The holder and the display board are preferably secured to the at least two bearing pins. In a preferred embodiment, the at least two bearing pins each have an external thread, at least partially. The holder and the display board can then be secured to the bearing pins by means of nuts. At the same time, the LED display and the holder, with the disc it contains, can be pressed together and against the housing in this way. This results in a compact and as tightly sealed a design as possible.

[0050] The at least two bearing pins are preferably provided on an inner surface of the housing in the area of ​​the edge. The at least two bearing pins can be welded or glued to the housing of the cooking appliance, in particular the inner surface.

[0051] Further details, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings. The embodiments shown represent preferred examples of the present invention, but the invention is not limited to these. In the figures, identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance in the form of an induction cooker according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a cooking appliance arrangement composed of various cooking appliances. Fig. 3 is a top view of an inclined edge surface of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention with a display device of the cooking appliance. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the display device of Fig. 3 as well as the associated housing section of the cooking appliance. Fig. 5a, b are a top view and a perspective view of a holder of the display device of Fig. 4 Fig. 6 is a top view of an LED display of the display unit of Fig. 4 .

[0052] In Fig. 1 A commercial cooking appliance 2, exemplified by an induction cooker, is shown in a perspective view from a slightly oblique front angle. The cooking appliance 2 comprises a cooking unit 4 for cooking food, which in this case is formed by an induction cooktop having four induction cooking zones 6. The cooking unit 4 is formed on a top surface 8 of the cooking appliance 2. The top surface 8 of the cooking appliance 2 also has a surface 10, which can be part of a housing 12 of the cooking appliance 2 and which can at least partially surround the cooking unit 4. The surface 10 is preferably oriented substantially horizontally. In the illustrated embodiment, three of the four induction cooking zones 6 are each occupied by a cooking pot 14.

[0053] The cooking appliance 2 further comprises at least one control element 16, 18 for regulating and operating the cooking device 4. For example, a first control element 16 can be designed as a cylindrical rotary knob and serve to set special functions and to control menus, such as a timer. At least one second control element 18, here four second control elements 18, are provided for controlling or regulating the cooking device 4, for example by setting a heating level for each of the four induction cooking zones 6. As shown, preferably one second control element 18 is provided for each cooking or induction cooking zone 6. The at least one second control element 18 is preferably designed as a rotary knob, which in the illustrated example has a Y-shaped handle element 20.

[0054] The cooking appliance 2 has a first front surface 22 on a front 21 facing the operator, on which at least one control element 16, 18 is provided. A cover 24 may be attached below the first front surface 22, which may have a surface section 26 inclined slightly forward and downward relative to the first front surface 22 and a surface section 28 extending substantially vertically downward thereafter. The cover 24 serves in particular as a resistance against impact loads or as a crash guard. A storage compartment 30 open at the front may be provided in the lower area of ​​the cooking appliance 2, which is suitable, for example, for storing cooking utensils such as pots or pans. The cooking appliance 2 stands on feet 32, which are preferably height-adjustable.

[0055] The cooking appliance 2 further comprises at least one display device 34 for indicating an operating status of the cooking appliance 4. A display device 34 can be provided for each cooking appliance 4 or for each cooking / induction cooking zone 6, which is assigned to the respective cooking appliance 4 or cooking / induction cooking zone 6 and is communicatively connected to the corresponding control element 18. The at least one display device 34 is described with reference to the Fig. 3 bis 6 described in more detail.

[0056] According to the invention, the at least one display device 34 is arranged in an edge surface 36, which extends downwards from the surface 10 and is inclined obliquely downwards towards the front face 21. Preferably, the surface 10 transitions directly into the edge surface 36, and the surface 10 and the edge surface 36 are formed as a single piece. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge surface 36 has a downward inclination at an angle α with respect to a plane defined by the surface 10 (see figure). Fig. 4 ) which is essentially 45°, but in other embodiments may also be in a range between 20° and 70°.

[0057] Due to the angled arrangement of the display unit 34, it is easily readable by an operator both directly at the cooking appliance 2 and from a distance, without requiring it to be particularly large or positioned at an elevated height. In fact, the display unit 34, at least on its own, can be relatively small, a fact further facilitated by its decoupling from the control elements 16, 18. A combined display and control unit would require significantly more installation space. However, the resulting compact design and positioning in an upper front area of ​​the cooking appliance 2 expose the display unit 34, at least on its own, to particularly strong thermal, mechanical, and chemical stresses, which presents a particular challenge.

[0058] A second front surface 38 preferably extends downwards from a front lower edge of the inclined edge surface 36, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the surface 10 and parallel to the first front surface 22. Preferably, the second front surface 38 is arranged at a distance forward from the first front surface 22, for example, flush with the vertical surface section 28 of the cover 24. The second front surface 38 can increase resistance against potential impacts and provide a leaning surface for an operator.

[0059] As from Fig. 1 As can also be seen, the cooking appliance 2 can have a channel 40 on both sides of the surface 10, which runs from a rear side 42 of the cooking appliance 2 to the front side 21, respectively, to the right and left of the surface 10 or cooking unit 4. The channel 40 is bounded on the outside by an outer wall 44. On the rear side 42, there is no channel, but rather a raised edge. If two cooking appliances 2 are arranged side by side and / or the cooking appliances are placed back to back, both raised edges can be covered and connected by a U-shaped rail placed on top of them. In particular, the outer wall 44 is flush with the outside of the side walls 46 of the cooking appliance 2, and the raised edge is flush with the rear side 42. On the front side 21, there is an inclined front channel section 48 on both sides, which has a substantially the same inclination as the edge surface 36.The channels 40 serve to collect liquid media running over the surface 10, such as liquid foodstuffs if spilled, or splashed cleaning fluid, and to discharge these via the front channel sections 48.

[0060] In Fig. 2 Figure 100 shows a cooking appliance arrangement 100, which is composed of a plurality of individual cooking appliances. The cooking appliances are arranged in two rows or lines, with their backs facing each other. Specifically, the cooking appliances are: a deep fryer 101, a griddle plate 103, a gas stove 105, a bain-marie 107, a cooking hamper 108, and an induction stove 109 similar to the one shown in Figure 100. Fig. 1 The reference number 110 designates a work table and a pasta cooker 111. Reference number 112 designates another work table and reference number 113 another deep fryer. The selection of cooking equipment is based on the user's wishes and preferences and is therefore freely selectable.

[0061] All cooking appliances have a surface at the same height 10. As further explained Fig. 2 As can be seen, all cooking appliances have an inclined edge surface 36 adjoining the respective surface 10, in which at least one display device 34 is arranged. It is evident that all cooking appliances differ essentially in the design of the respective cooking device 4, but otherwise have an essentially analogous structure, particularly with regard to the edge surface 36, the display device 34, and the operating elements 16, 18. The descriptions contained herein for cooking appliance 2 can therefore be readily applied to all other cooking appliances.

[0062] The display unit 34 is described in more detail below. For illustration purposes, the display unit 34 can be shown in Fig. 3 the far left display unit 34 in Fig. 1 corresponding to the left rear induction zone 6, which is assigned to and communicates with the leftmost control element 18.

[0063] The at least one display device 34 indicates an operating status of the cooking device 4, such as a heating level to which the cooking device 4 is set, and / or an occupancy of the cooking device 4, and / or a readiness for use of the cooking device 4. In the Fig. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 34 has three display areas 50, 52, 54, each showing one of these pieces of information. More precisely, a heating stage "2" corresponding to the position of the second control element 18 is shown in a right-hand display area 50 (see Fig. 1 ) is displayed. In a central display area 52, two lines of illuminated dots are shown, indicating that a cooking pot 14 is on the left rear induction zone 6, and thus that this cooking zone is occupied. The diamond-shaped indicator in a left display area 54 shows that the set heating level "2" has been reached or, in the case of induction cooking zones, is immediately activated, meaning that the cooking device 4 is preheated and ready for use or is in operation.

[0064] The display device 34 is preferably arranged in an opening 56 formed in the edge surface 36. The display device 34 is preferably arranged substantially flush with the edge surface 36. Due to the small dimensions of the display device 34, it is possible to keep the width B of the edge surface 36 small. The width B is defined between an upper edge of the edge surface 36, where the surface 10 transitions into the edge surface 36, and a lower edge of the edge surface 36, where the edge surface 36 transitions into the second front surface 38.

[0065] With reference to Fig. 4 The structure of the display device 34 will now be described in detail. The display device 34 can comprise a disc 58 having a front surface 58a, which is preferably arranged flush with the edge surface 36. The disc 58 can be made of shatterproof glass and have a thickness between 4 mm and 7 mm to withstand mechanical influences, such as impacts with filled cooking pots. Good readability and an attractive visual appearance can be achieved by making the disc from black glass, as shown in Fig. 3 hinted at.

[0066] The display device 34 may further comprise a holder 60 in which the disc 58 is mounted. The holder 60 is in Fig. 5a und 5b The holder 60 can have a recess 62 for receiving the disc 58, into which the disc 58 is inserted. A circumferential bearing surface 64 can be provided in the recess 62, particularly in a bottom area thereof, which supports a rear side 58b of the disc 58 opposite the front side 58a. The recess 62 is further defined by a circumferential wall 66, which can surround the bearing surface 64 and, in particular, completely surround the disc 58. Advantageously, a circumferential surface 58c of the disc can be completely surrounded by the wall 66. The disc 58 can be bonded to the holder 60, as shown by the circumferential adhesive 68. Fig. 4 Illustrated. The adhesive 68 can be applied, for example, by applying a bead to the holder 60 or the disc 58 and is shown spaced apart from these only for better illustration.

[0067] The holder 60 can further have a flange 70 that surrounds the recess 62 and faces an inner surface 72 of the housing 12 of the cooking device 2. The flange 70 can define a sealing surface and, for example, have a circumferential groove 74 for receiving a sealant 76, such as a sealing ring. The sealant 76 seals the holder 60, and thus the display device 34, against the housing 12. Furthermore, the holder 60 can have at least two tabs 78a, 78b, which serve to mount the holder 60 to the housing 12, as described in more detail below.

[0068] Finally, the display device 34 comprises an LED display 80 with a plurality of LEDs 82 and a display board 84 on which the plurality of LEDs 82 are mounted. The LED display 80 is in Fig. 6 The LEDs are shown in a top view. They are preferably individually controllable and arranged in a matrix with multiple rows and columns. In the particularly preferred embodiment shown, the LED display 80 comprises a matrix of 7 rows of 24 LEDs each. This allows, for example, the display of a large number of different symbols and the simultaneous implementation of multiple display areas 50, 52, 54. It is understood that the matrix can be adapted to the desired application area in virtually any way.

[0069] As in Fig. 5a As can be seen, the holder 60 has a plurality of through-openings 86, the arrangement of which corresponds to the arrangement of the plurality of LEDs 82, such that each LED 82 of the plurality of LEDs 82 is at least partially contained within one of the plurality of through-openings 86. Each LED 82 thus shines through a through-opening 86, thereby preventing overexposure into adjacent areas, for example, into areas of inactive LEDs 82, resulting in a sharp display and thus good readability. The majority of the through-openings 86 extend from a rear side of the holder 60, on which the LED display 80 is arranged, through the holder 60 to an opposite surface of the holder 60, here to the bottom surface of the recess 62. Consequently, after passing through the through-openings 86, the emitted light from the LEDs 82 strikes the disc 58, on whose front side 58a a corresponding display appears, as shown in Fig. 3 shown. Each LED 82 forms a pixel of the display. The shape of the pixels can depend on the circumferential shape of the through-holes 86. In the embodiment according to Fig. 3 The passage openings would have an essentially circular cross-section, while the passage openings 86 after Fig. 5a have an essentially rectangular cross-section and thus result in essentially rectangular pixels.

[0070] The installation of the display unit 34 in the cooking appliance 2 is finally carried out using the Fig. 4 described. For this purpose, the cooking device 2 can comprise at least two bearing pins 88, which are preferably provided on both sides of the opening 56 in the edge surface 36 on the inner surface 72 of the housing 12 and extend substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 72. The holder 60 can have a number of first openings 90 corresponding to the number of bearing pins 88, and the display board 84 can have a corresponding number of second openings 92. The bearing pins 88 extend through the first openings 90 and the second openings 92, so that the holder 60, including the disc 58, and the display board 84 are supported on the bearing pins 88. The bearing pins 88 can also have an external thread to secure the holder 60 and the display board 84 to the bearing pins 88 by means of nuts 94 and to press all components of the display device 34 together and against the housing 12.Furthermore, locking nuts 98 can be provided to secure the holder 60 to the bearing pins 88, while nuts 94 are provided behind the LED display 80. The display device 34 can also include at least one elastic element 96, or here two elastic elements 96, which absorb impact forces and thereby protect the components of the display device 34 from excessive mechanical stress. The elastic elements 96 are formed here by disc springs and are also arranged on the bearing pins 88.

[0071] The present invention thus provides a cooking appliance comprising at least one display device that can be easily and clearly seen both at close range and at a great distance between the operator and the cooking appliance. The display device according to the invention is suitable for use in locations with increased thermal, chemical, and mechanical stress, making it particularly suitable for use in commercial cooking appliances. Bezugszeichenliste

[0072] 2 - Cooking appliance 4 - Cooking device 6 - Induction cooking zones 8 - Top 10 - Surface 12 - Housing 14 - Cooking pot 16 - First control element 18 - Second control element 20 - Handle element 21 - Front 22 - First front surface 24 - Cover 26 - Inclined surface section 28 - Vertical surface section 32 - Feet 34 - Display device 36 - Edge surface 38 - Second front surface 40 - Gutter 42 - Rear 44 - Outer wall 46 - Side wall 48 - Front gutter section 50 - Right display area 52 - Middle display area 54 - Left display area 56 - Opening 58 - Disc 58a - Front 58b - Rear 58c - Circumferential surface 60 - Holder 62 - Recess 64 - Storage surface 66 - Wall 68 - Adhesive 70 - Flange 72 - Inside 74 - Nut 76 - Sealant 78a - Tab 78b - Tab 80 - LED display 82 - LEDs 84 - Display board 86 - Through opening 88 - Bearing pin 90 - First opening 92 - Second opening 94 - Nut 96 - Elastic element 98 - Locking nut 100 - Cooking appliance assembly 101 -Deep fryer 103 - Griddle plate 105 - Gas hob 107 - Bain-marie 108 - Cooking bain-marie 109 - Induction hob 110 - Work surface 111 - Pasta cooker 112 - Work table 113 - Deep fryer

Claims

1. Commercial cooking appliance (2) for cooking foodstuffs, comprising: a cooking device (4) for cooking foodstuffs, at least one control element (16, 18) for regulating the cooking device (4), and at least one display device (34) for indicating an operating state of the cooking device (4); a top (8) on which the cooking device (4) is formed and which has a surface (10); a front (21) which has a front surface (22) on which the at least one control element (16, 18) is provided; and a rim surface (36) which extends downwards from the surface (10); characterized by the fact that the edge surface (36) is inclined obliquely downwards towards the front (21) and at least one display device (34) is arranged in the edge surface (36).

2. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the surface (10) transitions directly into the boundary surface (36).

3. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the surface (10) and the edge surface (36) are formed in one piece, in particular from a bent sheet metal.

4. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact that the surface (10) and the edge surface (36) are made of metal.

5. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the edge surface (36) has a width between 30 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 35 mm and 50 mm.

6. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the boundary surface (36) has a downward inclination with respect to a plane defined by the surface (10) at an angle (α) which is between 20° and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°, more preferably substantially 45°.

7. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatwhich at least one display device (34) is arranged in front of the cooking device (4).

8. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the cooking appliance (2) comprises a plurality of display devices (34) arranged side by side in the perimeter area (36).

9. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the cooking device (4) comprises a plurality of cooking zones (6) or the cooking appliance (2) comprises a plurality of cooking devices (4), wherein a display device (34) of the plurality of display devices (34) is provided for each cooking zone (6) of the plurality of cooking zones (6) or for each cooking device (4) of the plurality of cooking devices (4).

10. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatcomprising at least one display device (34) an LED display (80) having a plurality of LEDs (82) and a display board (84) on which the plurality of LEDs (82) are mounted.

11. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that comprising at least a display device (34), a disk (58) and a holder (60) in which the disk (58) is mounted.

12. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact that the disc (58) has a front face (58a) which is substantially flush with the edge surface (36).

13. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by the fact that the disk (58) has a thickness between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 7 mm.

14. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by the fact thatthe disc (58) is equipped with a diffuser, preferably on a rear side (58b) of the disc (58) opposite the front side (58a).

15. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to claim 10 and one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by the fact that the holder (60) has a plurality of through-holes (86) whose arrangement corresponds to an arrangement of the plurality of LEDs (82), wherein each through-hole (86) of the plurality of through-holes (86) is assigned to one LED (82) of the plurality of LEDs (82).

16. Commercial cooking appliance (2) according to claim 10 and one of claims 11 to 15, characterized by the fact that the at least one display device (34) comprises at least one elastic element (96) for resilient mounting, wherein the at least one elastic element (96) is preferably arranged between the holder (60) and the LED display (80).

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