Method for operating a cooking hob, control unit and cooking hob

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a cooktop (100) which has a vapor extraction system (200) that can be closed by a closing element (130), wherein the method comprises a step of reading a wipe protection signal, a step of closing the closing element (130) in response to the reading of the wipe protection signal, and a step of opening, wherein the step of opening the closing element (130) is carried out a predetermined time after closing.

Description

[0001] Hobs with integrated extractor hoods can extract and filter the steam from the surface of the hob.

[0002] The approach presented here aims to create an improved method for operating a cooktop, an improved control unit, and an improved cooktop.

[0003] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method for operating a cooktop, a control unit, and a cooktop with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0004] The advantages achievable with the invention lie in the possibility of temporarily closing the intake opening of a fume extractor to allow the cooktop to be wiped without water or dirt entering the intake opening. This can be achieved by automatically opening and closing the sealing element in conjunction with a wipe protection signal.

[0005] A method for operating a cooktop is presented which has a vapor extraction system that can be closed by a locking element, wherein the method comprises a step of reading a wipe protection signal, a step of closing the locking element in response to the reading of the wipe protection signal, and a step of opening the locking element, a predetermined time period after closing.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the method can be designed to facilitate cleaning of the cooktop by means of a tightly closed closure element of a fume extractor, particularly when the cooktop is in use for cooking. The cooktop can be an induction cooktop. Alternatively, it can also be a ceramic cooktop. The fume extractor can be designed to draw the cooking fumes downwards from a surface of the cooktop through an intake opening located in the cooktop. As with known fume extractors, the closure element can open the intake opening when the extractor is active and keep it closed when the extractor is inactive. In the closed state, the closure element can be flush with a surface of the cooktop.This allows the cooktop to be easily cleaned by simply wiping over the locking element. The wipe protection signal temporarily closes the suction opening. The locking element can be made of glass-ceramic, for example. A user can trigger the wipe protection signal, for instance, by pressing a control panel, such as a button. The signal can then represent the user's intention to clean the cooktop. In one embodiment, the locking element can be moved by a suitable drive mechanism, such as an electric motor, an electromagnet, or a spring system, during both the opening and closing steps.

[0007] The predetermined time after which the locking element closes can be preset, adjustable, or programmable. For example, the predetermined time could be 20 seconds. Alternatively, the predetermined time could be less than one minute, less than 40 seconds, or between 10 and 30 seconds. Because the locking element opens automatically, the user does not need to enter their information again, which they might otherwise forget.

[0008] The method can include a step of switching off a fan unit of the extractor hood. This switching off can be triggered by the wipe protection signal. According to one embodiment, the switching off step can be performed synchronously with the closing step. The fan unit can be located below a cooktop. For example, the fan unit can include a blower that generates an airflow to extract the fumes. Switching off the fan unit reduces the energy consumption of the cooktop and prevents the fan unit from overheating.

[0009] The process can include a step of switching on the extractor fan unit. This switching can be triggered by the opening of the locking mechanism. The switching step can be performed synchronously with the opening step. Thus, the extractor fan can be automatically restarted after cleaning the cooktop without the user having to make any further adjustments.

[0010] Among other things, the procedure can include a starting step. This allows a timer to be started to measure the predetermined duration. The timer can be started in response to the detection of the wipe protection signal. The starting step can optionally be executed after the closing step of the locking element has been completed.

[0011] The method can include a step of detecting an actuation of the control panel to provide the wipe protection signal. For example, this can involve detecting the actuation of a control element on the control panel to which the wipe function is assigned. The control panel can, for example, form a touch-sensitive surface for displaying control panels or elements that can be actuated by a user.

[0012] The process can also include a step of issuing a lock signal, which locks a control panel of the cooktop. This prevents a cooktop function from being unexpectedly activated when the control panel is wiped. The lock signal can, for example, lock the control panel for a predetermined period or another predetermined duration. The lock signal can be issued, for instance, in response to the detection of the wipe protection signal. By linking the locking mechanism to the wipe function, the user is enabled to quickly clean the locking mechanism. This allows the user to wipe the locking mechanism with a damp cloth and then continue cooking immediately without any real interruption. The lock signal can represent the locking of the control panel, as well as the locking of individual cooking zones and the fan unit.The wipe protection feature, or rather the functionality of the wiper function, should be extended to include the locking element. Since the wipe protection feature is frequently used when the product is dirty, it makes sense for the locking element to be cleaned as well. Furthermore, this can improve customer expectations and ease of use during cleaning, which can be a selling point for customers who value convenient cleaning.

[0013] The step of issuing the locking signal can be performed, but the closing step cannot, if a configuration signal indicates that a closing function is deactivated. This allows the user to decide whether to close the locking element in order to clean it. For example, the user can then also remove objects that have fallen into the extractor fan's intake duct or clean the intake duct itself.

[0014] The approach presented here further creates a control unit designed to execute, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate devices. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a device, also allows the underlying problem to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0015] The control unit can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as a discrete component or comprised of a discrete component.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cooktop can include a vapor extraction system that can be closed by a locking element and a control unit. This approach allows for the temporary creation of a completely closed and flat surface that is easy to clean or wipe during cooking.

[0017] Furthermore, the cooktop can comprise a cooktop plate with at least one intake opening that can be closed by the closing element and a control panel for operating cooktop functions. The extractor hood can comprise a housing and a fan unit arranged in the housing for extracting fumes through the intake opening. The closing element can be movable, in particular by a motor, magnet, or a spring-elastic element.

[0018] This allows for improved cleaning of the sealing element when the wiper function is activated. Furthermore, the sealing element protects the cooktop and the fan unit from liquid ingress by automatically closing the lid.

[0019] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or control unit, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0020] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooktop; Figure 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a cooktop; Figure 3 is another sectional view of an embodiment of a cooktop; and Figure 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a cooktop.

[0022] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a cooktop 100. The cooktop 100 has a cooktop plate. 110with an intake opening 120 of a vapor extractor. The intake opening 120 is closed by a movable closing element 130. The cooktop 100 can be operated using a control panel 140 and a control unit 150 coupled to the control panel 140.

[0023] The cooktop 100 is designed as an induction cooktop or, alternatively, for example, as a ceramic cooktop. The cooktop plate 110 of cooktop 100, for example, has cooking zones for heating cookware placed on it.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the intake opening 120 is designed to allow the extraction of fumes from the cooktop 100 using a fan unit of the extractor hood. In this case, the intake opening 120 is, for example, located centrally on the cooktop surface 120. Alternatively, the intake opening 120 is also located on a side edge of the cooktop surface 110. According to an alternative embodiment, the cooktop 100 also has two or more extractor hoods.

[0025] If the cooktop surface 110 needs to be wiped down, a user can activate the control panel 140 to activate a wipe protection function. This wipe protection function deactivates cooktop functions such as the operation of cooking zones or the fan unit. Among other things, the wipe protection function is used to close the intake opening 120 using the sealing element 130.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the control unit 150 is used to control a function of the wipe protection. For example, the control unit 150 is designed to control the closing of the locking element 130 in response to a wipe protection signal being read, which is triggered, for example, by a user pressing a corresponding control element, such as a button, on the control panel 140.

[0027] To move the locking element 130, a motor is controlled, for example, by the control unit 150. The motor is coupled to the locking element 130 to move it either into a closed or an open position. According to one embodiment, the control unit is designed to reopen the locking element 130 after a predetermined time period following its closure.

[0028] Thus, the cooktop 100 can be an induction cooktop with a steam extraction system and a motorized or movable closing element 130. According to one embodiment, the cooktop 100 includes the integrated control unit 150, which can be controlled using the control panel 140 via capacitive surfaces, for example, via a touch function, or similar controls. Since organic material or food is used during cooking, it can frequently happen that it boils over or splashes, thus leading to contamination of the cooktop 100 and the controls via the control panel 140, and consequently, possible operating errors. The reason for this is that the cooktop 100 cannot then differentiate between operation by the user's finger and the food being cooked, because both have a similar effect on the control panel 140.

[0029] By activating the wipe protection, a user can clean a surface of the hob 100, whereby, due to the closed locking element 130, it is also possible to wipe over the extractor hood.

[0030] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a cooktop 100. The cooktop 100 is, according to an embodiment, like the one shown in Figure 100. Figure 1 The described cooktop is shaped as follows. The cooktop 100 includes a vapor extractor 200 with a fan unit 210. The vapor extractor 200 is arranged in a housing 220. According to one embodiment, the cooktop surface 110 and the locking element 130 are made of glass ceramic. In the embodiment shown here, the locking element 130 is open. When the locking element 130 is open, the fan unit 210 is able to extract vapors from above the cooktop surface 110.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the user can also select whether or not to close the locking element 130 when activating the wipe function, also known as wipe protection. This customer-defined programming allows the locking element 130 to remain open even when wipe protection is active. This configuration is also possible via an app. In this case, during the wipe function, if the extractor fan remains active, only the control panel is locked, for example, to prevent the cooktop 100 from being unintentionally activated when the user wipes the control panel.

[0032] The opening and closing intake opening 120 ensures that it closes when the mopping function is activated. This allows the user to clean the surface of the closed sealing element 130. To do this, the sealing element 130 moves into its closed position when the mopping function is activated. Optional steam deflectors, such as grids or similar items, which have edges that make cleaning difficult during the cooking process, can also be covered. The motorized sealing element allows for easy movement. During cooking, with the mopping function activated, the potentially dirty sealing element 130 can be easily cleaned because, in its closed position, it is positioned so that it does not expose the intake opening 120.If the cooktop is cleaned during operation, the closed sealing element 130 prevents dirt, liquids, crumbs, or other substances from the food being removed from being wiped or run into the open suction opening 120. Furthermore, the opening, including its edges, does not interfere with simply wiping the cooktop surface.

[0033] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows another sectional view of an embodiment of a cooktop 100. According to this embodiment, the cooktop 100 is also like the one shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 The described cooktop is shaped as follows. The locking element 130 closes the cooktop plate 110 after a user has activated the wipe protection. Activating the wipe protection also deactivates, for example, the functionality of cooking zones. Optionally, the fan unit 210 of the extractor hood 200 is also deactivated when the wipe function is activated.

[0034] After the locking element 130 is closed, for example in response to a wipe protection signal indicating activation of the wipe function, a timer is set according to one embodiment. This timer determines how long the locking element 130 remains closed before it opens automatically. According to one embodiment, the timer defines a duration of 20 seconds, which is typically sufficient for wiping the cooktop 100. Alternatively, the timer defines an adjustable duration, such as 10, 40, or 60 seconds.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the motorized opening of the locking element 130 is coupled to the wipe function or the wipe protection signal, so that the process is carried out particularly quickly and without significant user intervention. The possibility of simultaneously cleaning the locking element 130 and the cooktop 100 when the user activates the wipe protection or the wipe function is solved by the locking element 130 closing when the user activates the wipe protection or the wipe function. This creates a completely closed and flat surface that is easy to clean and also prevents liquids, crumbs, food, or similar substances from entering the intake opening 120. Optionally, the fan unit 210 is switched off when the intake opening 120 closes.Since the optional function is very limited in time, it should not be a problem for the steam treatment to switch off the fan unit 210 for this short time.

[0036] As soon as the user activates a swipe function button on the control panel (e.g., a touch control panel) of the cooktop 100, as in one embodiment, the control panel is deactivated for x seconds. During this time, the control panel cannot be activated, thus locking the cooktop 100. In this case, combined with the flap (e.g., a ventilation flap), the flap closes automatically when the swipe function is activated, and the fan of the ventilation unit 210 is switched off if necessary. After the x-second timer for the swipe function has elapsed, the cooktop controls return to their original state, and operation, for example via the control panel, is possible again. Optionally, the flap 130 simultaneously returns to its open position, and the ventilation unit 210 resumes its previously set speed.

[0037] Figure 4Figure 400 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of method 400 for operating a cooktop. Method 400 comprises a reading step 401, a closing step 403, and an opening step 405. In reading step 401, a wipe protection signal is read, which, for example, originates from the control unit when a user activates it. Upon receiving the reading step 401, closing step 403 of the locking element is executed. Closing step 403 is performed, for example, using a motor, magnet, or spring element. After a predetermined time interval following closing step 403, opening step 405 of the locking element is executed. Opening step 405 is also performed using a motor, magnet, or spring element.Furthermore, the method 400 optionally includes a step 407 for switching off the fan unit of the extractor hood, for example, in response to the wipe protection signal or the closing of the locking element. In this case, the method includes a step 409 for switching on the fan unit of the extractor hood, for example, in response to step 405 of opening the locking element. According to one embodiment, in a starting step 411, a timer is started to measure the predetermined duration. Step 411 is executed, for example, in response to the reading of the wipe protection signal. Optionally, in a step 413, a locking signal is output that leads to a locking of a control panel of the cooktop for the predetermined duration or a further predetermined duration, so that the control panel can be wiped without any problems.The predetermined time duration can be shorter or longer than the duration, and both durations can, for example, start simultaneously. According to one embodiment, step 413, issuing the lock signal, is performed, and step 403, closing, is not executed, if a configuration signal indicates that a closing function is deactivated. Optionally, the method includes a step 415 in which an actuation of a control element on the control panel that triggers the wipe function is detected. For example, the wipe protection signal is provided in response to the detection of the actuation.

Claims

1. Method (400) for operating a cooktop (100) which has a vapor extraction system (200) that can be closed by a closing element (130), wherein the method (400) comprises the following steps: reading (401) a wipe protection signal; closing (403) the closing element (130) in response to the reading (401) of the wipe protection signal; and opening (405) the closing element (130) a predetermined time period after closing (403).

2. Method (400) according to claim 1, comprising a step (407) of switching off a fan unit (210) of the fume extractor (200) in response to the wipe protection signal.

3. Method (400) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (411) of starting a timer to measure the predetermined time duration, responding to the reading (401) of the wipe protection signal.

4. Method (400) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of detecting (115) an actuation of the control panel (140) to provide the wipe protection signal.

5. Method (400) according to claim 4, comprising a step (413) of outputting a blocking signal for blocking a control panel (140) of the cooktop (100) in response to the reading (401) of the wipe protection signal.

6. Method (400) according to claim 5, wherein the step (413) of outputting the blocking signal is performed and the step (403) of closing is not performed if a configuration signal indicates a deactivation of a closing function.

7. Control unit (150) configured to perform and / or control the steps (401, 403, 405, 407, 409, 411, 413) of the method (400) according to any of the preceding claims in corresponding units.

8. Cooktop (100) with the following features: a vapor extraction system (200) that can be closed by a closing element (130); and a control unit (150) according to claim 7.

9. Hob (100) according to claim 8, comprising a hob plate (110) with at least one intake opening (120) that can be closed by the closing element (130), and with a control panel (140) for operating hob functions, and wherein the vapor extraction system (200) comprises a housing (220) and a fan unit (210) arranged in the housing (220) for extracting vapors through the intake opening (120).

10. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (150) according to claim 7.

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