A hob with a sleeve-covered support sheet

Abstract

The invention relates to a hob comprising an upper plate (20), a base plate (10) that is spaced apart and parallel to the upper plate (20), and at least one support sheet (30) fixed on the base plate (10) and extending between the base plate (10) and the upper plate (20). The hob includes a flexible sleeve (40) that at least partially covers a support extension (32) of the support sheet (30).

Description

[0001] A HOB WITH A SLEEVE-COVERED SUPPORT SHEET

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a support sheet structure that supports an upper plate disposed on a cooking appliance, particularly a hob.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE ART

[0005] A cooking appliance, particularly hob, often feature an upper plate covering the cooking devices. These upper plates are made of glass or ceramic materials for aesthetic appeal and high structural integrity.

[0006] When glass or ceramic upper plates are placed on hobs and supported by metal support sheets, there is a risk of breaking or cracking the glass plate. To prevent this, cushion structures are used to avoid direct contact between the glass and any surfaces, minimizing scratches, stains, or other surface damages, thus ensuring the glass plate remains clean and smooth for a longer period.

[0007] EP2131111 B1 discusses adhering a functional or design unit, such as a glass-ceramic plate, using an adhesive bracket. A high-temperature resistant adhesive, like silicone adhesive, is used to secure the unit to the hob base. A quick-setting adhesive, such as hot melt adhesive, is applied to stabilize the adhesive unit during the curing phase of the high-temperature resistant adhesive. A form barrier is integrally incorporated into the contact surface of the unit. Additionally, a hob directing a hob plate to a functional or design unit is included as an independent claim.

[0008] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The object of the invention is to ensure the secure attachment of an upper plate on a hob without deformation.

[0010] In order to achieve above objective, the invention concerns a hob comprising an upper plate, a base plate that is spaced apart and parallel to the upper plate, and at least one support sheet fixed on the base plate and extending between the base plate and the upper plate. The hob includes a flexible sleeve that at least partially covers a support extension of the support sheet. This arrangement prevents issues like sagging or breaking of the upper plate during installation. Moreover, the use of the sleeve prevents cracking and scratching of the upper plate, thereby extending the product’s lifespan.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sleeve is fitted to cover the support extension of the support sheet entirely, ensuring a long service life of the upper plate without deformation.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the sleeve includes at least one securing extension that secures the support extension. This design ensures that the sleeve remains fixed on the support extension, preventing potential issues arising from the sleeve detaching.

[0013] In yet another preferred embodiment, the securing extensions of the sleeve are arranged opposite each other and extend angularly, enhancing the compactness and strength of the assembly.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the upper wall of the sleeve rests against the lower wall of the upper plate, providing secure support without causing breakage or cracking from below.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the sleeve is made of silicone material, which offers resistance to temperature-induced damage and prevents scratching, cracking, or breaking of the upper plate. Alternatively, a similar material to silicone may be used.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the support sheet includes at least one carrier arm obtained by bending from the support extension, providing structural support and enhancing the compactness of the structure.

[0017] In another embodiment, the support sheet includes at least one mounting extension obtained by bending from the carrier arm, ensuring the support sheet is securely attached to the base plate, preventing movement-related issues.

[0018] In another embodiment, the support sheet includes a connection slot on the mounting extension, allowing the support sheet to be securely fastened to the base plate with a fastening element. In another preferred embodiment, the support sheet is made of metal, providing high structural integrity and durability, which ensures a long product life.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the upper plate is made of glass material, providing an aesthetically pleasing, mechanically strong, and easily cleanable surface on the hob.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 schematically shows the pre-assembly state of the hob according to the invention.

[0022] Figure 2 schematically shows the position of the support sheet prior to installation on the hob according to the invention.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] This detailed description is provided to illustrate the invention with reference to examples, without limitation.

[0025] Figure 1 schematically shows the pre-assembly state of the hob according to the invention. The hob includes a base plate (10) where the cooking elements are positioned. The base plate (10) has a rectangular-like shape. An upper plate (20) is placed on the base plate (10) so that it touches two opposing side walls (14). The upper plate (20) also has a rectangular- like shape and is made of glass. The upper wall (22) of the upper plate (20) has multiple rows of holes (26) corresponding to the cooking elements. The number of holes (24) corresponds to the number of cooking elements. A support sheet (30) is placed on the lower wall (12) of the base plate (10) extending between the upper plate (20) and the base plate (10). The support sheet (30) supports the upper plate (20) from its lower wall (24). Two support sheets (30) are provided to evenly support the upper plate (20) and form a proper seating. The support sheets (30) are positioned on the lower wall (12) of the base plate (10) with a gap between them. Additionally, to enhance structural integrity, one support sheet (30) is positioned parallel to the side wall (14) and the other perpendicular to the side wall (14).

[0026] Figure 2 schematically shows the position of the support sheet before assembly on the hob according to the invention. The support sheet (30), made of metal, is placed on the lower wall (12) of the base plate (10) shown in Figure 1. The support sheet (30) includes a support extension (32) that supports the upper plate (20) from its lower wall (24). The support extension (32) has a rectangular-like shape and directly supports the glass upper plate (20) from below, ensuring its placement. The support sheet (30) has two opposing carrier arms (34) obtained by bending from the edges of the support extension (32). The carrier arms (34) have a T-like shape and extend perpendicularly from the support extension (32). The support sheet (30) includes two mounting extensions (36) obtained by bending outward from the lower edges of the carrier arms (34). The mounting extensions (36) have a rectangular-like shape, extend perpendicularly to the carrier arms (34), and are parallel to the support extension (32). Each mounting extension (36) is detachably mounted on the lower wall (12) shown in Figure 1 with a connection slot (38) provided on the mounting extension (36) through which a fastening element (not shown) passes. The connection slot (38) is positioned centrally on the mounting extension (36) to create a compact structure when mounted. A sleeve (40) is fitted to cover the support extension (32) entirely. The sleeve (40) has a rectangular prismatic shape with a groove running along its base. The sleeve (40) is made of silicone material, preventing issues such as cracking or breaking of the glass upper plate (20) due to its own weight or external stresses. The sleeve (40) has two securing extensions (42) that fix the support extension (32) by engaging with two corresponding lateral edges (35). The securing extensions (42) are linear and engage at an angle with the lateral edges (35), securing the sleeve directly to the corresponding support extension (32) without any fastening elements. The securing extensions (42) fully encircle the lateral edges (35) of the support sheet (30), ensuring a tight fit. The securing extensions (42) reduce the width of the upper wall (44) of the sleeve (40) to match the width of the support extension (32). The securing extensions (42) extend inward from two opposing lateral walls (46) of the sleeve (40), facing each other.

[0027] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0028] 10 Base Plate

[0029] 12 Lower Wall

[0030] 14 Lateral Wall 20 Upper Plate 22 Upper Wall 24 Lower Wall 26 Hole

[0031] 30 Support Sheet

[0032] 32 Support Extension

[0033] 34 Carrier Arm

[0034] 35 Lateral Edge

[0035] 36 Mounting Extension

[0036] 38 Connection Slot

[0037] 40 Sleeve Securing Extension Upper Wall Lateral Wall

Claims

CLAIMS1. A hob comprising an upper plate (20), a base plate (10) that is spaced apart and parallel to the upper plate (20), and at least one support sheet (30) fixed on the base plate (10) and extending between the base plate (10) and the upper plate (20), characterized by the support sheet (30) is having a flexible sleeve (40) that at least partially covers a support extension (32).

2. A hob according to claim 1 , wherein the sleeve (40) is fitted to cover the support extension (32) of the support sheet (30) entirely.

3. A hob according to claim 2, wherein the sleeve (40) has at least one securing extension (42) that secures the support extension (32).

4. A hob according to claims 2-3, wherein the securing extension (42) of the sleeve (40) is arranged opposite to each other and extend angularly.

5. A hob according to claims 2-4, wherein an upper wall (44) of the sleeve (40) rests against a lower wall (22) of the upper plate (20).

6. A hob according to claims 2-5, wherein the sleeve (40) is made of a silicone material.

7. A hob according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support sheet (30) has at least one carrier arm (34) obtained by bending from the support extension (32).

8. A hob according to claim 7, wherein the support sheet (30) has at least one mounting extension (36) obtained by bending from the carrier arm (34).

9. A hob according to claims 7-8, wherein the support sheet (30) has a connection slot (38) provided on the mounting extension (36).

10. A hob according to claims 7-9, wherein the support sheet (30) is made of a metal material.

11. A hob according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper plate (20) is made of a glass material.

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