ceramic glass cooktop with display window

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooking plate (10) for a fixed or mobile cooking appliance comprising a base plate (11) having at least one cooking zone (13) and comprising at least one control and / or information zone (14), said control and / or information zone being formed by a window (140) separated from said base plate by at least one seal (16) made of synthetic material, characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate by a fastening system (18) arranged. Fig 4

Description

Title of the invention: ceramic glass cooktop with display window

[0001] The present invention relates to ceramic glass plates or worktops. Previous art

[0002] There are various ways to display LCD screens through a glass-ceramic substrate in the display / control panel area. The KeraResin® product (transparent glass-ceramic with an opacifying layer on the underside to conceal the heating elements) allows the use of LCD screens by creating a resin-free zone in this area. The opacity and deep black color are not always sufficient for users, and the solution is not yet compatible with radiant heaters.

[0003] Another method is to use the KeraVision® substrate with opacifier but due to the transmission and colouring of the glass-ceramic, a high brightness screen and colour adjustment are often necessary (most screens do not have sufficient brightness and the colour rendering of the LCD screen is impacted by the colouring of the substrate).

[0004] One proposed solution is to incorporate a window in the ceramic glass cooktop, also known as the main cooktop. This window consists of a transparent panel set within an opening in the ceramic glass cooktop. Control panels or an LCD screen are mounted below the window. This window must then be attached to the main cooktop. One proposed solution is the use of a synthetic material gasket between the main cooktop and the window. This gasket may include mounting systems for the control panels or LCD screen.

[0005] The drawback of such a system is that it must withstand considerable stress. A primary stress is the force applied by the user to the window. Indeed, ceramic glass cooktops are touch-sensitive, requiring the user to press on the surface to activate or deactivate functions. As the window is not fixed to the main cooktop, the pressure exerted by the user places stress on the means of attaching the window to the main cooktop. The cooktops must also meet mechanical resistance standards (in particular standard NF EN 60335-1), specifically to withstand impacts that could simulate objects falling onto the surface. The assembly solution must withstand other mechanical stresses such as abrasion from scouring pads or repeated movement of cooking utensils.The solution must be chemically resistant to repeated exposure to food and / or cleaning products. This fixing must therefore be strong and durable over time.

[0006] Secondly, the material used for the seal must be temperature-resistant because the window is generally located near a heating area and therefore near a hot cooking utensil. The seal must therefore be able to withstand the temperature of the cooking utensil placed near or even on the window.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a system allowing the installation of a display window on a ceramic glass plate ensuring mechanical resistance and thermal resistance. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a cooking plate equipped with a control area that is resistant to mechanical and thermal stresses.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a cooking plate for a fixed or mobile cooking appliance comprising a base plate having at least one cooking zone and comprising at least one control and / or information zone, said control and / or information zone being formed by a window separated from said base plate by at least one synthetic material seal, characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system.

[0010] The advantage of the present invention is therefore to have a separation between the sealing function which is operated by a seal and the linking function, of fixing the window to the base plate which is operated by the fixing system.

[0011] According to one example, the fixing system includes at least one connecting support provided with at least two fixing zones, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate.

[0012] According to one example, the connecting support is a profile.

[0013] According to one example, the connecting support(s) extend over the entire length of the length of the gap.

[0014] According to one example, the connecting support includes means for centering the window relative to the base plate.

[0015] According to one example, the centering means include at least one stud.

[0016] According to one example, the link support includes means for maintaining a command and / or information module to the linking medium.

[0017] The invention further relates to a cooking module comprising a plate as defined above, said cooking module comprising at least one heating element arranged under the cooking zone of said cooking plate and at least one control and / or information module arranged under the window.

[0018] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a cooking plate comprising a base plate, in particular a glass-ceramic base plate, featuring at least one cooking zone and comprising at least one control and / or information zone, said control and / or information zone being formed by a window intended to be installed in an opening in the base plate and separated from said base plate by at least one synthetic seal, the window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system comprising at least one connecting support having at least two fixing zones, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate, said method comprising the following steps: - Obtain the base plate and the window; - Obtain at least one connection support; - Place the window in the opening of the base plate; - Attach the connecting bracket to the cooktop to ensure at least one fixing area in contact with the window and at least one fixing area in contact with the base plate; - Place the seal in the gap between the window and the base plate.

[0019] According to one example, the method further includes a step of centering the window in the opening of the base plate.

[0020] According to one example, the connecting support includes centering means and in that the step of fixing the connecting support further allows the window to be centered with respect to the base plate. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other features and advantages will become clear from the description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0022] - Figures 1 and 2 represent a cooking device according to the invention;

[0023] - [Fig.3] represents a cooking appliance mounted on a box;

[0024] - Figure 4 represents a cooking plate of a cooking appliance mounted on a box;

[0025] - [Fig.5] represents a cooking plate equipped with a window according to the invention.

[0026] - Figures 6 and 7 represent a window attached to a base plate with the fastening means according to the invention.

[0027] - Figures 8a to 10 represent a connecting support according to the invention.

[0028] - Figures 11 to 13 represent a window fixed and joined to a base plate by a connecting support according to the invention.

[0029] - Figures 14 to 16 represent a variant of the connection support with means centering according to the invention.

[0030] - [Fig. 17] represents a cooking plate equipped with connecting supports suitable for to carry an information or control module according to the invention. Detailed description

[0031] Figure 1 shows a cooking appliance 1. This cooking appliance 1 comprises a cooking plate 10. The cooking plate 10 includes a base plate 11, which may be, in particular, a ceramic glass plate. This base plate 11 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above. It may also have a circular, trapezoidal, or square shape. The base plate 11 has a flat outer surface, also called the top surface 11', intended to be placed horizontally and on which the cooking utensils to be heated rest. The base plate 11 then includes an inner surface 11', opposite the outer surface.

[0032] The base plate 11 includes at least one cooking zone 13 as shown in [Fig. 2]. This cooking zone 13 is an area of ​​the base plate under which a heating element 15 is arranged. It is understood that the heating element 15 is arranged opposite the inner surface 11”. This heating element 15 is a radiant or halogen element, a gas burner, or an induction heating coil.

[0033] The base plate 11 further comprises at least one control and / or information zone 14. This control and / or information zone 14 is where the operation of the cooking zone(s) can be controlled and / or where information relating to the operation of the cooking zone(s) can be displayed. However, it is possible to have a separate control zone 14 and an information zone 14, or to have one control and information zone 14 per cooking zone. Thus, for two cooking zones 13, it is possible to have two control and information zones 14. A control and / or information module is arranged under each control and / or information zone.

[0034] It is then understood that the assembly of the cooking plate 10 with at least one heating element 15 and at least one control and / or information module makes it possible to obtain a cooking module.

[0035] The cooking plate 11 is suitable for being placed on a structure 2, as seen in [Fig.3], according to several embodiments.

[0036] In a first embodiment, the cooking plate 10 has a single cooking function. In a first case, the cooking plate is arranged directly on the structure 2, this structure comprising a top opening which is closed by the cooking plate.

[0037] In a second case, the cooking plate 10 is arranged on the structure 2 by means of a work surface. This work surface includes an opening allowing the said cooking plate to be brought onto the work surface.

[0038] In a second embodiment, the cooking plate 10 functions as a work surface. In this case, the cooking plate 10 is placed directly onto the structure 2 to close its upper opening. The difference here is that a cooking plate serving as a work surface has a larger surface area of ​​more than one square meter.

[0039] The control and / or information area 14 is formed by a window 140 made of a different material than the base plate 11, as shown in [Fig. 5]. The cooktop 10 thus comprises the base plate 11 and the window 140. It is understood that the material of the window 140 may be a glass-ceramic, but undergoing a different treatment than that of the base plate, or it may be a different material such as PMMA or tempered or hardened soda-lime or borosilicate glass. Preferably, the window has greater transparency and optical transmission than the base plate, as well as a blur index that allows for the readability of the displays / screen. The choice of the window material depends on its proximity to the cooking area. Indeed, the closer the window is to the cooking area, the more likely it is to be exposed to the temperatures of the hot cooking utensils.This gap has a maximum width of 5 mm.

[0040] This window 140 has a shape similar to that of a through hole or opening 111 made in the base plate 11 as seen in [Fig. 4]. The dimensions of the opening 111 made in the base plate 11 are significantly larger than the dimensions of the window. This difference in dimensions allows for a gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11, enabling the installation of a gasket 16 between the base plate 11 and the window 140. This gasket 16 is made of a synthetic material.

[0041] The edges of the window and the edges of the opening 111 of the base plate 11 can be straight / flat or rounded, chamfered, beveled.

[0042] According to the invention, the window 140 is fixed to the base plate 11 by means of a fastening system 18 as seen in [Fig. 6]. This fastening system 18 is arranged under the cooking plate 10, which makes it, at least partially, invisible to the user. This fastening system 18 includes at least one connecting support 180. This connecting support 180 is a part that extends on either side of the gap 112; that is, the connecting support 180 is arranged under the base plate 11 and under the window 140. For example, the connecting support 180 is in the form of a flat profile or with a U-shaped cross-section, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The connecting support 180 is made of a material such as metal or one of its alloys, carbon, plastic or polymer, or any other suitable material. The material chosen is preferably resistant to a maximum temperature reached in The underside of the glass-ceramic surface, for example, when moving an empty heated pan (for a 4mm thick glass-ceramic, the material must withstand a maximum of 100°C) or, for example, during continuous heating. The connecting support 180 then allows the window to be mechanically fixed to the base plate 11.

[0043] It is therefore understood that the material of the connecting support, the material of the base plate, and the material of the window are chosen to compensate for the differences between the various coefficients of thermal expansion of these materials.

[0044] This connecting support 180 then comprises at least two fixing zones 181. These fixing zones 181 are the zones by which the connecting support 180 is fixed to the window 140 and to the base plate 11. The fixing of the connecting support 180 is achieved using an adhesive C which allows the bonding of said connecting support 180. In the case of a connecting support 180 in the form of a U-shaped profile, the fixing zones are arranged on the two parallel arms. The adhesive C ensures the sealing of the assembly.

[0045] In a first embodiment, the fastening system 18 includes a connecting support 180. This connecting support 180 is then unique and therefore extends along the gap between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting support 180 is then annular or forms a loop as seen in figures 8a and 8b.

[0046] In a second embodiment, the fastening system 18 comprises at least two connecting supports 180.

[0047] In a first case, the at least two connecting supports 180 are arranged to form the equivalent of an annular piece as seen in [Fig. 9]. It is then understood that the at least two connecting supports 180, when installed, complement each other to extend along the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting supports 180 may then be identical or not, regularly distributed or not.

[0048] In a second case visible in [Fig. 10], the at least two connecting supports 180 are arranged so that, when installed, there are portions of the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11 that are not opposite one of the at least two connecting supports 180. The connecting supports 180 are then identical or not, regularly distributed or not.

[0049] The cooking plate 10 further includes a seal 16 as shown in the figures 11 to 13. This seal 16 is arranged in the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The space allocated to the seal is further delimited, at least partially, by the connecting support 180. The presence of the connecting support 180 to provide mechanical support for the window 140 in relation to the base plate 11 allows the use of a material for the seal 16 whose primary function is thermal resistance.

[0050] This seal 16 allows, on the one hand, for the connecting support 180 to be concealed, at least partially, from the user's view, while also providing user-side protection and an aesthetically pleasing finish. Indeed, the seal limits soiling and prevents splashes or food stains from entering the space between the window and the base plate.

[0051] The construction with the connecting support 180 and the seal allows the window 140 to have strong mechanical resistance to the stresses applied by the user.

[0052] In one embodiment, the connecting support 180 includes centering means 184 as shown in Figures 14 to 16. These centering means consist of at least one stud 185. This stud extends from the connecting support. This stud 185 is made of the same material as the connecting support or attached to it. The stud 185 has a circular, square, or rectangular cross-section. The stud 185 is designed with respect to machining tolerances and the shaping profile of the lenses. The stud 185 is either a point or extends over at least a portion of the length of the connecting support.

[0053] The pedestal 185 may or may not have a constant width. In the case of a non-constant width, the pedestal tapers at its end, for example, into a conical shape. This shape is advantageous because it frees up space between the pedestal and the base plate and / or the pedestal and the window.

[0054] Preferably, the fastening system 18 comprises at least two centering means 184. These at least two centering means 184 are arranged on adjacent sides or are angularly offset. These two centering means 184 make it possible to calibrate the window 140 relative to the base plate 11 and thus obtain a gap 112 between said window and the base plate which is constant along its entire length as seen in [Fig. 16].

[0055] In another embodiment shown in [Fig. 17], the connecting support 180 includes retaining means 186 for holding and securing the control and / or information module 17. This retaining function eliminates the need for specific means for holding said control and / or information module. This retaining function is ensured by a specific shape of the connecting support. The connecting support includes at least one retaining hook 187. This retaining hook 187 extends parallel to the plane of the window in the direction of the window. This retaining hook is arranged so that the control and / or information module is interposed between said hook and a bearing surface. This bearing surface may be the window or may be a portion of the connecting support.Using the window as a support surface allows the display to be positioned as close as possible to the lower surface of the window, improving sharpness and avoiding optical diffusion phenomena.

[0056] In an alternative, the retaining means 187 include a support tab drilled for the passage of a screw allowing the control and / or information module to be screwed to the link support 180.

[0057] The installation of the window for the manufacture of the cooking plate according to the present invention can be done in the following manner.

[0058] First, the method consists of taking the base plate 11 and the window 140 and placing them on an assembly table. The base plate 11 and the window 140 are positioned so that their outer / upper surface rests on the assembly table. The window 140 is arranged in the opening of the base plate. The window opening is made beforehand.

[0059] Secondly, the method consists of providing at least one connection support.

[0060] Next, the window 140 is centered with respect to the base plate 11. This third The next step involves manipulating window 140 to ensure that the gap 112 remains constant along its entire length. Shims can be used and positioned to guarantee such consistency.

[0061] After this, the connecting bracket is attached to the base plate 11 and the window 140. For this purpose, glue or double-sided adhesive is applied to the fixing areas of at least one connecting bracket. Once the glue has been applied, the connecting bracket is positioned so that one fixing area is in contact with the base plate and one fixing area is in contact with the window.

[0062] Finally, the seal 16 is installed. To do this, the base plate and window assembly is arranged so that the gap between the base plate 11 and the window 140 is visible. This allows the seal to be taken and applied to the gap. The connecting support 180 and, optionally, the assembly table define a recess in which the seal is placed.

[0063] The seal 16 is in the form of a strip or tube which is unrolled and placed in the gap. Alternatively, the seal is in the form of a material which is injected or poured into said gap and which hardens in said gap.

[0064] In an embodiment of the method, the connecting support(s) 180 include centering means 185. In this case, the centering step is unnecessary. Indeed, when the connecting support(s) 180 are fixed, the centering means 184, in the form of at least one stud 185, are inserted into the gap 112 between the window and the base plate. This insertion automatically allows the window to be moved to obtain a constant gap.

[0065] In an alternative method, the seal 16 is installed without turning over the base plate 11 and window 140 assembly. For this purpose, the connecting support(s) 180 include at least one opening through which an injection nozzle can be inserted. This injection nozzle injects a material which, upon hardening or polymerizing, will form the seal.

[0066] In one embodiment, the window 140 includes an opaque layer on its upper or lower surface. This opaque layer is arranged around the periphery of said window. This opaque layer conceals the fastening system 18 located under the cooktop 10. This opaque layer therefore has a defined width to perform this function of concealing the fastening system. This opaque layer is a paint, an enamel, or any other coating that would fulfill this function. This opaque layer is chosen to be compatible with the adhesive C used for bonding the connecting support 180. It is understood that said adhesive C must be able to perform its adhesive function. Preferably, the opaque layer is chosen to enhance the adhesive's bonding capacity relative to the bare surface of the window.

[0067] In a variant of the method in which the connecting support includes retaining means 20, it is conceivable that the control and / or information module is put in place during the method of fixing the window to the base plate.

[0068] In another variant, it is conceivable that the connecting support(s) are, firstly, fixed to the window forming a window-connecting support(s) assembly. This assembly is then fixed to the base plate.

[0069] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible to various variants and modifications which will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0070] Indeed, it is conceivable that the fixing system is arranged at the level of the outer surface also called upper 11' of the cooking plate 10. This advantageously allows the window 140 to be delimited and protected from impacts with cooking utensils.

Claims

Demands

1. Cooking plate (10) for a fixed or mobile cooking appliance comprising a base plate (11) having at least one cooking zone (13) and comprising at least one control and / or information zone (14), said control and / or information zone being formed by a window (140) separated from said base plate by at least one seal (16) made of synthetic material, characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system (18) arranged.

2. Plate according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening system comprises at least one connecting support (180) provided with at least two fastening zones (181), at least one zone for fastening to the window and at least one zone for fastening to the base plate.

3. Plate according to claim 2, wherein the connecting support is a profile.

4. Plate according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the connecting support(s) (180) extend over the entire length of the joint.

5. Plate according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the connecting support includes means for centering (184) the window relative to the base plate.

6. Plate according to the preceding claim, wherein the centering means comprise at least one stud (185).

7. Plate according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the link support includes means for retaining (186) a control and / or information module to the link support.

8. Plate according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing system (180) is arranged under said cooking plate.

9. Cooking module comprising a plate according to any one of the preceding claims, said cooking module comprising at least one heating element arranged under the cooking zone of said cooking plate and at least one control and / or information module arranged under the window.

10. Method of manufacturing a cooking plate comprising a base plate (2) having at least one cooking zone (3, 3') and having at least one control and / or information zone (4), said control and / or information zone (4) being formed by a window (5) intended to be installed in an opening in the base plate and separated from said base plate (2) by at least one seal (6) made of synthetic material, the window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system comprising at least one connecting support having at least two fixing zones, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate, said method comprising the following steps: - Obtain the base plate and the window; - Obtain at least one connection support; - Place the window in the opening of the base plate; - Attach the connecting bracket to the cooktop to have at least one fixing area in contact with the window and at least one fixing area in contact with the base plate; - Place the seal in the gap between the window and the base plate.

11. A manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, wherein it further comprises a step of centering the window in the opening of the base plate.

12. A manufacturing method according to claims 10 or 11, wherein the connecting support includes centering means and in that the step of fixing the connecting support further allows the window to be centered relative to the base plate.

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