ceramic glass cooktop with seamless display window

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooking plate (11) 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 (14) being formed by a window (140) separated from said base plate (11) by a gap (112), characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate (11) by a fixing system (18), said fixing system comprising at least one connecting support (180), arranged under the cooking plate, comprising a main portion (181) on which at least two fixing zones are arranged, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate, said connecting support further comprising a central portion (182) extending from the main portion and adapted to fit into said gap.

Description

Title of the invention: Ceramic glass cooktop with seamless 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 always 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 solid 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 cooking utensil. The seal must therefore be able to withstand the temperature of the cooking utensil placed near or even on the window. The materials commonly used in the cooking industry are silicones, which are temperature-resistant. This type of material has its own drawbacks in terms of processability (viscousness, polymerization time) and also aesthetics (limited available colors).

[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 therefore seeks to solve the problems of the prior art by providing a cooking plate equipped with a window for a control area which 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 a gap, characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system, said fixing system comprising at least one connecting support, arranged under the cooking plate, comprising a main portion on which at least two fixing zones are arranged, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate, said connecting support further comprising a central portion extending from the main portion and adapted to fit into said gap.

[0010] According to one example, the central portion has a maximum width equal to the width of the gap.

[0011] According to one example, the central portion has a maximum width less than the width of the gap.

[0012] According to one example, the central portion has a uniform width.

[0013] According to one example, the base plate and the window comprise an exterior surface arranged in the same plane, the central portion extends to be flush with the exterior surface.

[0014] According to one example, the base plate and the window comprise an exterior surface arranged in the same plane, the central portion extends to be recessed from the exterior surface.

[0015] According to one example, the connecting support(s) extend over the entire length of the joint / gap

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

[0017] The invention further relates to a cooking module comprising a plate according to the invention, 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 having at least one cooking zone and having 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 a gap, 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:

[0019] - Obtain the base plate and the window;

[0020] - Provide at least one connection support;

[0021] - Place the window in the opening of the base plate;

[0022] - Fix the connecting support to the underside of the cooking plate to have at less one fixing area in contact with the window and at least one fixing area in contact with the base plate;

[0023] According to one example, the method further includes a step of centering the window in the opening of the base plate.

[0024] According to one example, the connecting support includes centering means and in that the step of fixing the connecting support further allows said window to be centered with respect to the base plate. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] 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:

[0026] - Figures 1 and 2 represent a cooking device according to the invention;

[0027] - [Fig.3] represents a cooking appliance mounted on a box;

[0028] - [Fig. 4] represents a cooking plate of a cooking appliance mounted on a box;

[0029] - Figure 5 represents a cooking plate equipped with a window according to the invention.

[0030] - Figures 6a and 6b represent a window attached to a base plate with the fastening means according to the invention;

[0031] - Figures 7 to 12 represent different versions of a connecting support according to the invention;

[0032] - [Fig. 13] represents a cooking plate equipped with a window and supports for connection comprising centering means according to the invention;

[0033] - Figure 14 shows a cooking plate equipped with a window and supports of a connection capable of carrying an information or control module according to the invention. Detailed description

[0034] 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 an outer surface, also called the upper surface 11', which is flat and designed to be placed horizontally and on which the cooking utensils to be heated rest. The base plate 11 then includes an inner surface, also called the lower surface 11', opposite the outer surface.

[0035] 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 11 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.

[0036] 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 13. Thus, for two cooking zones 13, it is possible to have two control and information zones 14. Under each control and / or information zone, there is a control and / or information module.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The cooking plate 11 is suitable for being placed on a structure 2, as seen in [Fig.3], according to several embodiments.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 10 to be brought onto the work surface.

[0041] In a second embodiment, the cooking plate 10 functions as a work surface. In this case, the cooking plate 10 is placed directly onto a 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.

[0042] 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 Figure 5. The cooktop 10 thus comprises the base plate 11 and the window 140. It is understood that the window material 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, tempered or toughened glass. Preferably, the window has higher 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 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 hot cookware.

[0043] 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. This gap has a maximum width of 5 mm. Indeed, it is necessary that the gap 112 be as discreet as possible and offer the least visual discontinuity.

[0044] The edges of the window and the edges of the opening of the base plate can be straight / flat or rounded, chamfered, beveled.

[0045] According to the invention, the window 140 is attached to the base plate 11 by means of a fastening system 18. This fastening system 18 is arranged under the cooking plate 10 as shown in Figures 6a and 6b. This fastening system 18 comprises at least one connecting support 180. This connecting support 180 is a part that extends on either side of the gap 112. More particularly, the connecting support is a profile. This profile comprises a main portion 181. The main portion 181 The mounting areas are the zones through which the connecting bracket 180 is attached to the window and the base plate 11. The connecting bracket 180 is attached by bonding. The connecting bracket 180 is made of a material such as metal or one of its alloys, carbon, plastic or polymer, or any other suitable material. The chosen material is preferably resistant to the maximum temperature reached on the underside of the glass-ceramic, for example, when moving an empty heated pan (for a 4 mm thick glass-ceramic, the material must withstand a maximum of 100°C) or, for example, during continuous heating. The connecting bracket 180 then allows the window to be mechanically fixed to the base plate 11.

[0046] It is then 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 different coefficients of thermal expansion of these materials.

[0047] This connecting support 180 advantageously allows for a mechanical fixing between the window 140 and the base plate 11.

[0048] The connecting support further includes a central portion 182. The central portion 182 extends orthogonally to the main portion 181. This central portion 182 is arranged to fit into the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11.

[0049] According to a first embodiment, said insertion is made so that the central portion 182 is in contact with the base plate 110 and the window 140. In this first embodiment, the maximum width of the central portion 182 is equal to the width of the gap 112 between the base plate 11 and the window 140. It is then understood that the central portion 182 comprises a constant width or a variable width as seen in Figures 7 and 8.

[0050] According to a second embodiment, the insertion is made such that the central portion 182 is in contact with, at most, the base plate 11 or the window 140. It is understood that the central portion 182 may not be in contact with the base plate 11 and the window 140. In this second embodiment, the maximum width of the central portion 182 is less than the width of the gap 112 between the base plate and the window. It is understood that the central portion 182 has a constant width or a variable width, as shown in Figures 9 to 11.

[0051] In both embodiments, the central portion 182 at least partially obstructs the space between the base plate 11 and the window 140. The purpose of the central portion 182 is then solely to prevent food soiling from entering said cooking plate.

[0052] In the case of the first embodiment, the central portion 182 is used to at least occasionally extend over the entire width of the gap 112 and thus completely obstruct the gap between the window and the base plate.

[0053] In the case of the second embodiment, the central portion 182 is intended to partially fill the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11. This reduces the space and therefore limits the fouling phenomena and facilitates cleaning which can become embedded in the depth, thickness of the cooking plate.

[0054] In a first embodiment, the fastening system 18 comprises a connecting support 180. This connecting support 180 is then unique and therefore extends along the gap 112 between the window and the base plate. The connecting support 180 is then annular or forms a loop.

[0055] In a second embodiment, the fastening system 18 comprises at least two connecting supports 180. The at least two connecting supports 180 are arranged to form the equivalent of an annular piece. It is then understood that the at least two connecting supports 180, when installed, complement each other to extend along the gap between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting supports 180 may then be identical or not, regularly spaced or not.

[0056] The central portion 182 is arranged to have a maximum length such that, once installed, said central portion 182 is level with the outer surface of the base plate 11. Preferably, the end of the central portion 182 is recessed from the plane of the outer surface of the base plate. In the case of a recess, its minimum length is 0.3 mm.

[0057] This indentation is advantageous because it protects the central portion 182 from heat. In fact, the indentation prevents the central portion 182 from coming into contact with a hot cooking utensil. It is therefore possible to use a material with lower heat resistance, or one that is easier to shape, or one that allows for a wider choice of colors.

[0058] Furthermore, this recess, in cases where the central portion 182 is not in contact with either the base plate 11 or the window 140, improves the aesthetic effect. Indeed, the recess makes the central portion 182 less visible. This recess is all the more advantageous when the base plate and the window have rounded or chamfered edges, as seen in [Fig. 12].

[0059] In one embodiment, the connecting support 180 includes centering means 19. Indeed, the window 140 must be positioned relative to the base plate 11 so that the gap 112 between at least said window and the central portion 182 is as constant as possible. Centering means 19 then allow the window 140 to be shimmed relative to the base plate. The centering means 19 are used in the case of the second embodiment of the central portion 182 in which it is in contact with, at most, only the base plate 11 or the window 140. These centering means 19 consist of at least one projecting portion 190 extending from the central portion. This projecting portion 190 extends in the direction of the window 140 and / or the base plate. base 11. This projecting portion 190 is designed to contact the edge of the base plate or window to secure the window's position. The number of projecting portions 190 and their positioning depend on the central portion.

[0060] Preferably, the fastening system 19 comprises at least two centering means 190 as shown in [Fig. 13]. These at least two centering means 19 are arranged on adjacent sides or are angularly offset. These two centering means 19 allow the window 140 to be positioned relative to the base plate 11, thus obtaining a gap between said window and the base plate that is constant along its entire length.

[0061] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the connecting support 180 includes retaining means 20 for holding and securing the control and / or information module. 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 180 includes at least one retaining hook 21. This retaining hook 21 extends parallel to the plane of the window in the direction of the window. This retaining hook 21 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.

[0062] Alternatively, the retaining means 20 include a support tab drilled for the passage of a screw allowing the control and / or information module to be screwed onto the connection support

[0063] The installation of the window for the manufacture of the cooking plate according to the present invention can be done in the following manner.

[0064] 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 surfaces rest on the assembly table. The window 140 is arranged in the opening of the base plate 11.

[0065] Secondly, the method consists of providing at least one connection support 180.

[0066] Next, the window 140 is centered with respect to the base plate 11. This third The next step involves manipulating the window to ensure that the gap is constant along its entire length. Wedges can be used and positioned to guarantee such consistency.

[0067] After that, the connecting support is fixed to the base plate and the window. For this, Glue or double-sided adhesive is applied to the fixing areas of at least one 180 bonding support. Once the glue has been applied, the 180 bonding support is put in place ensuring that one fixing area is in contact with the base plate and one fixing area is in contact with the window.

[0068] In an embodiment of the method, the connecting support(s) include centering means. In this case, the centering step is superfluous. Indeed, when the connecting support(s) are fixed, the centering means automatically allow the window to be moved to obtain a constant gap.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

Claims

Claims

1. Cooking plate (11) 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 (14) being formed by a window (140) separated from said base plate (11) by a gap (112), characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate (11) by a fixing system (18), said fixing system comprising at least one connecting support (180), arranged under the cooking plate, comprising a main portion (181) on which at least two fixing zones are arranged, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate, said connecting support further comprising a central portion (182) extending from the main portion and adapted to be inserted into said gap.

2. Plate according to claim 1, in which the central portion (182) has a maximum width equal to the width of the gap (112).

3. A plate according to claim 1, wherein the central portion has a maximum width less than the width of the gap (112).

4. Plate according to one of claims 1 to 3 in which the central portion (182) has a uniform width.

5. A plate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base plate and the window (140) comprise an outer surface arranged in the same plane, the central portion (182) extends to be flush with the outer surface.

6. A plate according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base plate and the window comprise an outer surface arranged in the same plane, the central portion extending to be set back from the outer surface.

7. Plate according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the connecting support(s) extend over the entire length of the gap (112).

8. Plate according to one of claims 2 to 7, in which the connection support comprises means for holding a control and / or information module on the connection support.

9. Cooking module comprising a plate according to one of the claims- preceding indications, 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 for manufacturing a cooking plate (11) comprising a base plate (12) having at least one cooking zone (13) and comprising at least one control and / or information zone (14), said control and / or information zone (14) being formed by a window (140) intended to be installed in an opening of the base plate and separated from said base plate (11) by a gap (112), the window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system comprising at least one connecting support (180) 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, said method comprising the following steps: - Providing the base plate and the window; - Providing the at least one connecting support; - Placing the window in the opening of the base plate;- Fix the connecting support on the underside of the hob to have at least one fixing area in contact with the window and at least one fixing area in contact with the base plate.;

11. 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 comprises centering means and in that the step of fixing the connecting support further allows said window to be centered relative to the base plate.

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