Food preparation system comprising special cookware which can be fixed in position on a hob plate

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a food preparation system (1) comprising a hob (2) which has a hob plate (3) on which preparation cookware for food can be placed, characterized in that the hob (2) has a coupling device (25, 27) by means of which special cookware (14) for food, which is separate from the hob (2) and differs from the preparation cookware, can be mechanically coupled, so that the special cookware (14) is fixed in position on the hob plate (3) for preparing the food.

Description

[0001] Cooking system with position-fixable special cookware on the hob plate

[0002] One aspect of the invention relates to a food preparation system with a cooktop which has a cooktop plate on which preparation utensils for food can be placed.

[0003] A cooktop is known to have a cooking surface. This is usually made of glass or glass-ceramic. Pans, pots, or roasting utensils can be placed on this cooking surface as intended. These are examples of cookware. Such cookware is separate from the cooking surface and can therefore be positioned directly on it in a variety of ways and in different positions. A cooktop typically has at least one cooking zone. This zone is geographically defined, as the heating element of the cooktop can be heated individually. Only when the cookware is placed precisely on this cooking zone can it be heated as intended, so that the food in the cookware is cooked.

[0004] It is also well known that kitchens contain a variety of cooking appliances. For example, in addition to a cooktop, there is often a separate system for grilling, steaming, or similar methods. These separate appliances, considered independently, therefore require a relatively large amount of space in a kitchen.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to create a food preparation system in which the usability of a cooking surface is extended.

[0006] This problem is solved by a food preparation system which has the features of claim 1. One aspect of the invention relates to a food preparation system with a cooktop. The cooktop has a cooking surface. This surface can be made of glass or glass-ceramic. The cooking surface is designed so that a separate cooking vessel can be placed on it in order to prepare food in the cooking vessel when a specific area of ​​the cooking surface, namely at least one cooking zone, is heated by a heating device of the cooktop.

[0007] The cooktop features a coupling device that allows at least one special cookware item, separate from the cooktop and distinct from the standard cooking vessel, to be mechanically connected, thus securing the cookware in a fixed position on the cooktop surface. This creates a food preparation system with the cooktop as its base. To expand its functionality, it is configured so that a separate special cookware item, also intended for cooking, can be fixed to the cooktop surface at a predetermined and defined location. This ensures that the special cookware item can always be attached to the cooktop at the same, permanently fixed location. Consequently, the cooktop can also be used to prepare food in the special cookware item.This expands the cooking functionality of the cooktop. The food preparation system thus extends the cooking capabilities of a cooktop in a space-saving manner. The special cookware, separate from the cooktop, allows food to be placed and arranged directly within it for cooking. The coupling mechanism ensures that the special cookware can always be positioned in the same place on the cooktop and that the cooktop is used to heat the cookware, creating a particularly functional system. This eliminates the need for the special cookware itself to have its own heating element.

[0008] In particular, at least one special piece of equipment is part of the

[0009] Food preparation system. The coupling device ensures that the special cookware is always positioned in the same place on the cooktop, thus facilitating efficient cooking. Furthermore, the fixed position of the cookware prevents unwanted slipping, tipping, or knocking over when attached to the cooktop. Since no additional space is required next to the cooktop for the cookware, the food preparation system boasts a compact design. Additionally, the reversible coupling and uncoupling of the cookware to the cooktop via the coupling device allows for easy removal and storage or repositioning when not in use.This means the cooktop can also be used independently. In particular, the fixed position of the special cookware is such that it is positioned above the cooktop surface. Specifically, when viewed from a projection, it is positioned so that it lies at least partially within the surface area of ​​the cooktop.

[0010] In one embodiment, the coupling device has a coupling receptacle into which a coupling element can be inserted to form the mechanically fixed, position-oriented arrangement of the special harness. This also advantageously enables a targeted and intended engagement of a coupling receptacle and a coupling element. The fixed position is thus particularly advantageously achieved.

[0011] In one embodiment, the coupling receptacle is formed on the cooktop. The coupling element is specifically formed on the special cookware. This is advantageous because, when the special cookware is not present, there is no freely projecting or otherwise protruding coupling part on the cooktop. Therefore, when the special cookware is removed, the functionality of the cooktop is not restricted and the installation space of the cooktop is not increased.

[0012] In one embodiment, the coupling receptacle is designed as a coupling channel and the coupling element as a coupling pin. This results in a very compact coupling system which is also mechanically stable in the engaged state, ensuring that the fixed position is maintained reliably and permanently. Functionality is maintained even after repeated disengagement and re-establishment of the coupled state.

[0013] In one embodiment, the coupling device for automatically adjusting the coupled end position of the coupling element in the coupling receptacle is designed starting from an initial coupling state of the components. This is another very advantageous embodiment, since the initial coupling state provides an initial state from which the automatic adjustment of the coupled end position then takes place, particularly in a targeted and guided manner. This ensures that the coupling is carried out safely and reliably, and that the coupled end state is reliably reached.

[0014] This is particularly advantageous when the automatic adjustment of the coupled end position, starting from the initial coupling state, is generated by the weight of the special cookware. This makes it especially easy to position the special cookware precisely on the cooktop, particularly from above, and once this position is reached, the initial coupling state is also established. The weight of the special cookware then automatically advances a coupling pin further into a coupling receptacle, thus easily achieving the coupled end state or position.

[0015] In one embodiment, the coupled end position of the special cookware, fixed in at least two spatial directions, is also locked to the coupling device. This means, in particular, that this coupled end position cannot be released independently. Rather, in one embodiment, this coupled end position remains in place until the corresponding lock is released. This prevents unwanted movement of the special cookware, for example, when adding or removing food. Unwanted lifting, for example, by bumping or similar action, can also be prevented. In another embodiment, the lock can be released by actuating a control element of the cooking system. Therefore, it is necessary that this lock be intentionally released, and this is only possible when this control element is actuated.This also prevents unwanted changes to the coupled end position of the special cookware on the cooktop. It also prevents unnoticed changes in the position of the special cookware on the cooktop.

[0016] In one embodiment, the coupling device has an electronic interface designed specifically for the transmission of electrical energy and / or data. This expands the coupling device's functionality and makes it multifunctional. With its compact and local design, the coupling device can thus not only achieve a mechanical connection between the special cookware and the cooktop, but also transmit electrical energy and / or data.

[0017] In one embodiment, the special cookware is a teppanyaki grill, a griddle, a blender, or a wok. In each of these cases, the special cookware can include a receiving element for the food being cooked. It can also, for example, have a lid.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cooktop has a heating device for heating at least one cooking zone. The cooking zone is defined on the cooktop surface, particularly in terms of area. The special cookware is heated in its fixed, coupled end position by means of the heating device when it is activated.

[0019] In one embodiment, the special cookware can be in direct contact with the coupling device, and thus also with the cooktop, only via the coupling elements. A section of the special cookware, into which the food is intended to be placed for cooking, can then be positioned at a distance from the cooktop, particularly at a certain vertical distance. However, it is also possible for this section of the special cookware, into which the food is intended to be placed for cooking, to rest directly on the top surface of the cooktop. In this context, it is also possible for the coupling device to be designed to set at least two discrete positions of the special cookware on the cooktop, particularly in the vertical direction.This allows the special cookware to sit directly on the top of the cooktop in a first position, with the area intended for food preparation resting directly on top of the cooktop. In a second, less precise position, the special cookware can be positioned relative to the cooktop by the coupling device in such a way that the area where the food is to be placed for preparation is located at a distance from the top of the cooktop.

[0020] In one embodiment, the special cookware features a wireless communication interface. This interface is designed to communicate with the cooktop and / or an external unit. This external unit can also be part of the cooking system. Energy signals and / or data signals can be transmitted via this communication interface.

[0021] The terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “depth direction”, “latitude direction”, “height direction” indicate the positions and orientations given when the system is used and positioned as intended.

[0022] Further features of the invention are evident from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures alone, are not only usable in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention. Embodiments and combinations of features that do not exhibit all the features of an originally formulated independent claim are also to be considered disclosed.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. These show:

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a food preparation system according to the invention; and

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a vertical section view through an embodiment of a partial area of ​​a food preparation system according to the invention.

[0026] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0027] Figure 1 shows exemplary embodiments of a food preparation system 1 in a perspective view. The food preparation system 1 has a cooktop 2. The cooktop 2 has a cooktop surface 3. This surface can be made of glass or glass-ceramic. In the exemplary embodiment, the cooktop 2 has several cooking zones 4, 5, 6, and 7, the number, size, and position of which are merely examples and by no means exhaustive. These areas, preferably marked on a top surface 3a of the cooktop surface 3, are intended for placing cooking utensils. These cooking zones 4, 5, 6, and 7 can be heated. For this purpose, heating devices 8, 9, 10, and 11 are provided in the exemplary embodiment. In particular, the heating devices 9 to 11 can be, for example, radiant heating elements or resistance heating elements. Other heating units can also be provided.

[0028] The cooking zone 2 also includes a control and / or display device 12. In particular, the cooking zone 2 also includes a control unit 13. Furthermore, the cooking system 1 also includes at least one special cookware 14. The special cookware 14 is a separate device from the cooking zone 2, into which food can be placed for cooking. The special cookware 14 can be, for example, a teppanyaki grill, a griddle, a blender, or a wok.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, the special cookware 14 has a trough-like area 15. This is intended for placing food in it for cooking. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, the special cookware 14 has coupling elements 16, 17, 18, and 19. These are coupling pins in the exemplary embodiment. They extend downwards from a base 20 of the trough-like area 15. They are formed particularly at the corner regions of the base 20.

[0030] These coupling elements 16 to 19 are designed to be inserted into and coupled to coupling receptacles 21, 22, 23, and 24. As can be seen, these coupling receptacles 21 to 24 are formed in the cooktop plate 3. In particular, they are coupling receptacles that extend completely through the cooktop plate 3. They, like the coupling elements 16 to 19 in particular, are components of a coupling device 25. This coupling device 25 is designed so that the special cookware 14, which differs from the cooktop 2 and from a preparation vessel, can be mechanically coupled to the cooktop 2, in particular the cooktop plate 3, without causing damage. In the coupled state of the four coupling elements 16 to 19 provided here as examples with the four coupling receptacles 21 to 24 provided as examples, a position-fixed state of the special cookware 14 on the hob 2, in particular the hob plate 3, is achieved.

[0031] In this embodiment, the coupling device 25 can also be designed to automatically adjust the coupled end position of the coupling elements 16 to 19 in the coupling receptacles 21 to 24. This can be achieved by placing the special cookware 14 from above, with the coupling elements 16 to 19, onto the local coupling receptacles 21 to 24, and by the weight of the special cookware 14 pressing the coupling elements 16 to 19 downwards into the coupling receptacles 21 to 24. It is also possible that the coupling receptacles 21 to 24, which are hole-like in the cooktop 3, can be closed by locking elements, for example, spring-loaded in the vertical direction, when no special cookware 14 is in place. In this case, a spring pushes a locking element upwards so that a hole in a coupling receptacle 21 to 24 in the cooktop 3 is closed from above.This prevents dust or liquids from entering these coupling mounts 21 to 24, even when not in use. Due to the weight of the special harness 14, this spring-loaded position of the locking elements is released, and they are pressed downwards.

[0032] In particular, it is provided that the fixed position of the coupling elements 16 to 19 in the channels of the coupling receptacles 21 to 24 is also locked. This can be released by actuating a control element. This can, for example, be formed on the special harness 14. It is also possible that this control element is formed on the operating and / or display unit 12.

[0033] In another embodiment, it can also be provided that, starting from an initial coupling state in which the coupling elements 16 to 19 are positioned on the coupling receptacles 21 to 24, in particular on corresponding locking elements, the initial coupling state is converted into a coupled, position-fixed final state or into a corresponding end position by actuating a control element. For example, starting from this initial coupling state, the special harness 14 can then only be lowered downwards if this control element is actuated. The lowering can then be carried out hydraulically or pneumatically. In this respect, the coupling elements 16 to 19 are guided downwards in the channels of the coupling receptacles 21 to 24 or are further lowered into the coupling receptacles 21 to 24.

[0034] It is possible that the coupling device 25 has a defined end position in the vertical direction (y-direction). However, it is also possible that at least two different discrete vertical positions can be set with this coupling device 25. This allows the special cookware 14 to be positioned at different heights relative to the cooktop 3. For example, a position in which the special cookware 14, in particular its base 20, is fully seated on the top of the cooktop 3 can be provided. Additionally or instead of this, a discrete end position can be provided in which the base 20 is positioned at a distance from the top 3a of the cooktop 3 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0035] It is also possible that the coupling device 25 not only forms a mechanical interface, but also additionally has an interface for the transmission of electrical energy and / or data. A wireless communication interface may also be provided, not only in this context. This, too, may be located on the coupling device 25. However, it is also possible that such a wireless communication interface may be located elsewhere on a special harness 14. For example, a communication interface may be located on the trough-shaped area 15. Here, too, the position, size, and number are merely symbolic and by no means exhaustive.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a further embodiment in which a further coupling device 27 is formed in addition to the coupling device 25 already described. This is designed, for example, as an attachment, in particular as a rail-like attachment on the upper surface 3a of the cooktop 3. In contrast to the embodiment described above, a vertical coupling of the coupling elements 16 to 19 with coupling receptacles 21 to 24 is not possible here, but rather a horizontal coupling.

[0037] An example of this coupling device 27 is shown in a vertical sectional view in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, one coupling receptacle 21 is shown, among the preferably multiple coupling receptacles. This receptacle has a channel 28 for inserting a coupling element 16. Fig. 2 shows a state of the coupling receptacle 21 in which a receiving element 29 is arranged in a home position. This receiving element is preferably set back from an opening 30 of the coupling receptacle 21. Starting from this state, if the coupling element 16 is inserted horizontally into the channel 28, it is preferably inserted into a jaw-like receptacle 31. Starting from this state, in one embodiment, the coupling element 16 can be further displaced horizontally, so that a spring 32 is compressed.This can continue until a bolt 34 of the coupling device 27, also pre-tensioned by a spring 33, enters an opening 35 of the coupling element 16. This then achieves a locked state of the position-fixed, coupled final state.

[0038] To release this locked state, an operating element 36, which is preferably also pre-tensioned by a spring 37, can be pressed inwards in a horizontal direction, thereby releasing the locked state of the bolt 34 in the hole 35 via a release element 38. The coupling element 16 can then be removed again, or is pushed out by the compressed spring 32 along with the slide or element 29. Complete removal can then be achieved by removing the special cookware 14 horizontally, here in the width direction, from the coupling device 27 or the cooktop-side part of the coupling device 27. Here too, the opening 30 can be closed with a locking element (not shown here), preferably spring-loaded, when no coupling element 16 is inserted.

[0039] In one embodiment, the coupling device 27 can also be provided for the coupling device 25 in the example according to Fig. 1. In particular, it can be rotated by 90° so that the opening 30, which is then formed in the cooktop plate 3, points upwards. This coupling device can then be formed partly in the cooktop plate 3 and partly below it.

[0040] The coupling device 25, 27 may also be provided with an electronic interface 39, in particular for the transmission of electrical energy and / or data. Communication with the cooktop 2 and / or an external unit 40 may also take place here, as well as additionally or instead of using a communication interface 26 of the special cookware 14.

[0041] Reference symbol list

[0042] 1. Food preparation system

[0043] 2 cooking zones

[0044] 3 hob plates

[0045] 3a Top

[0046] 4 cooking zones

[0047] 5 cooking zones

[0048] 6 cooking zones

[0049] 7 cooking zones

[0050] 8 Heating device

[0051] 9 Heating device

[0052] 10 Heating device

[0053] 11 Heating device

[0054] 12 Display device

[0055] 13 Control unit

[0056] 14 Special tableware

[0057] 15 area

[0058] 16 coupling element

[0059] 17 coupling element

[0060] 18 coupling element

[0061] 19 coupling element

[0062] 20 floor

[0063] 21 coupling mount

[0064] 22 coupling mount

[0065] 23 coupling mount

[0066] 24 coupling mount

[0067] 25 coupling device

[0068] 26 Communication interface

[0069] 27 Coupling device

[0070] 28-channel

[0071] 29 Receiving element 30 Opening

[0072] 31 recording

[0073] 32 springs

[0074] 33 Spring 34 Bolt

[0075] 35 holes

[0076] 35 Opening

[0077] 36 Control element

[0078] 37 Spring 38 Release element

[0079] 39 Interface

[0080] 40 Unit x Latitude direction y Altitude direction z Depth direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Food preparation system (1) with a cooktop (2) which has a cooktop plate (3) on which preparation cookware for food can be placed, characterized in that the cooktop (2) has a coupling device (25, 27) with which a special cookware (14) for food, separate from the cooktop (2) and different from the preparation cookware, can be mechanically coupled, so that the special cookware (14) is arranged in a fixed position on the cooktop plate (3) for preparing the food.

2. Cooking food preparation system (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling device (25, 27) has a coupling receptacle (21 , 22, 23, 24) into which a coupling element (16, 17, 18, 19) can be inserted to form the mechanical, positionally fixed arrangement of the special cookware (14).

3. Cooking food preparation system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the coupling receptacle (21 to 24) is formed on the hob plate (3), and the coupling element (16 to 19) is formed on the special cookware (14).

4. Cooking system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the coupling receptacle (21 to 24) has a coupling channel (28) and the coupling element (16 to 19) is designed as a coupling pin.

5. Cooking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the coupling device (25, 27) is designed for automatically adjusting the coupled end position of the coupling element (16 to 19) in the coupling receptacle (21 to 24) starting from an initial coupling state of the components (16 to 19; 21 to 24).

6. Cooking system (1) according to claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the automatic adjustment of the coupled end position from the initial coupling state is generated by the weight of the special cookware (14) and / or by hydraulically or pneumatically guided movement.

7. Cooking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupled end position of the special cookware (14), which is fixed in position in at least two spatial directions, is locked with the coupling device (25, 27).

8. Food preparation system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking mechanism can be released by actuating a control element (36) of the food preparation system (1).

9. Food preparation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling device (25, 27) has an electronic interface (39), in particular for the transmission of electrical energy and / or data.

10. Food preparation system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the special cookware (14) is a teppanyaki or a griddle or a mixer or a wok.

11. Cooking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hob (2) has a heating device (8, 9, 10, 11) for heating at least one cooking zone (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein the special cookware (14) is heated in the position-fixed, coupled end position by means of the heating device (8, 9, 10, 11).

12. Cooking system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the special cookware (14) has a wireless communication interface (26) for communicating with the cooktop (2) and / or an external unit (40).

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