Induction hob having a multi-layer cover plate

Abstract

An induction hob (8) has an induction heater (14) and a cover plate (10) arranged above the induction heater (14). The cover plate (10) has a glass ceramic plate (18) and a decorative plate (16) made of a different material than the glass ceramic plate (18), said decorative plate being arranged over the glass ceramic plate (18). The induction hob (8) is arranged in a kitchen combination, specifically in a recess (6) of a countertop. The decorative plate (16) can be matched visually to the countertop (2). The glass ceramic plate (18) assumes the mechanical supporting function in that its horizontal underside (18a) is supported by a support (22). The glass ceramic plate (18) and the decorative plate (16) are connected to one another only via a frame bracket (30) in their edge regions.

Description

[0001] P193606PC002025-08-14

[0002] 1

[0003] Induction hob with multi-layer cover plate

[0004] Field of invention

[0005] The invention relates to an induction hob with an induction heater and a cover plate arranged above the induction heater, wherein the cover plate has a glass ceramic plate.

[0006] The invention further relates to a kitchen combination with an induction hob of this type and a worktop.

[0007] background

[0008] Induction cooktops typically have a glass-ceramic surface. Glass-ceramic is particularly suitable as a surface due to its temperature resistance and robustness.

[0009] Induction hobs of this type can, for example, be arranged in the recess of a worktop in a kitchen unit.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] The problem is to provide a flexibly usable induction cooktop.

[0012] This task is fulfilled by the induction cooktop according to claim 1.

[0013] Accordingly, the induction cooktop has an induction heating element and a cover plate positioned above it. The cover plate is multi-layered and comprises a glass-ceramic plate and a decorative plate. The decorative plate is positioned above the glass-ceramic plate and is made of a different material than the glass-ceramic plate.

[0014] The combination of a glass-ceramic cooktop with a decorative panel made of a different material placed on top offers the advantage that the induction cooktop can be used as a conventional glass-ceramic induction cooktop without a cover without major modifications, but with the decorative panel, it can also be used for other applications. For example, simply adding the decorative panel allows the optical and / or mechanical surface finish of the induction cooktop to be adapted to specific needs. P193606PC002025-08-14

[0015] 2

[0016] The decorative panel can be, for example, a sintered ceramic panel. This material is particularly suitable for work surfaces in kitchens.

[0017] To reduce thermal stress between the glass-ceramic panel and the decorative panel, the decorative panel can be mounted on the glass-ceramic panel with a horizontally movable surface. A frame bracket is provided to join the panels, connecting them at their edges.

[0018] The frame support is advantageously designed to accommodate linear relative horizontal expansion differences between the decorative panel and the glass-ceramic panel of at least 1%, and in particular at least 2%, of the (horizontal) panel diameter. This is explained in more detail below.

[0019] The invention also relates to a kitchen combination with an induction hob of this type and with a worktop, wherein the cover plate of the induction hob is arranged in a recess of the worktop.

[0020] Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Further embodiments, advantages, and applications of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to the figures. These figures show:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a kitchen combination with an induction hob and a worktop.

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a section through the kitchen combination according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shows a section through the edge area of ​​the arrangement according to Fig. 2.

[0024] Ways to implement the invention

[0025] Definitions

[0026] Sintered ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials produced through a sintering process. Unlike glass ceramics, sintered ceramics are not transparent at thicknesses of 2 mm or more.

[0027] Horizontal refers to directions parallel to the cover plate. Vertical refers to directions perpendicular to the cover plate. P193606PC002025-08-14

[0028] 3

[0029] The top and bottom are defined such that the induction heater is located below the top plate.

[0030] kitchen combination

[0031] An example of a kitchen combination is shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0032] The kitchen combination shown has a worktop 2, which is held at a working height by walls or supports 4, for example, so that a user can work on it.

[0033] A recess 6 is provided in the worktop 2. This recess can be, as shown, completely enclosed by the worktop 2. However, it can also be located, for example, at the edge of the worktop 2 and enclosed by the worktop 2 on only three or even only two sides.

[0034] An induction hob 8 is arranged in the recess 6. For simplified installation, the induction hob 8 can be attached to the worktop 2, as shown, so that the worktop 2 bears the weight of the induction hob 8.

[0035] The induction cooktop 8 has a cover plate 10, which forms the top of the induction cooktop 8. A housing 12 is attached below the cover plate 10, in which, among other things, an induction heater 14 is arranged. The induction heater 14 is designed in a manner known per se to generate alternating magnetic fields in a cooking area above the cover plate 10 in order to inductively heat electrically conductive cookware placed there.

[0036] To heat multiple cookware items individually, the induction heater 14 can be designed to generate individually selectable alternating fields in several cooking zones 15. The cooking zones 15 can have a predefined geometry or be dynamically defined.

[0037] As described in more detail later, the top surface of the cover plate 10 can be made of the same material as the top surface of the worktop 2, or the two top surfaces can at least be visually matched.

[0038] In addition to the induction hob 8, other appliances and installations can be arranged in the worktop 2, e.g. a sink and / or a scale. P193606PC002025-08-14

[0039] 4

[0040] Induction hob and bracket

[0041] Possible design aspects of the induction hob 8 and mounting options on the worktop 2 are described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 3.

[0042] As shown, the cover plate 10 is composed of at least two horizontally arranged plates, namely a decorative plate 16 and a glass-ceramic plate 18. The decorative plate 16 is arranged above the glass-ceramic plate 18 and advantageously forms the top surface of the cover plate 10.

[0043] The decorative panel 16 is made of a different material than the glass-ceramic panel 18. This makes it possible to adapt the top surface of the induction cooktop 8 to the respective optical and / or mechanical requirements. Thus, the same induction cooktop 8 with its glass-ceramic panel 18 can be combined with different decorative panels 16, but it can also be used without a decorative panel 16.

[0044] For a visually and mechanically very good adaptation of the induction hob 8 to the worktop 2, the worktop 2 and the decorative panel 16 can be made of the same material.

[0045] The appliance body 12 of the induction cooktop 10 can be attached to the underside 18a of the glass-ceramic surface 18. (If another panel or coating is provided below the glass-ceramic surface 18, the appliance body 12 can also be attached to its underside; i.e., the appliance body can, for example, generally be attached to the underside of the cover plate 10). For this purpose, an adhesive connection between the underside and a housing part 20 of the appliance body is provided.

[0046] As mentioned, the induction heater 14 is arranged in the device body 12. For example, the induction heater 14 can be attached directly or indirectly to the housing part 20.

[0047] A support 22 is further arranged in the recess 6, which holds the induction cooktop 8. In particular, the support 22 can bear the weight of the induction cooktop 8.

[0048] In a mechanically particularly simple design, the horizontal underside 18a of the glass ceramic plate 18 is supported downwards on the support 22.

[0049] The support 22 can, for example, be formed by a part of the worktop 2, as shown, e.g., by a tongue 24 of the worktop, the upper surface of which is positioned lower than the upper surface 2b of the worktop 2 and which projects into the recess 6. Alternatively, a suitable fastening element can also be used in addition to the P193606PC002025-08-14

[0050] 5

[0051] Worktop 2 is provided, which is connected to worktop 2 and forms support 22.

[0052] A joint 26 can be provided between the outer edge of the cover plate 10 and the recess 6 of the worktop. This joint 26 is at least sufficiently wide to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and differences in thermal expansion between the worktop 2 and the elements of the cover plate 10.

[0053] A joint element 28 can be provided in the joint 26, which, depending on the detailed design, e.g. together with the recess 6 and / or the support 22, forms a frame bracket 30. The frame bracket 30 connects the decorative panel 16 to the glass-ceramic panel 18 in areas of the outer edges of these panels.

[0054] The frame holder 30 is advantageously designed in such a way that it is able to accommodate the different thermal expansion changes of the decorative panel 16 and the glass ceramic panel 18 in the horizontal direction.

[0055] Glass ceramics typically have a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than 1 / 10-6 / K, while many worktop materials, such as stone, sintered stone, sintered ceramic or quartz composite, have coefficients of expansion of about 6 10 6 possess / I< or more. If the decorative panel 16 is made of such a material, a heating of the panels by, for example, 200K leads to a relative linear horizontal expansion difference of 1% of the panel diameter in the horizontal direction, or more.

[0056] For example, if the plates have a diameter L of 50 cm and their linear expansion coefficients change by 5 10 6 If the thermal conductivity differs by a factor of / I<, then a (full-surface) heating of the plates by 200 K results in a change in their lengths relative to each other of 0.5 mm (1% of the diameter L). The frame support should accommodate this difference.

[0057] More generally, the frame support should advantageously be able to accommodate relative linear horizontal expansion differences between decorative panel 16 and glass ceramic panel 18 of at least 1%, in particular at least 2%, of the panel diameter without damaging the panels or the frame support.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the frame holder 30 is designed to elastically accommodate horizontal expansion differences between the decorative panel 16 and the glass ceramic panel 18 of at least 1%, in particular at least 2%, of the diameter, i.e. the frame holder deforms elastically to compensate for these expansion differences.

[0059] For example, the joint element 28 of the frame bracket is made of an elastomer, and it abuts the decorative panel at least on its entire edge. P193606PC002025-08-14

[0060] 6

[0061] In particular, the joint element can be connected to the decorative panel in a completely watertight manner.

[0062] The elastomer could be, for example, silicone.

[0063] In the illustrated version, the joint element 28 extends vertically not only across the decorative panel 16, but also downwards to the glass-ceramic panel 18, and connects to it all around. This provides centering and support for the glass-ceramic panel 18 as well.

[0064] To achieve an even better seal, the joint element 28 can also be connected to the glass ceramic plate 18 in a watertight manner.

[0065] The joint element 16 can, for example, extend as a band of essentially constant thickness between a vertical outer edge of the cover plate 10 and a vertical inner edge of the recess 6.

[0066] Advantageously, the frame bracket 30 is arranged in the joint 26 between the worktop 2 and the cover plate 10, which allows for a compact design.

[0067] In particular, the frame bracket 30 can seal the joint 26 watertight. In the embodiment shown, the joint element 28 connects watertight to both the cover plate 10 and the worktop 2.

[0068] In another embodiment, a mechanical clearance can also be provided between the frame holder 30 and the cover plate 10, which accommodates linear relative horizontal expansion differences between the decorative plate and the glass ceramic plate of at least 1%, in particular of at least 2%.

[0069] As already mentioned, the decorative panel 16 can be horizontally movable on the glass-ceramic panel 18. In particular, it is advantageous not to provide a direct connection between the underside 16a of the decorative panel 16 and the top side 18b of the glass-ceramic panel 18, e.g. via an adhesive, as this could lead to thermal stresses between the panels in the event of temperature changes.

[0070] Advantageously, the decorative panel 16 and the glass ceramic panel 18 are only connected to each other in the area of ​​their outer edges.

[0071] For high mechanical strength, the glass-ceramic panel 18 can have a thickness D2 of at least 3 mm, and in particular a thickness of at least 4 mm. Thanks to the robustness of glass-ceramic, this ensures that the induction hob can be securely installed in the recess 6 of the worktop 2, regardless of the mechanical stability of the decorative panel 16.

[0072] The thickness Dl of the decorative panel 16 is advantageously chosen to ensure sufficient strength. While it is not necessary for the decorative panel P193606PC002025-08-14 to be sufficiently thick if the glass-ceramic panel 18 is sufficiently thick according to the preceding paragraph, it is still necessary for the decorative panel to be thicker.

[0073] 7

[0074] The decorative panel 16 must withstand the weight forces of the induction cooktop 10, but it must also be able to withstand typical local stresses, such as impacts from objects, without damage. Advantageously, the thickness Dl of the decorative panel 16 is at least 1 mm. This also reduces the transparency of the decorative panel 16, for example, when using sintered ceramic, so that the decorative panel 16 visually defines the surface of the cover plate 10.

[0075] On the other hand, the decorative panel 16 should ideally not be too thick, as an excessively thick panel would impair the efficiency of induction heating. Ideally, the thickness Dl of the decorative panel 16 should not exceed 12 mm, and in particular, not more than 6 mm.

[0076] To simplify the work on the kitchen combination, the top 2b of the worktop 2 is arranged vertically flush with the top 16b of the decorative panel 16, i.e. the two tops 2b and 16b are at the same vertical height.

[0077] Remarks

[0078] As mentioned above, the decorative panel 16 can be made of the same material as the worktop 2. Alternatively, the materials of the two elements can simply be visually coordinated.

[0079] The decorative panel 16 made of sintered ceramic is advantageous. However, other materials are also suitable, such as marble, granite, engineered stone, or quartz composite. The use of heat-resistant plastics is also conceivable, for example, thermosets (e.g., DOGLAS® 280 from MOESCHTER Group GmbH, Germany) or polyphenylene sulfide.

[0080] The decorative plate 16 is advantageously temperature-stable up to at least 200°C, and it is electrically non-conductive and has low magnetic susceptibility (especially less than 1, especially less than 0.01), so that it does not interfere with the inductive heating of the cookware.

[0081] In the examples described above, the horizontal expansion of the decorative panel 16 (except for manufacturing tolerances and differences in thermal expansion) is equal to the horizontal expansion of the glass ceramic panel 18.

[0082] However, it is also conceivable that the horizontal extents of the two plates 16, 18 differ.

[0083] To provide the most homogeneous work surface possible, the decorative panel 16 covers the glass-ceramic panel 18 by at least 95%, in particular by at least 99%, where these percentages are given as area percentages. P193606PC002025-08-14

[0084] 8. In particular, the decorative panel can cover the entire glass-ceramic cooktop. It is advantageous if the decorative panel 16 covers at least all cooking zones 15.

[0085] On the other hand, for mechanical reasons it is advantageous if the decorative panel 16 does not laterally extend beyond the glass ceramic panel 18, as protruding areas of the decorative panel 16 may be susceptible to mechanical damage.

[0086] Also for mechanical reasons, all outer edges of the decorative panel 16 and / or the glass-ceramic panel 18 are advantageously vertical, as shown in Fig. 3. This avoids sharply tapered edge areas, which are prone to damage. Furthermore, it makes it easier to achieve a good lateral seal with a joint element.

[0087] While preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the present application, it should be clearly pointed out that the invention is not limited to these and can also be carried out in other ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

P193606PC002025-08-14 9 Patent claims 1. Induction hob with an induction heater (14) and a cover plate (10) arranged above the induction heater (14), wherein the cover plate (10) has a glass ceramic plate (18), characterized in that the cover plate (10) has a decorative plate (16) arranged above the glass ceramic plate (18) made of a different material than the glass ceramic plate (18).

2. Induction hob according to claim 1, wherein the decorative plate (16) is made of sintered ceramic.

3. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims wherein the decorative panel (16) is horizontally movable on the glass ceramic panel (18) and wherein the decorative panel (16) and the glass ceramic panel (18) are connected in areas of their edges via a frame holder (30).

4. Induction hob according to claim 3, wherein the frame support (30) accommodates linear relative horizontal expansion differences between the decorative panel (16) and the glass ceramic panel (18) of at least 1%, in particular at least 2%, of a panel diameter.

5. Induction hob according to claim 4, wherein the frame support (30) elastically accommodates linear relative horizontal expansion differences between the decorative panel (16) and the glass ceramic panel (18) of at least 1%, in particular at least 2%, of a panel diameter.

6. Induction hob according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the frame support (30) has a textured element (28) made of an elastomer which connects to the decorative panel (16) all around at the edge, and in particular which connects to the decorative panel (16) all around in a watertight manner.

7. Induction hob according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the frame support (30) accommodates linear relative horizontal expansion differences between the decorative panel (16) and the glass ceramic panel (18) of at least 1%, in particular of at least 2%, with mechanical play. P193606PC002025-08-14 10 8. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims wherein the decorative panel (16) covers at least 95%, in particular at least 99%, of the glass ceramic panel (18).

9. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims wherein the decorative plate (16) covers the entire glass ceramic plate (18).

10. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims wherein all outer edges of the decorative panel (16) and / or the glass ceramic panel (18) run vertically.

11. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative plate (16) does not project laterally beyond the glass ceramic plate (18).

12. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness (Dl) of the decorative panel (16) is at least 1 mm, and / or wherein the thickness (Dl) of the decorative panel (16) is at most 12 mm.

13. Induction hob according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the thickness (D2) of the glass ceramic plate (18) is at least 3 mm.

14. Kitchen combination comprising an induction hob (8) according to one of the preceding claims and a worktop (2), wherein the cover plate (10) of the induction hob is arranged in a recess (6) of the worktop (2).

15. Kitchen combination according to claim 14, wherein a support (22) is arranged at the recess (6), on which a horizontal underside (18a) of the glass ceramic plate (18) is supported downwards.

16. Kitchen combination according to one of claims 14 or 15 with an induction hob (8) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the frame support (30) is arranged at least partially in a joint (26) between the cover plate (10) and the worktop (2), and in particular wherein the frame support (30) seals the joint (26) in a watertight manner. P193606PC002025-08-14 11 17. Kitchen combination according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a top surface (2b) of the worktop (2) is arranged vertically flush with a top surface (16b) of the decorative panel (16).

18. Kitchen combination according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the worktop (2) and the decorative panel (16) are made of the same material.

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