Hob system

Abstract

The invention relates to a hob system (1) comprising a support panel (2), hob electronics (3), and an antenna unit (4). The hob electronics (3) can be wirelessly operatively connected to an electronic device via the antenna unit (4). Light can be guided, by means of a light guide (5), from a light source (6) to an illumination section (22), which is situated on the support panel (2) above the antenna unit (4), such that light coupled out of the light guide (5) can be seen on the placement surface (12) above the antenna unit (4).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] "Cooktop equipment"

[0003] The present invention relates to a cooktop device comprising at least one support plate for providing a surface for cookware, at least one cooktop electronics unit, and at least one antenna unit. The cooktop electronics unit can establish a wireless communication with at least one electronic device via the antenna unit.

[0004] Such a cooktop can, for example, interact with one or more electronic devices within a smart home network. For instance, so-called smart cookware can communicate with the cooktop's electronics and transmit data for cooking assistance functions. Near-field communication (NFC) is one common method for initiating communication between electronic devices. For example, communication is automatically started when an RFID transponder or radio tag is placed within range of an NFC antenna.

[0005] The use of near-field communication (NFC) in cooktops has proven very difficult. Ideally, no other (interfering) electronic components should be located near an NFC antenna. However, the induction coils of a cooktop typically emit a strong magnetic or electric field during operation. Another challenge is that, due to the limited range of NFC, the antenna should be located in an easily accessible position. However, on cooktops with high design and functionality requirements, the antenna cannot be placed directly on the cooktop surface.

[0006] In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved cooktop device. In particular, it aims to overcome the difficulties discussed above. Specifically, it seeks to create a structurally simple and user-friendly way for the antenna device to communicate with the electronic device.

[0007] This problem is solved by a cooktop device with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiment. The cooktop device according to the invention comprises at least one (translucent) support plate for providing a surface for cookware. The cooktop device comprises at least one cooktop electronics unit and at least one antenna device (arranged below the support plate). The cooktop device can wirelessly establish or initiate a communication with at least one electronic device via the antenna device. Light from at least one light source can be guided by means of at least one optical fiber to at least one illumination section arranged above the antenna device on the support plate.In particular, this makes light coupled out of the light guide (directly) visible via the antenna device on the installation surface (in the illumination section).

[0008] The present invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is provided by the light guide and the illumination section arranged above the antenna assembly on the mounting plate. This allows the position of the antenna assembly to be visualized reliably, in a space-saving manner, and with minimal design complexity. Unwanted markings or modifications to the mounting plate are therefore unnecessary. At the same time, the antenna assembly can be positioned particularly close to, or even directly on, the mounting plate.

[0009] In particular, the lighting section indicates the position of the antenna system.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the illumination section can display at least one positioning indicator for the electronic device. For example, the illumination section includes at least one light signal and, for example, a symbol, a boundary line, or the like. In particular, the position of the antenna assembly below the mounting plate is recognizable from above by means of the illumination section. Additionally or alternatively, the illumination section can be provided to visually display at least one further piece of information. For example, it can display power levels or the like.

[0011] The antenna assembly is connected (mechanically and / or electrically) to an electronic unit (located below the carrier plate). In particular, the antenna assembly is arranged between the electronic unit and the carrier plate. The electronic unit comprises, in particular, at least one printed circuit board (PCB) and / or at least one housing unit. In particular, the antenna assembly and the electronic unit are attached to one another.

[0012] The light source is preferably arranged within the electronic unit. It is also possible for at least one light source to be arranged outside the electronic unit. At least one additional light source may also be provided, which is arranged outside the electronic unit. It is possible for the light guide for each light source to have at least one coupling section.

[0013] It is preferred and advantageous that the optical fiber is arranged at least section by section or (only) section by section between the antenna assembly and the electronic unit. In particular, a support body for the optical fiber is arranged section by section between the antenna assembly and the electronic unit.

[0014] In all embodiments, it is particularly preferred and advantageous for the light guide (especially its conductor assembly) to run through and / or around the antenna assembly. This allows the light from the light source to be guided by the light guide through and / or around the antenna assembly to the mounting plate. The antenna assembly may have at least one recess. The recess is, in particular, a (fully enclosed) through-opening. Alternatively, at least one fully open recess may be provided. In particular, the light guide (especially its conductor assembly) extends through the recess. It is possible and advantageous for the light guide to have a straight path between the light source and the mounting plate. In this case, the straight path preferably runs through the antenna assembly.

[0015] The optical fiber is preferably (at least partially) made of a compressible material. In particular, a flexible and preferably elastic material is provided. The material is, in particular, an elastomer. Preferably, a silicone material or a silicone-like material is provided. In particular, the optical fiber consists of a silicone material. The material is, in particular, at least partially transparent. Such a material is provided, in particular, for the carrier body and / or the conductor unit.

[0016] In particular, the optical fiber provides electrical and / or thermal insulation between the substrate and the electronic unit. The material is preferably electrically non-conductive or an insulator. Preferably, the material is heat-stable (under the expected operating temperatures). In particular, the optical fiber is suitable and designed to thermally decouple the substrate from the electronic unit. In particular, the material exhibits very low thermal conductivity.

[0017] Preferably, the optical fiber (in its intended assembly state) is subjected to pressure against the substrate at least partially (in particular, at least with a coupling section). In particular, the optical fiber is compressed by being subjected to pressure against the substrate. In other words, the optical fiber is mounted in such a way that it is pressed against the substrate and thereby compressed.

[0018] In particular, the optical fiber comprises at least one carrier body and / or at least one conductor unit. Preferably, the carrier body and the conductor unit are integrally connected and preferably made of a common material. In particular, the optical fiber is formed in one piece. In particular, the conductor unit comprises at least one coupling section and at least one output coupling section.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the carrier body provides a compressible zone between the electronic unit and the antenna assembly and / or the carrier plate. In particular, a damping or shock-absorbing zone is provided. Specifically, the zone exhibits elastic or spring-like properties. Specifically, the zone enables thermal and / or electrical isolation between the electronic unit and the antenna assembly and / or between the antenna assembly and the carrier plate.

[0020] It is possible and advantageous for the support body to be supported on the electronic unit, particularly on the circuit board unit and / or the housing unit, while the electronic unit is mounted with preload towards the support plate. Additionally or alternatively, the support body can be supported on the support plate while the electronic unit is mounted with preload towards the support plate. In particular, this compresses the support body. For example, the support body can have corresponding support elements extending towards the support plate. The optical fiber, in particular, is also supported on the support plate by the conductor assembly.

[0021] It is possible and advantageous for the carrier body to comprise at least one retaining element and preferably several retaining elements for the antenna assembly. In particular, the retaining element extends at least partially through and / or past the antenna assembly. Preferably, the retaining element is supported at least partially by the carrier plate. Such an arrangement of the retaining element is particularly present when the electronic unit is mounted with a preload towards the carrier plate. The retaining element can provide the support element described above.

[0022] It is possible that the carrier body includes at least one mounting aid. In particular, this fixes the position of the carrier body on the electronic unit. For example, the mounting aid engages with the electronic unit in a form-fitting manner.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, the support body comprises at least one receiving surface for the antenna assembly. Preferably, the at least one retaining element and / or the at least one conductor unit project beyond the receiving surface in the direction of the support plate. The antenna assembly, in particular its receiving plate, is supported, in particular, on the receiving surface.

[0024] It is possible that the carrier body includes at least one additional mounting surface for the electronic unit. In particular, the carrier body rests on the electronic unit via this additional mounting surface. It is possible that the mounting aid is arranged on the mounting surface.

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment, the antenna assembly comprises at least one flexible antenna structure and / or at least one rigid mounting plate. Preferably, the mounting plate is arranged between the electronic unit and the optical fiber, in particular its support body. The flexible antenna structure is especially located between the mounting plate and the support plate.

[0026] The receiving plate provides, in particular, magnetic and / or electrical shielding. Specifically, the receiving plate is ferrite-magnetic. Specifically, the receiving plate is made of ferrite and / or another electrically poorly or non-conductive (but preferably magnetically highly conductive) material. The antenna structure comprises, in particular, a foil element. For example, a printed circuit board or flexographic print is provided. Specifically, the antenna structure comprises at least one substrate material for the printed circuit board. Specifically, the printed circuit board and the substrate material form the foil element.

[0027] In an advantageous further development, the electronics include at least one service interface for wireless connection to a service device. For example, the service interface is designed as an infrared interface, Bluetooth interface, and / or WLAN interface, or the like. It is also possible that, in addition to the antenna system, the electronic unit is connected to a second antenna system, which serves a different transmission standard, such as WLAN and / or Bluetooth, or the like.

[0028] The cooktop assembly comprises, in particular, at least one light guide and at least one light source. The antenna assembly is arranged, in particular, between the light source and the mounting plate. The light from the light source can be guided to the mounting plate, in particular, by means of the light guide. In particular, the light can be coupled out of the light guide at the illumination section. In particular, the coupled-out light is visible on the mounting surface or on a top surface of the mounting plate. The mounting plate is, in particular, (at least in the illumination section) transparent. The mounting plate is, in particular, made of a material consisting of glass, ceramic, and / or glass-ceramic. The light guide comprises at least one coupling section and at least one output section. In particular, light from the light source can enter the light guide at the coupling section.In particular, the light can exit the optical fiber at the output section. Specifically, the output section is in contact with an underside of the carrier plate. Specifically, the output section is arranged directly on an underside of the carrier plate. Specifically, the light can be extracted in such a way that it is sharply visible in the illumination section without scattering effects. In a further embodiment, the optical fiber can include at least one additional output section, so that at least one further illumination section can be illuminated by the at least one light source.

[0029] In particular, the cooktop electronics are designed and configured to establish the communication connection via the antenna system (automatically) by holding an electronic device suitable for communication above the illumination area and within a defined distance range from the antenna system. The cooktop system can include at least one such electronic device. The electronic device can be cookware with at least one electronic component, a mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, smartwatch), and / or a portable household appliance or cooking appliance.

[0030] In particular, the cooktop electronics are equipped with an antenna for near-field communication. Specifically, the cooktop electronics are suitable and configured to establish a functional connection with the electronic device via near-field communication using the antenna. Specifically, the antenna is configured as an NFC antenna or includes at least one such antenna. Specifically, the antenna includes a near-field identification unit (RFID unit) or is part of one.

[0031] In particular, the functional connection can be initiated by deliberately bringing the electronic device close to the antenna. Specifically, the functional connection remains active after initiation even if the electronic device is no longer positioned above the illumination area within the defined distance range. The functional connection includes, in particular, initial communication. Specifically, the defined distance range is a maximum of 20 cm, preferably a maximum of 15 cm, and most preferably a maximum of 10 cm. It is also possible for the defined distance range to be a maximum of 8 cm or a maximum of 6 cm.

[0032] In particular, the cooktop electronics are suitable and configured to perform automatic, contactless identification and / or localization of electronic devices by means of the antenna system. In particular, the cooktop electronics or the antenna system are suitable and configured to transmit data within the operational connection and preferably according to an (NFC) protocol. In particular, the cooktop system includes at least one induction element for heating cookware placed on the surface. In particular, the induction element includes at least one induction coil. In particular, the antenna system is not the induction element.

[0033] In particular, the cooktop electronics are designed and configured to communicate wirelessly with the electronic device after the connection has been initiated, based on a transmission standard. This can be done via the antenna and / or via an (additional) communication device. The communication device is specifically designed and configured to communicate with the electronic device even outside the defined distance (e.g., via WLAN, Bluetooth, and / or similar technologies).

[0034] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0035] The figure shows:

[0036] Figure 1 is a purely schematic representation of a cooktop device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0037] Figure 2 is a purely schematic detailed representation of a cooktop device according to the invention in a side view;

[0038] Figure 3 shows a detailed exploded view of the cooktop assembly of Figure 2; and

[0039] Figure 4 shows a further detailed view of the cooktop assembly of Figure 2 in an exploded view.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a cooktop unit 1 according to the invention with a translucent support plate 2, which provides a surface 12 for cookware. The support plate 2 is flush with the worktop of a kitchen island. Various functions of the cooktop unit 1, and, for example, the heating power of an induction cooktop (not shown in detail), can be set via a control unit 11. The control unit 11 can, as shown, have rotatable knobs or, alternatively or additionally, be integrated into the surface 12. Below the support plate 2 are cooktop electronics 3 and an antenna unit 4 designed as an NFC antenna for near-field communication (NFC).The antenna unit 4 enables the cooktop electronics 3 to establish a communication link with an electronic device, such as smart cookware with an electronic device, a smartphone, or the like. For example, the cookware's electronic device can detect temperatures within the cookware and transmit them to the cooktop electronics 3, which can then adjust the power settings for the induction hob.

[0041] To establish the initial connection, the electronic device is held close to the antenna unit 4. Data is then exchanged wirelessly between the cooktop electronics 3 and the electronic device via NFC. After this initial NFC connection, further communication can then take place via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or similar technologies.

[0042] To make coupling with the cooktop electronics 3 particularly convenient and reliable, the position of the antenna device 4 is indicated by an illumination section 22. This illumination section 22 is visible on the top of the mounting plate 2. For example, the illumination section 22 displays a light signal that indicates the location where the electronic device must be positioned to initiate the connection. In other words, the cooktop electronics 3 and the electronic device can be coupled by positioning the electronic device above the illumination section 22 and within a defined distance of the antenna device 4.

[0043] To clearly and attractively illuminate the lighting section 22 and simultaneously allow the antenna assembly 4 to be mounted directly beneath the support plate 2, a light guide 5 is provided. The light guide 5 directs light from a light source 6 through or around the antenna assembly 4 to the lighting section 22. This makes the light coupled out of the light guide 5 directly visible above the antenna assembly 4 on the mounting surface 12 in the lighting section 22. With reference to Figures 2 to 4, an advantageous variant of the cooktop assembly 1 is described in more detail below. Here, the antenna assembly 4 is connected to an electronic unit 13, which provides the light source 6 in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes 16. The electronic unit 13 comprises a circuit board unit 130 and a housing unit 131 and is, for example, part of the cooktop electronics 3.The electronic unit 13 also provides a service interface 23. This allows for space-saving placement of the service interface.

[0044] The optical fiber 5 comprises a carrier body 15 and a conductor unit 25, which are integrally connected. For example, the optical fiber 5 is made of a transparent silicone material. The conductor unit 25 comprises an input section 7 and an output section 17. The input section 7 is associated with the light source 6. The output section 17 is located directly on the underside of the carrier plate 2.

[0045] The antenna assembly 4 comprises an antenna structure 14 and a fully enclosed recess 34. The optical fiber 5 extends with its conductor unit 25 through the recess 34 in the antenna assembly 4 to the carrier plate 2.

[0046] The carrier body 15 has a receiving surface 45 on its upper side, on which the antenna assembly 4 rests. Several retaining elements 35 are arranged on the receiving surface 45, extending towards the underside of the carrier plate 2. The retaining elements 35 engage in corresponding bores 44 of the antenna assembly 4, thus fixing the antenna assembly 4 to the receiving surface 45 and preventing it from slipping. The carrier body 15 also includes a mounting aid 55, which is supported by the housing unit 131.

[0047] An exemplary setup of the antenna device 4 is clearly visible in Figure 4. The antenna structure 14 is provided here by a flexible printed circuit board 140. The printed circuit board 140 is arranged on a substrate 141. The printed circuit board 140 and the substrate 141 are arranged on a ferrite mounting plate 24 for magnetic shielding.

[0048] With the invention presented here, the antenna assembly 4, together with the light guide 5 and the electronic unit 13, can be pressed onto the mounting plate 2 from below or from inside the cooktop assembly 1. This enables particularly reliable operation of the antenna assembly and at the same time a high-quality appearance of the lighting section 22.

[0049] A particular advantage is that the optical fiber 5 is made of a compressible and (thermally and electrically) insulating material. Another advantage is that the optical fiber 5 is manufactured as a single piece. This results in significant benefits with regard to fault tolerance, installation space, costs, and ease of assembly.

[0050] The invention presented here reduces or replaces the use of other suspension technologies. Furthermore, it neither interferes with the function of the electronic unit 13 located below the antenna assembly 4, nor reduces the performance of the antenna assembly 4. At the same time, the electronic unit 13 is reliably shielded against heat that can be introduced via the carrier plate 2. Reference numeral list

[0051] 1 Cooktop unit 2 T support plate

[0052] 3 Cooktop electronics

[0053] 4 Antenna system 5 Fiber optic cable

[0054] 6 light source

[0055] 7 Coupling section 11 Operating device

[0056] 12 Installation area

[0057] 13 Electronic unit

[0058] 14 Antenna structure

[0059] 15 carrier bodies

[0060] 16 light-emitting diodes

[0061] 17 Disconnect section 22 Lighting section 23 Service interface 24 Mounting plate

[0062] 25 ladder unit

[0063] 34 Exclusion

[0064] 35 retaining element

[0065] 44 bore

[0066] 45 recording area

[0067] 55 Assembly aid

[0068] 130 Circuit board unit 131 Housing unit

[0069] 140 Print

[0070] 141 Carrier material

Claims

Patent claims 1. Hob device (1) with at least one support plate (2) for providing a surface (12) for cookware and with at least one hob electronics unit (3) and with at least one antenna device (4), wherein the hob electronics unit (3) can wirelessly enter into an operational connection with at least one electronic device via the antenna device (4), characterized by that light from at least one light source (6) can be guided by means of at least one light guide (5) to at least one lighting section (22) arranged above the antenna device (4) on the support plate (2), so that light coupled out of the light guide (5) is visible above the antenna device (4) on the mounting surface (12).

2. Hob device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting section (22) indicates the position of the antenna device (4) and / or a positioning indication for the electronic device.

3. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna device (4) is connected to an electronic unit (13) and that the antenna device (4) is arranged between the electronic unit (13) and the carrier plate (2).

4. Hob device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the light source (6) is arranged in the electronic unit (13).

5. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide (5) is arranged section by section between the antenna device (4) and the electronic unit (13).

6. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide (5) runs through the antenna device (4) and / or around the antenna device (4).

7. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide (5) is at least partially made of a compressible material and that the light guide (5) is pressed against the carrier plate (2) such that the light guide (5) is compressed.

8. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide (5) comprises at least one carrier body (15) and at least one conductor unit (25) and that the carrier body (15) and the conductor unit (25) are integrally connected to one another.

9. Cooktop device (1) according to the preceding claim and claim 3, characterized in that the carrier body (15) provides a compressible zone between the electronic unit (13) and the antenna device (4) and / or carrier plate (2).

10. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims and claim 3, characterized in that the support body (15) provides thermal separation between the support plate (2) and the electronic unit (13).

11. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims and claim 3, characterized in that the support body (15) is supported on the electronic unit (13) and / or on the support plate (2), while the electronic unit (13) is pre-tensioned in the direction of the support plate (2).

12. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the four preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (15) comprises at least one retaining element (35) for the antenna device (4) and that the retaining element (35) extends at least partially through the antenna device (4) and / or past the antenna device (4) and that the retaining element (35) is supported at least partially on the support plate (2).

13. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the five preceding claims, characterized in that the support body (15) comprises at least one receiving surface (45) for the antenna device (4) and that the at least one retaining element (35) and / or the at least one conductor unit (25) projects beyond the receiving surface (45) in the direction of the support plate (2).

14. Cooktop device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and claim 3, characterized in that the antenna device (4) comprises at least one flexible antenna structure (14) and at least one rigid mounting plate (24), and that the mounting plate (24) is arranged between the electronic unit (13) and the light guide (5).

15. Cooktop device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the electronic unit (13) comprises at least one service interface (23) for wireless connection with a service device.

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