DE102005027192A1 - Sensor device for operating device of stove top, has laminar flat material provided as carrier, and sensor units provided on rear side of carrier and including contacting for electrically contacting at operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a thin laminar flat material provided as a carrier (20), where the material is different from a stove top plate and forms an operating area for contact switch for operation. Sensor units are provided on a rear side of the carrier, and include a contacting running from the sensor units to contacting devices at the carrier for electrically contacting at an operating device (18) of a stove top (13). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a stove top with a control device and sensor device (2) an arrangement of a stove top in a cutout of a worktop.

Description

The The invention relates to a sensor element device for an operating device a hob and a corresponding hob and the arrangement a corresponding hob with control and this Sensor element device in or on a worktop.

It is from the EP 950 860 A1 it is known to pull the hob plate itself on one side so far beyond the usual frame in a hob, that the hob plate projects over a few inches above this when installed in a countertop. In this projecting area sensor elements of an operating device are provided on the underside of the hob plate. Thus, with a substantially constant space requirement with regard to the cutout in the worktop, an enlargement of the cooktop panel can be provided, above all, for a larger or larger operating device. Furthermore, essentially the entire size of the cutout can be used for correspondingly many or large cooking zones. The laterally outsourced control device is not allowed to warm in a more convenient operation on lateral heating of the hob plate. However, the cost of enlarged trained cooktop panels, especially if they consist as usual of glass ceramic material, considerably. Furthermore, it is usually necessary to the hob plate itself controls or the like. to install, which is a big effort.

Task and solution

Of the Invention is based on the object, an aforementioned sensor element device and to create a hob and the arrangement of a hob with which problems of the prior art can be solved and in particular it is possible a sensor element device or an operating device on a Hob if possible little effort and big Flexibility sideways or to the outside outsource or laterally offset.

Is solved this object by a sensor element device with the features of claim 1, a hob with the features of claim 11 and an arrangement with the features of claim 12. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of further claims and will be explained in more detail below. Of the Wording of the claims is by express Reference made to the content of the description. The following will be Features for the sensor element device, the hob or the arrangement apply can, partially described only once. Nevertheless, they should be independent of each other each for all embodiments of the invention can be applied.

It it is envisaged that the hob treated here in a countertop or inserted into a cutout in a worktop. Inven tion is a carrier as thin and flat sheet material provided, the carrier not part of the hob plate or one of them is separate Part. The carrier forms part of the sensor element device with a control surface Berührschaltern, in particular a finger can be placed on the operation. These are on the back of the carrier Sensor elements provided which the aforementioned touch switch form. From each sensor element is a contact with contact devices on the carrier. With that you can the sensor elements or the entire sensor element device the carrier electrically connected to the operating device of the hob become. Although the sensor element device operates with the operating device together and is inevitably needed. she must however do not make a unit with this, it's even more beneficial separate units.

Consequently it is possible within the scope of an embodiment of the invention that Although the sensor element device or the carrier area, so to speak, to the hob plate connect or their areal Continue expansion. Due to the fact that this sensor element device or the carrier, however is separate from the hob plate or is a separate unit, at least until the assembly of the hob, both parts can be easier and thus each optimized to be produced. Furthermore, it is a much greater variety in choice of material, material appearance and material thickness of the carrier or the sensor element device possible. Even with a defect in the sensor element device is a replacement only this sensor element device and thus lower repair costs possible.

forms the sensor element device only a part of the operating device, especially the sensory part, so may a modular design with greater variability created become.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is possible that the sensor elements respond to pressure as well as a thereby generated during operation at least small or minimal operating path. Although this does not close the electrical contact of the switching operation desired with the operation, a certain mechanical operation is present. Examples of such Sensorele These sensors are piezosensors and so-called FSR sensors. Such pressure-sensitive sensor elements are advantageously attached to the underside of the carrier. These sensor elements are also understood as touch switches, even if more pressure is necessary for their operation.

Advantageous can flat and capacitive sensor elements can be used. These capacitive sensor elements can be used as frame-like sensor surfaces or full sensor surfaces at the back or underside of the carrier be provided, advantageously attached thereto. Alternatively, the Sensor element applied directly to an additional sensor element carrier which in turn is attached to the carrier is attached. So is a modular design with easier manufacturing the individual parts possible.

It is advantageous if the sensor elements regardless of their fundamental How it works relatively thin are formed, for example, are about 1 mm thin. You can the carrier or a sensor element carrier printed by screen printing or applied by a similar method be. Preferably, several or all sensor elements are on one single carrier or sensor element carrier applied. This in turn can be designed so that he simple manner can be fixed, for example by an applied adhesive layer can be adhered.

The The aforementioned contacts can at an execution the invention on the type of interconnects on the back of the carrier be brought up. This is especially useful if they are direct and electrically contacting with the sensor elements on the back of the carrier are connected. These contacts can lead to contacting on the carrier run, which are designed in the manner of contact fields. These Contact fields are advantageous at the edge region of the carrier and are used for electrical contacting either via pressing of contact springs or Contact pins or by applying to the contact pads on the carrier Connectors. However, this is generally the case, for example the contact with printed circuit boards sufficiently known, so that further explanation can be omitted. Alternatively, too solder connections between the contact fields and the operating device or the hob be provided. In this type of contact, it is advantageous if the sensor element device or the carrier together with the contacts into the hob or under the hob plate and thus relatively close to the operating device leads directly. The carrier can be a flex circuit board be that carries contact tracks. Preferably, the sensor elements are also provided or applied to it. Are additional still contact fields or the like. For been expressed Provided contacts to the hob, many features can be beneficial in the carrier to get integrated. From a larger area for the sensor elements out can be a longish one Stand out area with the contacts in the hob into it.

alternative Is it possible, the sensor element device laterally or even on the hob plate to lay or especially not under the hob plate to to let. here we can provided by the sensor element device outgoing contacts be, for example, as a flat multiple cable or with appropriate Printed circuit boards printed, flexible and thin films as well as the aforementioned Flex PCBs. Again, this is the expert of electrical connections in printed circuit boards in electrical appliances sufficiently known.

to Training of the carrier is to say that he is beneficial on his back at least in some areas is electrically isolated. In particular, this applies to the areas where sensor elements and contacts are attached. In particular he is electrically isolated on essentially the entire back, for example, by coatings or insulating films. That's the way it is also possible, a metallic carrier to use, for example, a thin stainless steel or aluminum sheet. In this case, deviating configurations are also of planar formations possible, for example arched like a profile or with recesses at the top to rest a finger.

alternative to a carrier made of metal, it can be made of electrically insulating material be. Both material, which is similar to glass-ceramic, is suitable for this purpose. So mechanically very resistant. Alternatively, other glasses or plastics are used. By at least partially translucent carrier can both interesting optical designs are created as also ads are arranged underneath.

Furthermore, the carrier may be formed, in particular when it is pushed under the hob plate, that it is very shallow, especially in comparison to the hob plate. Thus, a carrier or the entire sensor element device may for example be provided with a thickness of 1 mm, so for example be a sheet. Thus, it stands out clearly from the thickness of the hob plate and is at the same time a piece on the worktop over. It is also possible a flush insertion into the worktop. According to a further embodiment, the sensor element device can be placed on an edge region of the hob plate itself. In particular, it is a kind of elongated strip. With one of the edge area abgewin The protruding portion extends over the outer edge of the hob plate, where at preferably the overarching portion reach down to an underlying worktop and so can cover the hob plate laterally completely. Such a carrier may be a kind of one-piece angle profile, in particular an angle plate. Thus, on the one hand, a pollution-prone and visually clean lateral seal can be created. Furthermore, including the aforementioned contacts can run underneath and are therefore also not visible and protected against damage.

at the above-described embodiment with a sensor element device placed on the hob plate is, it may be provided that the sensor elements ultimately lie in the edge region of the hob plate or in an area above the Worktop and not above the cutout in the worktop. So can the sensor elements in particular at a portion of the hob be provided, where the warming while the operation is relatively low. It can also be provided the sensor element device or the carrier on the hob plate attach by gluing. Alternatively, when resting the sensor element device or the carrier on the worktop also be provided here a bond.

One lateral connection of the sensor element device to the over the Cutout in the worktop towering and at least strip-like resting on the countertop hob plate has the advantage that the sensor element device as full belonging to the hob appears. The absence of transitions or paragraphs at the same thickness facilitates cleaning of the surfaces.

These and other features go out the claims also from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features each for alone or in combination in the form of subcombinations an embodiment of the Invention and other fields be realized and advantageous also for protectable versions can represent for the protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual Sections and intermediate headings restrict the not in its generality among these statements.

Summary the drawings

embodiments The invention are shown schematically in the drawings and will be closer in the following explained. In the drawings shows:

1 a side sectional view of an arrangement of a hob in a worktop with inserted between cooktop plate and worktop control device,

2 an arrangement similar 1 , wherein the operating device rests on the hob plate,

3 an enlargement of the representation 2 .

4 a view of the control device after 1 from below and

5 and 6 various arrangements of a control device on a hob according to the 1 and 2 ,

detailed Description of the embodiments

In 1 is an arrangement 11 shown in which in a corresponding section of a worktop 12 a hob 13 is used in a known per se. In this case, a hob plate or glass ceramic plate overlaps 15 revolving around the worktop 12 a piece and usually lies on her.

The stove top 13 points at the bottom of the glass ceramic plate 15 another control housing 16 on. In this is what is discussed in more detail, especially a control or power supply of the hob 13 contain. It is also possible to provide parts of the operating device, in particular evaluation and control electronics, which are not provided on the sensor element device.

At least at the point shown is a certain gap between the top of the worktop 12 and the glass ceramic plate 15 given. It can also be formed in or by a circumferential elastic seal under the edge of the hob. In this gap is on the top of the countertop 12 overlying, an operating device 18 with a sensor element device 19 inserted. In essence, it consists of a flat carrier 20 , which will be discussed in more detail below. In particular, it is an operating device 18 or sensor element device 19 according to 4 , being at the bottom of the carrier 20 the sensor elements 22 can be provided in various forms. The electrical contact with the sensor elements 22 via contact fields 24 which point downwards. In the inserted state according to 1 come these contact fields 24 in contact with spring contacts 27 on a control board 25 in the control housing 16 , On the control board 25 There are control devices of the hob 13 , in particular microcontroller and possibly a signal evaluation or processing. This is how the electrical connection of the operating device 18 or sensor element device 19 to the control board 25 ,

In the control housing 16 is among other things the control board 25 arranged. She also carries ads 26 to operating conditions or other information through the glass ceramic plate 15 to show up.

The carrier 20 according to 1 can in one embodiment of the invention on the countertop 12 be permanently fixed, for example by gluing. Alternatively, it can be releasably secured, for example by screwing. Furthermore, he can either on the otherwise flat worktop 12 rest and thus survive upwards. This forms a kind of gradation of the transition from the top of the worktop 12 up to the glass ceramic plate 15 , At the other areas of the support of the glass ceramic plate 15 on the top of the worktop 12 can spacers with the thickness of the carrier 20 be provided for a uniform edition. Alternatively, one of the thickness of the carrier 20 corresponding flat depression in the worktop 12 be provided.

According to a further alternative, the carrier 20 also be graduated in a certain way or formed with stepped thickness, so that he with a thin area under the glass ceramic plate 15 however, and otherwise with a greater thickness, for example according to the glass-ceramic plate 15 whose course continues. It is also possible with such a solution, in the area of the sensor element device or its electrical contacting to the control board, the cutout in the worktop 12 to perform enlarged, in particular over the edge of the glass ceramic plate 15 out. This enlargement of the cutout is then concealed by the operating device, in which cable or the like in a simple manner by the considerably enlarged gap. can be performed for electrical connection of the control device to the control board.

In an alternative arrangement 111 according to 2 and 3 is the hob 113 again in a section in a worktop 112 , Here, however, lies the glass ceramic plate 115 more or less directly on the surface of the worktop 112 on or there is only a very small gap. In the edge region of the glass ceramic plate 115 is the operating device 118 with a carrier 120 for the sensor element device 119 applied or glued on its underside. Compared to 1 is the carrier 120 sheet-like and much narrower, wherein it may be formed correspondingly longer to accommodate the sensor elements of the sensor element device 119 ,

The carrier 120 surmounted the glass ceramic plate 115 laterally a piece. The gap thus formed to the worktop 112 going through the angulation 130 closed in the manner of an angled profile. Alternatively, it could also consist of two parts which are at an angle to each other.

The electrical contacting of the sensor element device 119 to the control board 125 is done here by flexible conductors 127 or an aforementioned flex circuit board or so-called flex connector, in particular on the type of very thin flat cables or film conductors. This is especially good 3 to recognize.

It is also in 3 to realize that here about the width of the carrier 120 only a single sensor element 122 is provided. For several sensor elements are provided side by side, as based on 5 will be explained in more detail.

Regarding the 1 to 3 is also to say that the thickness ratios are not drawn to scale, especially not what the thickness of the operating device or the carrier in relation to worktop and glass ceramic plate relates. In particular, such a support is very flat, for example, with a thickness of about or less than less than 1 millimeter. The arrangement or attachment of the sensor elements on the underside of the carrier should not significantly increase the total thickness. However, this is easily possible with many different sensor elements.

In 4 is an example of an operating device 18 according to 1 a field with several sensor elements 22 one above the other and side by side. These sensor elements 22 are in an appropriate way to the underside of the carrier 20 or the additional sensor element carrier as a sensor element device 19 applied. This in turn may be similar to the bottom of a carrier 1 or 2 be upset. For example, printed piezo sensors may be different than those of the DE 198 11 372 A1 in which relatively thick and individual piezosensors are provided. Alternatively, it may be capacitive sensor elements, such as those from the EP 950 860 A1 are known.

Furthermore, the sensor element device 19 or the bottom with a cover 23 covered. This leaves only the area of the contact fields 24 free for electrical contacting accordingly 1 , Furthermore, an adhesive layer may be provided under the cover film, so that the sensor element carrier can be easily adhered. It is for a sensor element 22 shown in dashed lines on the top right as the electrical contacting of the sensor element to the contact fields 24 leads. From the contact fields can also protrude a longer section with a continuation of the electrical contacts or contact tracks in turn contact fields. This section can then serve as a supply line in a hob and separate parts and other contacts can be saved.

In 5 is an arrangement 11 shown in the case of a hob 13 two different types of arrangements of controls are shown, although in practice usually only one is present. Once there is an operating device on the right side 18 corresponding 1 provided, ie laterally to the glass ceramic plate 15 at closing or partly under it. Sensor elements are arranged both side by side and one above the other.

An alternative operating device 118 is provided at the front. It lies essentially on the glass ceramic plate 15 on and is very narrow, but elongated. It is advantageously glued. Here are the sensor elements 22 only provided side by side. Such an operating device 118 corresponds essentially to the 2 and 3 ,

In 6 is shown another way in which a nearly square and relatively large-scale control device 18 to the front of the glass ceramic plate 15 or the hob 13 followed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is still possible, at least partially opaque or transparent to design in resting on the glass ceramic panels controls or carriers. Thus, by means of or below the glass ceramic plate arranged display elements or the like. through the operating device through a display. Thus, the appearance can be awakened, even a very thin operating device, for example similar 2 , would include an ad.

Of the carrier For example, a thin metal sheet be, in particular made of stainless steel or aluminum. Furthermore, can However, he also made of glass or plastic. At the top Is it possible, exactly over provide the sensor elements with markings for an operator, for example, by imprints or engraving or depressions with symbols or the like. It is important in any case that the sensor element device or the carrier as at least before sticking or fastening separate unit are formed and possibly also from one of the hob different Material exist. Another advantage here is that at a De fekt on the sensor element device or operating device this as an item can be replaced relatively easily, without to have to work the entire hob.

Claims (19)

Sensor element device ( 19 . 119 ) for an operating device ( 18 . 118 ) of a hob ( 13 . 113 ), wherein the hob in use in a worktop ( 12 . 112 ) or in a section of a worktop is used, characterized in that as a carrier ( 20 . 120 ) a thin flat sheet material, which from a cooktop panel ( 15 . 115 ) is a control surface forms for touch switch for operation, wherein on the back of the carrier, the sensor elements ( 22 . 122 ) are provided and wherein from each sensor element a contact to contact devices ( 24 ) on the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) extends to the electrical contact ( 27 . 127 ) to the operating device ( 18 . 118 ). Sensor element device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor elements ( 22 . 122 ) are designed such that they respond to pressure during operation with at least one small operating path, wherein they are in particular piezosensors. Sensor element device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor elements ( 22 . 122 ) are capacitively operating sensor elements, in particular as frames or surfaces on the back or underside of the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) or an additional sensor element carrier ( 19 ) are provided. Sensor element device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor elements ( 22 . 122 ) are thin and on the support ( 20 . 120 ) or an additional sensor element carrier ( 19 ) are printed, preferably several or all sensor elements on a single carrier. Sensor element device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacts in the manner of interconnects on the back of the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) or a sensor element carrier ( 19 ) and to contact fields ( 24 ) run as contacting, in particular in the edge region of the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) and are arranged away from the sensor elements. Sensor element device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) or an additional sensor element carrier ( 19 ) is at least partially electrically insulated on its back, where he preferably made of metal and on the back of an insulating coating or insulating film ( 23 ) is applied. Sensor element device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) or an additional sensor element carrier ( 19 ) is made of an electrically insulating material. Sensor element device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) is at least partially translucent, preferably substantially over a large area. Sensor element device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) is flat and even or a plate, in particular with a thickness in the range of a few mm, preferably less than 1 mm. Sensor element device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that of the flat and flat support ( 120 ) at an edge region an angled section ( 130 ) protrudes according to a supernatant of the hob plate ( 115 ) of the hob ( 113 ) over the worktop ( 112 ) in the installed state, wherein preferably the carrier ( 120 ) is an angle profile. Hob ( 13 . 113 ) with an operating device ( 18 . 118 ) and a sensor element device ( 19 . 119 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Arrangement ( 11 . 111 ) of a hob ( 13 . 113 ) with an operating device ( 18 . 118 ) and a sensor element device ( 19 . 119 ) according to one of the preceding claims in a cutout in a worktop ( 12 . 112 ). Arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the sensor element device ( 19 . 119 ) one of the hob ( 13 . 113 ) or the hob plate ( 15 . 115 ) is basically a separate component and in particular the sensor elements ( 22 . 122 ) of the sensor element device laterally outside of the cutout above the surface of the work surface ( 12 . 112 ). Arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the hob plate ( 15 ) so far above the worktop ( 12 ) runs with a space that in the space of the carrier ( 20 ) of the sensor element device ( 19 ) is inserted, wherein preferably the carrier so far into the hob ( 13 ) is inserted, that the contact devices ( 24 ) to corresponding mating contact devices ( 27 ) in the hob are sufficient for electrical connection of the sensor element device ( 19 ) to an operating device ( 18 ) or hob control. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the sensor element device ( 19 ) or the carrier ( 20 ) on the worktop ( 12 ), in particular is glued. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the hob plate ( 15 . 115 ) a piece over the cutout in the worktop ( 12 . 112 ) surmounted and rests substantially directly on the top of the worktop, wherein preferably the sensor element device ( 19 ) on the side of the hob plate ( 15 ), in particular substantially without change in thickness. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the sensor element device ( 119 ) substantially on the edge region of the hob plate ( 115 ), wherein preferably the sensor element device overlaps the projecting side edge of the hob plate and down to the worktop ( 112 ) and thus covers the lateral outer edge of the hob plate. Arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that the electrical contacting device ( 127 ) Cable or multi-conductor in printed form with a foil carrier which surrounds the hob plate and between the hob plate ( 115 ) and worktop ( 112 ) led to a hob control reach as connection of the sensor element device ( 119 ) to the hob control. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the carrier ( 20 . 120 ) is thinner than the hob plate ( 15 . 115 ), preferably substantially thinner, in particular thinner than 1 mm, wherein it is preferably a metal sheet.