EP1731841A1 - Cooking hob with 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 invention relates to a sensor element device for an operating device of a hob and a corresponding hob and the arrangement of a corresponding hob with control device and this sensor element device in or on a countertop.

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 respect to the cut in the worktop enlargement of the hob plate especially for a larger or be provided larger area 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 excessively for a more convenient operation via 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

The invention has for its object to provide an aforementioned sensor element device and a hob and the arrangement of a hob, with which problems of the prior art can be solved and it is in particular possible, a sensor element device or an operating device on a hob at the lowest possible To outsource expenditure and great flexibility laterally or outwardly or to make laterally offset.

This object is achieved 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 are explained in more detail below. The wording of the claims is incorporated herein by express reference. In the following, features that may apply to the sensor element device, the hob or the arrangement will be described in part only once. Nevertheless, they should be able to be used independently of each other for all embodiments of the invention.

It is envisaged that the hob treated here is inserted into a worktop or in a cutout in a worktop. According to the invention a carrier is provided as a thin and flat sheet material, wherein the carrier is not part of the cooking field plate or a separate part thereof. As a part of the sensor element device, the carrier forms a control surface with touch switches to which, in particular, a finger can be placed for operation. For this purpose, sensor elements are provided on the back of the carrier, which form the aforementioned contact switch. From each sensor element there is a contact with contact devices on the carrier. Thus, the sensor elements or the entire sensor element device can be electrically connected to the carrier to the operating device of the hob. Although the sensor element device works together with the operating device and is inevitably needed. However, it does not have to form a unit with this, it is advantageous even separate units.

Thus, within the scope of an embodiment of the invention, it is possible for the sensor element device or the carrier to connect, so to speak, flatly to the hob plate or to continue its areal expansion. Due to the fact that this sensor element device or the carrier, however, is separate from the cooktop plate or is a separate structural unit, at least until the assembly of the cooktop, both parts can be made simpler and therefore optimized in each case. Furthermore, a much greater variety in material choice, material appearance and material thickness of the carrier or the sensor element device is possible.
Even with a defect in the sensor element device, an exchange of only this sensor element device and thus less repair effort is possible.

If the sensor element device forms only a part of the operating device, in particular the sensory part, then a modular structure with greater variability can be created.

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 sensor elements are piezo sensors as well as 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.

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

It is advantageous if the sensor elements are formed relatively thin, regardless of their basic operation, for example, in about 1 mm thin. They may be printed on the carrier or on a sensor element carrier by screen printing or by a similar method. Preferably, several or all sensor elements are mounted on a single carrier or sensor element carrier. This in turn can be designed to be simple Can be attached manner, for example, can be glued by an applied adhesive layer.

The aforementioned contacts can be applied to the back of the carrier in the manner of printed conductors in one embodiment of the invention. This is especially useful if they are connected directly and electrically contacting with the sensor elements on the back of the carrier. These contacts can run to contacting devices on the carrier, which are designed in the manner of contact fields. These contact fields are advantageously on 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 fields on the carrier mating connectors. However, this is generally well known from, for example, the contacting of printed circuit boards, so that further embodiments can be omitted. Alternatively, solder joints between the contact fields and the operating device or the hob can be provided. In this type of contacting, it is advantageous if the sensor element device or the carrier together with the contacts in the hob or under the hob plate enough and thus leads relatively close to the control directly. The carrier may be a flex circuit board carrying contact tracks. Preferably, the sensor elements are also provided or applied thereto. Are additional contact fields or the like. provided for pressed contacts to the hob, many functions can be advantageously integrated into the carrier. From a larger area for the sensor elements from an elongated area can protrude with the contacts in the hob inside.

Alternatively, it is possible to place the sensor element device laterally on or even on the cooktop panel or, above all, not to let it pass under the cooktop panel. Here can of the sensor element device outgoing contacts be provided, for example, as a flat multiple cables or printed with corresponding tracks, flexible and thin films as well as the aforementioned flex circuit boards. Again, this is well known to those skilled in electrical connections in printed circuit boards in electrical equipment.

To form the carrier is to say that it is advantageous at least partially electrically isolated on its back. In particular, this applies to the areas where sensor elements and contacts are attached. In particular, it is electrically insulated on essentially the entire backside, for example by means of coatings or insulating films. So it is also possible to use a metallic carrier, for example, a thin stainless steel or aluminum sheet. In this case, deviating embodiments are also possible from planar formations, for example arched profile-like or with depressions on the upper side to rest a finger.

As an alternative to a carrier made of metal, it can be made of electrically insulating material. For this purpose, both material is similar to glass ceramic, so mechanically very resistant. Alternatively, other glasses or plastics can be used. By at least partially translucent support both interesting optical designs can be created as well as displays 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 in 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 a protruding from the edge region protruding portion it overlaps the outer edge of the hob plate, wherein preferably the cross-section extend to an underlying worktop and so can cover the hob completely laterally. 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.

In the above-described embodiment with a sensor element device which is placed on the hob plate, 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 cut in the worktop. Thus, the sensor elements may be provided, in particular, at a region of the hob where the heating during operation is relatively low. It can also be provided to fasten the sensor element device or the carrier on the hob plate by gluing. Alternatively, in the case of a resting of the sensor element device or of the carrier on the worktop, an adhesive bond may also be provided here.

A lateral connection of the sensor element device to the cooking field plate projecting beyond the cutout in the worktop and resting at least in strips on the worktop has the advantage that the sensor element device appears to be fully associated with the hob. The absence of transitions or equal thicknesses facilitates cleaning of the surfaces.

These and other features will become apparent from the claims and from the description and drawings, wherein the individual features each alone or more in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields be realized and advantageous and protectable Represent embodiments for which protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual sections as well as intermediate headings does not restrict the general validity of the statements made thereunder.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine seitliche Schnittdarstellung einer Anordnung eines Kochfeldes in einer Arbeitsplatte mit zwischen Kochfeldplatte und Arbeitsplatte eingeschobener Bedieneinrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Anordnung ähnlich Fig. 1, wobei die Bedieneinrichtung auf der Kochfeldplatte aufliegt,

Fig. 3

eine Vergrößerung der Darstellung aus Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht der Bedieneinrichtung nach Fig. 1 von unten und

Fig. 5 und 6

verschiedene Anordnungen einer Bedieneinrichtung an einem Kochfeld entsprechend den Fig. 1 und 2.

Embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and will be explained in more detail below. In the drawings shows:

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

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

Fig. 3

an enlargement of the representation of FIG. 2,

Fig. 4

a view of the operating device of FIG. 1 from below and

FIGS. 5 and 6

various arrangements of an operating device on a hob according to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Detailed description of the embodiments

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

The hob 13 has on the underside of the glass ceramic plate 15 still a control housing 16. In this is what will be discussed in more detail, especially a control or power supply of the hob 13 included. 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 position shown, a certain gap between top of the worktop 12 and the glass ceramic plate 15 is given. It can also be formed in or by a circumferential elastic seal under the edge of the hob. In this gap, resting on the top of the worktop 12, an operating device 18 with a sensor element device 19 is inserted. In essence, it consists of a flat support 20, which will be discussed in more detail below. In particular, it is an operating device 18 or sensor element device 19 according to FIG. 4, wherein on the underside of the carrier 20, the sensor elements 22 may be provided in various forms. The electrical contact to the sensor elements 22 via contact fields 24, which point downwards. In the retracted state of FIG. 1, these contact pads 24 come into contact with spring contacts 27 on a control board 25 in the control housing 16. On the control board 25 are control devices of the hob 13, in particular microcontroller and possibly a signal evaluation or processing. This is how the electrical connection is made the control device 18 or sensor element device 19 to the control board 25th

In the control housing 16, among other things, the control board 25 is arranged. It also carries displays 26 to indicate operating conditions or other information through the glass ceramic plate 15 upwards.

The carrier 20 according to FIG. 1 can be permanently fixed in an embodiment of the invention on the worktop 12, for example by gluing. Alternatively, it can be releasably secured, for example by screwing. Furthermore, it can either rest on the otherwise flat worktop 12 and thus survive upwards. This forms a kind of gradation of the transition from the top of the worktop 12 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 spacers can be provided with the thickness of the support 20 for a uniform support. Alternatively, one of the thickness of the carrier 20 corresponding flat depression in the worktop 12 may be provided.

According to a further alternative, the carrier 20 may also be graduated in a certain way or be formed with stepped thickness, so that it extends with a thin area under the glass ceramic plate 15 and the rest, however, with a greater thickness, for example according to the glass ceramic plate 15, the course continues , It is also possible with such a solution, in the area of the sensor element device or its electrical contact with the control board, to make the cutout in the work surface 12 larger, in particular beyond the edge of the glass ceramic plate 15. This enlargement of the cutout is subsequently concealed by the operating device again, whereby the considerably enlarged gap allows a simple way of doing so and way cable or the like. can be performed for electrical connection of the control device to the control board.

In an alternative arrangement 111 according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the hob 113 is in turn in a cutout in a worktop 112. Here, however, the glass ceramic plate 115 lies more or less directly on the surface of the worktop 112 or it is only a very small Gap given. In the edge region of the glass ceramic plate 115, the operating device 118 is applied or glued to a support 120 for the sensor element device 119 on its underside. Compared to FIG. 1, the carrier 120 is sheet-like and much narrower, whereby it can be designed to be correspondingly longer to accommodate the sensor elements of the sensor element device 119.

The carrier 120 projects beyond the glass ceramic plate 115 laterally a piece. The gap formed thereby to the work surface 112 is closed by the bend 130 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 effected here by flexible conductors 127 or an aforementioned flex circuit board or so-called flex connector, in particular in the manner of very thin flat cables or film conductors. This can be seen particularly well from Fig. 3.

It can also be seen in FIG. 3 that only a single sensor element 122 is provided over the width of the carrier 120. For this purpose, a plurality of sensor elements are provided side by side, as will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG.

1 to 3 is also to say that the thickness ratios are not drawn to scale, in particular 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.

FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, a field with a plurality of sensor elements 22 on one operating device 18 according to FIG. 1, one above the other and next to one another. These sensor elements 22 are applied in a corresponding manner to the underside of the carrier 20 or of the additional sensor element carrier as sensor element device 19. This can in turn be applied to the underside of a carrier similar to FIG. 1 or 2. 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 underside is covered with a cover film 23. This leaves only the area of the contact pads 24 free for electrical contacting according to FIG. 1. Furthermore, an adhesive layer can be provided under the cover film, so that the sensor element carrier can be easily adhered. In this case, a dashed line is shown for a sensor element 22 at the top right as the electrical contact leads from the sensor element to the contact fields 24. 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 Fig. 5, an arrangement 11 is shown in which on a hob 13, two different types of arrangements of controls are shown, although in practice usually only one is present. Once an operating device 18 according to FIG. 1 is provided on the right side, so then laterally to the glass ceramic plate 15 and partially inserted underneath. 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 and is very narrow, but elongated. It is advantageously glued. Here, the sensor elements 22 are only provided side by side. Such an operating device 118 corresponds essentially to FIGS. 2 and 3.

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

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, it may appear that even a very thin operating device, for example similar to Fig. 2, would include a display.

The carrier may be, for example, a thin metal sheet, in particular of stainless steel or aluminum. Furthermore, it can also be made of glass or plastic. At the top, it is possible to provide markings for an operator just above the sensor elements, 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 separate at least before sticking or fastening Building unit are formed and possibly also consist of a different material from the hob. Another advantage here is also that in the case of a defect in the sensor element device or operating device, this can be relatively easily replaced as a single part, without having to carry out work on the entire hob.

Claims (19)

Sensor element device (19, 119) for an operating device (18, 118) of a hob (13, 113), wherein the hob is used in use in a worktop (12, 112) or in a section of a worktop, characterized in that as Carrier (20, 120) a thin flat sheet material, which is different from a hob plate (15, 115), 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 each of Sensor element a contact to contact means (24) on the carrier (20, 120) extends for electrical contacting (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 piezoelectric sensors. Sensor element device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor elements (22, 122) are capacitively operating sensor elements, in particular as a frame or surfaces on the back or underside of the carrier (20, 120) or an additional sensor element carrier (19) are. Sensor element device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor elements (22, 122) are thin and on the carrier (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) are applied and run to contact fields (24) as contacting, in particular in 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, wherein it is 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 flat 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 planar support (120) at an edge region an angled portion (130) protrudes corresponding to a projection of the cooking field plate (115) of the hob (113) on the work surface (112 ) in the installed state, wherein preferably the carrier (120) is an angle profile. Cooking field (13, 113) with an operating device (18, 118) and a sensor element device (19, 119) according to 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) is a component which is fundamentally separate from the hob (13, 113) or the hob plate (15, 115) and, in particular, the sensor elements (22, 122) of the sensor element device laterally outside of the cutout above the surface of the worktop (12, 112) run. Arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the hob plate (15) so far above the worktop (12) extends with clearance, that in the intermediate space of the carrier (20) of the sensor element device (19) is inserted, wherein preferably the carrier such far into the hob (13) is inserted, that the contact means (24) to corresponding mating contact devices (27) in the hob extend for the 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 work surface (12) is fixed, in particular is glued. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the cooktop panel (15, 115) projects laterally beyond the cutout in the worktop (12, 112) and rests substantially directly on the top of the worktop, wherein preferably the sensor element device (19) laterally adjoins the hob plate (15), in particular substantially without changing the thickness. Arrangement according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the sensor element device (119) rests substantially on the edge region of the hob plate (115), wherein preferably the sensor element device engages over the superior side edge of the hob plate and down to the worktop (112) extends and so covers the lateral outer edge of the hob plate. Arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that the electrical contacting device (127) cable or multiple conductors in printed form with film carrier which around the hob plate and between cooktop plate (115) and worktop (112) guided to a hob control range as a terminal 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.

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