EP2757319B1 - Domestic appliance - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a domestic appliance according to the preamble of claim 1.

Cooktops are known, the cooktop of which has one or more coatings, partial areas being designed without a coating.

From the European patent application EP 0 794 158 A1 is already known a low thermal expansion coefficient cover plate made of deep-colored crystallized glass, with a first enamel coating applied to a heating area of the plate and with a second enamel coating applied to a non-heating area, the non-heating area around the heating area and located elsewhere than the heating area. The first enamel coating consists essentially of 40% to 98% by weight of glass, 5% to 55% by weight of at least one of crystalline ZrSiO ₄ and crystalline ZrO ₂ , and 0% to 54% by weight of coloring pigment. The second enamel coating consists essentially of 30% to 94% by weight of glass, 5% to 69% by weight of crystalline TiO ₂ and from 0% to 34% by weight of coloring pigment.

The European patent application EP 2 223 900 A1 discloses a transparent coating, the method for producing the coating and its use for display areas of flat-coated glass or glass ceramic panes, the transparent coating of the display areas being arranged in cutouts in the flat, non-transparent coating as a sol-gel color with alkyl silicates as film formers and the coating formed from the film former by thermal treatment is crosslinked via the reactive groups of the alkyl silicates and has organic, non-hydrolyzable residues bonded directly to the silicon.

The US 2005/224491 A1 discloses a glass ceramic plate which is intended to cover heating elements. The glass ceramic plate has an enamel patch and / or a color coating on one surface.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to increased design freedom and / or increased comfort. The object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous refinements and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

The invention is based on a domestic appliance with at least one domestic appliance device, in particular a cooktop device, which comprises at least one at least partially transparent plate unit and at least one coating structure which is arranged on the plate unit.

In a first and a second partial area of a main plane of the plate unit, the coating structure has different opacity values, at least perpendicular to the main plane, the first and the second partial area preferably being designed to be disjoint. A “domestic appliance device” is to be understood in particular as a component, in particular a functional component, in particular a construction and / or functional component, of a domestic appliance. A “domestic appliance” is to be understood in particular as an, in particular electrical, alternative and / or additionally gas and / or oil-operated appliance which is intended to be used in a household, in particular household chores, advantageously a cooking process and / or a cleaning process, to perform and / or to support and / or which is intended to store food, in particular under controlled conditions. A “plate unit” is to be understood in particular as a unit which has a thickness which corresponds to a maximum of 20%, in particular a maximum of 10%, advantageously a maximum of 3%, preferably a maximum of 1%, of a length and a width of the unit. Under a "thickness" of the plate unit, in particular, a shortest side edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid, the plate unit completely embraced, understood. The "length" or the "width" of the plate unit is to be understood in particular as the lengths of the further side edges of the smallest imaginary cuboid. In particular, the plate unit has a thickness that is less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm, advantageously less than 0.5 cm. The fact that the plate unit is at least partially "transparent" should be understood in particular to mean that the plate unit is in at least one direction, in particular at least substantially parallel to the thickness, and in at least one spatial area, in particular in each spatial area, in at least one wavelength range , in particular for at least 10%, advantageously for at least 30%, particularly advantageously for at least 60%, preferably for at least 95%, of the visible light between 380 nm and 780 nm, a transparency of at least 10%, in particular at least 30%, advantageously at least 50 %, preferably at least 70%, "transparency" in particular denoting the proportion of light that is scattered and / or penetrates directly through the plate unit. In particular, the plate unit is at least partially translucent. In particular, the plate unit has a spatially at least substantially constant transparency and / or translucency. In particular, the plate unit is formed from an at least glass-like material, in particular from glass ceramic and / or borosilicate glass, alternatively from window glass, safety glass, plexiglass and / or other material which appears to be suitable to a person skilled in the art. In particular, the plate unit is at least essentially formed from a clear material. The plate unit is advantageously designed as a hob plate base body and / or a domestic appliance door base body. A “coating structure” is to be understood as a total of coatings applied to the plate unit, in particular on different sides of the plate unit. A “coating” is to be understood in particular to mean a structure formed from a single layer or from a plurality of layers which is applied to the plate unit, in particular by means of a printing process, a spraying process and / or by means of a physical and / or chemical deposition process. In particular, the coating has a thickness which corresponds to a maximum of 30%, in particular a maximum of 10%, advantageously a maximum of 3%, preferably a maximum of 1%, of a thickness of the plate unit. A "main plane" of the plate unit is to be understood in particular as a plane which has a smallest mean square distance from all points of the plate unit. In particular, the main plane is at least essentially parallel to

Distance to all points of the plate unit. In particular, the main plane is at least essentially parallel to

Main surfaces of the disk unit. "Main surfaces" of the plate unit are to be understood to mean, in particular by edges, delimited surface areas of the plate unit which each form at least 30%, in particular at least 40%, advantageously at least 45%, of a total surface of the plate unit. The “coating structure in a partial area of the main plane” is to be understood in particular as a total of parts of the coatings of the coating structure that lie completely in the partial area in a, preferably orthogonal, projection onto the main plane. The coating structure preferably has an at least substantially constant opacity in each of the partial regions, which locally fluctuates in particular less than 30%, advantageously less than 10%, preferably less than 3%, preferably less than 1%. An opacity "perpendicular" to the main plane is to be understood in particular to mean an opacity of the coating structure and / or the plate unit when light is incident perpendicular to the main plane. In particular, the opacity values of the coating structure differ by at least 10%, in particular at least 30%, advantageously at least 50%, preferably at least 70%. “Provided” is to be understood in particular to be specially shaped, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should in particular be understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

The configuration according to the invention can, in particular, achieve increased comfort and / or increased creative freedom. In particular, locally different opacity values can be used to highlight and / or visualize functional areas.

It is advantageously proposed that the coating structure in at least the first partial area is at least substantially non-transparent, in particular has an opacity value of at least 70%, in particular at least 90%, advantageously at least 97%, particularly advantageously at least 99%, preferably at least 99.7% . In particular, at least the second partial area has an opacity of at most 70%, in particular at most 50%, advantageously at most 30%, and / or at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, advantageously at least 30%, particularly advantageously at least 40%. In particular, at least the second partial area is at least in the Substantially transparent, in particular at least essentially clear. In particular, a good distinction between different sub-areas can be achieved. In particular, increased comfort can be achieved since a location can be created behind the first partial area, in which household appliance components can be arranged outside an operator's field of vision.

According to the invention, it is proposed that the coating structure in the first and second partial areas, preferably with the same lighting, have the same color, in particular different, advantageously the same brightness. A color tone should in particular be understood to mean a group of wavelength spectra, with in particular different intensities, each of which is perceived as the same color by one eye, in particular a human, preferably a normal-sighted person. The same color tones preferably have the same wavelength spectrum, in particular with different intensities. In particular, standardized wavelength spectra of different hues have an integrated difference of at most 5%, in particular at most 2%. In particular, the sub-areas have an at least essentially the same color according to RAL. In particular, a homogeneous appearance can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the coating structure in the first and second sub-areas be formed from an at least essentially the same material. In particular, the materials of the coating structure are formed from the same base material in the different subregions and differ only in added dyes, in particular color pigments, in particular only in an amount of the same added dye. In particular, high compatibility of materials arranged next to one another can be achieved. In particular, simple production can be achieved by applying the at least essentially the same materials, in particular in a same production step, in particular in a printing step.

It is proposed according to the invention that the coating structure is at least partially, in particular at least 50%, advantageously at least 70%, preferably 90%, formed by an at least enamel-like material.

According to the invention, the coating is formed from molten glass and / or ceramic frits which have been applied to the partial area and fused to form a uniform layer. In particular, a homogeneous and / or hard surface can be achieved. In particular, a high variety of colors of the surface can be achieved. In particular, a ceramic appearance of the plate unit can be generated. In particular, a high overall rigidity and / or flexibility of the plate unit can be achieved. As an alternative, configurations are conceivable, the coating being formed from a polymer, in particular a resin, which is stable, preferably thermally, in particular up to temperatures of 300 ° C. The coating preferably has a Mohs hardness of at least 5, advantageously at least 6, preferably at least 7.

It is further proposed that the coating structure in the first and second sub-areas have different thicknesses, which differ in particular by at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, advantageously at least 50%. In particular, the coating structure in the second partial area is thinner than in the first partial area. Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least one coloring layer of a coating of the coating structure has different thicknesses in the different partial areas, a difference in thickness being compensated for by a further, preferably transparent, layer of the coating of the layer structure, which is in particular only arranged in the partial area in which the colored layer is thinner. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the coating structure in the first and second sub-areas has an at least substantially the same thickness, different opacity values being brought about in particular by different dye concentrations in one, in particular the same, base material.

It is further proposed that the coating structure, at least with respect to the main plane, extends at least substantially over the entire plate unit, in particular over at least 70%, advantageously over at least 90%, preferably over at least 95%, of the plate unit. In particular, a high level of continuity can be created. In particular, a homogeneous appearance can be achieved.

It is also proposed that at least the second partial area be provided as an operating and / or display area. In particular, the coating structure is at least partially translucent at least in the second partial area. In particular, the Coating structure in the second partial area is intended to transmit light from a lighting and / or display unit which is arranged behind, in particular under, the plate unit in the second partial area and / or an improved sensitivity from behind, in particular under, the plate unit in the second Sub-area arranged sensor elements, in particular touch sensors, in particular by a reduced distance.

It is advantageously proposed that at least a large part of the coating structure forms at least one outer surface. In particular, the coating structure is arranged on a visible side of the plate unit. An "outer surface" is to be understood in particular to mean a surface of the household appliance device, in particular in at least one normal operating state, which differs in particular from an operating state with the household appliance door open and / or in which a household appliance having the household appliance device is accommodated in an installation niche Field of vision of an operator is and / or which can be touched directly. In particular, the coating structure is arranged at least essentially on one side of the plate unit, which faces outward with respect to a domestic appliance device having the plate unit and / or a domestic appliance having the plate unit. In particular, an optically appealing design can be achieved.

Home appliances are proposed that have a home appliance device. In particular, the domestic appliance is designed as a cooking appliance, in particular an oven and / or a microwave oven, as a washing appliance, in particular as a washing machine, tumble dryer and / or dishwasher, or as a storage appliance, in particular as a refrigerator and / or freezer. The domestic appliance is preferably designed as a hob.

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

Fig. 1

ein erstes erfindungsgemäßes Kochfeld mit einer ersten Kochfeldvorrichtung in einer Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 2

eine Schnittdarstellung der ersten Kochfeldvorrichtung entlang der Linie II-II in Figur 1,

Fig. 3

ein zweites erfindungsgemäßes Kochfeld mit einer zweiten Kochfeldvorrichtung in einer Ansicht von oben,

Fig. 4

eine Schnittdarstellung der zweiten Kochfeldvorrichtung entlang der Linie IV-IV in Figur 3,

Fig. 5

eine dritte Kochfeldvorrichtung in einer Darstellung analog Figur 4 und

Fig. 6

eine vierte Kochfeldvorrichtung in einer Darstellung analog Figur 2 während einer Herstellung.

In a schematic representation:

Fig. 1

a first hob according to the invention with a first hob device in a view from above,

Fig. 2

a sectional view of the first cooktop device along the line II-II in Figure 1 ,

Fig. 3

a second hob according to the invention with a second hob device in a view from above,

Fig. 4

a sectional view of the second hob device along the line IV-IV in Figure 3 ,

Fig. 5

a third hob device in a representation analog Figure 4 and

Fig. 6

a fourth hob device in a representation analog Figure 2 during a manufacturing.

Figure 1 shows a domestic appliance 10 designed as a matrix hob and an induction hob with a domestic appliance device 12 designed as an induction hob device. The domestic appliance device 12 has a transparent plate unit 14 and a coating structure 16 which is arranged on the plate unit 14 ( Figure 2 ). The plate unit 14 is formed from an at least glass-like material. The plate unit 14 has a high temperature resistance and a low thermal expansion. The coating structure 16 is formed by two coatings 18, 20 which are arranged on an upper side of the plate unit 14. A first coating 18 of the coating structure 16 is arranged in a first partial area 22 of a main plane of the plate unit 14. A second coating 20 of the coating structure 16 is arranged in a second partial area 24 of a main plane of the plate unit 14. The coatings 18, 20 each fill the partial areas 22, 24. The first partial area 22 forms a frame for the second partial area 24. The second partial area 22 is completely enclosed by the first partial area 22. The first and second subareas 22, 24 complement each other to form a surface that corresponds to a projection of an upper side of the plate unit 14 onto the main plane. The coating structure 16 extends with respect to the main plane over the entire plate unit 14. The coating structure 16 forms an outer surface. The first sub-area 22 comprises a sub-area which is provided for cooking utensils for heating, in particular by heating elements arranged under the plate unit 14, to record, the cooking utensils being arranged on the coating structure 16 or the coating 18.

The coating structure 16 has different opacity values in the first and the second partial areas 22, 24, at least perpendicular to the main plane. The coating structure 16 is essentially non-transparent in the first partial area 22 and has an opacity of 99%. The second section 24 is provided as an operating and display area. The coating structure 16 is essentially transparent in the second partial area 24. The coating structure 16 forms a clear window in the second partial area 24, which is intended to allow a view and operation of a touch display arranged under the plate unit 14 in the second partial area 24 (not shown).

The coating structure 16 is formed in the first and second subregions 22, 24 from an at least essentially the same material. The coating structure 16 is essentially formed from enamel. The material of the coating structure 16 in the first partial area 22 differs from the clear material in the second partial area 24 by the addition of color pigments. The coating structure 16 has the same thickness in the two partial regions 22, 24.

During production, the two coatings 18, 20 are prepared simultaneously by applying frit paste by means of a printing process, for example by means of an ink jet-like printing process, the coatings 18, 20 being produced from the frits paste in the subsequent firing process. In order to avoid color mixing in the transition area between the coatings 18, 20 and / or when using starting materials that require different post-treatment, it is conceivable that in one step one of the coatings 18, 20 and in a second layer another one of the Coatings 18, 20 is applied. In particular, it is conceivable in further refinements that an at least enamel-like material is applied in the first partial area 22 and a polymeric material is applied in the second partial area 24.

In the Figures 3 to 5 two further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, with respect to the same components, Features and functions on the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 and 2 , can be referenced. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a or b is the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments in the Figures 3 and 4 or 5 added. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference symbols, it is also possible in principle to refer to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 and 2 , to get expelled.

Figure 3 shows a domestic appliance 10a designed as an induction hob with a domestic appliance device 12a designed as an induction hob device. The domestic appliance device 12a has a transparent plate unit 14a and a coating structure 16a which is arranged on the plate unit 14a ( Figure 4 ). The coating structure 16a extends with respect to a main plane of the plate unit 14a over the entire plate unit 14a. The coating structure 16a forms an outer surface.

The coating structure 16a has different opacity values in a first and a second partial region 22a, 24a of the main plane, at least perpendicular to the main plane. The coating structure 16a is essentially non-transparent in the first partial area 22a and has an opacity of 95%. The second partial area 24a is provided as an operating and display area. The coating structure 16a is partially translucent in the second partial area 24a. The coating structure 16a forms an area in the second partial area 24a which is provided to allow active light-emitting elements, which in particular show positions of operating elements, in particular touch sensors, heating output settings and / or temperature warnings, to shine through (not shown). The second subarea 24a has an opacity value of 30%.

The coating structure 16a is formed in the first and second partial regions 22a, 24a by an at least substantially the same material. The coating structure 16a is largely made of enamel. Coatings 18a, 20a for producing a surface effect are supplemented by coatings for producing touch sensor surfaces. The material of the coating structure 16a in the first partial area 22a differs from the partially translucent material in the second partial area 24a in that larger amounts of color pigments are added. The coating structure 16a has in first and second sub-areas 22a, 24a have the same thickness. The coating structure 16a has the same color in the first and second partial areas 22a, 24a, for example ceramic-like white, which is intended to give the plate unit 14a a ceramic appearance.

Figure 5 shows a domestic appliance device 12b designed as an induction hob device with a transparent plate unit 14b and with a coating structure 16b which is arranged on the plate unit 14b. The coating structure 16b has two coatings 18b, 20b which are used for coloring. A first of the coatings 18b fills a first partial area 22b of a main plane of the plate unit 14b and is arranged on an upper side of the plate unit 14b. A second of the coatings 20b fills a second partial area 24b of the main plane and is arranged on an underside of the plate unit 14. The coatings 18b, 20b overlap in a third partial area 26b of the main plane, which forms a frame of the second partial area 24b.

The coating structure 16b has different opacity values in the first and the second partial areas 22b, 24b, at least perpendicular to the main plane. The coating structure 16b is essentially non-transparent in the first partial area 22b and has an opacity value of 97%. The coating structure 16b is essentially non-transparent in the third partial area 26b and has an opacity value of 98%. The coating structure 16b is partially translucent in the second partial area 24b and has an opacity value of 25%. The coating structure 16b has the same color in the first and second partial regions 22b, 24b. The color-imparting coatings 18b, 20b of the coating structure 16b are formed from the same enamel in the first and second partial areas 22b, 24b. The coating structure 16b has different thicknesses in the first and second partial regions 22b, 24b. The second partial area 24b is provided as an operating and display area. The second partial area 24b extends in a front area of the plate unit 14b over almost an entire width of the plate unit 14b. The coating 18 of the coating structure 16, which covers approximately 90% of an upper side of the plate unit 14b, forms an outer side.

During manufacture, the coating 18b in the first partial area 22b and the coating 20b in the second partial area 24b are applied and fired one after the other. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the coatings with different thicknesses are arranged on a same side, in particular the top side, of the plate unit and / or are produced simultaneously.

Figure 6 shows a domestic appliance device 12 designed as a hob device with at least one transparent plate unit 14 and with a coating structure 16 which is arranged on the plate unit 14. The coating structure 16 has a coating 18 which is arranged on an upper side of the plate unit 14. The coating structure 16 has different opacity values in a first and a second partial area 22, 24 of a main plane of the plate unit 14.

The coating structure 16 is essentially non-transparent in the first partial area 22. The coating structure 16 is formed in the first and second partial areas 22, 24 from the same material. The coating 18 of the coating structure 16 is formed from enamel.

In the second partial area 24, a part 27 of the coating 18, which also extends over the first partial area 22 and gives it its non-transparency, is influenced by the action of a laser beam 28 on a side of the coating structure 16 facing the plate unit 14 through the plate unit 14. The part of the coating 18 is changed with regard to its crystalline or amorphous properties, which leads to an increase in its transparency and thus to a different opacity in the second partial area 24. In this way, a flat surface with a constant color tone can be achieved without having to apply several coatings one above the other.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that the coating of the coating structure on a side facing away from the plate unit is influenced by means of a laser beam.

In alternative configurations, it is conceivable that first a transparent coating is applied in the second partial area, which has a smaller thickness than a coating that is later present in the first partial area, and then a common coating with high opacity is applied in the first and second partial area , where these add up to the same total thickness in the first and second sub-areas.

In further refinements, it is conceivable that the coating structure in the respective subregions has locally different, in particular patterns, figures and / or images, structuring, coloring and / or color gradients.

In further refinements, it is conceivable that a coating structure, at least in a second partial area, which is designed as a measuring area, in particular for an infrared sensor arranged behind the plate unit or under the plate unit designed as a hob plate unit, has a lower opacity, at least in the infrared spectral range , wherein the infrared sensor is advantageously arranged within a cooking zone defined by a heating element and is intended to determine a temperature of a cookware placed in the cooking zone.

Reference numerals

10th

Home appliance

12th

Home appliance device

14

Disk unit

16

Coating structure

18th

Coating

20

Coating

22

Subarea

24th

Subarea

26

Subarea

27

part

28

laser beam

Claims (9)

1. Household appliance with at least one household appliance apparatus, in particular hob apparatus, which comprises at least one at least partially transparent plate unit (14; 14a; 14b) and at least one coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) which is arranged on the plate unit (14; 14a; 14b), wherein the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b), in a first and a second subregion (22, 24; 22a, 24a; 22b, 24b, 26b) of a main plane of the plate unit (14; 14a; 14b), has opacity values which are different at least perpendicular to the main plane, wherein the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) is an aggregate of coatings applied to the plate unit (14; 14a; 14b), wherein the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) has an identical colour tone in the first and second subregion (22, 24; 22a; 24a; 22a, 24b, 26b), characterised in that the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) is at least partially formed of an at least enamel-like material.
2. Household appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) is at least substantially transparent in at least the first subregion (22; 22a; 22b, 26b).
3. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) is formed of an at least substantially identical material in the first and second subregion (22, 24; 22a, 24a; 22b, 24b, 26b).
4. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) has different thicknesses in the first and second subregion (22b, 24b).
5. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) extends at least substantially over the entire plate unit (14; 14a; 14b), at least in relation to the main plane.
6. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the second subregion (24; 24a; 24b) is provided as an operating and/or display region.
7. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least a majority of the coating structure (16; 16a; 16b) forms at least one outer surface.
8. Household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, which is embodied as a hob.
9. Method for manufacturing a household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in at least one method step a coating (18, 20; 18a, 20a; 18b, 20b) is formed of molten glass and/or ceramic frits, which are applied to a subregion (22, 24; 22a, 22b; 22b, 24b) and fused to form a single layer.

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