EP3675600A1 - Induction hob with means for holding a conductive cable - Google Patents

Abstract

An induction hob comprises at least one inductor (1) mounted on a plate (2), the inductor (1) comprising a conductive cable wound (30) on an inductor support (4) and comprising two portions d end sheathed at least in part by a protective sheath. The plate (2) comprises means (6) for holding the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductive cable extending outside the inductor support ( The holding means (6) of the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductive cable make it possible to guarantee that they are held in position directly at the level of the plate (2) of the induction hob.

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to an induction hob comprising means for holding a conductive cable.

In general, an induction hob comprises at least one conductive cable wound on itself and placed on a support. The conductor cable and the support define an inductor. An induction hob also includes a tray on which one or more inductors are mounted. The tray fitted with the inductor (s) is covered by a cooking plate, generally a glass-ceramic plate.

Furthermore, the ends of the conductive cable are electrically connected to electrical supply means arranged under the plate. Electronic components are also placed under the tray.

The inductor support is made of an electrical insulating material, for example plastic. The plate is generally made of a non-magnetic material, such as aluminum, making it possible to minimize the stray fields of the inductor (s) on the electronic components.

However, the plate made of non-magnetic material has the drawback of conducting the current.

Prior art

Thus, to avoid electrical contact between the plate and the end portions of the conductive cable extending outside the inductor support, it is known to cover the end portions of the conductive cable with a protective sheath.

However, if the protective sheath is not maintained along the conductive cable, it is likely to slide along the conductive cable and the conductive cable may be exposed, then come into electrical contact with the plate. .

To avoid this, one solution consists in choosing a protective sheath of length substantially greater than the length of the conductive cable. However, this solution requires curling the protective sheath covering the terminal ends of the conductive cable so that the terminal ends are visible and can be connected to the electrical supply means arranged under the plate.

An alternative solution is to cover the end portions of the conductive cable with a heat-shrinkable protective sheath. However, this solution is difficult to implement and requires specific tools.

We also know in the document CN206024149U , an inductor support comprising means for holding the conductive cable at the outlet of the winding in order to avoid loosening of the tension within the conductive cable wound on itself.

More specifically, the means for holding the conductive cable comprise a tongue and a holding hook. The tongue has a groove capable of guiding the conductive cable. The retaining hook has a square arm. The two parts of the square arm each have a groove capable of guiding an end portion of the conductive cable.

When the conductive cable comes out of the winding, it is guided in the groove of the tongue, then is successively wound around each part of the arm at right angles. Thus, the conductive cable is kept away from the plate arranged under the inductor support. In other words, the conductive cable cannot come into contact with the plate and any electrical contact between the conductive cable and the plate is avoided.

However, this solution has several drawbacks. Indeed, the conductive cable is kept under tension and successive windings around the holding means are likely to damage the conductive cable. In other words, the conductor cable can deteriorate more easily.

Furthermore, this solution is difficult to implement. Indeed, different windings must be made to keep the cable around the holding means. Operators must be trained for this particular assembly operation of the conductor cable when positioning the inductors on the hob tray.

The object of the present invention is to provide an induction hob which overcomes all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

Statement of the invention

To this end, the present invention relates to an inductor hob comprising at least one inductor mounted on a plate, the inductor comprising a conductive cable wound on an inductor support and comprising two end portions sheathed at least in part by a protective sheath.

According to the invention, the plate comprises means for holding the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable extending outside the inductor support.

The means for holding the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable make it possible to guarantee that they are held in position directly at the level of the hob tray.

In an advantageous embodiment, the holding means have substantially the shape of a hook comprising a concave part, the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable being housed in the concave part.

The specific hook shape makes it possible to easily accommodate the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable in the concave part of the hook.

In practice, the inductor support has a flange extending at the periphery of the wound conductor cable, the sheathed end portions of the conductor cable being kept in contact with each other between the concave part of the hook and the flange.

The cooperation of the flange present at the periphery of the support and of the hook makes it possible to maintain the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable without additional structure.

In a particular embodiment, the concave part of the hook comprises a bottom, the distance between the bottom and the rim of the inductor support being substantially equal to or less than the sum of the diameter of the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable.

The condition on the distance between the bottom and the rim of the inductor support makes it possible to keep the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable tight. Thus, even when the sheaths are not fixed to the conductor cable, the sheaths are immobilized between the hook and the edge of the inductor support. In other words, there is no risk of the conductive cable being stripped.

In an advantageous embodiment, the rim of the inductor support comprises two respective passage openings of the two sheathed end portions of the conductive cable.

The presence of orifices in the inductor support makes it possible to avoid twisting of the conductor cable at the outlet of the inductor support to bring it to the level of the means for holding the end portions of the conductor cable.

In a particular embodiment, the orifices are arranged on either side of the hook and the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable run along the edge of the inductor support and extend on either side of the hook.

The specific arrangement of the orifices on either side of the hook-shaped holding means makes it possible to facilitate the operations of mounting each end portion of the conductive cable in the hook.

In an advantageous embodiment, the means for holding the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable include edge portions adapted to be in contact with the sheathed end portions of the conductor cable, the edge portions having a surface in the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid.

The specific shape of a hyperbolic paraboloid for the edge portions has the advantage of not creating constraint lines. Thus, the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable in contact with the edge portions do not undergo significant twisting. In other words, the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable are only bent over the holding means. This type of surface avoids excessive mechanical stress on the conductor cable, which could damage it.

In one embodiment, the plate comprises means for positioning in a plane of the plate of at least one inductor and the inductor comprises complementary positioning means so as to position said at least one inductor with said two end portions of the conductive cable extending on either side of the holding means.

The positioning means in a plane of the plate make it easier for the operator to mount the inductor.

In practice, the plate comprises on both sides of the holding means, at least one opening for passage of the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable under the plate.

The specific arrangement of an opening for passage of the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable under the plate makes it possible to facilitate the assembly operations of the conductive cable to be connected to electrical supply means arranged under the plate.

In a practical embodiment, the plate and the holding means are produced by stamping from a single piece.

The implementation of a stamping process to manufacture at the same time the plate and the means for holding the sheathed end portions of the conductive cable makes it possible to simplify the method of manufacturing the plate comprising holding means.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

Brief description of the drawings

• [Fig. 1] La figure 1 représente une table de cuisson à induction sans plaque de cuisson selon une vue en perspective ;
• [Fig. 2] La figure 2 représente un inducteur selon une vue en perspective ;
• [Fig. 3] La figure 3 représente des moyens de maintien selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention selon une vue en perspective partielle d'un plateau de table de cuisson ;
• [Fig. 4] La figure 4 représente un inducteur en phase de montage sur un plateau selon une vue en perspective partielle d'un plateau de table de cuisson ;
• [Fig. 5] La figure 5 représente l'inducteur de la figure 4 en position sur le plateau selon une vue schématique en perspective partielle d'un plateau de table de cuisson ;
• [Fig. 6] La figure 6 représente une vue du détail agrandie V à la figure 5 ; et
• [Fig. 7] La figure 7 représente une vue en coupe partielle de l'inducteur en position sur le plateau de la figure 5 selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

In the appended drawings, given by way of nonlimiting examples:

• [ Fig. 1 ] The figure 1 shows an induction hob without hob in a perspective view;
• [ Fig. 2 ] The figure 2 represents an inductor according to a perspective view;
• [ Fig. 3 ] The figure 3 represents holding means according to an embodiment of the invention according to a partial perspective view of a hob tray;
• [ Fig. 4 ] The figure 4 represents an inductor in the assembly phase on a tray according to a partial perspective view of a hob tray;
• [ Fig. 5 ] The figure 5 represents the inductor of the figure 4 in position on the tray in a schematic partial perspective view of a hob tray;
• [ Fig. 6 ] The figure 6 represents an enlarged view of the detail V at the figure 5 ; and
• [ Fig. 7 ] The figure 7 shows a partial sectional view of the inductor in position on the plate of the figure 5 according to one embodiment of the invention.

detailed description

We will now describe an induction hob according to one embodiment of the invention.

With reference to the figure 1 , an induction hob 7 is shown without a hob. Thus, inductors 1 are visible at the figure 1 .

In practice, a hob, for example a ceramic hob, forms the upper cooking surface of the induction hob 7 and hides the inductors 1.

Here, the induction hob 7 comprises three inductors 1 in the form of a disc and of variable size. Thus, the diameter of the inductors 1 is adapted to heat containers of variable size.

In general, the induction hob 7 comprises at least one inductor 1 placed under a ceramic hob.

Of course, the induction cooktop 7 may include a variable number of inductors 1 arranged under a ceramic hob.

Each inductor 1 is mounted on a plate 2. The fixing of each inductor 1 on the plate 2 is carried out using conventional fixing means such as screw-nut systems. Of course, the mounting can also be carried out by clipping or using glue. Here, the fixing means are not shown.

As illustrated in figure 2 , an inductor 1 conventionally comprises a conductive cable wound 30 on an inductor support 4.

The coiled conductor cable 30 may be a copper or aluminum cable or strand (twisted electrical wires).

The wound conductor cable 30 is arranged in the form of a flat spiral on the inductor support 4.

The inductor support 4 is made of non-conductive material, and generally of plastic material. Thus, the coiled conductor cable 30 is electrically isolated from the rest of the induction hob 7.

The coiled conductor cable 30 has two end portions 31, 32 extending outside of the inductor support 4.

The end portions 31, 32 of the conductor cable 30 exit from the inductor support 4 to be connected to means for supplying electric current (not shown).

More specifically, the end portions 31, 32 of the conductive cable 30 each comprise a part covered by a protective sheath 5 forming a sheathed end portion 31a, 32a and an unsheathed terminal end (not shown) intended to be connected to the electrical current supply means (not shown) arranged under the plate 2.

The protective sheath 5 is a sheath electrically insulating the conductive cable. The protective sheath 5 is typically made of plastic material withstanding high temperatures.

The inductor support 4 generally has the shape of a disc, defining a plane, composed of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic material and supporting high temperatures. Of course, the inductor support 4 can be made of any other material supporting high temperatures and being non-conductive of electric current. The inductor support 4 can be thermoformed and include concentric grooves making it easier to accommodate the coiled conductive cable 30.

The inductor support 4 has a flange 40 extending at the periphery of the coiled conductor cable 30.

In the embodiment presented here, the rim 40 has substantially the shape of a crown extending at the periphery of the inductor support 4.

The rim 40 of the inductor support 4 comprises two passage orifices 41, 42 for the passage of each end portion 31, 32 of the wound conductor cable 30.

The passage orifices 41, 42 have a diameter at least equal to or greater than the respective diameter of the end portions 31, 32 of the conductive cable 30.

The passage orifices 41, 42 may be perforations passing through the rim 40 or slots or notches machined on the rim 40 of the inductor support 40.

The sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductor cable 30 are arranged directly at the outlet of the inductor support 4.

Thus, the end portions 31, 32, without protective sheath 5, pass through the passage orifices 41, 42 of the flange 40 of the inductor support 4 and the protective sheath 5 covers the end portions 31, 32 in outlet of the passage orifices 41, 42.

The coiled conductor cable 30 and the inductor support 4 thus form a pre-assembled assembly as illustrated in the figure 2 , thus constituting an inductor 1.

As well illustrated in the figure 1 , each inductor 1 is then mounted and positioned on the plate 2 of the induction hob 7.

The plate 2 is a plate that can be formed by folding or stamping on which rests at least one inductor 1. In other words, the inductor 1 rests on one face, called the upper face 21, of the plate 2.

The plate 2 is generally made of non-magnetic material making it possible to minimize the stray fields produced by the inductor 1.

The plate 2 has a face opposite the upper face 21, called the lower face 22 (see figure 7 ). Under the lower face 22 are housed electronic components and electrical supply means.

The electronic components and the power supply means are usual and are not shown in the drawings.

Conventionally, the electronic components are used in particular to control the induction hob in operation. The electrical supply means supply an alternating frequency modulated electric current to the inductor 1.

The electronic components and the electrical supply means are sensitive to the magnetic field of the inductor 1.

Thus, the plate 2 makes it possible to protect the electronic components and the means of electrical supply from disturbances that could cause the magnetic field of the inductor 1 on the electronic components.

The plate 2 also serves as a support for the inductor 1 and makes it possible to diffuse the heat released by a metal container placed on the cooking plate.

Holding means 6 for the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 belong to the plate 2 as shown in the Figure 3 .

The Figure 3 represents a specific embodiment of the holding means 6.

Here, the holding means 6 have substantially the shape of a hook 6a comprising a concave part 60.

Thus, the holding means 6 are here formed of a hook 6a having generally the shape of a C.

In this embodiment, the holding means 6 formed by the hook 6a and the plate 2 are produced from the same piece by stamping.

Also, the hook 6a is connected to the plate 2 by a portion of material forming a connecting portion 65.

The hook 6a thus has a bottom 61 located in the concave part 60 of the holding means 6.

More precisely, the concave part 60 of the hook 6a forms a hollow defining the bottom 61.

As illustrated in figure 4 , the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 are housed in the concave part 60 of the hook 6a.

As illustrated in figure 7 , the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 are here kept in contact with each other, between on the one hand the hook 6a and on the other hand the flange 40 of the inductor support 4. In other words, one of the sheathed end portions 31a is in contact on one side of its sheathed length with the flange 40 and the other sheathed end portion 32a is in contact on one side of its sheathed length with the part concave 60 of hook 6a.

With reference to the figure 7 , the distance D between the bottom 61 of the concave part 60 of the hook 6a and the flange 40 of the inductor support 4 is substantially equal to or less than the sum of the diameter of the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30.

This specific choice makes it possible to tightly mount the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30.

The sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 extend at least at the hook 6a parallel to the plane of the inductor support 4.

The sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 are clamped between the concave part 60 of the hook 6a and the flange 40. The protective sheaths 5, generally made of plastic, are slightly crushed and deformed. So the the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a are held tightly and the protective sheaths 5 are prevented from sliding along the conductive cable 30.

As illustrated in Figure 6 , the passage orifices 41, 42 of the inductor support 4 are arranged on either side of the hook 6a. This specific arrangement of the hook 6a during the mounting of the inductor 1 on the plate 2, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 , makes it easier to mount the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 in the hook 6a.

More specifically, when mounting the inductor 1 shown in the Figure 2 , the end portions 31, 32 of the conductive cable 30 exit from the passage orifices 41, 42 of the flange 40 of the inductor support 4.

The sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 are held against an outer face 43 of the rim 40, the outer face 43 of the rim 40 being defined as a face opposite to the face opposite the winding conductor cable 30 on the inductor support 4.

Each sheathed end portion 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 thus runs along the rim 40 of the inductor support 4 and extends on either side of the hook 6a during the mounting of the inductor 1 on the plate 2 such as illustrated in figure 4 .

As well illustrated, the plate 2 comprises on either side of the hook 6a a passage opening 23 of the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 under the plate 2.

The sheathed end portions 31a, 32a thus extend beyond the hook 6a in a substantially vertical direction relative to the plane of the inductor support 4 and the plate 2.

The sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 are thus inserted through the passage opening 23 to allow their connection to the electrical supply disposed under the plate 2.

As visible at the figure 1 , the plate 2 has a passage opening 23 per inductor 1, to allow the passage of the end portions of the conductive cable of each inductor 1 under the plate and their connection to the electrical supply.

In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 2 comprises, for each inductor 1, a single passage opening 23, the hook 6a extending in line with this passage opening 23.

Of course, in other embodiments, the plate 2 could comprise, for each inductor 1, two separate passage openings, arranged on each side of the hook 6a.

As clearly visible to figures 3 and 5 , the hook 6a has edge portions 62, 64, adapted to be in contact with the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30.

The hook 6a thus comprises an edge portion 62, 64 extending on each side of the bottom 61 of the hook 6a.

Here, the edge portions 62, 64 have a surface in the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid.

This specific shape makes it possible to avoid any significant mechanical stress on the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30.

The hook 6a thus has substantially a general shape of "horse saddle".

In order to facilitate the mounting of the inductor 1 on the plate 2, the latter includes means for positioning in the plane of the plate 2 of the inductor 1. The inductor 1 also includes complementary positioning means for positioning the inductor 1 with its two sheathed end portions 31, 32 extending on either side of the hook 6a.

By way of nonlimiting example, the means for complementary positioning of the inductor 1 comprise lugs (not visible) respectively disposed on four lugs 44 arranged equidistant from each other on the flange 40 of the inductor support 4.

The plate 2 has holes 25 intended to cooperate respectively with the four lugs of the inductor support 4 when the inductor 1 is mounted on the plate 2.

Maintaining the position of the inductor support 4 on the plate 2 is achieved by folding tabs 24 of the plate 2 on the ears 44 of the inductor 1.

The positioning of the inductor 1 in the plane of the plate 2 is also ensured by means of radial indexing means of the inductor support 4 making it possible to arrange the end portions 31, 32 of the conductive cable 30 opposite. -vis holding means 6.

To this end, the plate 2 may for example have two studs (not visible in the figures) arranged opposite the underside of the central part of the inductor support 4 when the inductor 1 is mounted on the tray. The lower face of the inductor 1 is the face in contact with the upper face 21 of the plate 2 in the mounting position. The lower face of the inductor support 4 then comprises for example two housings capable of cooperating with the two studs of the plate 2.

Of course, the positioning means can be of a different nature, in particular complementary grooves and slides can be provided on the opposite faces of the plate 2 and of the inductor support 4.

Furthermore, here a plate 2 is described comprising studs and an inductor support 4 comprising housings. In an alternative embodiment, the means can be swapped. In other words, the plate 2 can comprise housings and the inductor support 4 can comprise studs.

As well illustrated in the figure 4 , the assembly of the inductor 1 is carried out by positioning the inductor 1 opposite the plate 2 and by slightly tilting the inductor 1 in order to introduce the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a into the concave part 60 of hook 6a.

The inductor 1 is then placed flat on the plate 2, its positioning and its maintenance in position being ensured by means of the positioning means described above.

As visible at the figure 7 , it is preferable that the total height of the holding means 6 is such that these holding means 6 do not protrude above the inductor 1 when the latter is mounted on the plate 2.

As well illustrated in the figure 7 , the hook 6a thus has an upper end 63 which extends in a horizontal plane not exceeding the upper plane of the inductor 1 formed by the winding of the inductor cable 30.

This arrangement ensures that the hook 6a does not generate any interference with the magnetic field created by the inductor 1.

The holding means 6 described above thus allow a simplified and reliable positioning of the sheathed end portions 31a, 32a of the conductive cable 30 of an inductor, ensuring that the protective sheath 5 is kept in position.

Claims (10)

Induction hob comprising at least one inductor (1) mounted on a plate (2), said at least one inductor (1) comprising a conductive cable wound (30) on an inductor support (4) and comprising two portions end (31, 32) sheathed at least in part by a protective sheath, said hob being characterized in that said plate (2) comprises means (6) for holding the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductor cable extending out of the inductor support (4). Cooktop according to claim 1, characterized in that said holding means (6) have substantially the shape of a hook (6a) comprising a concave part (60), said sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductive cable being housed in said concave part (60). Cooktop according to claim 2, characterized in that said inductor support (4) has a flange (40) extending at the periphery of the coiled conductor cable (30), the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a ) of the conductive cable (30) being kept in contact with one another between said concave part (60) of said hook and said flange (40). Cooktop according to claim 3, characterized in that said concave part (60) of the hook comprises a bottom (61), the distance between said bottom (61) and said flange (40) of the inductor support (4) being substantially equal to or less than the sum of the diameter of the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductor cable (30). Cooktop according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said flange (40) comprises two orifices (41, 42) for respective passage of said two end portions (31, 32) of the conductive cable (30) . Cooktop according to claim 5, characterized in that said passage openings (41, 42) are arranged on either side of said hook (6a), said sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductive cable ( 30) running along said edge (40) of the inductor support (4) and extending on either side of said hook (6a). Cooktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding means (6) of the sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductive cable (30) include edge portions (62, 64) adapted to be in contact with said sheathed end portions (31a, 32a) of the conductive cable (30), the edge portions (62, 64) having a surface in the form of a hyperbolic paraboloid. Cooktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plate (2) comprises means for positioning in a plane of the plate of said at least one inductor (1) and in that said at least one inductor (1) comprises complementary positioning means so as to position said at least one inductor (1) with said two end portions (31, 32) of the conductive cable (30) extending on either side of said holding means ( 6). Cooktop according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said tray (2) comprises on either side of said holding means (6) at least one passage opening (23) of the end portions sheathed (31a, 32a) of the conductor cable (30) under the plate (2). Cooktop according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said plate (2) and said holding means (6) are produced by stamping in one piece.

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