WO2006002963A1

WO2006002963A1 - Cooking hob with several heating devices

Info

Publication number: WO2006002963A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/007168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christian Egenter; Wilfried Schilling
Original assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Gerätebau GmbH
Priority date: 2004-07-06
Filing date: 2005-07-02
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Also published as: DE102004033449A1; EP1771686A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooking hob (11), wherein the control of individual radiant heating elements (16) can be divided up in such a way that a connection device (30) and control device (40) are provided in addition to several power modules (20) for respectively one or a maximum of two radiant heating elements which are separated from each other and which are fixed to the cooking hob (11) at a specific distance. The housings (21,31) of the functional units can, more particularly, be used for mechanical stability of a frame (14).

Description

Description Hob with multiple heaters

Field of application and state of the art

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

From DE 100 45 655 a hob with four burners is known. Controls for the hob are provided there at various locations on the edge of the hob. Similarly, the power modules and electronics are provided on the left edge and on the right edge of the hob. Due to the lateral arrangement of the electronics or the power modules outside the trough, they should be better protected against harmful influences, in particular heat.

From DE 101 12 588 another hob is known. For flexible ren construction is provided here that a control panel is provided separately from the hob or the trough and can be arranged at a random arbitrary point. With a power section of the hob it communicates wirelessly and thus passes commands or receives information that is displayed.

Task and solution

The invention has for its object to provide an aforementioned cooktop with which the prior art can be further developed and in particular the arrangement of the functional units of the hob can be improved and reduced for a given number and size of the individual hobs the necessary size for a hob can be. This object is achieved by a hob with the features of claim 1. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of further claims and are explained in more detail in the follow¬. The wording of the claims is made the subject of the description by express reference.

According to the invention, it is provided that at most two heating devices have their own common power module. It is spatially close to the heaters, which may also mean that it can be provided in the immediate vicinity of both heaters. These are advantageously adjacent. Particularly advantageous even has each heater on its own power module. This is then arranged very close to this heater. Each power module is advantageously a separate structural unit or separate functional unit. This is expressed above all by the fact that each power module has its own carrier, for example a printed circuit board, and / or in each case a separate housing. The power modules and / or the control are arranged at least partially in the edge regions of the cooking field. This means that at least one or better more of these functional units sit on the edge of the hob. The power modules preferably contain switching devices, which may be electromechanical switches, in particular power relays. Al¬ tively it may be electronic switch, so power components such as transistors, triacs or ^IGBTs.

Due to the inventive division of the application of power in each case a power module for at most two or a heater or hotplate, so as a separate functional unit, these belie¬ big or can be freely placed over a wide range, in each case should be provided close to the respective heaters. Thus, for example, conventional hobs with a rectangular base area and essentially round heating devices or cooking zones are possible, in the gaps or free areas present in them use the corners along the edge between two heaters or the central central square. Thus, the heating devices can extend almost to the edge of the hob. This makes it possible to avoid the additional edge areas provided in DE 100 45 655 A1, which go far beyond the area actually required for the heating devices. This can be seen in particular from FIG. 2 there. The area required for a hob according to the invention is therefore only slightly larger than the four heating devices or cooking zones with a slight distance from each other. This Ab¬ but is above all for a good handling of standing on the heaters cooking vessels advantage.

Preferably, all power modules are within the framework or are only insignificantly beyond. Thus, a particularly kompak¬ te arrangement is possible, which also helps to further reduce the aforementioned space requirements.

If heating devices or cooking zones are present which have a subdivision, for example cooking zones with a plurality of heating circuits for cooking vessels of different sizes or shapes, they advantageously form a structural unit in the sense of this application. This can advantageously be a power module to control all heating circuits of the heater. For this purpose, a plurality of switching devices may also be provided in the one power module, for example a switching device for each heating circuit or one each for connecting the heating circuits and a total for clocking the entire heating device, regardless of which of the heating circuits should be powered.

In a possible above-mentioned cooktop with a rectangular shape, it is preferred if at least some power modules are arranged in the corner regions. All power modules are particularly advantageously provided on the edge or in the corners. In their housing or on a support for each power module can be provided that they have a kind of thermal insulation. Thus, the heating by the adjacently arranged Heizein¬ directions can be kept within limits.

The power modules are advantageous electronic type, at least as regards their control. For this purpose, a bus system can be provided, via which they are connected to the controller. Such a bus system can be wireless, for example via radio. However, it is preferred if it is cable-supported. As a result, the susceptibility is greatly reduced. Furthermore, the cost of cabling, in particular as regards costs, is lower.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the hob has a cover, for example a glass ceramic plate or similar material. This cover rests on a substantially peripheral frame, which provides stability either alone or in cooperation with other devices, in particular a so-called hob pan or trough. For this purpose, the frame can have, for example, a laterally encircling strip which is perpendicular to the cover. The frame may have recesses in the vicinity or in the region of the power modules or be recessed or interrupted. As a result, it is possible that the power modules do not lie completely within the frame but can extend into it or even protrude beyond it. This makes it possible to arrange all units of the hob narrower or to reduce the space requirement.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the power modules on carrier or housing, which are designed so stable that they can be connected to the frame of the hob. This connection, in turn, is so stable that it forms a mechanical reinforcement of the frame. In particular, this can weaken the Canceled or compensated frame, which arise through the vor¬ said recesses or recesses. For a der¬ like stable connection, it is for example possible to connect the parts mitein¬ other by connecting means, such as screws, rivets or bolts. Alternatively, plug-in connections can be provided, which are fixed by means of a positive connection to be produced, for example the bending of straps or the like. It is also entirely possible for a housing or a support to be inserted into a recess or recess to generate a tension in the longitudinal direction of the frame, which increases the stability.

A control for the cooktop or the power modules can, in particular together with controls for the hob, be arranged on or in the hob itself, but alternatively also separately. For the power modules or for a power adjustment of individual heating devices of the cooktop, a further microcontroller is advantageously provided. Using this, the operating commands can be passed on to the individual power modules.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a connecting device is provided on the hob. At this a power cord is connected to the power supply in a known per se, usually a five-core power cord with three outer conductors, a Rück¬ conductor and a protective conductor. The connection device is advantageously provided on the rear side of the hob. Here, a mitti¬ ge arrangement offers, in particular between two be¬ adjacent to the rear heaters.

The connection device can have a switched-mode power supply via which the control and / or operating elements of the hob can be supplied with power. The switching power supply is advantageously arranged on the same carrier and in a single housing together with the connecting device. Furthermore, the connection Direction preferred separation relay, which lie in the connection to the return line of the power cable.

In a further embodiment of the invention, mechanical temperature regulators, overtemperature safeguards or other devices for detecting or measuring values or states can be provided on the heating devices. In many cases, these are so-called Stab¬ regulator, which form an overtemperature protection of the hob or a glass ceramic and with a housing laterally over a Heizein¬ direction. Likewise, these may be so-called pan detection sensors, with which the presence or the position of a pot can be detected on the hob. Some of these devices, in particular rod regulators, can be looped into the power connection of the heating device, so to speak. In this case, in one embodiment of the invention, it is possible to provide an electrical connection from a power module to this connection and / or to the associated heating device via a plug connection. This connector may for example be a group connector.

Advantageously, electrical connections between the terminal device and the power modules, and possibly also to the heating devices, are designed as cables with plugs, in particular cable trees can be used. It is possible, for example, for each Weil two successive or successively arranged Leistungsmo¬ modules provide a common wiring harness. From this ports can branch off for each power module. Furthermore, it is possible to also provide branching connections from the power module to the associated heating device on this cable harness. Thus, such a wiring harness as a structural unit can represent the electrical connection from the connection device to the power modules and at the same time from there to the heating devices. The elektri¬ cal connection during assembly of the hob is facilitated and the susceptibility to errors can be reduced. These and other features are apparent from the claims and from the description and the drawings, wherein the individual features in each case alone or more in the form of Unter¬ combinations in one embodiment of the invention and on other areas ren realized and advantageous as well as for selbstfähfähi¬ ge represent versions for which protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual sections as well as subheadings does not limit the statements made thereunder in their generality.

Brief description of the drawings

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

1 shows an oblique view of the underside of a hob according to the invention, in which power modules are arranged distributed for several radiant heaters,

2 shows a plan view of the arrangement according to FIG. 1 with further details,

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a power module similar to FIG. 1 and

4 is an enlarged view of a connection device similar to FIG. 1.

Detailed description of the embodiments

In Figs. 1 and 2, a hob 11 is shown, which is placed so to speak on the top. It has a glass-ceramic plate 12, the upper surface of which forms the cooking surface during operation and on the underside of which radiant heaters 16a to 16d are applied. These are still attached which, however, is of no further significance in connection with this invention.

On the glass-ceramic plate 12, an upper frame part 13 and a lateral frame part 14 are attached for stability and also for the construction. These consist of metal profiles, which usually run around round. Above all, this serves to stabilize. Furthermore, a cover, in particular a so-called sheet metal trough, is usually placed on the underside of the hob 11 in order to close off the hob 11. As a result, the radiation heaters 16 are also pressed against the underside of the glass-ceramic plate 12. Among other things, the lateral frame part 14 serves for fastening such a cover to the glass-ceramic plate. For this purpose, more detailed explanations are given below.

At the side of the radiant heaters 16a to 16d are provided connections 18, which are at the same time a part of mechanical temperature regulators which form an over-temperature protection of the glass-ceramic plate 12 on the radiant heaters 16. Such temperature controllers are known, for example, from EP 416 335 A, to which reference is expressly made. About shown tabs 19 both a radiant heater 16 and a heater and a temperature controller are electrically connected.

In corner regions of the cooktop are several Leistungsmodu¬ le 20a to 2Od. These are controlled by a controller 40, which controls elements for an operator, and supply the radiant heater 16 with electrical energy. They are shown in detail in FIG. 3 and are explained in more detail below. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, two radiant heaters 16 can also be connected to a common power module, for example the radiant heaters 16c and 16d to the common power module 20c. It is close by both radiant heaters 16c and 16d. This may be advantageous, for example, for reasons of common power supply or shutdown via different phases or outer conductor of a three-phase connection. In each case hang two radiant heaters on a common power module, which is connected to an outer conductor.

In the plan view in Fig. 2 is particularly easy to see how on one side of the hob 11, which is usually the back in the installed state, a connection device 30 is provided. This will be explained in more detail in connection with FIG.

Furthermore, at least one wire harness 50 is shown. This is in each case connected via plugs 51 to the connection device 30, to a power module 2Od and to the controller 40 and to a radiation heater 16d. It is so prefabricated that only a minimum number of Verbindun¬ conditions or connectors must be made to each of the aforementioned devices. It is possible, for example, for each two associated, connected to a disconnecting relay of the neutral conductor heaters to provide a wiring harness. This then has to be enough for two power modules. Alter¬ natively can also be provided per heater, as shown in Fig. 2, or a total of only a single wire harness.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a power module 2Od. As can be seen from FIG. 2, it is characterized by the fact that it supplies energy to the radiation heater 16d. This is a Strahlungsheiz¬ body with two heating circuits, an inner and an outer. This is known to the person skilled in the art and need not be explained further. For this purpose, it contains two power relays 26. One is used to clock the entire radiant heater 16d and the other to connect the outer heating circuit to the inner. Furthermore, a housing 21 is provided, which is advantageously made of metal or consists of sheet metal and has a certain integral strength. This serves to connect the lateral frame parts 14 to the housing 21 via entanglements 22 at the cut-out corners of the frame. Thus, a housing 21 of a power module can be inserted into the cut-out corners of the lateral frame part 14, which saves valuable space. Furthermore, it is possible through the entanglement 22 to restore the reduction in the total stability of the surrounding frame. To this end, the housing 21 advantageously consists of a similarly stable material as the lateral frame part 14.

Instead of an entanglement 22 also screw or Schweißver¬ compounds are possible. Detachable connections are preferred, as this is a replacement of the power modules is possible. Above all, it is important to have a stable mechanical connection between the lateral frame parts 14 and a housing 21 to maintain the overall stability.

Furthermore, the power module 2Od sockets 24, to which, for example, a wiring harness 50 can be connected as shown in FIG. In addition, plug-in lugs 25 may be provided for further electrical connections. In addition to the illustrated Leistungs¬ relay 26 may be provided further electrical components. However, these are generally known to the person skilled in the art from the construction of corresponding power modules of cooktops.

The connection device 30 according to FIG. 4 serves to connect a usually five-wire connection cable to the hob 11. For this purpose, the connection device 30 has a construction which corresponds in principle to the power module 20, that is to say with a housing 31. This can likewise be integrated into an interrupted course of the lateral frame part 14 on the glass ceramic plate 12, as represented by the lower entanglement 32 , On the side facing outwardly in the installed state according to FIG. 2, a plurality of connection terminals 35 are provided. In this, the individual wires of a connecting cable are introduced and festge¬ screwed. Furthermore, sockets 34 are provided, to which the wiring harness 50 or other connections are connected.

As functional units, the connection device 30 has a switching power supply 33, which serves in particular for supplying power to the control 40. Furthermore, two isolating relays 36 are provided for an all-pole disconnection of the radiant heaters 16. The function of this isolating relay 36 is explained in greater detail in DE 10 2004 005 272.7, for example.

The controller 40 is constructed like a conventional controller, with the only difference that just the power modules 20 and the connecting device 30 are disconnected therefrom and are provided at some distance. As operating elements touch switches can be provided, which can be operated via the surface of the glass ceramic plate 12.

Particularly characteristic of the invention is that the Leistungsmo¬ modules 20 are separated from the controller 40 and each a power module is provided for a radiant heater. Alternatively, two radiant heaters can be connected to a common power module. Several heating circuits of a radiation heater can share a common power module. The power modules have, in a housing or on a support or a printed circuit board, the components required for the connected radiant heaters.

Another advantage of the invention is also that the individual power modules, in particular also a connection device or a controller, with its housing over a circumferential, stabilizing lisierenden frame of the hob can survive slightly. For this purpose, the frame can be separated, wherein it is mechanically connected to housings or carriers of the functional units used such that the strength is again ensured. So space can be saved and at the same time attachment of Funktions¬ units are achieved on the hob.

In the context of the invention, it is thus possible in one exemplary embodiment to divide the control of individual radiant heaters 16 on a hob 11 in such a way that a connection device 30 and a control 40 are provided, as well as a plurality of power modules 20 for one or at most two radiant heaters. These are each carried out separately from each other and fastened at a certain distance zu¬ each other on the hob 11. In particular, housings 21, 31 of these functional units can be used for the mechanical stability of a frame 14.

Claims

claims

1. hob (11) with a plurality of heating devices, preferably radiant heaters (16a-d), which are distributed over the hob an¬ ordered, with power modules (20a-d) and a controller (40) for the heating devices, characterized in that at most two heating devices (16a-d) have a common power module and this is spatially close to the two heaters or is provided in the immediate vicinity of the heaters, the power modules and / or the controller are at least partially disposed in the edge regions of the hob and wherein each power module is arranged in each case on its own carrier and / or in a separate housing (21).

2. Hob according to claim 1, characterized in that each heater has its own power module and this is associated with the heater spatially close or is provided in immedi- barer close to each heater.

3. Hob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that all power modules (20a-d) are arranged on the edge, preferably wise in the corner regions in a rectangular or rechtwink¬-shaped hob (11).

4. Hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier of the power modules (20a-d) are printed circuit boards.

5. Hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power modules (20a-d) for the Leis¬ tion of the heaters (16a-d) Leistungs¬ electronic components or power relay (26).

6. Hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power modules (20a-d) are connected via a bus system to the controller (40), preferably a cable-based bus system.

7. Hob according to one of the preceding claims gekenn¬ characterized by a cover, preferably a plate (12) made of glass ceramic or the like, with an underlying, substantially peripheral side frame (13, 14), wherein preferably the frame (13, 14) in the vicinity of the Leistungsmo¬ module (20a-d) is recessed or has recesses.

8. hob according to claim 7, characterized in that all power modules (20a-d) within the frame (13, 14) are or only slightly above.

9. Hob according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a housing (21) of the power modules (20a-d) is such stable aus¬ out and with the frame (13, 14) of the hob (11) is so stable connected, that the mechanical weakening of the frame is substantially eliminated by the recesses or recesses.

10. Hob according to one of the preceding claims, gekenn¬ characterized by a connection device (30) to which a power cord is connected to the power supply, wherein the connection means on the back of the hob (11) vorge¬ see, preferably approximately in the middle.

11. Hob according to claim 10, characterized in that on or in the connection device (30) a switching power supply (33) for the controller (40) and / or controls of the hob (11) is provided, preferably with common carrier and / or housing (31).

12. Hob according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the connection device (30) separating relay (36) to the return conductor (N) of the power cable, preferably two isolating relays, each having a separating relay for a group of Heiz¬ devices (16a-d) of the hob (11), in particular two heaters, is provided.

13. Hob according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating means (16a-d) mechanical temperature sensor, overtemperature and / or other detection devices have, with a terminal (18, 19) laterally beyond the surface of the heater, wherein a electrical connection of a power module (20a-d) to this terminal (18) and the heating device (16a-d) via a plug connection (19), in particular as a group connector occurs.

14. Hob according to one of the preceding claims, in particular claim 14, characterized in that the electrical connections between the connection device (30) and the power modules (20a-d) are cables (50) with plugs (51), preferably for each successive or nachein¬ other arranged power modules (16a-d) a harness (50) with branching terminals for each power module, in particular the wiring harness also has electrical connections from the power module (20a-d) to the associated heater (16a-d).