WO2020148382A1

WO2020148382A1 - Tabletop with induction heating module

Info

Publication number: WO2020148382A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/051018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carsten Petersen
Original assignee: Carsten Petersen
Priority date: 2019-01-16
Filing date: 2020-01-16
Publication date: 2020-07-23

Abstract

A tabletop for a cooking arrangement and a method of assembling a tabletop for a cooking arrangement utilising inductive heating. A heat resistant layer (12) is supported by a tabletop support (14). Below the heat resistant layer (12), which comprises the surface of the tabletop (10) on which objects may be placed during use of the tabletop, is installed an induction module (16), thus making it possible to cook on the heat resistant layer (12) using inductive heating.

Description

TABLETOP WITH INDUCTION HEATING MODULE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tabletops having an induction module installed underneath a heat resistant layer constituting the top surface of the tabletop such that the tabletop has a continuous surface on which food may be cooked.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pre-manufactured induction cooktops have an induction module attached to a heat resistant top plate, which is suitable for supporting cookware during food preparation. Such pre-manufactured induction cooktops are installed into a through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop and the pre-manufactured induction cooktop often extends above the kitchen tabletop as the edges of the heat resistant plate rest on the surface of the kitchen tabletop. This creates a discontinuous surface as the pre-manufactured induction cooktop protrudes above the surface of the tabletop.

To avoid the heat resistant top plate extending above the surface of the kitchen tabletop, the through-going aperture can be made to have an indentation on which the heat resistant top plate may rest such that the top surface of the tabletop and the top surface of the heat resistant top plate are aligned. If done correctly, this will create a tabletop surface without protruding elements.

However, there will still be a transition between the heat resistant top plate and the kitchen tabletop surface. Further, the surface of the heat resistant top plate and the surface of the kitchen tabletop are usually made of different materials. The heat resistant top plate of a pre-manufactured induction cooktop is usually made of a type of glass.

Tabletops with a custom induction module installed underneath are available, but are costly as the custom induction modules are manufactured for the specific setup. In the case of the pre-manufactured induction cooktops the heat resistant top plate is usually 4 - 6 mm thick, whereas ceramic tabletops used for tabletops with a custom induction module installed underneath are usually 10 - 30 mm thick. Thus, the custom induction modules will need to be more powerful than the induction modules comprised in the pre-manufactured induction cooktops as the thickness which the magnetic field lines must penetrate, when the induction module is in use, is greater.

When using the induction heating function of an induction module installed underneath the surface of a tabletop, the surface of the tabletop will be exposed to heat from the cookware, which is placed on the tabletop surface. The heat from the cookware may adversely affect the tabletop surface even in the case where the surface is made of a heat resistant material such as e.g. a ceramic. A ceramic tabletop surface exposed to heat from cookware may crack due to excessive heat as the ceramic expands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a tabletop for in particular a cooking arrangement.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of assembling a tabletop for in particular a cooking arrangement.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an item of cookware for use on a tabletop comprising an induction module.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a heat resistant material suitable for use as a heat resistant layer in e.g. a tabletop for a kitchen, wherein the material comprises graphene and a method of producing such a heat resistant material.

A tabletop for a cooking arrangement according to the present invention comprises:

- a heat resistant layer for supporting any objects placed on the tabletop,

- a tabletop support for supporting the heat resistant layer,

- an induction module for creating a magnetic field for inductive heating, and

- an induction module mounting element for mounting of the induction

module to the tabletop support and/or to the heat resistant layer.

The tabletop support has a cut-out for accommodating at least part of the induction module and the induction module is positioned at least partly within the cut-out in the tabletop support. The induction module mounting element is fastened to the induction module and further fastened to the tabletop support and/or to the heat resistant layer. Thus, the induction module mounting element acts to hold the induction module in place, and the induction module is positioned fully below the heat resistant layer.

In an embodiment, the heat resistant layer has a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is opposite to the top surface and wherein the top surface of the heat resistant layer defines an area substantially greater than the area of the cut-out in the tabletop support. Substantially greater may mean that the area of the top surface is e.g. 1.2 times the area of the cut-out in the tabletop support, or larger.

The cut-out in the tabletop support defines a three-dimensional hole or hollow having a width, length and height, where width and length are the dimensions, which are in the same plane as that defined by the top surface of the heat resistant layer. By the area of the cut-out in the tabletop support is meant the area given by the width and length of the hole or hollow. The cut-out in the tabletop support may be through-going. If the cut-out in the tabletop support is not through-going, the hollow must face away from the heat resistant layer if the induction module is installed from below.

In another embodiment, the heat resistant layer is 2 - 6 mm thick, preferably 3 - 6 mm thick, most preferably 4 - 6 mm thick.

The heat resistant layer may be up to 20 mm thick. In this case, the magnetic field of the induction module will have to be increased in order to penetrate the heat resistant layer.

The heat resistant layer may comprise a ceramic.

In an embodiment, the tabletop support comprises wood, laminate, plastic, glass, stoneware, marble, slate, stone, or aluminium. In a further embodiment, the induction module is obtained by adapting a pre manufactured induction cooktop. The pre-manufactured induction cooktop is one suitable for installation into a through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop such that part of the pre-manufactured induction cooktop would be positioned inside the through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop. Adapting a pre-manufactured induction cooktop may comprise a heat resistant top plate having been removed from the pre-manufactured induction cooktop.

In another embodiment, the pre-manufactured induction cooktop comprises a heat resistant top plate, and the induction module is obtained by removing the heat resistant top plate and modifying the pre-manufactured induction cooktop for installation inside the cut-out in the tabletop support.

The induction module may be positioned against the bottom surface of the heat resistant layer.

In an embodiment, the induction module comprises an induction heating coil.

The induction heating coil has an upper surface, and the upper surface of the induction heating coil may support at least part of the heat resistant layer.

In another embodiment, the upper surface of the induction heating coil is positioned 0 - 2 mm, preferably 0 - 1 mm, from the bottom surface of the heat resistant layer.

In an embodiment, the pre-manufactured induction cooktop comprises a control panel for regulating the activity of the pre-manufactured induction cooktop.

Modifying the pre-manufactured induction cooktop comprises placing the control panel such that it is operable following the induction module being positioned fully below the heat resistant layer.

A control panel for regulating the activity of the induction module may be provided, and :

the heat resistant layer has a through-going cut-out and the control panel is installed such that it can be operated via the through-going cut-out in the heat resistant layer, or the control panel is installed on a surface near the heat resistant layer such as on a wall.

In an embodiment, the induction module mounting element comprises a tabletop support mounting structure for installation inside the cut-out in the tabletop support. The tabletop support mounting structure has dimensions similar to the cut-out in the tabletop support, the tabletop support mounting structure fits inside the cut-out in the tabletop support and the induction module fits inside the tabletop support mounting structure.

In a further embodiment, the cut-out in the tabletop support has an inner side and the tabletop support mounting structure has an extending element. The inner side has an indentation such as a bevel, chamfer, rabbet, fillet or other ledge-like feature for mating with the extending element of the tabletop support mounting structure.

The induction module mounting element may comprise an induction module installation frame for supporting the induction module when the induction module is installed below the heat resistant layer. During assembly the induction module installation frame is fastened to the induction module so as to support the induction module after assembly.

In an embodiment, the induction module installation frame is fastened to the tabletop support mounting structure.

In another embodiment, the induction module installation frame extends at least partially inside the cut-out in the tabletop support.

In a further embodiment, the induction module has an upper side facing towards the heat resistant layer and a lower side that is opposite to the upper side, and the induction module installation frame comprises an extending support structure for supporting the lower side of the induction module during and after assembly.

In another embodiment, the induction module has an upper side facing towards the heat resistant layer and a lower side that is opposite to the upper side, and the tabletop support mounting structure comprises an extending support element for supporting the lower side of the induction module during and after assembly.

A mat comprising a material having low thermal conductivity may be placed on the heat resistant layer during use of the induction module.

In an embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprises aerogel.

In a further embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprises two layers of silicone with a layer of aerogel in-between.

In an embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprises calcium silicate.

In another embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprises two layers of silicone with a layer of calcium silicate in-between.

In a further embodiment, the mat is 3 - 12 mm thick.

In an embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity has a thermal conductivity of 0.01 W/(m-K) - 3 W/(m-K).

A method of assembling a tabletop for a cooking arrangement, the method comprises providing the tabletop including : a heat resistant layer for supporting any objects placed on the tabletop,

a tabletop support for supporting the heat resistant layer, an induction module for creating a magnetic field for inductive heating,

an induction module mounting element for mounting of the induction module to the tabletop support and/or to the heat resistant layer, and where the tabletop support has a cut-out for accommodating at least part of the induction module. The method of assembling a tabletop for a cooking

arrangement comprises the steps of: placing the heat resistant layer on top of the tabletop support such that the bottom surface of the heat resistant layer rests on the tabletop support,

fastening the induction module to the induction module mounting element,

inserting the induction module inside the cut-out in the tabletop support such that the induction module is positioned fully below the heat resistant layer,

fastening the induction module mounting element to the tabletop support and/or to the heat resistant layer, such that the induction module mounting element acts to hold the induction module in place.

In an embodiment, the heat resistant layer has a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is opposite to the top surface and wherein the top surface defines an area substantially greater than the area of the cut-out in the tabletop support.

The heat resistant layer may comprise a ceramic.

In an embodiment, the tabletop support comprises wood, laminate, plastic, glass, stoneware, marble, slate, stone, or aluminium.

In a further embodiment, the induction module is obtained by adapting a pre manufactured induction cooktop. The pre-manufactured induction cooktop is one suitable for installation into a through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop such that part of the pre-manufactured induction cooktop would be positioned inside the through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop. Adapting a pre-manufactured induction cooktop may comprise a heat resistant top plate having been removed from the pre-manufactured induction cooktop.

In another embodiment, the pre-manufactured induction cooktop comprises a heat resistant top plate, and the method further comprises the step of:

obtaining the induction module by removing the heat resistant top plate and modifying the pre-manufactured induction cooktop for installation inside the cut-out in the tabletop support. The method may further comprise the step of positioning the induction module against the bottom surface of the heat resistant layer.

In a further embodiment, the induction module comprises an induction heating coil, the induction heating coil has an upper surface and the method further comprises the step of positioning the upper surface of the induction heating coil 0 - 2 mm, preferably 0 - 1 mm, from the lower surface of the heat resistant layer, such that the induction heating coil supports at least part of the heat resistant layer. In an embodiment, the pre-manufactured induction cooktop comprises a control panel for regulating the activity of the pre-manufactured induction cooktop.

the heat resistant layer has a through-going cut-out and the method of assembling a tabletop further comprises the steps of: - placing a transparent plate in the through-going cut-out in the heat resistant layer, and

installing the control panel below the transparent plate such that it can be operated via the through-going cut out in the heat resistant layer, or the heat resistant layer has a through-going cut-out and the method of assembling a tabletop further comprises the steps of:

placing a transparent plate on the control panel, and installing the control panel and the transparent plate in the through-going cut-out in the heat resistant layer such that the control panel can be operated via the through- going cut-out in the heat resistant layer, or

the method of assembling a tabletop further comprises the step of placing the control panel on a surface near the heat resistant layer such as on a wall.

The transparent plate may be a glass plate or glass ceramic plate.

In an embodiment, the induction module mounting element comprises a tabletop support mounting structure for installation inside the cut-out in the tabletop support. The tabletop support mounting structure has dimensions similar to the cut-out in the tabletop support, the tabletop support mounting structure fits inside the cut-out in the tabletop support, the induction module fits inside the tabletop support mounting structure and the method further comprises the step of:

placing the tabletop support mounting structure inside the cut-out in the tabletop support.

In a further embodiment, the cut-out in the tabletop support has an inner side and the tabletop support mounting structure has an extending element. The inner side has an indentation such as a bevel, chamfer, rabbet, fillet or other ledge-like feature and the method further comprises the step of:

placing the tabletop support mounting structure inside the cut-out in the tabletop support such that the indentation mates with the extending element of the tabletop support mounting structure.

In another embodiment, the induction module has an upper side facing towards the heat resistant layer, the induction module has a lower side that is opposite to the upper side, and the tabletop support mounting structure comprises an extending support element for supporting the lower side of the induction module during and after assembly. The step of inserting the induction module inside the cut-out in the tabletop support further comprises the steps of:

positioning the induction module at an angle and supporting at one end on the extending support element of the tabletop support mounting structure, lifting the induction module into horizontal position below the heat resistant layer, such that the induction module is positioned fully below the heat resistant layer.

The induction module mounting element may comprise an induction module installation frame for supporting the induction module when the induction module is being installed below the heat resistant layer, and the method further comprises the step of:

fastening the induction module to the induction module installation frame.

In an embodiment, the induction module has an upper side facing towards the heat resistant layer, the induction module has a lower side that is opposite to the upper side, and the induction module installation frame comprises an extending support structure for supporting the lower side of the induction module.

In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of:

fastening the induction module installation frame to the tabletop support mounting structure.

An item of cookware, such as e.g. a pan or a pot, for use on a cooking

arrangement comprising an induction module, wherein the item of cookware comprising a material having low thermal conductivity on at least a part of the outer surface of the item of cookware.

In an embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprising a coating. In another embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprising silicone and aerogel.

In a further embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprising silicone and calcium silicate.

In an embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprising two layers of silicone with a layer comprising aerogel and/or calcium silicate in- between.

In a further embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity comprising two layers of silicone with a layer comprising a material having low thermal conductivity in-between.

In an embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity is at least on the part of the outer surface on which the cookware rests during use.

In another embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity extends to a part of the outer surface on which the cookware does not rest during use.

In a further embodiment, the material having low thermal conductivity is 3 - 12 mm thick.

A method of producing a heat resistant material suitable for use as a heat resistant layer in e.g. a tabletop for a kitchen, wherein the material comprises graphene.

In an embodiment, the heat resistant material comprises a ceramic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows a pre-manufactured induction cooktop installed in a cooking arrangement (prior art).

Fig. 2 shows a tabletop according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a tabletop according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a tabletop with a mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic of a pre-manufactured induction cooktop with a heat resistant top plate mounted onto an induction module. The pre-manufactured induction cooktop can be installed in a through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop.

Fig. 6 shows removal of a heat resistant top plate from a pre-manufactured induction cooktop.

Fig. 7 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 shows an item of cookware comprising a material having low thermal conductivity. Fig. 12 shows an exploded view of an item of cookware comprising a material having low thermal conductivity.

Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of layers in a material having low thermal conductivity (not to scale).

Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a mat comprising a material having low thermal conductivity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

Fig. 1 shows an example of prior art, where a pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 is installed in a cooking arrangement. Such a pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 may be from a brand such as e.g. Siemens, Electrolux, AEG, Bosch. The pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 has a heat resistant top plate 32, see also figs. 5 and 6, such as e.g. a glass ceramic top plate or tempered glass top plate, which usually extends a few centimeters beyond a casing surrounding the induction module coils enclosed below the heat resistant top plate 32. When such a pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 is installed in a through-going aperture 30 in a kitchen tabletop 29, see fig. 1 and 4, the extending edges of the heat resistant top plate 32 will rest on the upper surface of the kitchen tabletop 29 thus supporting the pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28.

Fig. 2 shows a tabletop 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Below the heat resistant layer 12 comprising the surface of the tabletop 10 on which objects may be placed during use of the tabletop, is an installed induction module 16, not visible, making it possible to cook on the heat resistant layer 12 using inductive heating. The heat resistant layer 12 may be made of any suitable heat resistant material and it may comprise a ceramic. The heat resistant layer 12 has a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 24, where the bottom surface 24 is opposite to the top surface 22. The top surface 22 of the heat resistant layer 12 is the surface on which objects placed on the tabletop 10 are resting, while the bottom surface 24 faces towards a tabletop support 14.

An induction heating coil 26 comprised in the installed induction module 16 will generate a magnetic field when in use. Indicators on the heat resistant layer 12, such as e.g. small dots, may show where cookware should be placed such that it is positioned correctly above the induction heating coil 26. As the strength of the generated magnetic field decreases with distance, it is essential that the induction module 16 is installed as close to the heat resistant layer 12 as possible and that the heat resistant layer 12 is as thin as possible to enable the created magnetic field to penetrate the heat resistant layer 12 with sufficient strength such that it is usable for cooking. Therefore, the heat resistant layer may be 2 - 6 mm thick, preferably 3 - 6 mm thick, most preferably 4 - 6 mm thick and an upper surface 36 of the induction heating coil 26 may be positioned 0 - 2 mm, preferably 0 - 1 mm, from the bottom surface 24 of the heat resistant layer 12.

Below the heat resistant layer 12 is a tabletop support 14 for supporting the heat resistant layer 12. The tabletop support 14 may comprise wood, laminate, plastic, glass, stoneware, marble, slate, stone, or aluminium .

A control panel 34 for regulating the activity of the induction module 16 and the induction heating coil 26 may be installed in a through-going cut-out 58 in the heat resistant layer 12. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment, where the control panel 34 is installed on a wall. The control panel 34 may be obtained from the pre manufactured induction cooktop 28. To place a control panel 34 obtained from a pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 such that it is operable after the induction module 16 is positioned fully below the heat resistant layer 12, the control panel 34 may need to be moved or modified. The control panel 34 may be placed behind a transparent plate 56, such as a glass or glass ceramic plate, which is positioned in the through-going cut-out 58 in the heat resistant layer 12 such that the control panel 34 can be operated via the transparent plate 56.

Fig. 4 shows a mat 60 comprising a material having a low thermal conductivity 64 positioned on top of the heat resistant layer 12 below the cookware. The mat 60 acts to protect the heat resistant layer 12 from the heat coming from the cookware during use of the induction module 16. Using a mat 60 comprising a material having a low thermal conductivity 64 allows for the heat resistant layer 12 to be made from a wider range of materials. The mat 60 may be removed when the tabletop 10 is not used for cooking, it will preferably have a thickness of 3 - 12 mm and may have printing on it. In addtion to reducing the heat from the cookware, the mat 60 also prevents scratching of the tabletop surface due to cookware being placed and moved on it.

In addition, or as an alternative, the cookware used on the tabletop 10 may comprise a material having a low thermal conductivity 64 on an outer surface as shown in fig. 11 and 12 and described further below.

In fig. 5 is shown a pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 with a heat resistant top plate 32 mounted onto an induction module 16. The pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 can be installed in a through-going aperture 30 in a kitchen tabletop 29. From the pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 may be obtained an induction module 16 by removal of the heat resistant top plate 32 from the pre manufactured induction cooktop 28 as shown in fig. 6.

Removal of the heat resistant top plate 32 from the pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 as shown in fig. 6 should be done by a technically qualified person.

The pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 may comprise a control panel 34. After removal of the heat resistant top plate 32, the control panel 34 may be placed just below the heat resistant layer 12 as shown in fig. 2 or on a surface such as a wall, see fig. 3. A transparent plate 56 is installed along with the control panel 34 such that the control panel 34 is operable through the transparent plate 56. Following removal of the heat resistant top plate 32, the induction module 16 becomes part of a tabletop 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention as described herein. In fig. 7 is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop 10 according to the present invention.

In a tabletop 10, an induction module 16 is installed inside a cut-out 20 in a tabletop support 14. The cut-out 20 in the tabletop support 14 can accommodate at least part of the induction module 16 such that the induction module 16 is positioned at least partly within the cut-out 20 in the tabletop support 14. The induction module 16 is held in place by an induction module mounting element 18, which may consist of one or more parts such as a tabletop support mounting structure 38 and/or an induction module installation frame 48. If both a tabletop support mounting structure 38 and an induction module installation frame 48 are used, the tabletop support mounting structure 38 is fastened to the tabletop support 14 and/or to the heat resistant layer 12, while the induction module installation frame 48 is fastened to the induction module 16. The two elements, the tabletop support mounting structure 38 and the induction module installation frame 48, are fastened to each other during the assembly of a tabletop 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Supported on the tabletop support 14 is a heat resistant layer 12. The top surface 22 of the heat resistant layer 12 is the surface of the tabletop 10 on which objects may be placed such as is usual on tabletops.

A tabletop 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be obtained by a method of assembling a tabletop 10.

The method will provide a tabletop 10, which has an induction module 16 installed underneath a heat resistant layer 12, such as a ceramic, constituting the surface of the tabletop 10 on which object may be placed during use of the tabletop 10.

As the top surface of the heat resistant layer 22 is the surface of the tabletop 10 and the induction module 16 is installed beneath the heat resistant layer 12, the tabletop 10 may present a continuous surface unlike a kitchen tabletop 29 with a pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28 installed as shown in fig. 1. A pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28, as seen in fig. 5, suitable for

installation into a through-going aperture 30 in a kitchen tabletop 29 is provided. To obtain the induction module 16 for installation in the cut-out 20 in the tabletop support 14, the heat resistant top plate 32 is removed from the pre-manufactured induction cooktop 28, see fig. 6, by a technically qualified person. The pre manufactured induction cooktop 28 will have a control panel 34 for regulating the activity of the induction module and that control panel 34 may need to be moved or modified such that it is operable after assembly of the tabletop 10.

The control panel 34 may be installed on a surface near the tabletop 10 such as on a wall, as shown in fig. 3 or on the induction module 16, as shown in fig. 2, to be operated via a through-going cut-out 58 in the heat resistant layer 12. If the control panel 34 is placed below a through-going cut-out 58 in the heat resistant layer 12, a transparent plate 56, such as a glass or glass ceramic plate, may be placed in the through-going cut-out 58 such that the control panel 34 can be operated via the transparent plate 56.

Alternatively, the control panel 34 may be installed on one side of a structure, where another side of the structure has a panel with similar dimensions as the through-going cut-out 58 in the heat resistant layer 12. The structure may descend in the direction from the heat resistant layer 12 towards the tabletop support 14, rotate and then ascend so as change whether the control panel 34 or the panel is visible in the through-going cut-out 58 in the heat resistant layer 12. Thus, if the panel has a surface that is made of the same material as the heat resistant layer 12, the heat resistant layer 12 can be made to give the appearance of a surface without the through-going cut-out by having the side of the structure with the panel showing. When the control panel 34 is needed, the structure may be made to descend in the direction from the heat resistant layer 12 towards the tabletop support 14, rotate and then ascend with the side having the control panel 34 installed showing.

Examples of tabletops 10 obtained by following the method of assembling a tabletop 10 are seen in figs. 2, 3 and 4. In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, the obtained induction module 16 is fastened to an induction module installation frame 48 having an extending support structure 54 for supporting the lower side of the induction module during and after assembly.

Further, in the embodiment shown in fig. 7, a tabletop support 14 is provided with a cut-out 20 having an indentation 44, which can mate with an extending element 42 of a tabletop support mounting structure 38. The tabletop support mounting structure 38 is placed inside the cut-out 20 in the tabletop support 14 and the extending element 42 of the tabletop support mounting structure 38 is mated with the indentation 44 of the cut-out in the tabletop support 14.

A heat resistant layer 12 made of e.g. a ceramic is placed and fastened on top of the tabletop support 14 such that the bottom surface 24 of the heat resistant layer 12 rests on the tabletop support 14. Following this, the tabletop support mounting structure 38 is only accessible from the side of the tabletop support 14 facing away from the heat resistant layer 12.

In fig. 7 is shown a tabletop support mounting structure 38 having an extending support element 46 for supporting the lower side of the induction module 16 during and after assembly.

The induction module 16, with the induction module installation frame 48 fastened thereto, is positioned at an angle and supported at one end on the extending support element 46 of the tabletop support mounting structure 38. The induction module 16 is then lifted into a horizontal position below the heat resistant layer 12 and is now positioned fully below the heat resistant layer 12.

The induction module 16 has at least one induction heating coil 26. The induction heating coil 26 is positioned on one side of the induction module 16 and for installation, the side with the induction heating coil 26 is facing the heat resistant layer 12.

The induction module installation frame 48 is then fastened to the tabletop support mounting structure 38 after which the induction module 16 is held in place below the heat resistant layer 12 such that the induction heating coil 26 is as close as possible to the heat resistant layer 12.

If the heat resistant layer 12 is 2 - 6 mm thick and if the upper surface of the induction heating coil 26, or its casing, is 0 - 2 mm from the heat resistant layer 12, the magnetic field generated by the induction heating coil 26 is strong enough at the surface of the heat resistant layer 12 to be used for inductive heat cooking.

Fig. 8 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop 10 according to the present invention. In this embodiment the heat resistant layer 12 has a through- going cut-out 58 in which a transparent plate 56 is installed. On the induction module 16 a control panel 34 for regulating the activity of the induction module 16 is positioned, possibly by the use of a modified bracket or the like, such that the control panel 34 is operable via the transparent plate 56.

In fig. 9 is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop 10 according to the present invention. Fig. 9 shows an induction module mounting element 18, which is suitable for use with heavier induction modules 16. For heavier induction modules 16, the induction module installation frame 48 may be made to have four interconnecting sides for a stronger construction. Further, the induction module installation frame 48 may have elements suitable for fastening the induction module installation frame 48 to the tabletop support 14 for additional holding power when needed or desired. The induction module installation frame 48 may be fastened to the induction module 16 as described above in the detailed description of fig. 7.

In fig. 10 is shown an exploded view of an embodiment of a tabletop 10 according to the present invention. Fig. 9 shows an embodiment in which the induction module mounting element 18 is comprised of a tabletop support mounting structure 38. The tabletop support 14 is provided with a cut-out 20 and the tabletop support mounting structure 38 is placed inside the cut-out 20 in the tabletop support 14. The induction module 16 is fastened to the tabletop support mounting structure 38, which then holds the induction module 16 in place.

Fig. 11 shows an item of cookware 62 for use with a cooking arrangement comprising an induction module 16. The item of cookware 62 has a material having a low thermal conductivity 64 on a part of the outer surface of the item of cookware 62 such that the heat from the cookware generated during use of an induction module 16 is reduced. In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, the material having a low thermal conductivity comprises a layer of aerogel and/or calcium silicate covered by a layer of silicone. For this use, the material having low thermal conductivity 64 is preferably 3 - 12 mm thick. The material having low thermal conductivity 64 is at least on the part of the outer surface on which the cookware rests during use and may extend to a part of the outer surface on which the cookware does not rest during use. In addtion to reducing the heat from the cookware, the material having low thermal conductivity will also reduce scratching of the tabletop surface due to cookware being placed and moved on it.

An item of cookware 62 having a material having low thermal conductivity 64 may be used together with a mat 60 comprising a material having low thermal conductivity 64 as described above. However, this is usually not necessary and either a mat 60 or cookware having a material having low thermal conductivity 64 will be used. Use of both the mat 60 and the item of cookware 62 having a material having low thermal conductivity 64 may be impractical as the distance between the induction heating coil 26 and the cookware 62 is increased.

In fig. 12 is shown an exploded view of an item of cookware 62 for use with a cooking arrangement comprising an induction module 16. The cookware 62 has a material having a low thermal conductivity 64 on a part of the outer surface. The material having a low thermal conductivity 64 may be comprised of a layer of aerogel and/or calcium silicate 68 covered by a layer of silicone 66.

Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of layers in a material having low thermal conductivity 64, where two layers of silicone 66 have a layer of aerogel and/or calcium silicate 68 in-between. Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a mat 60 comprising a material having low thermal conductivity 64, where the material having low thermal conductivity comprises two layers of silicone 66 having a layer of aerogel and/or calcium silicate 68 in-between. The mat 60 has printing on an outer surface. In fig. 14, the printing shows the cooking zones, i.e. where the magnetic field is strongest. The printing may also comprise a thermochromatic print, which changes colour when that part of the mat becomes warm during cooking, e.g. a print of a flame, which becomes visible due to the colour change, when that part of the mat is warm. This can be utilised to show when the mat 60 is cool enough that it is safe to touch it as the colour of the thermochromatic printing will then have faded, e.g. for the example with the flame, it is then no longer visible.

The problem of heat affecting a tabletop such that it cracks due to expansion of the material comprising the tabletop may be solved by producing a material, which expands less by mixing the tabletop component with graphene. Materials, such as ceramic, which may be produced by a powder forming method, can have its thermal expansion reduced by addition of a component such as graphene, which contracts when exposed to heat.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 tabletop

12 heat resistant layer

14 tabletop support

16 induction module

18 induction module mounting element

20 cut-out in the tabletop support

22 top surface of heat resistant layer

24 bottom surface of heat resistant layer

26 induction heating coil

28 pre-manufactured induction cooktop

29 kitchen tabletop

30 through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop

32 heat resistant top plate

34 control panel

36 upper surface of induction heating coil tabletop support mounting structure

inner side of cut-out in the tabletop support

extending element of tabletop support mounting structure indentation on inner side of cut-out in the tabletop support extending support element

induction module installation frame

upper side of induction module

lower side of induction module

extending support structure

transparent plate

through-going cut-out in the heat resistant layer mat

item of cookware

material having low thermal conductivity

silicone

aerogel and/or calcium silicate

Claims

1. A tabletop for a cooking arrangement, said tabletop comprising :

a heat resistant layer for supporting any objects placed on said tabletop,

a tabletop support for supporting said heat resistant layer, an induction module for creating a magnetic field for inductive heating,

an induction module mounting element for mounting of said induction module to said tabletop support and/or to said heat resistant layer, said tabletop support having a cut-out for accommodating at least part of said induction module, said induction module being positioned at least partly within said cut-out in said tabletop support,

said heat resistant layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface being opposite to said top surface, and said top surface of said heat resistant layer defining an area substantially greater than the area of said cut-out in said tabletop support,

said induction module mounting element being fastened to said induction module, said induction module mounting element being further fastened to said tabletop support and/or to said heat resistant layer,

said induction module mounting element acting to hold said induction module in place, and

said induction module being positioned fully below said heat resistant layer.

2. A tabletop according to claim 1, wherein said heat resistant layer being 2 - 6 mm thick, preferably 3 - 6 mm thick, most preferably 4 - 6 mm thick.

3. A tabletop for a cooking arrangement, said tabletop comprising :

a heat resistant layer for supporting any objects placed on said tabletop,

said heat resistant layer being 2 - 6 mm thick, preferably 3 - 6 mm thick, most preferably 4 - 6 mm thick,

said induction module being positioned fully below said heat resistant layer.

4. A tabletop according to claim 3, wherein said heat resistant layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface being opposite to said top surface, and said top surface defining an area substantially greater than the area of said cut-out in said tabletop support.

5. A tabletop according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said induction module being obtained by adapting a pre-manufactured induction cooktop, said pre-manufactured induction cooktop being suitable for installation into a through- going aperture in a kitchen tabletop such that part of said pre-manufactured induction cooktop would be positioned inside said through-going aperture in a kitchen tabletop.

6. A tabletop according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said pre manufactured induction cooktop comprising a heat resistant top plate, said induction module being obtained by removing said heat resistant top plate and modifying said pre-manufactured induction cooktop for installation inside said cut out in said tabletop support.

7. A tabletop according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a control panel for regulating the activity of said induction module is provided, and where:

said heat resistant layer having a through-going cut-out and said control panel being installed such that it can be operated via said through-going cut-out in said heat resistant layer, or said control panel being installed on a surface near said heat resistant layer such as on a wall.

8. A tabletop according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a mat comprising a material having low thermal conductivity is placed on the heat resistant layer during use of the induction module.

9. A method of assembling a tabletop for a cooking arrangement, said method comprising providing said tabletop including : a heat resistant layer for supporting any objects placed on said tabletop,

an induction module mounting element for mounting of said induction module to said tabletop support and/or to said heat resistant layer, said tabletop support having a cut-out for accommodating at least part of said induction module,

said heat resistant layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface being opposite to said top surface, and said top surface defining an area substantially greater than the area of said cut-out in said tabletop support, the method of assembling a tabletop for a cooking arrangement comprising the steps of:

placing said heat resistant layer on top of said tabletop support such that said bottom surface of said heat resistant layer resting on said tabletop support,

fastening said induction module to said induction module mounting element,

inserting said induction module inside said cut-out in said tabletop support such that said induction module being positioned fully below said heat resistant layer,

fastening said induction module mounting element to said tabletop support and/or to said heat resistant layer, such that said induction module mounting element acting to hold said induction module in place.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said heat resistant layer being 2 - 6 mm thick, preferably 3 - 6 mm thick, most preferably 4 - 6 mm thick.

11. A method of assembling a tabletop for a cooking arrangement, said method comprising providing said tabletop including :

a heat resistant layer for supporting any objects placed on said tabletop by a user,

the method of assembling a tabletop for a cooking arrangement comprising the steps of:

fastening said induction module to said induction module mounting element,

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein said heat resistant layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface being opposite to said top surface, and said top surface defining an area substantially greater than the area of said cut-out in said tabletop support.

13. A method according to any of claims 9 - 12, wherein said pre-manufactured induction cooktop comprising a heat resistant top plate, and said method further comprising the step of:

obtaining said induction module by removing said heat resistant top plate and modifying said pre-manufactured induction cooktop for installation inside said cut-out in said tabletop support.

14. A method according to any of claims 9 - 13, wherein a control panel for regulating the activity of said induction module is provided, and where:

said heat resistant layer having a through-going cut-out and said method further comprising the steps of:

- placing a transparent plate in said through-going cut-out in said heat resistant layer, and

installing said control panel below said transparent plate such that it can be operated via said through-going cut out in said heat resistant layer, or

- said method of assembling a tabletop further comprising the step of placing said control panel on a surface near said heat resistant layer such as on a wall.

15. An item of cookware, such as e.g. a pan or a pot, for use on a cooking arrangement comprising an induction module, wherein the item of cookware comprising a material having low thermal conductivity on at least a part of the outer surface of the item of cookware.