WO2023099710A2

WO2023099710A2 - Hob apparatus, hob system, installation tool and method for installing a hob apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2023099710A2
Application number: PCT/EP2022/084158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francisco Villuendas Lopez; Beatriz Arenas Jimenez; Damaso Martin Gomez; Fernando Sanz Serrano; Diana Lascorz Pascual; Pilar Perez Cabeza; Noelia Borque Marquina
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2021-12-03
Filing date: 2022-12-02
Publication date: 2023-06-08
Also published as: WO2023099710A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a hob apparatus (12) having a heat-conducting element (14) which is provided for fixing to a lower side (18) of a kitchen worktop (16) and for holding at least one hob component (20).

Description

Cooktop appliance, cooktop system, installation tool and method of installing a cooktop appliance

State of the art

The invention relates to a hob device according to claim 1, a hob system according to claim 9, an installation tool according to claim 10 and a method for installing a hob device according to claim 12.

A holding system for holding a hob in a recess of a kitchen worktop is already known from the prior art, in which a support rail is arranged on two opposite sides of the recess, namely the sides of the kitchen worktop facing the recess, with which the hob can be mounted in is locked in the recess when installed. Furthermore, it is also known to screw the hob to the kitchen worktop on an underside of the kitchen worktop.

The object of the invention consists in particular, but not limited thereto, in providing a generic device with improved properties in terms of efficiency. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claims 1, 9, 10 and 12, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

Advantages of the Invention

A hob device, in particular an induction hob device, is proposed with a heat-conducting element which is provided for fixing to an underside of a kitchen worktop and for holding at least one hob component.

Such a configuration can increase efficiency, specifically with regard to mounting at least one hob component on an underside of a kitchen worktop. A construction can thus be improved. In addition, the efficiency can, for example, with regard to a product and/or work and/or assembly and/or dismantling and/or manufacturing and/or cost efficiency are increased. By means of such a heat conducting element, which is provided for fixing at least the hob component on the underside of the kitchen worktop, the mounting can be improved, namely simplified, and safety can be increased, while avoiding additional and more complex fastening units that differ from the proposed heat conducting element, such as drilling - And/or screwing devices for screwing at least the hob component to the underside of the kitchen worktop. In addition, the weight of at least the hob component can advantageously be distributed over a large area below the kitchen worktop, thereby avoiding local stresses in the kitchen worktop. Furthermore, cutouts in the kitchen worktop for inserting at least the hob component can be dispensed with. In addition, due to the holder on the underside of the kitchen worktop, damage, for example scratching, to an upper side of the kitchen worktop can be avoided. In addition, thermal stresses in the kitchen worktop can be advantageously reduced by using the heat-conducting element. In addition, in at least one operating state, in particular a heating state, a temperature gradient between a hot and a cold area within the kitchen worktop can be reduced. This in turn can increase comfort in terms of user comfort. Furthermore, at least the hob component can be held below the kitchen worktop, preferably independently of a material thickness and/or material composition of the kitchen worktop. This ensures a high level of functionality and usability. In addition, assembly and/or disassembly effort can be reduced.

The hob device could be designed as a resistance hob device and/or preferably as an induction hob device. A “cooktop device” should be understood to mean at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of at least one cooktop, advantageously an induction cooktop, whereby in particular accessory units for the cooktop can also be included, such as a sensor unit for measuring the temperature of a cooking utensil and/or of a food. It would also be conceivable for the hob device to encompass the entire hob. The hob device and/or the hob is/are intended for use and/or arrangement in a household, in particular a kitchen. It is preferably the hob is a matrix hob. It would be conceivable for the hob to have at least one additional hob device in addition to the hob device, which together form the hob.

The hob device is in turn part of a hob system, in particular an induction cooking system, in which case the hob system could have a large number of units and/or devices which can be used to treat and/or process food. For example, the cooking system could have at least one hob object, which in particular could be a subassembly of at least the hob. The hob object could, for example, have at least one control unit and/or at least one user interface and/or at least one housing unit and/or at least one heating unit and/or at least one extractor fan unit and/or at least one heating unit control electronics. For example, the hob system could also have at least one extractor unit and/or at least the sensor unit and/or other sensor units, in particular at least one temperature sensor, which could be provided for placement in the cooking utensil and/or in the food to be cooked, for example in the form of a skewer. In particular, the hob is part of the hob system. It would also be conceivable for the hob system to include a plurality of hobs, specifically at least two hobs.

The kitchen worktop is at least one unit, in particular a plate-like unit, which is provided for setting up at least one setting-up unit and/or for placing at least one food item, in particular the item to be cooked. In a preferred embodiment, the kitchen worktop has a thickness, in particular a material thickness, of in particular at most 30 mm, preferably at most 20 mm and particularly preferably at most 12 mm. In particular, the kitchen worktop differs from a hob top, specifically preferably a hob top made of glass ceramic. Preferably, the kitchen worktop, in particular in contrast to the hob top, is additionally provided to provide a food preparation area, in particular in which, for example, food could be cut and/or mixed and/or pounded and/or peeled.

In particular, the kitchen worktop is a piece of furniture, preferably a piece of kitchen furniture. The kitchen worktop is advantageously part of the kitchen and in particular delimits and/or closes part of an assembly of kitchen cabinets and/or kitchen furniture and/or other household appliances, such as a dishwasher and/or a washing machine and/or an oven, at the top. It would also be conceivable for the kitchen worktop to be, for example, a kitchen worktop in a canteen kitchen and/or an outdoor cooking area. The kitchen worktop is preferably made of a non-metallic material. The kitchen worktop could be at least partially or at least largely made of glass and/or Neolith and/or Dekton and/or wood and/or marble and/or stone, in particular natural stone, and/or laminate and/or be made of plastic and/or ceramic and/or a composite material. The expression "for the most part" should be understood to mean at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageously at most 95% of a volume and/or mass fraction. In the present document, position designations such as “below” or “above” refer to an assembled state of the kitchen worktop, unless this is explicitly described otherwise. It would be conceivable for the kitchen worktop to have engravings and/or imprints, in particular to mark at least one heating zone for heating the installation unit. However, the kitchen worktop is preferably free of engravings and/or imprints.

The kitchen worktop could have an opening. The opening of the kitchen worktop preferably extends at least partially along a normal direction from an upper side to the underside of the kitchen worktop and can be created by a suitable shaping process either directly during production of the kitchen worktop, for example by a suitable mold, or subsequently, for example by a drilling process or a milling process or the like, be introduced into the kitchen worktop. The opening is preferably designed as a bore in the kitchen worktop. The opening could have a diameter of at least 1 mm, advantageously at least 5 mm, preferably at least 1 cm and particularly preferably at most 2 cm. In particular, the opening is provided at least to enable, in particular, low-loss transmission of infrared radiation and/or visible light to and/or from another unit of the hob device, in particular a sensor unit and/or a lighting unit, from an area below the kitchen worktop to an area above to allow the kitchen worktop. At- For example, the sensor unit could detect and/or measure at least one temperature of the set-up unit placed on the kitchen worktop through the opening. Alternatively and/or additionally, a heating zone for heating the set-up unit could be displayed for an operator by means of the lighting unit.

At least one radiation-guiding element of the hob device could be arranged in the opening in an assembled state. A “radiation-guiding element” should be understood to mean an element which is permeable both to infrared radiation, in particular infrared radiation with a wavelength range between 800 nm and 7,000 nm, and for visible light with a wavelength range between 380 nm and 800 nm and which is intended for this purpose is to transport visible light and/or infrared radiation at least partially along the normal direction of the kitchen worktop, from the top to the bottom of the kitchen worktop and/or from the bottom to the top of the kitchen worktop. The radiation-guiding element is preferably formed at least to a large extent, particularly preferably entirely, from quartz. A “normal direction” of an object should be understood to mean a direction that runs perpendicular to a main plane of extension of the object. A “main extension plane” of a structural unit is to be understood as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of an imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the structural unit and in particular runs through the center point of the cuboid. The opening is preferably free of elements and/or units, in particular the radiation-guiding element.

The set-up unit can have a small household appliance and/or the cookware. The small household appliance could be a coffee maker and/or a toaster and/or a kettle and/or a blender and/or a stirrer, for example. Advantageously, the small household appliance could be supplied with energy at least partially inductively when it is placed on the mounting plate. The cooking utensil can be designed, for example, as a pot and/or pan and/or roaster. If the hob device is designed as an induction hob device, the cookware could be at least partially inductively supplied with energy when it is placed on the kitchen worktop, at least for heating. It would also be conceivable for the set-up unit to include a base unit which is provided as a base under the cookware and/or the small household appliance. The support unit between the kitchen worktop and the cooking area is advantageous crockery and/or the small household appliance can be arranged. In particular, the set-up unit can be arranged in a cooking surface area on the kitchen worktop.

The hob device could have at least one heating unit, which could be designed as a resistance heating unit and/or preferably as an induction heating unit. The heating unit for heating at least the set-up unit is advantageously provided in the cooking surface area on the kitchen worktop. In particular, the opening is arranged in the cooking surface area on the kitchen worktop. The opening could display at least one heating zone in the cooktop area to the operator. The cooking surface area is preferably designed as a variable cooking surface area. A “variable cooking surface area” is to be understood as meaning a cooking surface area that is intended to form at least one heating zone that is adapted to at least the installed installation unit, in particular the small household appliance and/or the cooking utensil. The heating zone can preferably be adapted to the set-up unit with regard to at least one size and/or shape. Advantageously, the variable cooking surface area differs from a cooking surface in which the heating zones are fixed, in particular by markings on the kitchen worktop.

In particular, the heating unit is arranged below the kitchen worktop. The heating unit is preferably designed as a matrix heating unit and is intended in particular to provide the variable cooking surface area. In particular, the heating unit has at least one heating element and preferably a large number of heating elements. A “heating unit” is to be understood as a unit that is intended to, at least in one operating state, transmit electrical energy at least for the most part to the set-up unit, preferably through at least the kitchen worktop, and/or to convert electrical energy into heat, in particular in order to to heat at least the set-up unit, preferably through at least the set-up plate. In particular, the heating unit is intended to transmit a power of at least 100 W, in particular at least 500 W, advantageously at least 1000 W, preferably at least 2000 W, in at least one operating state in which the heating unit is connected to supply electronics of the hob device or the hob . If the heating unit is designed as an induction heating unit, the induction heating unit can have at least one heating element designed as an inductor. An "inductor" is to be understood here as an element which has at least one induction coil and/or is designed as an induction coil and which is intended to supply energy, in particular in the form of an alternating magnetic field, to at least one receiving element, in particular at least the installation unit, in at least one operating state. The receiving element could be designed as a metallic heating element, in particular as an at least partially ferromagnetic heating element, for example as a ferromagnetic base of the installation unit, in particular the cooking utensil and/or the base unit and/or the small household appliance, in which, in one operating mode, the heating unit can be Inductor eddy currents and / or magnetic reversal effects are caused, which are converted into heat.

In order to advantageously reduce thermal stresses, at least when the installation unit is heated, the heat-conducting element is provided for fixing to the underside of the kitchen worktop. In particular, the heat-conducting element is provided to reduce thermal stresses in at least the kitchen worktop. In at least one operating state, in particular of the hob and/or the hob system, the heat-conducting element can at least partially reduce thermal stresses in the kitchen worktop. "Thermal stresses" are to be understood here and in the following as thermally induced mechanical stresses in the kitchen worktop, which are caused by at least one temperature change and/or due to at least one temperature gradient, in particular of the kitchen worktop, in connection with a thermal expansion coefficient, in particular of the kitchen worktop can. In particular, the thermally induced mechanical stresses arise without an external influence of force, namely without an external force acting on the kitchen worktop. In particular, higher thermal stresses of the kitchen worktop occur in an area above and/or around the heating unit, in particular the heating zone for heating the set-up unit. The manner in which the thermal stresses in the kitchen worktop act and/or occur can depend, in particular at least in the operating state, on a temperature distribution around the heating zone. The heat-conducting element could have a diffuser element or be designed as such. The heat-conducting element could consist at least partially and preferably at least to a large extent, for example, of a metal, for example aluminum and/or gold and/or copper and/or silver and/or zinc, and/or a composite material. In particular, surrounds the heat-conducting element the cooking surface area at least partially and preferably completely. The heat-conducting element preferably has a recess. The recess can be configured identically to the cooking surface area in terms of at least one shape and/or size.

The heat-conducting element is preferably provided for fixing and/or holding at least the hob component on the underside of the kitchen worktop. In particular, the heat-conducting element holds and/or fixes at least the hob component in at least the assembled state on the underside of the kitchen worktop. The heat-conducting element could hold the hob component directly or indirectly.

The hob component could have the heating unit, for example. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the hob device has the hob component, which is designed as a hob housing. As a result, a design can be improved and efficiency can be increased, specifically with regard to product efficiency and/or assembly efficiency and/or disassembly efficiency and/or cost efficiency and/or manufacturing efficiency. In addition, an integrability can be optimized and a hob housing can be held particularly comfortably on an underside of a kitchen worktop. In addition, assembly and/or disassembly effort for assembling and/or disassembling at least the cooktop housing can be reduced.

The hob device could, for example, also have several, specifically at least two, hob components. It would be conceivable that each hob component is intended to define and/or provide exactly one hob area at least for heating the installation unit. If the hob device has several, specifically at least two, hob components designed as hob housings, the hob device could have an outer housing unit which at least partially surrounds and/or encloses at least the two hob housings, in particular underneath the kitchen worktop. It would also be conceivable that the at least two hob housings are each part of a hob device and the hob system has at least two hob devices. At least the two hob devices, in particular the at least two hob housings, could have at least one electronic connection with one another. The at least two hob devices are preferably arranged next to one another on the underside of the kitchen worktop. The hob component could, for example, consist at least partially and preferably at least to a large extent of a mineral, for example glass and/or ceramics, and/or a plastic and/or a metal and/or a composite material. The hob component, specifically the hob component designed as a hob housing, advantageously forms a housing at least for accommodating the heating unit and/or at least one further unit of the hob device, such as an electronic unit and/or a blower unit.

“Provided” here and in the following is to be understood to mean specially programmed, designed and/or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood to mean that the object fulfills and/or executes this specific function in at least one application and/or operating state. Furthermore, numerals such as “first” and “second” that precede certain terms are used in the present document only to differentiate between method steps and/or objects and/or to assign objects to each other do not imply any existing total number and/or ranking of objects and/or method steps. In particular, a “second” object and/or method step does not necessarily imply the existence of a “first” object and/or method step.

It is also proposed that the heat-conducting element be provided for fixing to the underside of the kitchen worktop by means of at least one adhesive connection. As a result, efficiency in terms of work efficiency and/or assembly efficiency and/or disassembly efficiency and/or cost efficiency can be further increased. In addition, assembly and/or disassembly effort can be reduced, and additional fixing elements, for example screw and/or snap-in connections, for fixing the heat-conducting element on an underside of the kitchen worktop can advantageously be dispensed with. In addition, a construction can be improved.

In at least the installed state, the heat-conducting element is fixed to the underside of the kitchen worktop, specifically glued on at least in a materially bonded manner. In addition, non-positive and/or form-fitting connections could also be used to fix the heat-conducting element on the underside of the kitchen worktop, such as plug-in connections and/or rotary connections and/or screw connections. The heat conducting element could be on a side facing the kitchen worktop at least be at least partially coated with an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably a non-metallic substance intended to join at least two elements by surface adhesion and its internal strength. In at least one method step, in particular a gluing step, in the method for installing the hob device, the heat-conducting element can be glued to the underside of the kitchen worktop. In the method step, in particular the gluing step, the adhesive could be applied to the side of the heat-conducting element that faces the kitchen worktop. Alternatively, the adhesive could be applied to the underside of the kitchen worktop. In the mounted state, the adhesive fixes the heat-conducting element at least partially in a materially bonded manner to the underside of the kitchen worktop. It would also be conceivable for the hob device to have an adhesive designed as a double-sided adhesive tape, by means of which the heat-conducting element can be fixed on the underside of the kitchen worktop and, in particular, is fixed on the underside of the kitchen worktop at least in the assembled state.

The assembled state is a state in which at least the heat-conducting element is at least glued to the underside of the kitchen worktop, in contrast to an unassembled state. In terms of a time course, the reassembled state is ahead of the assembled state. In the unassembled state, at least the heat-conducting element and the underside of the kitchen worktop are arranged separately from one another. In particular, the hob component is arranged separately from the kitchen worktop in the unassembled state. It would also be conceivable for the heat-conducting element to be fixed to the underside of the kitchen worktop when the kitchen worktop is manufactured. The heat-conducting element is preferably already fixed in a pre-assembled state on the underside of the kitchen worktop. With regard to the progression over time, the pre-assembled state defines a state of the hob device after the unassembled state and before the assembled state.

In addition, it is proposed that the heat-conducting element is designed as a plate-like element with a material thickness of at least 1 mm, advantageously at least 1.5 mm. A particularly thin and compact design and configuration of a heat-conducting element can thus be provided. In addition, efficiency, specifically with regard to product efficiency and/or work efficiency and/or assembly efficiency and/or disassembly efficiency and/or manufacturing efficiency and/or cost efficiency, can be further increased. The adhesive, in particular the double-sided adhesive tape, can have a material thickness of at least 0.1 mm, advantageously at most 0.3 mm, preferably at most 0.6 mm and particularly preferably at most 1 mm. The material thickness of the heat-conducting element could be at most 1.8 mm, in particular at most 2 mm and advantageously at most 3 mm. The fact that an object is “plate-like” is also to be understood as meaning a three-dimensional object which, viewed in a plane, has a non-circular cross-sectional area in a cross section perpendicular to the plane and, in particular, has an at least essentially constant material thickness perpendicular to the plane. The “plate-like element” is to be understood here as an element that has a material thickness that corresponds to a maximum of 50%, in particular a maximum of 20%, advantageously a maximum of 10%, preferably a maximum of 5%, a length and/or a width of the element. The plate-like element preferably has at least one, preferably at least two, in particular opposing sides which have a flat, in particular smooth, surface. The heat-conducting element could have a round or oval or square shape, for example. The heat-conducting element preferably has a rectangular shape. In this context, “at least essentially” should be understood to mean that a deviation from a specified value is less than 25%, preferably less than 10% and particularly preferably less than 5% of the specified value.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the heat-conducting element has at least one stabilizing element in at least one edge area. As a result, construction, efficiency and safety can be increased. In addition, comfort can be improved. A hob component can be advantageously stabilized and/or positioned by means of a stabilizing element when it is fixed with the heat-conducting element.

The stabilizing element could be designed as a border. In particular, the stabilizing element is intended to stabilize the hob component at least in the assembled state. The stabilizing element preferably rests at least in sections and advantageously completely on the hob component in at least the assembled state. Alternatively and/or additionally, the stabilizing element could bear against the underside of the kitchen worktop at least in sections, in particular contact the underside of the kitchen worktop. The stabilizing element is advantageously on at least one side of the element designed as a plate-like element. th heat-conducting element arranged. The side could be a width side or a long side of the heat conducting element. The heat-conducting element can have the edge area on the side mentioned. The stabilizing element could extend over the entire edge area. The stabilizing element preferably extends over at least 10%, advantageously at least 30%, preferably at least 50% and particularly preferably at most 90% of the edge area.

The stabilizing element can be formed at least partially and advantageously in one piece, in particular in one piece, with a base plate of the heat-conducting element. “In one piece” is to be understood to mean at least materially connected, for example by an adhesive process, an injection molding process and/or a welding process and/or another process that a person skilled in the art considers appropriate. By "integral" is meant molded in one piece. This one piece is preferably produced from a single blank, a mass and/or a cast, particularly preferably in an injection molding process, in particular a one-component and/or multi-component injection molding process, and/or in a stamping process from the individual blank. Particularly preferably, when it is produced from a blank, the heat-conducting element is shaped, in particular bent, in at least the edge region in such a way that the stabilizing element is formed. The stabilizing element can be arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the base plate. In particular, the stabilizing element is aligned at least essentially perpendicular to a main plane of extent of the heat-conducting element. In this context, “at least essentially perpendicular” is to be understood as meaning an angle of between 85° and 95°, preferably between 88° and 92° and particularly advantageously of 90°. A “main extension plane” of an object is to be understood here as meaning a plane which is aligned parallel to a largest side surface of the smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the object and in particular runs through the center point of the cuboid.

The heat-conducting element could have at least one further stabilizing element in a further edge area opposite the edge area. The stabilization element and the further stabilization element could be designed identically to one another. The stabilizing element and the further stabilizing element are advantageously arranged at least essentially parallel to one another, with a main Stretching direction of the stabilization element by less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and particularly preferably less than 2% deviates from a further main extension direction of the further stabilization element. A “main extension direction” of an object is to be understood in the present case as meaning a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid which just about completely encloses the object. In particular, the main extension direction of the object extends within a main extension plane of the object.

In the method for installing the hob device, the hob component could be connected to the heat-conducting element in one method step, in particular an insertion step. In the insertion step, at least the stabilization element could serve as a stabilization and/or positioning aid for the hob component.

It would be conceivable for the hob component to be connected directly, to be precise directly, to the heat-conducting element and to be held directly by the heat-conducting element, in particular without components and/or components connected in between. The hob component could be connected to the heat-conducting element by means of an integral connection, for example by means of an adhesive and/or welded connection. The hob component could be formed at least partially in one piece, advantageously in one piece, with the heat-conducting element.

If the hob device has a holding unit which is provided for holding at least the hob component and which can be connected to the heat-conducting element, a design can be improved and efficiency further increased, which is advantageous with regard to fixing a hob component with a heat-conducting element. Furthermore, safety can be increased and greater stability of the fixing of the hob component to at least the heat-conducting element can be guaranteed. Positional tolerances and/or deviations in the material thickness of the hob component and/or the heat-conducting element can possibly be compensated for by means of the holding unit, thereby avoiding uncontrolled detachment and/or falling of the hob component and unstable fixing of the hob component to the heat-conducting element. In addition, assembly and/or disassembly can be facilitated by means of the holding unit, consequently assembly and/or disassembly effort can be reduced and thus in turn assembly and/or disassembly efficiency can be increased. In particular, the hob component is indirectly connected to the heat-conducting element by means of the holding unit. In particular, the holding unit can be connected to the heat-conducting element with a non-positive and/or positive connection. In the installation method, in at least one method step, in particular a fixing step, the holding unit for holding the hob component can be screwed at least to the heat-conducting element. In at least the installed state, the holding unit can be connected to the heat-conducting element with the non-positive and/or positive connection.

The holding unit is preferably screwed to at least the heat-conducting element. A construction can thus be further improved and a particularly simple, compact and preferably reversibly connectable and detachable fixing of a holding unit with at least the heat-conducting element can be provided. Furthermore, efficiency can be increased, for example with regard to product and/or work and/or assembly and/or disassembly and/or manufacturing and/or cost efficiency. In addition, assembly and/or disassembly effort can be reduced.

The holding unit can preferably be reversibly connected to the heat-conducting element and/or reversibly detached from the heat-conducting element. The holding unit can have at least one fixing element and preferably a plurality of fixing elements, specifically at least two fixing elements, which is/are provided for fixing to at least the heat-conducting element. The holding unit preferably has at least four fixing elements for screwing to at least the heat-conducting element. The fixing element particularly preferably has a screw. The fixing element advantageously has a nut, for example a wing nut. In particular in the mounted state, the holding unit is screwed to at least the heat-conducting element. In addition to being screwed to the heat-conducting element, the holding unit could be screwed to the kitchen worktop.

In further configurations of the invention, it is proposed that the holding unit provides at least one support element for the hob component. As a result, efficiency can be further increased, specifically facilitating assembly and/or disassembly of a hob component and reducing assembly and/or disassembly effort. In addition, stability and/or safety can be increased, since the hob component in at least one assembled state rests on at least one geelement can be placed on an underside of a kitchen worktop. Furthermore, the weight of at least the hob component can advantageously be distributed over a large area below the kitchen worktop, thereby avoiding local stresses in the kitchen worktop.

In particular, at least the support element is provided, at least in the assembled state, to carry and/or absorb a weight force of the hob component. The holding unit could have a holding element which is intended to hold the hob component in at least the assembled state on the heat-conducting element. The holding unit preferably has at least one further holding element. In at least the assembled state, the further holding element could fix the hob component on at least the heat-conducting element and on the underside of the kitchen worktop on a side of the hob component opposite to the holding element. A main direction of extent of the retaining element and a main direction of extent of the further retaining element are preferably aligned parallel to one another. The holding element and/or the further holding element can/could hold the hob component on a longitudinal side and preferably on a width side on the heat-conducting element in at least the assembled state.

The retaining element is preferably screwed to at least the heat-conducting element by means of the fixing element. The further holding element could be screwed to at least the heat-conducting element by means of a further fixing element. The holding element and/or the further holding element could/could have an L-shape or advantageously a stepped shape.

The holding element and/or the further holding element could provide at least the support element and/or at least one further support element for the hob component in at least the preassembled state. In the method for installing the hob device, the hob component could be connected to the holding unit in one method step, in particular the insertion step, preferably inserted into the holding unit, in particular the holding element and/or the further holding element. In at least the pre-assembled state, the hob component could rest on the supporting element of the holding element and/or the further holding element. The holding element and/or the further holding element could preferably be arranged on the hob component along an entire width of the hob component. The In at least the assembled state, the hob component could rest at least in sections and preferably completely on the holding element and/or the further holding element, in particular at least the support element, in the width direction.

In the method for installing the hob device, the hob component could be pressed against the heat-conducting element in a method step, in particular a fixing step. The holding unit preferably has at least one fastening element which is provided for arranging the hob component in at least the assembled state at least partially flush with the heat-conducting element. The fastening element is preferably designed as a screw, for example as a wing screw. By means of the fastening element, in particular the wing screw, the hob component can be pressed against at least the heat-conducting element in a vertical direction. The fastening element advantageously serves to adjust and/or fix the hob component along a z-axis, specifically in the height direction. In the method for installing the hob device, the hob component could be pressed onto the heat-conducting element in the fixing step by screwing in the fastening element. The fastening element can preferably be screwed into an opening in the holding element. In particular, in at least the installed state, the fastening element presses against an underside of the hob component. In the mounted state, the fastening element can provide the bearing surface for the hob component. In particular, the hob component rests on a surface of the fastening element, at least in the assembled state.

The invention also relates to an installation tool for installing a hob device, in particular the aforementioned hob device, on the underside of the kitchen worktop, with a positioning unit for determining a default position for the arrangement of the heat-conducting element on the kitchen worktop. As a result, a convenient and efficient, advantageously simple and/or quick, installation of a hob device can be provided. Furthermore, a positioning unit can be used to enable at least one heat-conducting element to be optimally aligned on an underside of a kitchen worktop. In addition, a default position for at least the heat-conducting element can be determined in a comfortable and efficient manner. In particular, the positioning unit is intended to determine the default position for at least the arrangement of the heat-conducting element on the underside of the kitchen worktop to determine plate. The default position is preferably a position on the underside of the kitchen worktop, in which at least the heat-conducting element is provided for arrangement on the underside of the kitchen worktop. Since the heat-conducting element can advantageously only be arranged outside of the cooking surface area and in particular the cutout in the heat-conducting element is intended to release the cooking surface area from the heat-conducting element, the default position can be exactly the position in which the heat-conducting element is in the underside of the kitchen worktop under the aspects mentioned should be positioned to keep the cooking surface area clear while reducing thermal stresses in the kitchen worktop.

In order to increase efficiency, for example in terms of product and/or labor and/or assembly and/or disassembly and/or manufacturing and/or cost efficiency, and to improve comfort, it is proposed that the positioning unit have a through has an opening in the kitchen worktop, in particular the aforementioned opening in the kitchen worktop, a pin that can be passed through and an alignment element that can be joined together with the pin for marking the default position. In addition, a particularly efficient and convenient installation of a hob device can thus be provided. Furthermore, the installation can be carried out by just one person.

The positioning unit preferably serves as a centering unit for centering the heat-conducting element around the opening, in particular the cooking surface area. The alignment element could possibly be a drawing element, for example a pair of compasses, for marking the default position. A main extent of the alignment element preferably corresponds to a dimension, in particular a diameter, of the cooking surface area. In particular, the alignment element is provided to indicate at least one installer a shape and/or size and/or position of the cooking surface area on the underside of the kitchen worktop. A length of the main extent, in particular a longitudinal extent, of the alignment element could correspond to a diameter of the cutout of the heat-conducting element. In this context, a “longitudinal extension” of an object is to be understood as meaning an extension of the object in a direction of longitudinal extension of the object. The "longitudinal direction" of the object is a direction which is parallel to a longest edge and/or side of a smallest edge that just encloses the object, in particular special thought, Quaders is. The heat conducting element can rest flush against the alignment element at least in sections. In particular, in the positioning step, the pin is passed through the opening and brought together with the alignment element. The pin can preferably be screwed to the alignment element.

In addition, the invention is based on a method for installing a hob device, in particular the aforementioned hob device, on the underside of the kitchen worktop using an installation tool, in particular the aforementioned installation tool, the pin being passed through the opening in the kitchen worktop and connected to the alignment element stitched together to determine the default position.

A convenient and efficient installation of a hob device can be provided by such a method. In addition, an optimal alignment, specifically a default position, for at least one heat-conducting element on the underside of a kitchen worktop can be determined, thereby improving the positioning of the heat-conducting element. In addition, the installation method can be performed by only one person. The method for installing a hob device could have several method steps and/or partial method steps. The method preferably comprises at least the previously described gluing step and/or inserting step and/or fixing step. In particular, in a positioning step using the installation tool, the pin is passed through the opening in the kitchen worktop and mated with the alignment element to determine the default position.

It is also proposed that the heat-conducting element is connected to the underside of the kitchen worktop at the default position. As a result, a method for installation can be further improved and made more efficient. In addition, assembly costs can be reduced. In terms of timing, the gluing step could occur after the positioning step. In the gluing step in particular, the heat-conducting element is connected to the underside of the kitchen worktop in the default position, preferably glued. The installation tool is preferably removed again after the heat-conducting element has been bonded to the underside of the kitchen worktop. In view of the passage of time, the inserting step could be carried out after the sticking step. In particular, in the insertion step, the hob component is in the Holding unit used at least partially. In the fixing step that follows the insertion step in terms of time progression, the hob component can be fixed to at least the heat-conducting element, advantageously pressed against the heat-conducting element.

The hob device and/or the hob system and/or the installation tool and/or the installation method should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the hob device and/or the hob system and/or the installation tool and/or the method for installation to fulfill a function described herein can have a number of individual elements, components, units and method steps that differs from the number specified herein. In addition, in the value ranges specified in this document, values lying within the stated limits should also be considered disclosed and can be used as desired.

drawings

Further advantages result from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into further meaningful combinations.

Show it:

1 shows a hob system with a hob device and a kitchen worktop,

2 shows the kitchen worktop with an installation tool for installing the hob device,

3 shows the kitchen worktop with the installation tool in an inserted state,

4 shows an exploded view of at least part of the hob device with a heat-conducting element and a holding unit,

5 shows a pre-assembled state in which the heat-conducting element is fixed to an underside of the kitchen worktop, 6 shows a hob component of the hob device in an insertion step of the method in FIG.

7 shows the hob component in an assembled state,

8 close-up views of the hob component in the assembled state, FIG. 9 another close-up view of the hob component in the assembled state, namely of a holding element of the holding unit,

10 shows a further close-up view of the hob component in the assembled state, namely of a further holding element of the holding unit and

11 shows a schematically illustrated method for installing the hob device.

Description of the embodiment

The following figures are schematic representations that are not true to scale. For the sake of clarity, only one of the multiple objects in the figures is provided with a reference number.

FIG. 1 shows a hob system 10 with a hob device 12. In the present case, the hob device 12 is designed as an induction hob device and the hob system 10 as an induction hob system. The hob system 10 has a kitchen worktop 16 . The hob device 12a has a cooking surface area 78 . In the present case, the kitchen worktop 16 has the cooking surface area 78 . The kitchen worktop 16 is provided at least for setting up at least one set-up unit 70 . The installation unit 70 can be arranged in the cooking surface area 78 for at least one heating. As shown in FIG. 1, the set-up unit 70 is embodied as a cooking utensil, specifically as a pot. It would also be conceivable that the positioning unit 70 is alternatively and/or additionally a base unit and/or a small household appliance, such as a kettle and/or a coffee machine and/or a blender and/or a stirrer. The hob device 12 has an operator interface 68 which, in the present example, is integrated into the kitchen worktop 16 . At least the heating of the installation unit 70 can be controlled and/or regulated by an operator by means of the operator interface 68 . The kitchen worktop 16 has an opening 56 . In the present case, the opening 56 is arranged in the cooking surface area 78 and is provided at least to indicate to the operator a set-up position for the set-up unit 70 on the kitchen worktop 16 for at least the heating. For example, a lighting unit of hob device 12 and/or a sensor unit of hob device 12, for example an IR sensor unit for measuring the temperature of installation unit 70, can be and/or is arranged in opening 56 and/or below opening 56. In this exemplary embodiment, the positioning unit 70 is provided for positioning on the opening 56 . In the present case, the opening 56 forms a center point of the cooking surface area 78 .

The hob device 12 has a heat-conducting element 14 for fixing to an underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 and for holding at least one hob component 20 of the hob device 12 (cf. FIG. 7). The heat-conducting element 14 is provided to reduce thermal stresses in at least the kitchen worktop 16 .

The following FIGS. 2 to 10 serve to explain the fixing of the heat-conducting element 14 and the hob component 20 to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16. FIG. The method of installing the cooktop device 12 could include multiple method steps and/or method sub-steps. In the present case, the method is described by way of example using a positioning step 100, a gluing step 102, an insertion step 104 and a fixing step 106.

At least FIGS. 2 and 3 show an installation tool 50 for installing the hob device 12 on the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16. The installation tool 50 has a positioning unit 52. The positioning unit 52 is provided for determining a default position 53 for the arrangement of the heating element 14 on the kitchen worktop 16 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 5). The positioning unit 52 has a pin 60 that can be passed through the opening 56 in the kitchen worktop 16 and an alignment element 62 that can be assembled with the pin 60 for marking the default position 53 (cf. FIGS. 2, 3 and 5). The positioning unit 52 has a cap 66 which is connected to the pin 60 . The cap 66 is in a fitted condition of the pin 60 in the opening 56 above the kitchen worktop 16 (see FIG. 3).

In the method of installing the cooktop appliance 12 , in the positioning step 100 , the pin 60 is passed through the opening 56 in the kitchen worktop 16 and mated with the alignment element 62 to determine the default position 53 using an installation tool 50 . In the present case, the positioning unit 52 serves as a centering unit for centering the heat-conducting element 14 around the opening 56 (cf. FIG. 5).

4 shows at least part of the hob device 12 with the heat-conducting element 14 and at least one holding unit 30 of the hob device 12 that is provided for holding at least the hob component 20 and can be connected to the heat-conducting element 14. Before the method for installing the hob device 12 is discussed in detail, the heat-conducting element 14 and at least the holding unit 30 should be briefly described at this point. The heat-conducting element 14 is designed as a plate-like element with a material thickness of at least 1 mm. In the present case, the heat-conducting element 14 has a recess 38 . The heat-conducting element 14 has a stabilizing element 26 in at least one edge region 28 . The hob device 12 has an adhesive 72, in the present case a double-sided adhesive tape.

FIG. 4 makes it clear that the holding unit 30 can be screwed to at least the heat-conducting element 14 . The hob device 12 has at least one fixing element 74 for fixing the holding unit 30 to the heat-conducting element 14 . In the present case, the fixing element 74 has a screw 76 and a nut 84 corresponding to the screw. In this exemplary embodiment, the hob device 12 has four fixing elements 74, only two being provided with a reference number for the sake of clarity. Two of the nuts 84 of the fixing elements 74 are wing nuts 92.

The holding unit 30 comprises a holding element 80. In the present case, the holding unit comprises at least one further holding element 82. At least the fixing element 74 is intended to fix at least the holding element 80 and/or the further holding element 82 to at least the heat-conducting element 14, namely to screw it. It would also be conceivable that the fixing element 74 is additionally provided for screwing at least the holding element 80 and/or the further holding element 82 to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 . In this exemplary embodiment, the holding element 80 and the further holding element 82 can each be screwed to the heat-conducting element 14 by means of two of the fixing elements 74 . In the present case, the holding element 80 is designed in a stepped manner. Furthermore, the further holding element 82 is formed in a stepped manner.

The heat conducting element 14 is provided for fixing to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 by means of at least one adhesive connection. In addition, at least one non-positive and/or positive connection would also be conceivable, such as a plug-in and/or latching and/or screw connection. The heat-conducting element 14 can be fixed to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 by means of the adhesive 72 . 11, the gluing step 102 takes place after the positioning step 100. In the gluing step 102, the heat-conducting element 14 is connected to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16 at the default position 53, specifically glued in the present case. FIG. 5 shows a pre-assembled state, in which the heat-conducting element 14 is fixed to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16, namely glued to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 18.

FIG. 5 also shows that the heat-conducting element 14 is positioned on the underside 18 in such a way that the alignment element 62 is inserted into the recess 38 of the heat-conducting element 14 . The alignment element 62 is used to center the heat-conducting element 14 around the opening 56. The cutout 38 is provided to release the cooking surface area 78 from the heat-conducting element 14 in order to enable at least efficient heating of the installation unit 70.

After the heat-conducting element 14 has been fixed, in this case glued to the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16, the installation tool 50 is removed again. In the insertion step 104 (cf. FIG. 11 ) that follows the gluing step 102 , the hob component 20 is connected to the heat-conducting element 14 . In this exemplary embodiment, the hob component 20 is designed as a hob housing. The hob component 20 designed as a hob housing is a housing at least for accommodating a further unit of the hob device 12, such as a heating unit and/or an electronics unit and/or a blower unit. The For the sake of clarity, the hob component 20 is shown free of further units of the hob device 12 (cf. FIG. 6).

FIG. 6 shows the insertion step 104, in which the hob component 20 is connected to the heat-conducting element 14, namely inserted into the holding unit 30. In the present case, the hob component 20 is first connected to the holding element 80 before the hob component 20 is connected to the further holding element 82 . When the hob component 20 is inserted, the hob component 20 rests at least partially on the holding element 80 and/or the further holding element 82 . As can be clearly seen from FIGS. 4, 5 and 9, the holding element 80 has at least one arm 98 and in the present example two arms, only one arm 98 being provided with a reference symbol due to an identical design of the at least two arms. When inserting the hob component 20 into the holding element 80 , the hob component 20 rests on at least the arm 98 . The further holding element 82 has an elongated recess 90 (cf. FIG. 10). Due to this recess 90, the further holding element 82 can be slid in the y-direction. In the insertion step 104 , the additional holding element 82 is pushed towards the hob component 20 until the hob component 20 rests on the additional holding element 82 .

In the fixing step 106 that follows the insertion step 104 , the hob component 20 is pressed against the heat-conducting element 14 and fixed with the heat-conducting element 14 . The holding unit 30 has at least one fastening element 96 . In the present case, the fastening element 96 is designed as a wing screw, for example. The fastening element 96 is intended to press the hob component 20 against the heat-conducting element 14 . The fastening element 96 is arranged on the arm 98 of the holding element 80 . In the present case, the fastening element 96 can be screwed in the vertical direction (cf. Figure 4) and, in at least one assembled state, presses against an underside 88 of the hob component 20.

Figure 7 shows the assembled state of the hob component 20 on the heat conducting element 14, specifically on the underside 18 of the kitchen worktop 16. Figures 7 to 10 each show the assembled state and serve to illustrate the fixing of the hob component 20 to at least the heat conducting element 14. While FIG. 7 shows an overall view of the heat-conducting element 14 and at least the hob component 20, FIG. 8 shows close-ups of the ends of the hob components te 20, namely the holding element 80 and the further holding element 82 shown. In this case, only a middle part was removed from FIG. 7, so that the end regions are better visible in each case.

In the assembled state, the stabilizing element 26 bears against the hob component 20 (cf. FIGS. 7, 9 and 10). The stabilizing element 26 serves to stabilize and/or position the hob component 20 on the heat-conducting element 14. In the assembled state, the holding unit 30 provides at least one support element 32 for the hob component 20. In this exemplary embodiment, a surface of at least the fastening element 96 forms at least the support element 32 for the hob component 20. In the assembled state, the hob component 20 rests on the support element 32 (cf. FIG. 8). In this exemplary embodiment, the holding unit 82 forms at least one further support element 33 of the holding unit 30 for the hob component 20 on an opposite side of the holding unit 80 . As can be seen in FIG. 10, the holding element 82 extends in the width direction over the entire width of the hob component 20. The hob component 20 rests on the support element 33 over the entire width in the width direction. A particularly stable, efficient, convenient and integrative construction can thus be provided and the cooktop device 12 can be installed easily and efficiently.

Reference sign

10 hob system

12 hob device

14 heat conducting element

16 kitchen worktop

18 bottom

20 hob component

26 stabilizing element

28 edge area

30 holding unit

32 support element

33 support element

38 recess

50 installation tool

52 positioning unit

53 default position

56 opening

60 pen

62 alignment element

66 cap

68 operator interface

70 installation unit

72 adhesive

74 fixing element

76 screw

78 cooktop area

80 holding element

82 holding element

88 underside

84 mother Recess Wing Nut Fastener Arm Positioning Step Bonding Step Insertion Step Fixing Step

Claims

Expectations

1. Hob device (12) with a heat-conducting element (14) which is provided for fixing to an underside (18) of a kitchen worktop (16) and for holding at least one hob component (20).

2. Hob device (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat conducting element (14) for fixing to the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16) is provided by means of at least one adhesive connection.

3. Hob device (12) according to claim 2, characterized in that the heat conducting element (14) is designed as a plate-like element with a material thickness of at least 1 mm.

4. Hob device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heat conducting element (14) has at least one stabilizing element (26) in at least one edge region (28).

5. Hob device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a holding unit (30) provided for holding at least the hob component (20) and which can be connected to the heat-conducting element (14).

6. Hob device (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that the holding unit (30) is screwed to at least the heat-conducting element (14).

7. Hob device (12) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the holding unit (30) provides at least one support element (32) for the hob component (20).

8. hob device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the hob component (20), which is designed as a hob housing.

9. hob system (10) with a hob device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims and with the kitchen worktop (16).

10. Installation tool (50) for installing a hob device (12) according to one of Claims 1 to 8 on the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16), with a positioning unit (52) for determining a default position (53) for the arrangement of the heat-conducting element (14) on the kitchen worktop (16).

11. Installation tool (50) according to claim 10, characterized in that the positioning unit (52) has a pin (60) which can be passed through an opening (56) in the kitchen worktop (16) and an alignment element (62) which can be joined together with the pin (60). for marking the default position (53).

12. A method for installing a hob device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 on the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16) using an installation tool (50) according to claim 11, wherein the pin (60) passes through the opening (56 ) is carried out in the kitchen worktop (16) and assembled with the alignment element (62) to determine the default position (53).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the heat conducting element (14) at the default position (53) with the underside (18) of the kitchen worktop (16) is connected.