HK40116590A - Cooktop with an integrated extractor and illumination, use of the cooktop for illumination - Google Patents

Description

Cooktops with integrated exhaust and lighting functions, and cooktops used for lighting purposes.

Technical Field

This invention relates to a cooktop having an integrated exhaust system and a lighting system as described in claim 1. The invention also relates to the use of the cooktop for lighting according to claim 13.

Background Technology

A general-purpose cooktop includes a typically rectangular cooktop panel with rounded outer edges. One or more heating units are disposed beneath the cooktop panel; for example, a radiant heating unit or an induction heating coil may be provided against the bottom side of the cooktop panel. Furthermore, the cooktop housing (including the cooktop controller and the power supply for the controller and heating units) is located beneath or against the bottom side of the cooktop panel. As is known, the cooktop housing may also advantageously contain the heating units or cover them at the bottom. A circumferential frame may preferably be provided along the outer edge of the cooktop panel, designed to connect to the countertop when the cooktop is located at or within the countertop.

These types of cooktops are known in many embodiments of the prior art.

For example, a cooktop with at least one temperature sensor is known in DE102019123703A1.

DE102020212171A1 relates to cooktops with weight sensors.

A sensor-controlled stove with a vibration sensor is known from DE202005015553U1.

DE102019107558A1 relates to a method for handling cookware in the cooking zone of a stove (preferably an induction cooker).

The method of energy supply for the stove and the heating element of the stove is known from DE102010064294A1.

According to DE102004011749A1, cooktops with multiple cooking zones and associated heating elements are designed such that associated cooking container recognition sensors (e.g., inductive or capacitive) can detect touch of a finger or similar object on a placed cooking container. The cooktop's controller interprets this as the selection of the associated cooking zone.

A cooking surface with a downward-draft exhaust hood, as described in DE202019106084U1, has a top side and a bottom side, and includes: a plurality of cooking zones located near the surface, and a suction pipe extending in a predetermined direction between the top and bottom sides, wherein the suction pipe has a suction opening near the top side and is in fluid communication with the external area. The cooking surface also includes a device that, together with the surface, forms a mounting unit for the cooking surface to provide the mounting unit and downward exhaust cooking steam.

A device is known in DE1579679A1 that uses a suction fan to remove steam and fumes generated during cooking from an oven.

An installation unit is known in EP3869107A1, which includes a cooktop and a device for operating the cooktop and discharging cooking steam downwards.

As can be seen from DE10020208221A1, cooktops with a cooktop panel and a light source below it have light sources that are activated differently. Therefore, light sources that illuminate the cooktop are provided, illuminating, glowing, or providing light through or across the sides of the cooktop panel.

One drawback is the relatively high light output from the light source emanating from the cooktop. Furthermore, the power loss of the light source is also due to the glass-ceramic panel. Additionally, since the cooktop's glass-ceramic panel requires transmissive lighting, it unintentionally alters the desired color of the light, which also presents an aesthetic drawback.

Light sources known from the prior art are located on the side of the glass-ceramic panel and are not suitable for uniform illumination of the area above the cooktop panel because they only illuminate through the cooktop panel, especially horizontally or at a flat angle.

Summary of the Invention

Based on the above-mentioned shortcomings, the purpose of this invention is to provide a cooktop panel with an integrated ventilation device that is energy-optimized and has aesthetically pleasing lighting.

This objective is achieved by the cooktop panel with integrated exhaust and lighting as claimed in claim 1. This objective is further achieved by the use of the cooktop as claimed in claim 13.

The present invention relates to a cooktop with integrated lighting, comprising a cooktop panel, particularly a glass-ceramic panel, the cooktop panel having at least one cooking area and having a top side for placing cookware and a bottom side opposite to said top side.

In addition, the cooktop has at least one heating unit, particularly an induction coil, under the cooktop panel for heating the cookware.

It also provides at least one intake opening of the intake duct, which is generally disposed in the plane of the surface of the cooktop panel, for drawing cooking steam or cooking fumes downward and transferring them below the cooktop panel.

At least one light source is used to illuminate the cooktop to achieve integrated lighting.

According to the present invention, the at least one light source is located substantially inside at least one suction duct or suction opening.

The light source can be used as ambient lighting to illuminate the space. Brightness and/or color can be changed via fan speed.

For example, the lighting source can also have functions such as indicating residual heat. The brightness or color of the light can change according to the temperature.

The lighting source can also provide notification functions, such as flashing after the cooking zone timer or egg timer has ended, as a supplement or replacement for the sound signal.

In addition, the lighting source can act as a warning signal if at least one cooking area is turned on but no further operation is performed after a specified period of time. For example, this can serve as a "no-response switch" before the stove is completely turned off, reminding the elderly or forgetful that the cooking process has begun.

The cooktop is preferably designed as an induction cooker because it allows for very precise and direct adjustments. However, the invention also includes implementations using other heating technologies.

According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one light source emits light from the inhalation pipe of the cooktop via an optical fiber. In particular, the at least one light source is located laterally inside or at the bottom of the inhalation pipe or the inhalation opening for indirect illumination.

The light source can be located laterally inside or at the bottom so that it shines at an angle from the ventilation duct, or it can provide indirect lighting.

Another advantageous variation of the invention proposes that the light source comprises an LED or is composed of LEDs or LED strips.

In an advantageous improvement of the invention, the at least one light source is activatable by means of a light controller, wherein a communication device is preferably connected to the light controller and designed to communicate with an external control device/receiver, preferably via wireless communication such as WLAN or Bluetooth.

The purpose of the light controller is to activate the light source after the communication device receives the control signal, so that it shines from the stove, thereby creating ambient or background lighting in the space around the stove.

According to other advantageous embodiments of the invention, for bidirectional data transmission, the light controller is connected to a control and/or regulation device for controlling and/or regulating the energy of the heating unit of the stove.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention proposes that at least one light source can be operated by a control element, particularly an operating sensor, located below the cooktop panel and preferably designed as a capacitive sensor for operation on the surface of the cooktop panel.

Similarly, it can be proposed that the brightness and/or color of at least one light source is adjustable, and in particular, the color of the light is automatically adjustable, for example, based on ambient noise.

Regarding the installation or arrangement of the light source for a stove according to the present invention, the basic and preferred aspects of the invention can be summarized as follows:

The lighting source (light source) is installed in the ventilation duct, illuminating the space directly through the ventilation opening, rather than through the glass-ceramic surface. The advantage of this is that the color of the light is not distorted by the filtering effect of the glass-ceramic surface, or it eliminates the need to use specific glass-ceramic glass without this filtering effect. Furthermore, the light intensity is affected by the glass-ceramic surface.

A lighting source can consist of one or more light sources.

The light source is preferably composed of a single LED or an LED strip.

The light source shines directly into the ventilation duct without needing to guide the light through optical fibers.

For contact protection and ease of cleaning, a transparent cover (such as glass or plastic) can be used to protect the light source.

The light source can be installed directly below the cooktop surface, or below one or more walls, or at the bottom of a ventilation duct.

Also advantageous according to an embodiment of the invention is that at least one suction opening is located in a plane on a surface parallel to the top side of the cooktop panel.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that at least one intake opening is groove-shaped, particularly designed as a gap or outflow channel, wherein adjacent groove-shaped intake openings are preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to each other.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one suction opening is located approximately in the center of the cooktop.

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention proposes that the at least one intake opening is fluidly connected to a suction chamber having a rotating impeller of a fan motor for exhausting the cooking steam or cooking fumes.

Also advantageously, according to embodiments of the invention, a sensor system including at least one sensor is provided for measuring temperature and/or for measuring motion/vibration and/or for measuring weight; in particular, the sensor system is connected to a control and/or regulation device for signal transmission.

The sensor system can be located below the cooktop panel, preferably between the bottom side of the cooktop panel and the heating unit, and/or on the side of the heating unit. This optimizes the use of installation space. The lateral arrangement reduces the potential influence of the alternating magnetic field on the sensor.

The sensor system may include at least one temperature sensor for directly determining the temperature below the cooktop panel, particularly the temperature on the bottom side of the cooktop panel, and/or include at least one infrared sensor for determining the temperature of the cooktop base through the cooktop panel, particularly the glass-ceramic panel.

The energy of the heating unit used to heat the cookware is necessary for the desired cooking process and can be determined in the control and/or regulation device based on the determined cookware panel temperature and/or the determined temperature of the food being cooked.

By using at least one heating unit activated by a control and/or regulation device, the energy required for the desired cooking process is automatically delivered to the cooktop panel.

Of particular advantage is that the processing and evaluation of sensor signals from the sensor system occur within the cooktop's electronic system or control and/or regulation unit, which then controls the cooking area accordingly. Induction cooktops may include cooktop container recognition; without such recognition, the power will not be turned on, and heating will not commence.

To improve accuracy, each sensor can also exist in multiple quantities.

An independent concept of the present invention relates to the use of the aforementioned cooktop to illuminate the space in which the cooktop is located by means of at least one light source located in the cooktop.

Other objects, advantages, features, and application options of the invention are derived from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. All features illustrated in the description and/or drawings constitute the subject matter of the invention individually or in any meaningful combination, and independently of their grouping in the claims or their references.

Attached Figure Description

These accompanying figures illustrate the following in a schematic manner:

Figure 1 shows a cooktop with an intake pipe and a light source in a perspective view;

Figure 2 shows the stove in Figure 1 in another view;

Figure 3 shows a further illustration of the stove according to Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the stove in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows the cooktop shown in Figure 1, but the glass-ceramic panel is not shown.

Figure 6 illustrates a cooktop according to a further variant embodiment, wherein a) is a top view, b) is a first side view, and c) is another side view; and

Figure 7 shows the cooktop shown in Figure 6, but without the glass-ceramic panel.

In the following explanation of the accompanying drawings with reference to an embodiment, similar or functionally equivalent components are provided with the same or similar reference numerals for the purpose of improving readability.

Detailed Implementation

Figure 1 shows a cooktop 10 viewed from above at an angle, wherein the cooktop panel 1 is designed as a glass-ceramic panel 1 in this example, and has four cooking zones 14 in the selected exemplary embodiment.

Cooking utensils, not shown, can be placed on the top side 1 of the cooktop panel 2. In this example, the cooking area 14 has markings 7 on the top side 2 of the glass-ceramic plate 1 (see Figures 1 and 6). The cooktop panel 1 has a bottom side 3 facing away from the top side 2.

Figure 2 shows the stove 10 in another perspective view from above.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the cooktop 10 according to Figures 1 and 2. However, for clarity, the cover grille 32 of the suction opening 30 for the suction pipe 31 is hidden in Figure 3.

Figure 4 is a top view of the stove 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 shows a cooktop 10 according to the embodiments of Figures 1 to 4. However, for better understanding, the cooktop panel 1 has been hidden so that the components located beneath the cooktop panel 1 can be clearly seen.

As can be clearly seen from Figure 5, at least one heating unit is located below the cooktop panel 1 for heating the cookware; in this example, it is designed as an induction coil 4. A control and/or regulating device 6 is provided with energy to control and/or regulate the heating unit 4. Figure 5 further shows a cooktop 10 with four cooking zones 14. Also clearly visible is the control unit 8 for controlling and/or regulating the device 6.

As is also evident in Figure 5, sensor system 5 has at least one sensor for measuring temperature and/or for measuring motion/vibration and/or for measuring weight. Sensor system 5 is connected to control and/or regulation device 6 for signal transmission.

The cooktop 10, particularly the cooktop panel 1, may have function buttons, shown at position 9, for activating, switching, and deactivating the lighting function, so as to switch between conventional operation of the lighting function and deactivating the lighting function when actuated.

Figures 1 through 5 also show a suction opening 30, which is generally disposed in a plane on the surface of the cooktop panel 1, for drawing cooking steam or fumes downward and transferring them below the cooktop panel 1. In this example, the suction opening 30 is located in a plane parallel to the surface of the top side 2 of the cooktop panel 1. The suction opening 30 is part of the suction duct 31, which can be closed by a cover grille 32 (see Figures 1 and 2).

The suction opening 30 shown in this exemplary embodiment is groove-shaped, specifically designed as a gap or outflow channel. Multiple suction openings are also conceivable, wherein adjacent groove-shaped suction openings 30 can be positioned substantially perpendicular to each other.

In this example, the suction opening 30 is located approximately in the center of the cooktop 10 and extends along the width of the cooktop panel 1.

The intake opening 30 is fluidly connected to the suction chamber, which has a rotating impeller (fan motor) for downward exhaust of cooking steam or fumes. In the variant embodiment according to Figures 1 to 5, the fan housing 13 housing the fan motor is clearly visible. This housing 13 is located below the cooktop panel 1 at the sub-frame 15 of the cooktop 10.

In addition, Figures 1 through 5 show multiple light sources 40 illuminating the cooktop 10 for integrated lighting. These light sources 40 are substantially located inside the suction duct 31 or suction opening 30.

This light source can be used as ambient lighting to illuminate a space. Brightness and/or color can be adjusted by fan speed. The lighting can also have functions such as indicating residual heat; the brightness or color of the light can be changed according to temperature.

The light source can also be used for notification functions, such as flashing after the cooking zone timer or egg timer has finished, as a supplement to or replacement of the sound signal.

In addition, the lighting source can be designed with a warning function, such as issuing a warning if at least one cooking zone has been turned on but no further operation has been performed after a specified period of time. For example, this could act as a "no-response switch" before the stove is completely turned off, reminding the elderly or forgetful that the cooking process has begun.

In this exemplary embodiment, the light source 40 is designed as an LED, controlled by a light controller 41, and emits light from the cooktop 10 via an optical fiber. Particularly evident from Figures 1 through 4, the light source 40 is positioned laterally within the suction opening 30 in the suction duct 31 for indirect illumination. Therefore, the light source 40 can be located to the side for angled illumination, or it can provide indirect illumination or illumination from below for direct outward illumination from the suction duct 31.

In this example, the light source 40 can be activated by the light controller 41, as shown in Figure 5. A communication device is connected to the light controller 41 and is designed to communicate with an external control device/receiver, preferably via wireless communication such as WLAN or Bluetooth.

The light controller 41 is designed to activate the light source 40 after the communication device receives a control signal so that the light source shines light from the cooktop 10, thereby creating ambient or background lighting in the space around the cooktop 10.

In this example, in order to achieve bidirectional data transmission, the light controller 41 is connected to the control and/or adjustment device 6, which is used to control and/or adjust the energy of the heating unit 4 of the stove 10.

As can be further clearly seen from Figure 5, at least one light source 40 can be operated using the operation sensor 9.

The brightness and/or color of light from at least one light source 40 is/are adjustable, and in particular, the color of light is automatically adjustable, for example, based on ambient noise.

Figure 5 also shows that a sensor system 5, including a sensor, is provided for measuring temperature and/or measuring motion/vibration and/or measuring weight. In particular, the sensor system 5 is connected to a control and/or regulation device 6 for signal transmission.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the cooktop 10. Figure 6 shows this exemplary embodiment in a) top view, b) a first side view, and c) another side view.

Compared to the variants shown in Figures 1 to 5, the cooktop 10 shown in Figures 6 and 7 does not have a fan motor integrated into the cooktop 10. Here, the fan motor is not located below the cooktop panel 1 at the frame 15 of the cooktop 10, but can be located externally, for example in a separate housing at the base of a wall or cabinet.

Since the light source 10 is located in the stove 10, the stove 10 can be used to illuminate the space where the stove 10 is located.

List of reference numerals

1. Cooktop panel

2 top side

3 Bottom side

4 heating units/induction coils

5-sensor system

6. Control and/or regulating devices

7 Cooking Zone Markings

8 control units

9 Operating Sensors

10 stoves

12 generators

13 Fan Housing

14 cooking areas

15 frames

30 suction opening

31 Inhalation Tube

32-cover grille

40 light source

41 Light Controller

Claims (13)

1. A cooktop (10) with integrated lighting, comprising: - A cooktop panel (1), particularly a glass-ceramic panel, having at least one cooking area (14), the cooktop panel having a top side (2) for placing cookware and a bottom side (3) opposite to the top side (2), - At least one heating unit (4), particularly an induction coil, is located below the cooktop panel (1) for heating the cookware. - At least one intake opening (30) of the intake duct (31), which is generally disposed in the plane of the surface of the cooktop panel (1), for drawing cooking steam or cooking fumes downward and transferring them below the cooktop panel (1). - At least one light source (40) for illuminating the cooktop (10) for integrated lighting. Its features are, - The at least one light source (40) is located approximately inside at least one suction duct (31). 2. The cooktop (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one light source (40) emits light from the suction pipe (31) of the cooktop (10) via an optical fiber, and in particular, the at least one light source (40) is laterally located inside the suction pipe (31) for indirect lighting. 3. The cooktop (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source (40) comprises an LED, or is composed of an LED or an LED strip. 4. The cooktop (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one light source (40) can be activated by a light controller (41), wherein the communication device is preferably connected to the light controller (41) and designed to communicate with an external control device/receiver, preferably via wireless communication such as WLAN or Bluetooth. 5. The cooktop (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for bidirectional data transmission, the light controller (41) is connected to a control and/or adjustment device (6), the control and/or adjustment device (6) being used to control and/or adjust the energy of the heating unit (4) of the cooktop (10). 6. The cooktop (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one light source (40) is operable by a control element (9), in particular an operation sensor, the control element (9) being located below the cooktop panel (1) and preferably designed as a capacitive sensor for operation on the surface of the cooktop panel (1). 7. The stove (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brightness and/or color of the light from the at least one light source (40) is adjustable, and in particular, the color of the light is automatically adjustable, for example, according to ambient noise. 8. The cooktop (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one suction opening (30) is located in a plane parallel to the surface of the top side (2) of the cooktop panel (1). 9. The stove (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one suction opening (30) is groove-shaped, particularly designed as a gap or outflow channel, wherein adjacent groove-shaped suction openings are preferably positioned substantially perpendicular to each other. 10. The cooktop (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one suction opening (30) is located approximately at the center of the cooktop (10). 11. The cooktop (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one suction opening (30) is fluidly connected to a suction chamber having a rotating impeller of a fan motor for exhausting cooking steam or cooking fumes. 12. The stove (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor system (5) including at least one sensor is provided for measuring temperature and/or for measuring motion/vibration and/or for measuring weight, and in particular, the sensor system (5) is connected to the control and/or regulation device (6) for signal transmission. 13. Use of a stove (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the space in which the stove (10) is located is illuminated by at least one light source (40) located in the stove (10).