WO2025088111A1 - Glass-ceramic plate with display window - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooking plate (10) for a fixed or movable cooking appliance comprising a base plate (11) having at least one cooking zone (13) and comprising at least one control and/or information zone (14), the control and/or information zone being formed by a window (140) separated from the base plate by at least one joint (16) made of synthetic material, characterized in that the window is fixed to the base plate by an arranged fastening system (18).

Description

Description

Title: Ceramic hob with display window

The present invention relates to glass-ceramic hobs or worktops.

Prior art

There are several ways to display LCD screens in the display/control panel area through a glass-ceramic substrate. The KeraResin® product (transparent glass-ceramic with an opacifying layer on the underside to mask the heating elements) allows LCD screens to be used by creating a resin-free saving zone in this area. The opacity and deep black color are not always sufficient for users and the solution is still not compatible with radiators.

Another method is to use the KeraVision® substrate with opacifier but due to the transmission and coloring of the glass ceramic, a high brightness screen and color adjustment are often necessary (most screens do not have sufficient brightness and the color rendering of the LCD screen is impacted by the coloring of the substrate).

One solution being considered is to provide a window at the level of the ceramic hob, also called the main hob. Such a window consists of a transparent plate arranged in an opening of the ceramic hob. Under the window, control panels or LCD screens are arranged. This window must then be fixed to the main hob. One solution being considered is the use of a synthetic material seal between the main hob and the window. This seal can include systems for fixing the control panels or LCD screens.

The disadvantage of such a system is that it must withstand fairly significant stresses. A first constraint is the force applied by the user to the window. Indeed, glass-ceramic hobs are tactile, requiring the user to press on the hob to activate or deactivate functions. Since the window is not integral with the main hob, the pressure exerted by the user places stress on the means of attaching the window to the main hob. Hobs must also meet mechanical resistance standards. (notably the NF EN 60335-1 standard), in particular to resist impacts that could simulate objects falling onto the surface. The assembly solution must resist other mechanical stresses such as abrasion with scouring sponges or repeated movement of kitchen utensils. The solution must be chemically resistant to repeated exposure to food and/or cleaning products. This fixing must therefore be solid and durable over time.

Second, the material used for the seal must be temperature resistant because the window is usually located near a heating zone and therefore close to a hot kitchen utensil. Therefore, the seal must be able to withstand the temperature of the kitchen utensil placed near or even on the window.

There is therefore a need for a system allowing the installation of a display window on a glass ceramic plate ensuring mechanical resistance and thermal resistance.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by providing a cooking plate equipped with a control zone which is resistant to mechanical stresses and thermal stresses.

To this end, the invention relates to a cooking plate for a fixed or mobile cooking appliance comprising a base plate having at least one cooking zone and comprising at least one control and/or information zone, said control and/or information zone being formed by a window separated from said base plate by at least one seal made of synthetic material, characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system.

The advantage of the present invention is therefore to have a separation between the seal function which is operated by a seal and the connection function, of fixing the window to the base plate which is operated by the fixing system.

According to one example, the fastening system comprises at least one connecting bracket provided with at least two fastening areas, at least one area for fastening to the window and at least one area for fastening to the base plate.

In one example, the connecting support is a profile. In one example, the one or more connecting supports extend the entire length of the gap.

According to one example, the connecting support comprises means for centering the window relative to the base plate.

According to one example, the centering means comprise at least one stud.

According to one example, said at least one pad (185) is arranged to have at least one linear portion.

According to one example, said at least one plot (185) is punctual.

According to one example, the connecting support comprises means for holding a control and/or information module to the connecting support.

The invention further relates to a cooking module comprising a plate according to one of the preceding claims, said cooking module comprising at least one heating element arranged under the cooking zone of said cooking plate and at least one control and/or information module arranged under the window.

The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a hob comprising a base plate, in particular a glass-ceramic base plate, having at least one cooking zone and comprising at least one control and/or information zone, said control and/or information zone being formed by a window intended to be installed in an opening of the base plate and separated from said base plate by at least one seal made of synthetic material, the window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system comprising at least one connecting support provided with at least two fixing zones, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate, said method comprising the following steps:

- Take the base plate and the window;

- Provide at least one connecting support;

- Place the window in the opening of the base plate; Fix the connecting bracket to the hob so that at least one fixing area is in contact with the window and at least one fixing area is in contact with the base plate;

- Place the seal in the gap between the window and the base plate.

According to one example, the method further comprises a step of centering the window in the opening of the base plate.

According to one example, the connecting support comprises centering means and in that the step of fixing the connecting support further allows the window to be centered relative to the base plate.

Brief description of the drawings

Other features and advantages will become clear from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

- figures 1 and 2 represent a cooking appliance according to the invention;

- figure 3 represents a cooking appliance mounted on a box;

- figure 4 represents a cooking plate of a cooking appliance mounted on a box;

- figure 5 represents a cooking plate provided with a window according to the invention.

- figures 6 and 7 represent a window attached to a base plate with the fixing means according to the invention.

- figures 8a to 10 represent a connecting support according to the invention.

- figures 11 to 13 represent a window fixed and joined to a base plate by a connecting support according to the invention.

- figures 14 to 16 represent a variant of the connecting support with centering means according to the invention.

- figure 17 represents a cooking plate equipped with connecting supports capable of carrying an information or control module according to the invention.

Detailed description In Figure 1 is shown a cooking appliance 1. This cooking appliance 1 comprises a cooking plate 10. The cooking plate 10 comprises a base plate 11 which may be, in particular, a glass-ceramic plate. This base plate 11 has a rectangular shape, seen from above. It may also have a circular or trapezoidal or square shape. The base plate 11 has an outer surface also called an upper surface 11', flat, intended to be placed horizontally and on which the cooking utensils to be heated rest. The base plate 11 then comprises an inner surface 11”, opposite the outer surface.

The base plate 11 comprises at least one cooking zone 13 as seen in Figure 2. This cooking zone 13 is an area of the base plate under which a heating element 15 is arranged. It is then understood that the heating element 15 is arranged opposite the interior surface 11”. This heating element 15 is a radiant or halogen element or a gas burner or an induction heating coil.

The base plate 11 further comprises at least one control and/or information zone 14. This control and/or information zone 14 is the place where it is possible to control the operation of the cooking zone(s) and/or where it is possible to display information relating to the operation of the cooking zone(s). However, it is possible to have a separate control zone 14 and information zone 14 or to have one control and information zone 14 per cooking zone. Thus for two cooking zones 13, it is possible to have two control and information zones 14. Under each control and/or information zone, a control and/or information module is arranged. This control and/or information zone 14 is arranged in an opening of the base plate 11. This opening is arranged to have a closed or open contour. A closed contour means that the opening is completely delimited by the base plate, whereas for a closed contour, the opening is not completely delimited by the base plate.

It is then understood that the assembly of the cooking plate 10 with at least one heating element 15 and at least one control and/or information module makes it possible to obtain a cooking module. The cooking plate 11 is capable of being placed on a structure 2, as seen in figure 3, according to several embodiments.

In a first embodiment, the cooking plate 10 has a single cooking function. In a first case, the cooking plate is arranged directly on the structure 2, this structure comprising an upper opening which is closed by the cooking plate.

In a second case, the cooking plate 10 is arranged on the structure 2 by means of a work surface. This work surface includes an opening allowing said cooking plate to be placed on the work surface.

In a second embodiment, the hob 10 has a worktop function. In this case, the hob 10 is placed directly on the structure 2 to close its upper opening. The difference here is that a hob acting as a worktop has a larger surface area of more than one square meter.

The control and/or information zone 14 is formed by a window 140 which is made of a material different from that of the base plate 11 as visible in Figure 5. The cooking plate 10 then comprises the base plate 11 and the window 140. It is understood by this that the material of the window 140 can be a glass-ceramic but undergoing a different treatment from that forming the base plate or can be a different material such as PMMA or glass, which can be soda-lime or borosilicate, which can be tempered or hardened. Preferably, the window has a transparency and optical transmission greater than that of the base plate as well as a blur index allowing the readability of the displays/screen. The choice of the material of the window depends on its proximity to the cooking zone. Indeed, the closer the window is to the cooking zone, the more likely it is to be subjected to the temperatures of the hot cooking utensils. This gap has a width of at most 5 mm.

This window 140 has a shape similar to that of a through hole or opening 111 made on the base plate 11 as visible in FIG. 4. The dimensions of the opening 111 made on the base plate 11 are significantly larger than the dimensions of the window. This difference in dimensions allows the presence of a gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11 allowing the implementation place of a seal 16 between the base plate 11 and the window 140, this seal 16 is made of synthetic material.

The edges of the window and the edges of the opening 11 1 of the base plate 11 may be straight/flat or rounded, chamfered, beveled.

According to the invention, the window 140 is fixed to the base plate 11 by means of a fixing system 18 as visible in Figure 6. This fixing system 18 is arranged under the cooking plate 10, this makes it possible to make it, at least in part, invisible to the user. This fixing system 18 comprises at least one connecting support 180. This connecting support 180 is a part which extends on either side of the gap 112, that is to say that the connecting support 180 is arranged under the base plate 11 and under the window 140. For example, the connecting support 180 is in the form of a flat profile or with a U-shaped section as visible in Figures 6 and 7. The connecting support 180 is made of a material of the metal type or one of its alloys, carbon, a plastic or polymer or any other possible material. The material chosen is preferably resistant to a maximum temperature reached on the lower face of the glass ceramic, for example when moving an empty heated pan (for a 4mm thick glass ceramic, the material must withstand a maximum of 100°C) or for example during continuous heating. The connecting support 180 then makes it possible to fix, to mechanically attach the window to the base plate 11.

It is then understood that the material of the connecting support, the material of the base plate and the material of the window are chosen to compensate for the differences between the different coefficients of thermal expansion of these materials.

This connecting support 180 then comprises at least two fixing zones 181. These fixing zones 181 are zones by which the connecting support 180 is fixed to the window 140 and to the base plate 11. The fixing of the connecting support 180 is done using an adhesive C which allows the bonding of said connecting support 180. In the case of a connecting support 180 in the form of a U-shaped profile, the fixing zones are arranged on the two parallel branches. The adhesive C ensures the sealing of the assembly.

In a first embodiment, the fixing system 18 comprises a connecting support 180. This connecting support 180 is then unique and therefore extends along the gap between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting support 180 is then annular or forms a loop as visible in figures 8a and 8b.

In a second embodiment, the fixing system 18 comprises at least two connecting supports 180.

In a first case, the at least two connecting supports 180 are arranged to form the equivalent of an annular part as visible in figure 9. It is then understood that the at least two connecting supports 180, when they are installed, complement each other to extend along the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The connecting supports 180 are then identical or not, regularly distributed or not.

In a second case visible in figure 10, the at least two connecting supports 180 are arranged so that, when they are installed, there are portions of the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11 which are not opposite one of the at least two connecting supports 180. The connecting supports 180 are then identical or not, regularly distributed or not.

The cooking plate 10 further comprises a seal 16 as visible in figures 11 to 13. This seal 16 is arranged in the gap 112 between the window 140 and the base plate 11. The space allocated to the seal is further delimited, at least partially, by the connecting support 180. The presence of the connecting support 180 to operate the mechanical holding of the window 140 relative to the base plate 11 makes it possible to use a material for the seal 16 whose primary function is thermal resistance.

This seal 16 makes it possible on the one hand to hide, at least partially, the connecting support 180 from the user's view while providing protection on the user side as well as an aesthetic finish. Indeed, the seal limits fouling phenomena, prevents projections or food dirt from entering the space between the window and the base plate.

The construction with the 180 connecting support and the seal allows the 140 window to have strong mechanical resistance to the constraints applied by the user.

In a variant, the connecting support 180 comprises centering means 184 as visible in figures 14 to 16. These centering means consist of at least one stud 185. This stud extends from the connecting support. This stud 185 is made of material with the connecting support or attached thereto. The stud 185 has a circular, square, or rectangular section. The stud 185 may also have a shape comprising at least one linear portion. This linear portion is such that it extends over the entire height of the stud or not. For example, the stud has a square shape with one of the faces rounded. In another example, the stud has a circular shape with a linear portion. In another example, the stud has a circular shape at a certain height, a flat portion. The stud may further have a symmetrical profile. The stud 185 is designed with respect to the machining tolerances and the shaping profile of the lenses. The stud 185 is punctual or extends over at least part of the length of the connecting support.

The pad 185 has a constant or non-constant width. In the case of a non-constant width, the pad narrows at its end, for example in a conical shape. This shape is advantageous in that it allows space to be freed up between the pad and the base plate and/or the pad and the window.

Furthermore, the stud can extend over the entire height of the gap 112, that is to say it can be flush with the surface of the window and the base plate or be set back.

In the case where the stud has a conical shape and a height which is less than that of the gap, that is to say the thickness of the base plate, it is possible to compensate for any dimensional error by adjusting the vertical position of the fixing means 18. It is understood by this that the thickness of the glue or the connecting support, in particular the branches of the U when the connecting support 180 is a U-shaped profile, are adjusted

Preferably, the fixing system 18 comprises at least two centering means 184. These at least two centering means 184 are arranged on adjacent sides or are angularly offset. These two centering means 184 make it possible to wedge the window 140 relative to the base plate 11 and thus obtain a gap 112 between said window and the base plate which is constant over its entire length as visible in FIG. 16.

In another variant visible in figure 17, the connecting support 180 comprises holding means 186 in order to hold, fix the control and/or information module 17. This holding function makes it possible to do without the use of specific means for holding said control and/or information module. This holding function is provided by a specific shape of the connecting support. The connecting support comprises at least one holding hook 187. This holding hook 187 extends parallel to the plane of the window in the direction of the window. This holding hook is arranged so that the control and/or information module is inserted between said hook and a support surface. This support surface may be the window or may be a portion of the connecting support. Having the window as a support surface makes it possible to have the display as close as possible to the lower face of the window and to improve sharpness and avoid optical diffusion phenomena.

In an alternative, the holding means 187 comprise a support tab pierced for the passage of a screw allowing the control and/or information module to be screwed to the connection support 180.

The installation of the window for the manufacture of the hob according to the present invention can be done in the following way.

First, the method involves providing the base plate 11 and the window 140 and placing them on an assembly table. The base plate 11 and the window 140 are positioned so that the outer/upper surface rests on the assembly table. The window 140 is arranged in the opening of the base plate. The opening of the window is made beforehand.

Secondly, the method consists of providing at least one connecting support.

Next, the window 140 is centered relative to the base plate 11. This third step therefore consists of manipulating the window 140 to ensure that the gap 112 is constant along its entire length. Shims can be used and positioned to ensure such consistency.

After this, the connecting bracket is attached to the base plate 11 and the window 140. For this, glue or double-sided adhesive is applied to the attachment areas of the at least one connecting bracket. Once the glue is applied, the connecting bracket is put in place by ensuring that one attachment area is in contact with the base plate and one attachment area is in contact with the window.

Finally, the seal 16 is put in place. For this, the base plate and window assembly is arranged so that the gap between the base plate 11 and the window 140 is visible. This then makes it possible to equip the seal and apply it in said gap. The connecting support 180 and, possibly, the assembly table make it possible to define a housing in which the seal is placed.

The gasket 16 is in the form of a tape or tube which is unrolled and placed in the gap. Alternatively, the gasket is in the form of a material which is injected or cast into said gap and which hardens in said gap.

In a variant of the method, the connecting support(s) 180 comprise centering means 185. In this case, the centering step is superfluous. Indeed, when fixing the connecting support(s) 180, the centering means 184, in the form of at least one stud 185, are inserted into the gap 112 between the window and the base plate. This insertion automatically makes it possible to move the window to obtain a constant gap.

In a variant of the method, the installation of the seal 16 is done without turning over the base plate 11 and window 140 assembly. For this, the connecting support(s) 180 comprise at least one opening through which an injection nozzle can be inserted. This injection nozzle injects a material which, when hardening or polymerizing, will form the seal.

In a variant, the window 140 comprises an opacifying layer on its upper or lower surface. This opacifying layer is arranged at the periphery of said window. This opacifying layer makes it possible to hide the fixing system 18 arranged under the cooking plate 10. This opacifying layer therefore has a defined width to perform such a function of masking the fixing system. This opacifying layer is a paint, an enamel or any other layers which would fulfill this function. This opacifying layer is chosen to be compatible with the glue C used for bonding the connecting support 180. It is then understood that said glue C must be able to perform its adhesion function. Preferably, the opacifying layer is chosen to increase the adhesion function of the glue relative to the bare surface of the window.

In a variant of the method in which the connecting support comprises holding means 20, it is possible for the control and/or information module to be put in place during the method of fixing the window to the base plate. In another variant, it is conceivable that the connecting support(s) is/are, firstly, fixed to the window forming a window - connecting support(s) assembly. This assembly is then fixed to the base plate.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example but is susceptible to various variants and modifications which will appear to those skilled in the art.

Indeed, it is possible for the fixing system to be arranged at the level of the external surface also called upper 11' of the cooking plate 10. This advantageously makes it possible to delimit the window 140 and to protect it from impacts with cooking utensils.

Claims

Claim 1. Cooking plate (10) for a fixed or mobile cooking appliance comprising a base plate (11) having at least one cooking zone (13) and comprising at least one control and/or information zone (14), said control and/or information zone being formed by a window (140) separated from said base plate by at least one seal (16) made of synthetic material, characterized in that said window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system (18). 2. Plate according to the preceding claim, in which the fixing system comprises at least one connecting support (180) provided with at least two fixing zones (181), at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate. 3. Plate according to claim 2, in which the connecting support is a profile. 4. Plate according to one of claims 2 to 3, in which the connecting support(s) (180) extend over the entire length of the joint. 5. Plate according to one of claims 2 to 4, in which the connecting support comprises means (184) for centering the window relative to the base plate. 6. Plate according to the preceding claim, in which the centering means comprise at least one stud (185). 7. Plate according to the preceding claim, in which said at least one pad (185) is arranged to have at least one linear portion. 8. Plate according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which said at least one stud (185) is punctual. 9. Plate according to one of claims 2 to 8, in which the connection support comprises means (186) for holding a control and/or information module on the connection support. 10. Plate according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing system (180) is arranged under said cooking plate. 11. Plate according to one of the preceding claims, in which it comprises an opening in which the window is arranged. 12. Cooking module comprising a plate according to one of the preceding claims, said cooking module comprising at least one heating element arranged under the cooking zone of said cooking plate and at least one control and/or information module arranged under the window. 13. A method of manufacturing a cooking plate comprising a base plate (2) having at least one cooking zone (3, 3') and comprising at least one control and/or information zone (4), said control and/or information zone (4) being formed by a window (5) intended to be installed in an opening of the base plate and separated from said base plate (2) by at least one seal (6) made of synthetic material, the window is fixed to the base plate by a fixing system comprising at least one connecting support provided with at least two fixing zones, at least one zone for fixing to the window and at least one zone for fixing to the base plate, said method comprising the following steps: - Take the base plate and the window; - Provide at least one connecting support; - Place the window in the opening of the base plate; - Fix the connecting bracket to the hob so that at least one fixing area is in contact with the window and at least one fixing area is in contact with the base plate; - Place the seal in the gap between the window and the base plate. 14. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, in which it further comprises a step of centering the window in the opening of the base plate. 15. Manufacturing method according to claims 13 or 14, in which the connecting support comprises centering means and in that the step consisting of Fixing the connecting bracket also allows the window to be centered in relation to the base plate.