[0001] The present invention relates to a cooking hob configured to be mounted in a cut-out
of a worktop according to claim 1 or claim 2.
[0002] In order to perform cooking activities, either in domestic or professional environment,
cooking appliances are used for the preparation of food in or on specific food treatment
areas in order to prepare dishes or meals. Cooking processes are particularly performed
on cooking hobs, which comprise cooking zones for placement of cookware receiving
the food to be cooked. The cooking zones are generally arranged on a cooktop, which
forms an upper wall of the cooking hob. Specifically, when the cooking hob is a built-in
electric cooking hob, more specifically an induction cooking hob, the cooktop is usually
a glass ceramic cooktop. Such glass ceramic cooktops can be provided as a frameless
plate, which overlaps with a peripheral zone a cut-out area of a kitchen worktop,
in which the built-in hob is installed.
[0003] Such frameless glass plates, however, have the disadvantage that inadvertent operations
during cooking activities can cause damages on unprotected side edges of the glass
ceramic cooktops by moved cooking utensils. In order to prevent such damages,
EP 1 970 632 A2 proposes to border at least lateral edges, which lead away from a front edge of the
glass ceramic cooktop, particularly also a rear edge of the cooktop, by frame elements,
each comprising vertically rising bar, which may end in vertical direction at the
level of or below a top edge of an adjacent front face of the cooktop.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooking hob, in particular
a built-in cooking hob, which is less bulky and non-obtrusive in its transition area
to the worktop.
[0005] The object is achieved for a cooking hob configured to be mounted in a cut-out of
a worktop, i. e. a cooking hob according to those features of claim 1 or of claim
2, which are generally known, by the features of claim 1 characterizing the present
invention.
[0006] A cooking hob according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a cooktop
with at least one cooking zone. The cooktop particularly comprises a glass ceramic
plate, which material is nowadays commonly used specifically for cooking hobs that
are operated by electricity. The cooking hob is configured to be installed in a cut-out
of a worktop, more specifically in a kitchen worktop. The installation is performed
or performable in a way that at least one outer edge of the cooking hob is allocated
or allocatable to a related edge of the cut-out of the worktop. The at least one outer
edge of the cooking hob, more specifically at least one outer edge of the glass ceramic
plate, comprises or is configured to receive a frame part. Preferably, the frame part
is fastened or configured to be fastened to a surface of the cooking hob, more specifically
to a surface of the glass ceramic plate of the cooktop. Said frame part is or comprises
a frame bar, which comprises a first area or portion and a second area or portion,
which first and second areas or portions are in a side-by-side and/or parallel arrangement.
Further, the second area or portion is arranged farther away from a centre of the
cooking hob than the first area or portion. The first area or portion comprises fastening
means for fastening the frame part to the outer edge of the cooking hob by way of
a suspended fastening of the cooking hob. More specifically, the frame part is configured
to be fastened to the outer edge of the glass ceramic plate. The term "suspended fastening"
may be understood as the cooking hob, or more specifically the glass ceramic plate,
being supported by the frame part in a hanging condition. Said fastening means preferably
act on an upper side of the cooking hob, which is more specifically an upper side
of the class ceramic plate. Finally, the second area or portion comprises a support
area at a bottom side of the frame part, which is configured to at least partially
rest on the cut-out edge or an area close to the cut-out edge of the worktop. The
term "side-by-side arrangement" as herein disclosed may mean that first and second
areas or portions are arranged besides each other, with or without having a shared
border.
[0007] With the previously described suspended fastening, on the one hand, and support on
or close to the cut-out edge of the worktop by means of the frame part, an even positioning
of the cooking hob in the worktop is established, so that the transition area between
the cooking hob and the worktop at their upper surfaces is realized in a smooth and
consequently in a less bulky and non-obtrusive way.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cooking hob comprises a
cooktop with at least one cooking zone. The cooktop particularly comprises a glass
ceramic plate. The cooking hob according to the second aspect is particularly a specific
embodiment of the cooking hob as previously disclosed, i.e. a specific embodiment
of the cooking hob according to the first aspect of the present invention. The cooking
hob according to the second aspect is also configured to be installed in a cut-out
of a worktop, which is more specifically a kitchen worktop. The installation is performed
or performable in a way that at least one outer edge of the cooking hob is allocated
or allocatable to a related cut-out edge of the worktop. The at least one outer edge
of the cooking hob, more specifically at least one outer edge of the glass ceramic
plate, comprises or is configured to receive a frame part, which is fastened or configured
to be fastened to a surface of the cooking hob, more specifically to a surface of
the glass ceramic plate of the cooktop. The frame part is configured to or designed
in a way as to arrange an upper surface of the cooking hob, more specifically an upper
surface of the glass ceramic plate, horizontally aligned with an upper surface of
the worktop. In this context, "horizontally aligned", as herein disclosed, may mean
that the upper surfaces of the cooking hob, more specifically of the glass ceramic
plate, on the one hand, and of the worktop, on the other hand, are at the same horizontal
level. The frame part comprises a first area or portion, which comprises fastening
means for fastening the frame part to the outer edge of the cooking hob, more specifically
to the outer edge of the glass ceramic plate. Moreover, the frame part comprises a
second area or portion, which comprises a support area at a bottom side of the frame
part. Said support area is configured to at least partially rest on the cut-out edge
or an area close to the cut-out edge of the worktop. The first and second areas or
portions are in a side-by-side and/or parallel arrangement and the second area or
portion is arranged or farther away from a centre of the cooking hob than the first
area or portion.
[0009] The cooking hob according to the second aspect of the present invention is characterized
by providing an impression of an overall even working area in a kitchen environment,
when installed in a kitchen worktop, as a result of the horizontal alignment of upper
surfaces of the worktop and the cooking hob, or specifically of the glass ceramic
plate.
[0010] In particular, the cooking hob comprises a plurality of outer edges, more specifically
the cooking hob is of rectangular shape and comprises four outer edges, each one thereof
being allocated or allocatable to a related section of a circumferential cut-out edge
of the worktop. This characteristic feature may be valid for either one of the cooking
hobs according to first or second aspects as herein disclosed.
[0011] According to an embodiment, an intermediate area or portion is arranged between first
and second areas or portions of the frame part. The intermediate area or portion is
configured to cover a gap between the cooktop and the cut-out edge of the worktop,
more specifically between the outer edge of the glass ceramic plate and the cut-out
edge of the worktop. Said gap may specifically be needed for a tolerance compensation
for the installation of the cooking hob in the cut-out of the worktop.
[0012] In some implementations, the frame part comprises a flat upper surface and/or a flat
lower surface. The frame part is preferably essentially flat over at least nearly
its entire width. Such a flat design further supports a smooth transition area between
cooking hob, or glass ceramic plate, respectively, and the upper surface of the worktop.
[0013] Moreover, the frame part may be or may comprise a frame bar or strip, in particular
a trim strip. This frame bar or strip comprises at least one first contact surface
or zone, which abuts upon an upper surface of the glass ceramic plate, and at least
one second contact surface or zone, which is configured to abut upon the upper surface
of the worktop. Moreover, in the installed condition of the cooking hob, the at least
one second surface or zone may also rest on and may be supported by the worktop. The
first and second contact surfaces or zones are preferably in horizontal alignment.
That way, a horizontally aligned arrangement of the upper surfaces of the cooking
hob and the worktop may be established as well.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the frame part, more specifically the frame bar or strip,
comprises or forms a carrying structure extending in horizontal direction, which is
designed with a thickness, specifically extending in vertical direction, that is at
least slightly higher than a minimum thickness necessary for guaranteeing stability
of the frame part during all occurring load situations, in particular breaking strength,
shearing strength, tensile strength, and elasticity limit. The defined thickness for
the frame part is between 0.5 and 1.0 mmm, preferably around 0.6 mm.
[0015] Essentially, compared to cooking hobs known in the art, the cooking hob according
to the present invention is characterized by a frame part working with reduced width
and height. Consequently, more freedom in design is available to the designers of
the cooking hob as the design for the frame part is selectable from a broader range.
More specifically, designs with smooth appearance are selectable as a result of the
present invention. Said increased design selection may particularly provide the possibility
to differentiate individual models of a product range from one another. The product
designers may define different models with different widths and/or thicknesses of
the frame part. Additionally, or alternatively, a frame of one and the same hob may
be equipped with different widths and/or thicknesses at different edges of the frame
part.
[0016] One specific solution for the cooking hob according to the present invention provides
that the frame part comprises a sharp cut design or a small radius at at least one
upper outer longitudinal frame part edge, preferably comprising a sharp cut design
or a small radius at both upper outer longitudinal frame part edges of a particularly
elongated frame part. Provision of a sharp edge design at the upper outer longitudinal
edges, which are facing the observer's view, provide a particular design impression
of the mounted cooking hob. Such a design feature of a flat frame part with sharp
edges may also lead to an easy-to-clean solution.
[0017] In some implementations, the frame part is fastened or configured to be fastened
on the upper surface of the glass ceramic plate of the cooktop. The fastening is formed
by any bonded joint or by an application of a double-sided adhesive tape. A particularly
preferred solution relies on a glue material and process, which for example includes
an application of a liquid silicone glue. Additionally, or alternatively, to the specific
type and used material of the fastening, the fastening may be performed in a contiguous
or intermittent manner. While an intermittent fastening may save fastening material,
a contiguous fastening may be favourable in terms of a complete sealing against liquids
spilled on the cooking surface of the cooking hob, more specifically spilled on the
glass ceramic plate.
[0018] According to a specific embodiment, a gasket means is arranged at the bottom side
of the second area or portion of the frame part, in particular at the support area
at the bottom side of the frame part. The gasket means may be configured to provide
a sealing between the bottom side of the frame part and the worktop. The gasket means
preferably comprises at least one of a liquid applied foam, a tape with foam or rubber,
and/or any other sealing material. With such a gasket means, a liquid entry into the
cut-out of the worktop is prevented. Alternatively, the gasket means may be a separated
part, which may be arrangeable between the worktop and the frame part, or configured
to be sticked on the worktop surface.
[0019] A particularly preferred frame part is characterized in that during the manufacturing
process it receives a glue material on its first area or portion in order to glue
the frame part at the outer edge of the cooking hob, particularly at the outer edge
of the glass ceramic plate. Further, the frame part may be provided with liquid applied
foam adapted to provide said sealing of the frame part against the worktop surface.
[0020] Advantageously, the gasket means is compressible, which is favourable with respect
to a secure sealing, even if both or anyone of the frame part or worktop surfaces
may be uneven. Preferably, the gasket means has a Shore hardness allowing a compression
under the weight of the cooking hob to that extent that a bottom side of the frame
part, in particular the second contact surface or zone and/or the lateral surface
of the related folded or bent longitudinal edge, rests upon or is configured to rest
upon the cut-out edge of the worktop or an area close to the cut-out edge of the worktop
without any reduction or limitation of the sealing effect.
[0021] The frame part, more specifically the frame bar or strip, can be a stamped flat part,
which may be designed with a rectangular cross-sectional surface. Such a stamped flat
frame bar particularly provides access, in particular visual access, to the glue or
gasket material arranged between frame part and cooking hob and between frame part
and worktop, respectively. Moreover, a stamping process executed from the upper side
of the frame part, which is that side facing the observer, establishes a slightly
rounded upper edge of the sheet material, what is favourable in terms of preventing
injuries that might occur at any sharp-edged frame part. However, a stamping process
may be only one possible manufacturing process for the frame part, in fact, other
metal severing processes may be used for producing this part, such as laser cutting
or sawing or the like.
[0022] According to a particularly specific embodiment, however, the frame part, more specifically
the frame bar or strip, comprises at least one folded or bent longitudinal edge, which
extends downwards from the lower surface of the frame part. Said extension is particularly
realized with an extension value, which at least corresponds to a technically necessary
layer thickness for glue and/or gasket material. More specifically, in order to completely
hide the gluing and gasket material, on the one hand, by fully securing the gluing
and sealing functionalities, on the other hand, the extension downwards of the bent
edges may be selected accordingly. Correspondigly, a minimum height of the frame is
specifically defined by a hiding of the necessary glue thickness for glass ceramic
plate connection and a coverage of the gasket material for sealing towards the worktop.
In this context it is noted, that the thickness of the glue material may depend on
its sticking strength, which itself may be dependent on the selected material. According
to a more particular embodiment, said extension is in the range of between 0.2 and
1.5 mm, preferably in the range of between 0.5 and 1.0 mm, more preferably around
0.8 mm. Advantageously, the frame part comprises folded or bent opposite longitudinal
edges, which are particularly arranged in parallel.
[0023] In some implementations, the frame part, more specifically the frame bar or strip,
comprises folded or bent opposite longitudinal edges, preferably by forming a symmetrically
identical frame part. In particularly, at least one of the lateral surfaces, or a
related border of such a lateral surface, of the longitudinal edges at least partially
touches or is configured to touch at least one of the glass ceramic plate and the
worktop.
[0024] According to embodiments, the at least one folded or bent edge is angled towards
the horizontal by between 15 and 90 degrees, preferably by between 30 and 60 degrees,
more preferably around 45 degrees.
[0025] One specific solution according to the present invention is characterized in that
the frame part, in particular the frame bar or strip, comprises an embossed groove
or channel for providing an improved stiffness at and flatness of the frame part and/or
for providing space for glue material. Said embossed groove or channel is particularly
favourable for performing an automized gluing process.
[0026] A particularly preferred solution of the present invention is characterized by a
cooking hob, which provides for a frame part, more specifically the frame bar or strip,
is manufactured by a stamping and/or a bending and/or a deep drawing process.
[0027] Favourably, the frame part is made of a metallic, e. g. of aluminium or stainless
steel, material. The cooking hob, particularly when being of a rectangular shape,
may circumferentially be equipped with the frame part according to the present invention.
In this respect, the frame part may be a composition of a plurality of individual
frame parts, more specifically of four individual frame parts, or it may be designed
in one piece. Such surrounding entire frame, designed in one piece, is preferably
the result of a combination of a stamping, a bending and a deep drawing process.
[0028] Novel and inventive features of the present invention are set forth in the appended
claims.
[0029] The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings,
in which
- Fig. 1
- illustrates schematically a perspective view of a cook-ing hob;
- Fig. 2
- is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cooking hob indicated by II - II in Fig.
1, but showing a cooking hob installed in a worktop;
- Fig. 3
- is an enlarged schematic view of left and right side sections of the cooking hob according
to Fig. 2 illustrating the sections indicated by III.1 and III.2; and
- Fig. 4
- is a further enlarged schematic detail view of detail IV according to Fig. 3.
[0030] In all figures the same or equivalent part are marked with the same reference numbers.
[0031] Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a cooking hob 10, which is designed to be installed
in a cut-out of a kitchen worktop 22. The cooking hob 10 comprises four cooking zones
12 indicated by circles imprinted on a cooktop 14 of the cooking hob 12. Cookware
is placeable on the cooking zones 12 for performing the cooking process, indicated
by pots 16 in the figures. The cooktop 14 comprises a cooktop plate, which is made
of a glass ceramic material and the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1 is an example
of a frameless cooktop 14, i. e. the glass ceramic cooktop plate 24 is not bordered
by any frame part, e. g. any metallic frame.
[0032] The cooking zones 12 are heated by means of heating elements (not shown) arranged
underneath and close to the cooktop 14 or the glass ceramic plate, respectively. Said
heating elements may be of electric nature as indicated in the figures, but other
heating systems like gas cooking elements are considerable as well. One preferred
cooking solution provides for induction cooking and, respectively, the heating elements
are induction coils.
[0033] The cooking hob 10, as illustrated in Fig. 1, is operable by a user by means of a
user interface 18, which is arranged at a front edge of the cooktop 14. However, other
models of cooking hobs may include other operating elements, like knobs, etc.. The
user interface 18 may be laterally arranged as illustrated in Fig. 1 or centrally
arranged (not shown). The user interface 18 may include any types of control units
for providing control inputs to a control unit of the cooking hob 10. The present
example is characterized by touch control elements and the control inputs are provided
by the user on a touch surface of the user interface 18. Fig. 1 further illustrates
a bottom part of the cooking hob 10, represented by a hob casing 20, which includes
the electrical and electronic components of the cooking hob 10 and which is fastened
on the bottom side of the glass ceramic plate 24, more specifically fastened by means
of brackets 26, which are glued to the bottom side of the glass ceramic plate 24 by
means of a glue bead 28.
[0034] The schematic cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 illustrates a pure presentation of the
cooktop 14 including the glass ceramic plate 24 as well as the attached casing 20
connected to the bottom side of the glass ceramic plate 24 by brackets 26, as will
be more illustrated further down below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4. Moreover,
Fig. 2 also provides a general view of the installation of the cooking hob 10 in the
cut-out 30 of a kitchen worktop 22
[0035] By the enlarged schematic detail view according to Fig. 3 illustrating details III.1
and III.2 as they are indicated in Fig. 2 by dotted lines, as well as the even further
enlarged detail view according to Fig. 4 illustrating detail IV as it is indicated
in Fig. 3 by dotted lines, more information about the mounting details is provided.
As is shown, the entire cooking hob finds its place in the cut-out area. This means,
that in contrast to particular prior art cooking hob installation solutions, the cut-out
30 does not only take the casing 20 of the cooking hob 10 up with the glass ceramic
plate 24 resting on cut-out edge 36 of the kitchen worktop 22, or more precisely resting
on a strip at the cut-out edge 36, which has the effect of an elevated upper surface
of the glass ceramic plate 24 compared to the upper surface of the worktop 22. Instead,
the cooking hob 10 is included entirely, i. e. including the glass ceramic plate 24,
in the cut-out 30, with the effect of the upper surfaces of kitchen worktop 22 and
glass ceramic plate 24 being arranged at the same level.
[0036] The installation of the cooking hob 10 in the cut-out 30 is performed by means of
a frame part 38, which is designed as a flat frame bar that may essentially be an
elongated metal strip covering the transition zone between glass ceramic plate 24
and worktop 22. Said frame part 38 is arranged at all four borders of the rectangular
glass ceramic plate 24, so that the entire frame is formed by a rectangular frame
element being an arrangement of four said frame parts 38. This arrangement may be
of a one-part solution or a structure of four individual frame parts 38 forming said
rectangular frame element circumferentially surrounding the cooking hob 10, more specifically
the glass ceramic plate 24. The frame part 38 also covers a circumferential gap 32
between glass ceramic plate edge 34 and worktop edge, i. e. cut-out edge 36, which
gap 32 is constructionally provided in order to compensate tolerances for the installation
process.
[0037] As can be best seen in the enlarged illustration of Fig. 4, the flat frame bar 38
has a thickness, which, on the one hand, is low enough in order to provide for a non-obtrusive
appearance of the entire cooking hob installation, and which, on the other hand, is
high enough in order to carry the cooking hob 10 together with any load thereon, e.
g. filled pots 16, without any plastic deformations or even breakages of the frame
part 38.
[0038] As previously indicated, the frame part 38 operates as carrying element for the cooking
hob 10 inside of the cut-out 36 of the worktop 22 by way of a suspended fastening
of the cooking hob 10 at that side of the fastening element 38, which is allocated
to the glass ceramic plate 24. The suspended fastening is performed by means of a
silicon glue 40, more specifically by a liquid glue bead applied on the frame part
38 before attaching it to the glass ceramic plate 24 during the manufacturing process.
After fastening the silicon glue 40 is arranged between bottom side of the frame part
38 and upper side of the glass ceramic plate 24. This structure of cooking hob 10
and fastened frame part 38 is inserted or insertable in the cut-out 30 of the worktop
22, wherein that side of the fastening element 38, which is allocated to the worktop
22 covers the cut-out edge 36 of the worktop 22 at all sides of the cooking hob 10,
so that an all-sided support of the entire cooking hob 10 on the circumferential cut-out
edge 36 is realized. In order to avoid liquid spilled on the worktop 22 to enter the
cut-out 30 of the worktop 22, the side of the fastening element 38, which is allocated
to the worktop 22, rests on the cut-out edge 36 by intermediate arrangement of a foam
gasket layer 42 performing an all-sided sealing of the frame part 38 against the worktop
22. Silicon glue layer 40 and foam gasket layer 42 are designed in a way supporting
the effect of the upper surfaces of kitchen worktop 22 and glass ceramic plate 24
being arranged at the same level.
[0039] Particularly Fig. 4 illustrates that the frame part 38 comprises at its lateral sides
folded or bent longitudinal edges 46, which extend downwards from the bottom surface
of the frame part 38 towards the upper surfaces of the glass ceramic plate 24 and
the worktop 22, respectively. More specifically, the outer edges of the folded or
bent longitudinal edges 46 touch or rest on said upper surfaces in a way, that neither
the silicone glue 40 nor the foam gasket is visible but laterally covered by the related
folded or bent longitudinal edge 46. Moreover, the folded or bent longitudinal edges
46 may also be designed in a way supporting the effect of the upper surfaces of kitchen
worktop 22 and glass ceramic plate 24 being arranged at the same level. The alignment
of the folded or bent longitudinal edges 46 may be in vertical direction, or, as illustrated
in Fig. 4, inclined toward the upper surfaces of glass ceramic plate 24 and worktop
22, particularly by including an angle of around 45 degrees.
[0040] Finally, in order to provide for a frame part 38 with improved stiffness and for
a particular flatness at its upper surface and/or for providing space for glue material
40 or foam gasket material 42, embossed grooves 48 are provided on the bottom side
of the frame part 38 at the areas of bending, in particular for performing an automized
gluing process.
[0041] The frame part 38 is specifically designed with using a flat metal strip of around
0.6 ... 0.8 mm thickness, which is bent at its lateral edges 46 by providing a frame
part 38, which results in an elevation e of around 1.4 mm of the frame part 38 over
the level of upper surfaces of glass ceramic plate 24 and worktop 22. A total width
of around 16 mm of the frame part 38 may be provided, which is split up by an overlap
of around 6 mm at the glass ceramic plate side, an overlap of around 8 mm at the worktop
side and an intermediate section of around 2 mm for covering the gap 32. These dimensions,
however, may be different for other cooking hob models, and may be increased for design
reasons, more specifically defining an "XL frame" solution.
[0042] Figs. 3 and 4 further provide a more detailed illustration of the previously indicated
connection of the hob casing 20 to the bottom side of the glass ceramic plate 24.
As already indicated above, an angled bracket 26 is fastened with its horizontal arm
to the glass ceramic plate 24 by means of glue joint 28. The vertical arm of the bracket
26 forms a mechanical coupling for the vertical side walls of the hob casing 20, wherein
said coupling may be executable by fastening means, e. g. screws.
[0043] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein
with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present
invention is not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various other changes
and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are
intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
[0044] More specifically, although a cooking hob 10 with specific dimensions and a specific
number of cooking zones is presented by Figs. 1 to 4, the herein described setup of
the cooking hob 10 may be applicable to all usual sizes of cooking hobs 10 and comprising
all usual numbers of cooking zones. The embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 4 forms
only one representative of a plurality of differently designed cooking hobs 10. In
particular, the illustrated cooking hob 10 is one member of a cooking hob product
range manufactured on an assembly line, and other members of the product range may
be equipped with other frame part 38 particularly with different frame part widths,
i. e. not illustrated by the attached figures.
[0045] Moreover, features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments
of the invention may be used together and/or be interchangeable. Similarly, features
described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or
in any suitable sub-combination.
List of reference numerals
[0046]
- 10
- cooking hob
- 12
- cooking zones
- 14
- cooktop
- 16
- pots
- 18
- user interface
- 20
- hob casing
- 22
- kitchen worktop
- 24
- glass ceramic plate
- 26
- brackets
- 28
- glue bead
- 30
- cut-out
- 32
- gap
- 34
- glass ceramic plate edge
- 36
- cut-out edge
- 38
- frame part
- 40
- silicone glue
- 42
- foam gasket
- 44
- frame part edge
- 46
- folded or bent edge
- 48
- embossed groove
- e
- elevation
1. A cooking hob (10) comprising a cooktop (14) with at least one cooking zone (12),
wherein the cooktop (14) particularly comprises a glass ceramic plate (24), the cooking
hob (10) being configured to be installed in a cut-out (30) of a worktop (22), in
particular a kitchen worktop (22), in a way that at least one outer edge (34) of the
cooking hob (10) is allocated or allocatable to a related edge (36) of the cut-out
(30) of the worktop (22), wherein
- the at least one outer edge (34) of the cooking hob (10), in particular at least
one outer edge (34) of the glass ceramic plate (24), comprises or is configured to
receive a frame part (38),
- the frame part (38) is or comprises a frame bar, which comprises a first area or
portion and a second area or portion,
- the first area or portion comprises fastening means (40) for fastening the frame
part (38) to the outer edge (34) of the cooking hob (10), in particular to the outer
edge (34) of the glass ceramic plate (24), forming a suspended fastening of the cooking
hob (10), the fastening means (40) preferably acting on an upper side of the cooking
hob (10), particularly on an upper side of the class ceramic plate (24),
- the second area or portion comprises a support area at a bottom side of the frame
part (38), configured to at least partially rest on the cut-out edge (36) or an area
close to the cut-out edge (36) of the worktop (22),
- the first area or portion and the second area or portion being in a side-by-side
and/or parallel arrangement and the second area or portion being arranged farther
away from a centre of the cooking hob (10) than the first area or portion.
2. A cooking hob (10) comprising a cooktop (14) with at least one cooking zone (12),
wherein the cooktop (14) particularly comprises a glass ceramic plate (24), in particular
a cooking hob (10) according to claim 1, the cooking hob (10) being configured to
be installed in a cut-out (30) of a worktop (22), in particular a kitchen worktop
(22), in a way that at least one outer edge (34) of the cooking hob (10) is allocated
or allocatable to a related cut-out edge (36) of the worktop (22), wherein
- the at least one outer edge (34) of the cooking hob (10), in particular at least
one outer edge (34) of the glass ceramic plate (24), comprises or is configured to
receive a frame part (38), which is fastened or configured to be fastened to a surface
of the cooking hob (10), in particular to a surface of the glass ceramic plate (24)
of the cooktop (14),
- the frame part (38) is configured to or designed in a way as to arrange an upper
surface of the cooking hob (10), in particular an upper surface of the glass ceramic
plate (24), horizontally aligned with an upper surface of the worktop (22),
- the frame part (38) comprises a first area or portion, which comprises fastening
means (40) for fastening the frame part (38) to the outer edge (34) of the cooking
hob (10), in particular to the outer edge (34) of the glass ceramic plate (24),
- the frame part (38) comprises a second area or portion, which comprises a support
area at a bottom side of the frame part (38), configured to at least partially rest
on the cut-out edge (36) or an area close to the cut-out edge (36) of the worktop
(22),
- the first area or portion and the second area or portion being in a side-by-side
and/or parallel arrangement and the second area or portion being arranged farther
away from a centre of the cooking hob (10) than the first area or portion.
3. The cooking hob (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an intermediate area or portion
is arranged between first and second areas or portions, the intermediate area or portion
being configured to cover a gap (32) between the cooktop (14), in particular the outer
edge (34) of the glass ceramic plate (24), and the cut-out edge (36) of the worktop
(22).
4. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38) comprises a flat upper surface and/or a flat lower surface, wherein the
frame part (38) is preferably essentially flat over at least nearly its entire width.
5. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38) is or comprises a frame bar or strip, in particular a trim strip, the frame
bar or strip comprising at least one first contact surface or zone, which abuts upon
an upper surface of the glass ceramic plate (24), and at least one second contact
surface or zone, which is configured to abut upon the upper surface of the worktop
(22), wherein the first and second contact surfaces or zones are preferably in horizontal
alignment.
6. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38), in particular the frame bar or strip, comprises or forms a carrying structure
extending in horizontal direction, which is designed with a thickness at least slightly
higher than a minimum thickness necessary for guaranteeing breaking strength, shearing
strength, tensile strength, and elasticity limit of the frame part (38) during all
occurring load situations, the thickness of the frame part (38) being between 0.5
and 1.0 mmm, preferably around 0.6 mm.
7. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38) comprises a sharp cut design or a small radius at at least one upper outer
longitudinal frame part edge (44).
8. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38) is fastened or configured to be fastened on the upper surface of the glass
ceramic plate (24) of the cooktop (14), the fastening
- being formed by any bonded joint, preferably by gluing, for example by means of
a liquid silicone glue (40), or by an application of a double-sided adhesive tape,
and/or
- being performed in a contiguous or intermittent manner.
9. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gasket
means (42) is arranged at the bottom side of the second area or portion of the frame
part (38), in particular at the support area at the bottom side of the frame part
(38), the gasket means (42) being configured to provide a sealing between the bottom
side of the frame part (38) and the worktop (22), wherein the gasket means (42) preferably
comprises at least one of
- a liquid applied foam,
- a tape with foam or rubber,
- other sealing material.
10. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gasket
means (42) is compressible, preferably having a Shore hardness allowing a compression
under the weight of the cooking hob (10) to that extent that a bottom side of the
frame part (38), in particular the second contact surface or zone and/or the lateral
surface of the related folded or bent longitudinal edge (46), rests upon or is configured
to rest upon the cut-out edge (36) of the worktop (22) or an area close to the cut-out
edge (36) of the worktop (22) .
11. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38), in particular the frame bar or strip, comprises at least one folded or
bent longitudinal edge (46), preferably folded or bent opposite longitudinal edges
(46) particularly being arranged in parallel, which at least one bent longitudinal
edge (46) extends downwards from the lower surface of the frame part (38), particularly
with an extension value, which at least corresponds to a technically necessary layer
thickness for glue (40) and/or gasket (42) material, more particularly being in the
range of between 0.3 and 1 mm, preferably in the range of between 0.5 and 0.7 mm.
12. The cooking hob (10) according to claim 11, wherein the frame part (38), in particular
the frame bar or strip, comprises folded or bent opposite longitudinal edges (46),
preferably by forming a symmetrically identical frame part (38), wherein particularly
at least one of the lateral surfaces of the folded or bent longitudinal edges (46)
at least partially abuts upon the glass ceramic plate (24) and/or the worktop (22)
.
13. The cooking hob (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one folded
or bent longitudinal edge (46) is angled towards the horizontal by between 15 and
90 degrees, preferably by between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably around 45 degrees.
14. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38), in particular the frame bar or strip, comprises an embossed groove (48)
or channel for providing a frame part (38) with improved stiffness and with a particular
flatness at its upper surface and/or for providing space for glue material (40), in
particular for performing an automized gluing process.
15. The cooking hob (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame
part (38), in particular the frame bar or strip, is manufactured by a stamping and/or
a bending and/or a deep drawing process.