U.S. patent application number 14/347478 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-21 for cooking hob, household appliance and method of operating an cooking hob.
This patent application is currently assigned to Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.. Invention is credited to Filippo Tisselli, Filippo Zanetti.
Application Number | 20140231413 14/347478 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47019000 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140231413 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zanetti; Filippo ; et
al. |
August 21, 2014 |
COOKING HOB, HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF OPERATING AN COOKING
HOB
Abstract
The invention is in particular directed to a cooking hob (1)
having at least two heating elements (5, 6) and a motion unit
adapted to move at least one first heating element (5) along a
trajectory (12), such that in at least one trajectile position
along at least one trajectory (12), the first heating element (5)
and a second heating element (6) are so close to each other to
establish a unique cooking zone (7).
Inventors: |
Zanetti; Filippo; (Forli,
IT) ; Tisselli; Filippo; (Forli, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. |
Brussels |
|
BE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Electrolux Home Products
Corporation N.V.
Brussels
BE
|
Family ID: |
47019000 |
Appl. No.: |
14/347478 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 8, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/069815 |
371 Date: |
March 26, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
219/621 ;
126/39E; 219/453.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 15/103 20130101;
F24C 3/085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/621 ;
219/453.11; 126/39.E |
International
Class: |
F24C 15/10 20060101
F24C015/10; F24C 3/08 20060101 F24C003/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 9, 2011 |
EP |
11188436.7 |
Claims
1. Cooking hob (1) comprising a cooking face (2) having at least
two heating elements (5, 6) adapted to heating cookware, and
further comprising at least one motion unit coupled to at least one
first heating element (5) of the at least two heating elements,
wherein the motion unit is adapted and designed such that the first
heating element (5) is moveable along at least one trajectory (12)
of at least one of linear and curved type, wherein at least one
second heating element (6) of the at least two heating elements is
positioned relative to the trajectory (12) such that in at least
one trajectile position along the at least one trajectory (12), the
first heating element (5) and the at least one second heating
element (6) are so close to each other to establish a unique
cooking zone (7).
2. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
trajectory (12) is composed of at least one of a one-dimensional
linear movement, two-dimensional movement, one-dimensional circular
movement and two-dimensional circular movement.
3. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, comprising at least three
heating elements, wherein the at least one motion unit is adapted
such that in at least one second position of the first heating
element (5) along the trajectory all of the heating elements are
aligned along a common line.
4. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, wherein the motion unit is
adapted such that the at least one first heating element is
rotatable in clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction at least
one of at least 90.degree., 180.degree., 270.degree. and
360.degree..
5. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
motion unit comprises at least one latching mechanism adapted to
latch the first heating element (5) in at least one predefined
position along a trajectory (12).
6. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
motion unit comprises a moveable platform to which the first
heating element is mounted to.
7. Cooking hob according to claim 6, wherein the moveable platform
comprises a turntable (3) rotatable around an inner rotation axis,
wherein the first heating element (5) is mounted to the turntable
(3).
8. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a
control system having control elements (10, 11) adapted to operate
a respective one of the heating elements (5, 6), wherein the
control system is adapted such that a pair of first (5) and second
heating elements (6) establishing a unique cooking zone (7) is
controllable by one common control element (10).
9. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 8, wherein the common control
element (10) is activated in dependence of at least one of the
trajectile positions the first heating element (5), and where
applicable the at least one second heating element (6).
10. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one motion control adapted and configured to move the first
heating element along the at least one trajectory (12).
11. Cooking hob (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
first and/or second heating element is selected from the group
comprising gas burners, inductive heating elements, radiation
heating elements, electrical resistance heating elements.
12. Method of operating a cooking hob (1) according to claim 1 (1),
wherein in a twin-mode configuration of the first heating element
(5) and a second heating element (6), in which the first (5) and
second heating element (6) establish a unique cooking zone (7), the
first (5) and second heating elements (6) are operable by a common
control element (10), whilst in an any non twin-mode configuration,
the first (5) and second heating elements (6) are operable by
respective individual control elements (10, 11).
13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the common control
element (10) is activated and deactivated in dependence of at least
one twin-mode trajectile position along the at least one trajectory
(12).
14. Method according to claim 12, wherein the first heating element
(5) is automatically moved along a trajectory (12) according to a
setting of a user or program.
15. Method according to claim 12, wherein a twin-mode configuration
is indicated by visual, acoustic and/or haptic means on a user
interface.
16. Household appliance (9) comprising at least one cooking hob (1)
according to claim 1.
17. Household appliance according to claim 16, further comprising
an electronic control unit adapted and configured to operate the
household appliance according to a method wherein in a twin-mode
configuration of the first heating element (5) and a second heating
element (6), in which the first (5) and second heating element (6)
establish the unique cooking zone (7), the first (5) and second
heating elements (6) are operable by a common control element (10),
whilst in an any non twin-mode configuration, the first (5) and
second heating elements (6) are operable by respective individual
control elements (10, 11).
Description
[0001] The invention is directed to a cooking hob, a household
appliance and a method of operating a cooking hob.
[0002] Cooking hobs are known in many configurations.
Traditionally, heating elements of cooking hobs are positioned in a
fixed arrangement.
[0003] In order to cope with different shaped cooking utensils, in
particular with different footprints of cooking utensils, it has
been proposed to provide moveable heating elements. In U.S. Pat.
No. 6,017,221, U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,781 and KR 20100012627 cooking
hobs are described which, to some extent, propose solutions adapted
to varying cooking vessel dimensions.
[0004] However, there is still room for improvements, in particular
with respect to heating cooking vessels of different
footprints.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an
alternative cooking hob, in particular adapted to cope with cooking
vessels of different footprint geometries.
[0006] Further, under similar considerations, a cooking appliance
and a method of operating a cooking hob shall be provided.
[0007] These objects in particular are solved by claims 1, 12 and
16. Further embodiments result from respective dependent
claims.
[0008] According to claim 1, a cooking hob is provided which
comprises a cooking face with at least two heating elements
respectively adapted to heat cookware. The term "at least two" in
particular shall comprise two, three or for heating elements.
[0009] The term cooking face shall be understood to comprise areas,
panes or plates of generally flat or planar configuration, on,
below or to which heating elements, in particular gas hobs, i. e.
gas cooking hobs, are mounted to. A cooking face may be or
constitute a top part of a household oven.
[0010] In order to heat respective cookware, i. e. cooking
utensils, such as pans, pots, roasting trays and the like, may be
placed on top of at least one heating element to be heated up.
Depending on the type of heating element heat or electromagnetic
fields dissipating from a heating element impinge on the lower
surface of the cookware which as a result heats up.
[0011] A heating element in the sense of the present invention may
be one of a inductive heating element comprising induction coils,
radiation heating element, electrical resistance heating element
and in particular a gas burner.
[0012] Preferably, all of the heating elements are of the same
type, albeit it is conceivable that heating elements of different
types are provided. Heating elements such as inductive heating
elements and radiation heating elements may be mounted below the
cooking face. Heating elements such as electrical resistance
heating elements and gas burners may be, at least partially,
mounted above the cooking face.
[0013] The cooking hob further comprises at least one motion unit
coupled to at least one a first heating element of the at least two
heating elements.
[0014] The motion unit is adapted and designed such that the first
heating element is moveable along at least one trajectory of at
least one of linear and curved type.
[0015] The term "at least one trajectory" shall be understood to
comprise a single trajectory or multiple different trajectories, in
particular an array of different trajectories. Note that different
trajectories may at least in sections be identical. The term
trajectory shall be understood to be a path that can be followed by
the first heating element within the boundaries defined by the
motion unit.
[0016] The term "of at least one of linear and curved type" in
particular shall mean that a trajectory may comprise linear
sections and/or curved sections of arbitrary curvature. Curved
sections in particular shall comprise circular, elliptical and
parabolic shapes.
[0017] The term "movable along" in particular shall mean that the
center point, center of rotation, mass center and/or top surface
center of the first heating element can follow the trajectory.
[0018] From a different but analog point of view or approach, the
motion unit provides certain motional degrees of freedom, in
particular translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom.
Moving the first heating element within the boundaries given by the
motional degrees of freedom leads to all possible trajectories, i.
e. a respective array of trajectories. Note that a motion unit may
be provided for selected heating elements, in particular also for
each heating element provided within the cooking face.
[0019] With the proposed cooking hob, at least one second heating
element of the at least two heating elements and different from the
first heating element, is positioned or can be positioned relative
to the at least one trajectory such that in at least one trajectile
position along the at least one trajectory, the first heating
element and the at least one second heating element are so close to
each other to establish a unique cooking zone.
[0020] The term "at least one trajectile position" in particular
shall include single points on a trajectory and/or ranges or
segments of a trajectory. The term "trajectile position" shall mean
a position or point on the trajectory. The trajectile position may
in particular be an end position of a trajectory or any
intermediate point thereof.
[0021] In a different trajectile position, the first heating
element, and in particular also the at least one second heating
element, are operable in single mode, i. e. no common cooking zone
between the first and a second heating element is established.
[0022] Providing at least one second heating element along, i. e.
near or nearby the at least one trajectory shall mean, that either
one or several respective second heating elements may be provided
that respectively can be used to establish unique cooking zones at
respective trajectile positions. Note that any one or even all of
the second heating elements may be implemented with a motion unit,
i. e. may be implemented as a "first" heating element in the sense
of claim 1.
[0023] In the case of having several, for example two or three,
second heating elements establishing unique cooking zone with the
first heating element in a single trajectile position, a triple,
quadruple etc. pair unique cooking zone can be established. Here it
shall be mentioned, that triple, quadruple etc. unique cooking
zones may also be implemented in cases where more than one first
heating element, i. e. more than one movable heating element is
provided.
[0024] The term "at least one motion unit" shall imply, that more
than one motion unit may be provided, respectively coupled to a
respective further first heating element, or even a second heating
element. The above and below discussion related to the first
heating element shall apply mutatis mutandis to the further first
heating element and second heating element. It shall be explicitly
pointed out, that such a further first heating element may
constitute a second heating element in the sense of the claims.
This in particular means that not only the first heating element is
moveable but also the second heating element is moveable along one
or an array of second trajectories, in particular in such a way
that unique heating zones can be established.
[0025] In case that also the second heating element is moveable, it
can be placed, i. e. moved to a respective trajectile position
along the second trajectory or trajectories, and relative to the
trajectile position of the first heating element such that the
condition for establishing a unique cooking zone is fulfilled when
the first heating element is in its trajectile position.
[0026] The motion unit may comprise guides, rails, turntables,
platforms and other elements coupled to the first heating element
and allowing movement thereof. The respective elements may be
positioned on, within and/or below the cooking face. Below the
cooking face in particular shall mean that the heating element, in
particular together with the motion unit, may be positioned below a
pane or top, for example made from glass or ceramic.
[0027] The term platform shall be understood broadly and in
particular shall mean any element or component system provided to
enable linear and/or rotational movements. One particular
embodiment of a platform is a turntable to which the heating
element is mounted to.
[0028] As can be seen, the proposed cooking hob is comparatively
flexible in establishing unique cooking zones adapted to different
footprint sizes of cookware.
[0029] In an embodiment, the at least one trajectory is composed of
at least one of a one-dimensional linear movement, two-dimensional
movement, one-dimensional circular movement and two-dimensional
circular movement.
[0030] A two-dimensional movement shall mean that the heating
element is moveable within a two-dimensional area or plane parallel
to the cooking face. It shall be noted that under certain instances
the motion unit may be designed such that the first heating element
is moveable in three-dimensions. This in particular would be the
case if the first heating element is movable along at least one
trajectory within a plane parallel to the cooking face and further
is movable, at least in sections of the trajectory, in a direction
perpendicular to the cooking face. Moving the first heating element
perpendicular to the cooking face may for example be an option if
the first heating element shall be adapted to be lowered or raised
with respect to the cooking face.
[0031] A one-dimensional circular movement may be obtained if for
example a first turntable, which is mounted rotatable about an
inner axis, e. g. a center axis or an off-center axis, thereof
within the cooking face, is provided, and the first heating element
is mounted in a position displaced from the respective inner axis
on or to the turntable. If a center axis of the turntable is used
as a rotational axis, the first heating element is placed
off-center to the rotation axis.
[0032] When using turntables, it is preferred that in at least one
rotational position of the turntable the first heating element and
one of the second heating elements mounted off the turntable of the
first heating element are so close to each other to establish the
unique cooking zone.
[0033] Note that several turntables may be provided respectively
carrying a first heating element and which are adapted such that
the first heating element establishes a unique cooking zone with a
second heating element in a respective rotational position.
[0034] It shall be explicitly pointed out, that the number of
turntables can be as much as heating elements are provided within
the cooking face.
[0035] It also shall be noted that unique cooking zones may arm
bitrarily be established with a second heating element which may be
positioned fixedly, i. e. non-moveable, within the cooking face, or
which may be positioned on a movable platform on within or below
the cooking face.
[0036] It shall be mentioned, that also at least one of the second
heating elements may be mounted on a respective further turntable
implemented in a similar manner than the turntable described
above.
[0037] A two-dimensional circular movement may be obtained if the
heating element is rotatably placed or mounted to or on a primary,
smaller turntable at a location off a respective rotation axis, and
the smaller turntable in turn is rotatably placed on a secondary,
larger turntable off its rotation axis. Rotational axes of the
primary and secondary turntable in this case are offset from each
other.
[0038] In order to establish a linear, in particular
one-dimensional or two-dimensional, movement, the motion unit may
comprise a one-dimensional or two-dimensional linear guiding
system, in particular rail system, along which the first heating
element, preferably a platform to which the first heating element
is mounted to, can be moved. In particular, if the rail system or
platform is coupled with a respective turntable, trajectories with
linear and/or circular sections can be obtained.
[0039] The first, and where applicable a second, turntable is
preferably implemented as a circular, preferably flat, disk. The
turntable may be mounted to a rotary mount which itself may be
fixed to the cooking hob or a supporting element or frame
thereof.
[0040] The motion unit, in particular linear guiding elements, in
particular respective platforms, and/or turntables are preferably
mounted, in particular arranged and positioned, within the cooking
face. The term within shall in particular relate to the lateral
extension of the cooking face, which in general is aligned
horizontally, i. e. without inclination, during normal
operation.
[0041] A turntable and/or platform, at least a section thereof, may
project from the cooking face in a direction essentially
perpendicular to the cooking face. However, it is preferred that
the turntable and/or platform is essentially in plane with the
cooking face, which shall mean that it is level with a respective
section accommodating the turntable or platform. However, the
turntable and/or platform may be positioned above the cooking face,
which shall mean that at least outer sections of the turntable
and/or platform overlap with the cooking face.
[0042] In particular with turntables, the cooking face or a
respective platform to which the turntable is mounted to may have a
recess adapted in its geometry to the outer dimensions of the
turntable. For example, the cooking face may comprise a circular
recess accommodating therein at least a section of the turntable.
Preferably a type of seal, having adequate heat resistance, is
provided in a remaining gap between the recess and the turntable. A
seal may also be provided in situations in which the turntable or
moveable platform is mounted on and overlaps the cooking face.
[0043] A turntable or platform to which a turntable is mounted to
may be connected to a guiding system arranged below the cooking
face. In this case, slots, in particular guiding gates, may be
provided in the cooking face, adapted to receive and guide
mechanical connector elements between guiding system and respective
turntable and/or platform. The slots or guiding gates may be
provided with seals at least preventing dust, soil and/or
overflowing foodstuff from penetrating through the cooking
face.
[0044] With the proposed cooking hob, at least one first heating
element, in particular gas burner, may be mounted off-center on or
to the first turntable. Off-center shall mean that a vertical
center axis of the heating element is offset from the vertical
center axis of the turntable. This means, that upon rotating the
turntable, the heating element, or in more general terms its center
axis, rotates around the center axis of the turntable.
[0045] In an embodiment using primarily turntables, the cooking hob
and its components advantageously are implemented such that at
least in one rotational position of the first turntable the first
heating element and one of at least one second heating elements
mounted outside the first turntable are so close to each other so
that a unique cooking zone is established.
[0046] The term "establish" shall in particular be understood in
the sense of make up, define and/or implement.
[0047] The term "unique cooking zone" shall in particular mean,
that the individual cooking zones of the first and second heating
elements merge together to make up a single, i. e. unique, cooking
zone, having optimized, in particular almost uniform, heat output
over their combined heating area. The unique cooking zone is
enlarged, as compared to an individual cooking zone of a single
heating element.
[0048] Gas burners establishing a unique cooking zone may be
positioned such that a minimum distance between is zero. In case of
circular heating elements, the minimum distance may range from 0
(zero) to 2.5 times the diameter of the larger heating element. In
particular with gas burners, the gas burners establishing a unique
cooking zone may face in correspondence of sparkplugs.
[0049] Note that properties and characteristics of the motion unit,
in particular guiding system, turntable and/or platform mentioned
and described above may, if applicable, apply mutatis mutandis to
other motion units, in particular guiding systems, turntables
and/or platforms mounted on or to the cooking face.
[0050] The cooking hob as described above has the advantage, that
the at least one first heating element can be moved relative to the
cooking face in a comparatively simple way to obtain modified
arrangements and cooking zones, in particular unique cooking zones.
Further, using a guiding system, turntable and/or platform to
obtain respective trajectories greatly simplifies constructional
effort to implement a moveable heating element.
[0051] The special configuration of the cooking hob makes it
possible to merge two individual cooking zones of single heating
elements to establish a unique cooking zone optimined for cooking
utensils having comparatively large and/or special geometry
footprints. Such cooking utensils may for example be elongated
frying pans, roasting trays and the like, having oval footprints
for example.
[0052] Establishing the unique cooking zone is advantageous if
cooking utensils have to be heated which have footprints larger, in
particular considerably larger, than single cooking zones of the
individual heating elements. Using the unique cooking zone, leads
to optimized heating and heating efficiency.
[0053] It shall be noted, that in the configuration in which the
first and respective second heating elements establish the unique
cooking zone, the first and respective second heating element
advantageously form a type of twin-type or twin-mode configuration.
In a twin-type or twin-mode configuration, the heating excellence
of a respective first and second heating element in particular
exceeds the sum of heating excellence of respective single heating
elements.
[0054] It shall be mentioned that a further turntable and/or
platform may be positioned or mounted next to the turntable and/or
platform of the first heating element. The term next to in
particular shall mean that the first and second turntable and/or
platform are arranged in immediate neighborhood of each other. In
immediate neighborhood shall in particular mean that peripheral
edges of the first and second turntable and/or platform at one
point are as close, in particular as close as possible, to each
other.
[0055] Further, in establishing the unique cooking zone by using
turntables, the first and second heating elements preferably lie
approximately on the connection line between the center axes of the
respective turntables. This in particular means that the distance
between the first and second heating element, in particular the
distance between respective center axes, is minimal or lies within
a certain minimal range with respect to all possible positional
configurations of the turntables.
[0056] Unique cooking zones established by using turntables may be
obtained if a first heating element is mounted on a turntable and a
second heating element is fixedly positioned within the cooking
face. However, the second heating element may also be mounted
moveably on a platform, in particular turntable.
[0057] In providing a two turntables and/or platforms movable in
one or two dimensions, it is possible to flexibly adjust the
alignment and/or orientation of the unique cooking zone. To a
certain extent it is also possible to flexibly adjust the
positional arrangement of individual cooking zones of respective
first and second heating elements.
[0058] One further advantage of providing two turntables and/or
platforms is that a heating element mounted on one of the
turntables and/or platforms can be combined with several, distinct
heating elements of the other turntable and/or platform. In
particular, it is possible to obtain a more varied combination of
different types of heating elements, in particular if heating
elements mounted to the first and second turntable and/or platform,
respectively, have different characteristics, for example with
respect to heating power. In addition, a greater variety of
geometrical configurations, such as in-line configurations or
square configurations, of the heating elements can be obtained.
[0059] In an embodiment, the cooking hob comprises at least three
heating elements, and the at least one motion unit is adapted such
that in at least one second position of the first heating element
along the trajectory all of the heating elements are aligned along
a common line. For example, one first and two second heating
elements may be provided.
[0060] If turntables are used, at least two second heating elements
may be positioned circumferentially to the turntable of the first
heating element. The at least two second heating elements may be
arranged and positioned such that at respective circumferential
rotational positions of the turntable of the first heating element,
the first and a respective second heating elements establish
respective unique cooking zones.
[0061] Here, the at least one second heating element may be fixed
on or to he cooking face. In this case, the second heating element
can be considered as a stationary burner, whereas the first heating
element can be considered a rotary heating element.
[0062] In order to establish unique cooking zones, the second
heating elements preferably are positioned sufficiently close to
the turntable of the first heating element such that the conditions
mentioned further above relating to the unique cooking zone can be
fulfilled.
[0063] The distance between heating elements establishing a unique
cooking zone may be selected from a range of distances suitable for
establishing the unique cooking zone. In particular in case of
circular heating elements, the distance between cooking zones may
range from 0 (zero) to 2.5 times the diameter of the larger heating
element.
[0064] The second heating elements may be distributed on or over
the cooking zone such that, with particular respect to the inner
axis, in particular center-axis, of the turntable of the first
heating element, a rotation angle of a turntable between a pair of
subsequent second heating elements arranged in circumferential
direction of the turntable is smaller than 180 degrees. Preferably,
an angle between subsequent heating elements is 90 degrees.
[0065] If three second heating elements are provided
circumferentially to the turntable and an angle between subsequent
heating elements is 90 degrees and one first heating element is
positioned on a respective turntable, in a certain rotational
position a rectangular type of arrangement of the first and second
heating elements can be obtained. In this rectangular arrangement
the heating elements may be operable in non-twin mode, i. e. single
mode, only.
[0066] Different types of second heating elements may be used. The
term "type" of heating elements in particular shall relate to at
least one of size and heating power of a heating element. Using
different types of heating elements is not restricted to the
aforementioned embodiment, but also applies to the embodiments
mentioned further above and further below. Note that if several
first heating elements are provided, they can be of different
type.
[0067] In particular in providing different types of heating
elements and, as the case may be, allowing different distances
between first and second heating elements establishing a unique
cooking zone, different types of unique cooking zones can be
obtained, which may differ from each other in particular in at
least one of the overall size, geometry and overall heating power.
Providing the possibility of establishing different types of unique
cooking zones, a broader range of different sized cooking utensils
can be covered.
[0068] In particular, if the heating elements are positioned or
mounted on respective turntables but also in any other
configurations, the motion unit preferably is adapted and the first
and second heating elements preferably are positioned such that in
an in-line configuration, in particular an in-line rotational
configuration of the turntable or turntables, all heating elements
are positioned essentially along a common line.
[0069] With respect to the cooking face, which may be rectangular,
the common line preferably runs parallel to one of the side edges
of the cooking face.
[0070] Beyond providing an advantageous arrangement of the heating
elements with respect to design issues, an in-line configuration
may result in an advantageous, in particular low, surface occupancy
of the cooking face. In a low surface occupancy configuration of
the heating elements, larger free surface areas, i. e. areas not
occupied by heating elements, can be obtained. The free surface
areas may provide additional free worktop or placement areas to a
user of the cooking hob, to be used in particular for placing
cooking utensils and other objects used or required during
cooking.
[0071] In a yet further embodiment, the motion unit is adapted such
that the at least one first heating element is rotatable in
clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction at least one of at
least or exactly about 90.degree., 180.degree., 270.degree. and
360.degree.. This may for example be implemented such that
respective turntables are rotatable in clockwise and/or
counter-clockwise direction at least one of at least or exactly
about 90.degree., 180.degree., 270.degree. and 360.degree.. Note
that any intermediate angles, such for example 70 degrees, may be
used. Further, it is also possible that the turntables are adapted
to be turned in endless rotation.
[0072] In one embodiment, the at least one motion unit comprises at
least one latching mechanism adapted to latch the first heating
element in at least one predefined position along a trajectory. The
latching mechanism preferably is provided to latch the first and
second heating elements in positions making up a unique cooking
zone or in positions making up single cooking zones.
[0073] Latching elements may be implemented as a stop restricting
translational and/or rotational movement. Latching elements and/or
rotation stops may be used to latch the motion unit, in particular
respective turntables and/or platforms, at respective positions
along a trajectory, or to restrict movement thereof. Latching
elements and/or rotational stops may in particular be provided in
one or more circumferential positions of a turntable, in general at
respective positions along a trajectory or path, in which positions
unique cooking zone, i. e. twin-mode configurations, an in-line
configuration or other configurations. A latching element or
mechanism may also provide latched positions along the at least one
trajectory such that all the heating elements can be best operated
in single mode. Further, latching elements and/or rotation stops
may in particular be used to restrict the rotational range of
respective turntables to maximal allowed rotation angles, for
example of about .+-.90 degrees, .+-.180 degrees, .+-.270 degrees
or about .+-.360 degrees.
[0074] As already indicated further above, in certain preferred
embodiments the at least one motion unit may comprise a platform,
in particular movable platform to which the first heating element
is mounted or coupled to. Note that if a turntable is used, it may
be mounted to the platform. The platform may be mounted movably to
the cooking face, in particular via a guiding unit or system
positioned at least one of on, within or below the cooking
face.
[0075] As has been already indicated, the moveable platform may
comprise a turntable rotatable around an inner rotation axis
thereof, wherein the first heating element is mounted to the
turntable. Here a great variety of different trajectories may be
obtained.
[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the cooking hob comprises
a control system having control elements, i. e. at least one knob
and/or a user interface, cooperating with an electronic controller
unit, adapted to operate a respective one of the heating elements,
and where applicable motors and/or actuators for moving, in
particular translating and/or rotating the first and/or second
heating element.
[0077] The control system may in particular be adapted to control
single mode operation of each of the heating elements. Here, a
separate control element for each of the heating elements may be
provided.
[0078] With a special embodiment, however, the control system is
adapted such that a pair of first and second heating elements
establishing a unique cooking zone is controllable by one common,
i. e. in particular one single, control element.
[0079] Such a common or single control element may be designated a
twin-mode control element. The twin-mode control element may be
selected from one of the control elements of heating elements
establishing the unique cooking zone. It is also possible, that a
separate twin-mode control element for twin-mode operation, in
particular for twin-mode operation of any twin-mode pair is
provided. The control element may comprise a screen-like
touch-sensitive and/or an acoustic-sensitive and/or remote
controllable user interface, in particular for setting or resetting
the twin-mode operational configuration.
[0080] In one further embodiment, the common control element is
adapted to be activated in dependence of at least one of the
trajectile position of the first and, where applicable, second
heating element/s, in particular trajectile positions of the
turntable and/or platform. As already stated, the common control
element may be one of the single-mode control elements of
respective heating elements, or the common control element may be
an extra control element, in particular provided for twin-mode
operation.
[0081] The more general idea behind this is that activation of a
common control element goes along with establishing a unique
cooking zone. Activation of the common control element may depend
on the trajectile position, in particular rotational angle, of
respective heating element, in particular platform and/or
turntable. If the rotational position corresponds to, or is close
to a unique cooking zone, the common control element may be
activated. At the same time, any other control element provided for
single-mode operation of respective heating elements may be
deactivated.
[0082] Inversely, if the rotational position leaves the twin-mode
position or twin-mode range of positions, the common control
element may be deactivated and respective single mode control
elements may be activated again.
[0083] Proper activation and deactivation of control elements in
particular shall ensure that control of the heating elements is
well defined at any instance.
[0084] Activation and/or deactivation of single-mode and/or
twin-mode control elements may be indicated or highlighted by, for
example, visual, in particular luminous, and further acoustic
and/or haptic means.
[0085] A further embodiment addresses moving, in particular
translating and/or turning, i. e. rotating, the first and/or second
heating element, in particular respective turntables and/or
platforms. The first and/or second heating element, in particular
turntable and/or platform, may be moved, in particular turned, i.
e. rotated, for example by an actuator, in particular motor, to
respective trajectile, in particular, angular positions.
Trajectile, in particular linear and/or angular positions of the
first and, where applicable, second heating element may be selected
automatically and/or according to individual user settings.
[0086] Angular positions may be, in particular automatically,
selected from a predefined list of angular positions, such as
.+-.90 degrees, .+-.180 degrees, .+-.270 degrees or about .+-.360
degrees or any other value in between. The predefined or selected
angular settings may correspond to angular positions in which
unique cooking zones, an in-line configuration and the like can be
established.
[0087] In particular, is possible that the trajectile, particularly
linear and/or angular position, of the first and/or second heating
element, in particular platform and/or turntable, can be freely
selected. Here, beyond establishing unique cooking zones and so on,
the geometrical arrangement of the heating elements, in particular
rotatable heating elements, can be adapted and optimized to
respective sizes and geometries of cooking vessel placed or to be
placed on the cooking hob.
[0088] An electronic control unit may be provided to control a
motor and/or an actuator used or provided for moving the first
and/or second heating element.
[0089] In one embodiment, at least one motion control may be
provided, which is adapted and configured to move the first heating
element, in particular in automated manner, along the at least one
trajectory. A motion control can greatly simplify movement of
heating elements, in particular establishing unique cooking
zones.
[0090] According to claim 11, a method of operating a cooking hob
is provided. The cooking hob is essentially constructed and
designed according to any configuration and embodiment described
further above and further below.
[0091] With the proposed method it is provided that in a twin-mode
configuration of the first heating element and a second heating
element, in which twin-mode configuration the first and second
heating elements establish a unique cooking zone, the first and
second heating elements are operable by a common control element,
whilst in any non-twin mode configuration, the first and second
heating elements are operable by a respective individual control
elements.
[0092] In the case of using turntables for moving the first heating
element, a twin-mode configuration of the first heating element and
the second gas heating element mounted outside the first turntable,
may be obtained in a specific twin-mode rotary position of the
turntable.
[0093] Note that the proposed method and embodiments thereof may be
applied to embodiments and configurations of cooking hobs, as
described further above and further below.
[0094] It shall be noted, that in the twin-mode configuration, the
first and second heating elements establish a unique cooking zone.
With respect to the twin-mode and to the unique cooking zone, the
comments, description and definitions given further above apply
mutatis mutandis.
[0095] The control element may be a knob or similar. In more
general, the control element may be a user interface, in particular
of touch-display type, allowing in non-twin-mode configuration to
independently control single heating elements. Upon establishing
the unique cooking zone, the twin-mode heating elements may be
operated by a separate control element, including but not
restricted to knobs, touch-sensitive elements, menus or task-menus
of a touch-sensitive type control element and the like. However it
is also possible that in twin-mode configuration, one of the
individual control elements is used as a common control element.
The other one or other ones in this case may be deactivated.
[0096] Control elements adapted to control single heating elements
in non-twin-mode configuration may be activated upon leaving the
twin-mode configuration. Upon entering a twin-mode configuration a
respective one, or in case of a separate twin-mode control element,
even both or all control elements can be deactivated, whilst the
twin-mode control element is activated. Activation and deactivation
may be conducted automatically by an electronic control unit.
[0097] In an embodiment of the method, the common control element
is activated and deactivated in dependence of at least one
twin-mode trajectile position along the at least one trajectory.
Here a twin-mode trajectile position shall mean a position on one
of the at least one trajectory, in which the first heating element
and the second heating element establish a common cooking zone.
[0098] The twin mode trajectile position, i. e. the fact that the
first heating element arrives at a twin-mode trajectile position,
may be sensed or detected by sensor elements, in particular adapted
to sense linear and/or rotational movements. The actual position of
the first heating element, and where applicable the second heating
element, may be sensed or detected continuously or selectively, e.
g. at predefined time intervals.
[0099] In a further embodiment, the first heating element may be
automatically moved along a trajectory according to a setting of a
user or program for automatically or semiautomatically operating
the cooking hob.
[0100] The user setting may be inputted via a user interface. For
example the user setting may comprise a type of command such as
"set twin-mode configuration" or "set non-twin-mode configuration",
or similar. After inputting the user setting, and preferably after
confirmation, the first heating element, and where applicable the
second heating element, may be automatically moved along the at
least trajectory, such that the twin-mode or non-twin-mode
configuration is established.
[0101] In the embodiment allowing automatic movement, a safety
mechanism or routine may be provided. The safety mechanism may for
example block automatic movement in instances where objects, in
particular cookware, are placed on the cooking hob, cooking face
and/or heating elements. Movement of the heating element may cause
objects placed on the cooking hob and the like to overturn or be
pushed from the cooking hob and the like, which may result in
dangerous situations or even physical injuries to users or persons
near the cooking hob. The safety mechanism and/or routine may
comprise sensors for sensing objects placed on the cooking hob,
cooking face and/or heating elements.
[0102] In a yet further embodiment of the method, the twin-mode
configuration may be indicated by visual, acoustic and/or haptic
means, i. e. special signs, on a user interface. The non-twin-mode
configuration may be indicated by similar means.
[0103] In addition, it shall be mentioned, that the status of the
control element or control elements can be indicated by visual
means. The term status in this connection in particular shall cover
activation or deactivation for twin-mode and/or non-twin-mode, i.
e. single mode, operation.
[0104] According to claim 15, a household appliance is provided,
which comprises at least one cooking hob according to any of the
above described configurations and embodiments.
[0105] In an embodiment of the household appliance, an electronic
control unit may be provided which is adapted and configured to
operate the household appliance according to the proposed method or
any embodiments thereof.
[0106] For advantages and advantageous effects applying to the
household appliance reference is made to the description above.
[0107] In all, it can be seen that the proposed cooking hob,
household appliance and method are well suitable for handling
cooking vessels of different footprint geometries. Adaptation to
different footprint geometries allows energy optimized heating. One
further advantage is that respective cooking vessels can be heated
according to respective needs. In particular cooking vessels can be
heated more uniformly, thereby avoiding local overheating and/or
burnt food.
[0108] Exemplary and selected embodiments will now be described in
connection with the annexed figures, in which:
[0109] FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob of a
first configuration;
[0110] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob of a
second configuration;
[0111] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob of a
third configuration;
[0112] FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob of a
fourth configuration;
[0113] FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob of a
fifth configuration; and
[0114] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a household
appliance.
[0115] In the figures, like elements are designated by like
reference signs.
[0116] FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob 1 of a
first configuration. The cooking hob comprises a cooking face 2. On
or to the cooking face 2 there is mounted a first turntable 3,
which is part of a moving unit of the cooking hob 1. The first
turntable 3 is mounted rotatably around its center axis 4 and
within the cooking face 2. In other words, the first turntable 3 is
integrated into the cooking face 2 in a rotatable manner such that
it can pivot around the center axis 4 running in vertical direction
during normal operation of the cooking hob 1.
[0117] One first heating element 5 is mounted on the first
turntable 3 in an off-center position. The first heating element 5
is of circular design, which is a general, but not mandatory
characteristic of heating elements used for household cooking hobs.
The heating elements may for example have elongated, in particular
oval, shapes instead.
[0118] The off-center position in the present case is such that the
outer the edge of the first heating element 5 is close to the outer
rim of the first turntable 3.
[0119] With the shown embodiment, the radius of the first turntable
3 is larger than the diameter of the first heating element 5. In
other embodiments, this situation may be different. In particular
it is possible that the diameter of the first heating element 5
equals or even is larger than the radius of the first turntable
3.
[0120] Within the cooking face 2 and outside the first turntable 3
there are provided second heating elements 6. The second heating
elements 6 in the present case also are of circular design.
Further, the second heating elements 6 have different sizes, which
in the present case shall indicate that they have different heating
powers.
[0121] The second heating elements 6 are distributed
circumferentially to the first turntable 3 and positioned close to
the outer rim of the first turntable 3. The second heating elements
6 are spaced from each other by 180 and 90 degrees,
respectively.
[0122] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, in which the first
heating element 5 is represented by solid lines, the first heating
element 5 is so close to the left-hand side second heating element
6, such that they establish a unique cooking zone 7.
[0123] A unique cooking zone 7 in particular shall be defined by
the fact that in and over a unique cooking zone 7 a comparatively
unique heat distribution and emission is obtamed. The unique
cooking zone itself in general is larger than the sum of respective
individual cooking zones. This in turn means that a cooking vessel
of elongated shape can be heated more efficiently, in particular
more uniformly, in particular as far as the footprint area of the
cooking vessel is concerned.
[0124] The first turntable 3 as shown in FIG. 1 may be rotated
clockwise and counterclockwise by at least 270 degrees, which is
indicated by a respective double arrow. Rotating the first heating
element 5 to other positions, represented in FIG. 1 by grey-shaded
first heating element 5' positioned in a top, bottom and right-hand
position, leads to different heating element layouts and, as the
case may be, different unique cooking zones.
[0125] In the top-position, the first heating element 5' represents
a single heating element to be operated in single mode only. In the
bottom and right-hand position, the first heating element 5' again
is close to respective second heating element 6 such that
respective further unique cooking zones can be established. For the
sake of clarity, the further unique cooking zones are not indicated
in FIG. 1. The further unique cooking zones differ from the unique
cooking zone 7 in their size and heating power, as the first
heating element 5 is combined with different types of second
heating element 6 differing from each other for example in size and
heating power.
[0126] The configurations in which the first heating element 5, 5'
establishes a unique cooking zone with respective second heating
element 6 can be designated as twin-mode configurations. The
configuration in which the first heating element 5 is not quite
close to a second heating element 6, i. e. the top position in FIG.
1, can be designated as a non-twin mode or single mode
configuration.
[0127] FIG. 2 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob 1 of a
second configuration.
[0128] The second configuration differs from the first
configuration shown in FIG. 1 in that the first turntable 3 carries
two first heating elements 5 and that only two second heating
elements 6 are provided. The second heating elements are positioned
on left-hand and right-hand sides of the first turntable 3,
respectively.
[0129] The two first heating elements 5 are positioned off-center
on the first turntable 3 and as close as possible to the outer rim
of the first turntable 3. Further, the first heating elements 5,
more specifically their center axes, lie on a line passing through
the center axis 4 of the first turntable.
[0130] In the configuration depicted by solid-lines, the two first
heating elements 5 are so close to the left-hand and right-hand
second heating elements 6, respectively, so that respective two
unique cooking zones can be established. Respective pairs of first
5 and second heating elements 6 may be operated in twin-mode. For
the sake of clarity, only one unique cooking zone 7 is explicitly
shown in FIG. 2.
[0131] In the configuration depicted in a grey-shade, in which the
first heating elements 5' are rotated by 90 degrees as compared to
the solid-line configuration, all of the heating elements, i. e.
the two first heating elements 5' and the two second heating
elements 6, are operable in single mode, i. e. non-twin mode.
[0132] In the solid-line configuration in FIG. 2, in which two
unique cooking zones 7 can be simultaneously established, all of
the first heating elements 5 and second heating elements 6, in more
detail their center axes, are positioned on a common line. This
configuration represents an in-line configuration which may be
advantageous for cooking hob design aspects. In addition, an
in-line configuration may lead to an advantageous arrangement of
the heating elements, in which a comparatively large free area or
space is obtained which can be used as additional workspace for
placing different kinds of objects, e. g. cooking utensils and the
like.
[0133] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob of a
third configuration. Similarly to the second configuration, a first
turntable 3 with two first heating elements 5 is provided.
[0134] Further, and in contrast to the first and second
configuration, a second turntable 8 is provided on which two second
heating elements 6 are mounted. The two first heating elements 5
and the two second heating elements 6 are positioned on lines
running through respective center axes 4 of the first 3 and second
turntable 8. As can be seen, respective first heating elements 5
and respective second heating elements 6 are positioned offset by
180 degrees on the first 3 and second turntable 8, respectively.
Note, that more that two turntables may be provided, in particular,
a turntable may be provided for each of the heating elements 5.
[0135] In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the first 3 and second
turntable 8 can be rotated by 360 degrees about respective center
axes 4. Unique cooking zones, such as the unique cooking zone 7
indicated in FIG. 3, can be obtained if the first 5 and second
heating elements 6 are in in-line configuration. Considering the
third embodiment, the unique cooking zone 7 in all instances lies
between the center axes 4 of the first 3 and second turntable 8.
Different unique cooking zones may be established, which may differ
from each other in size, shape and/or heating power depending on
the mating of respective first 5 and second heating elements 6.
[0136] The configuration shown in FIG. 3 allows the establishment
of four different unique cooking zones according to all possible
combinatory combinations of the first 5 and second heating elements
6. Note that the number of combinatory combinations is dependent on
at least on the size and heating power of first 5 and second
heating elements 6 mounted to the first 3 and second turntable 8.
Note that it is not mandatory that unique cooking zones are
established in all possible combinatory combinations.
[0137] By turning the first 3 and second turntable 8 such that no
pair of first 5 and second heating elements 6 establisp a unique
cooking zone 7, respective non-twin mode configurations can be
obtained. In principle, it is possible to allow any rotational
positions of the first 3 and second turntables 8 for establishing
non-twin mode configurations. In this case, a great variety of
possible arrangements of the first 5 and second heating elements 6
is possible. This in turn allows for flexible adaptation of the
arrangement of the first 5 and second heating elements 6 to
respective cooking vessel sizes placed or to be placed on the
cooking hob 1.
[0138] It shall be mentioned, that the cooking hob may be adapted
such that non-twin mode configurations can be obtained only at
predefined rotational positions of the first 3 and/or second
turntable 8. As an example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3
only one single non-twin mode configuration may be provided, in
which the first 3 and second turntable 8 are rotated by 90 degrees
with respect to their in-line configuration.
[0139] One feature pertaining to any of the configurations shown
and described in connection with FIGS. 1 to 3 is that a control
system may be provided which is adapted to control twin-mode and
non-twin mode operation of first 5 and second heating elements 6.
The control system may be adapted such that first 5 and second
heating elements 6 establishing a unique cooking zone 7 are
controllable by a single, common control element. Such a
configuration greatly enhances ease of operation of the cooking hob
1.
[0140] Controlling first 5 and second heating elements 6 by a
common control element may be accompanied with activation and/or
deactivation of control elements. In more detail, single-mode
control elements, e. g. control knobs, of respective heating
elements establishing a unique cooking zone may be deactivated
whilst a control element for twin-mode operation is activated, and
vice versa. Note that a control element for twin-mode operation may
be one of the control elements provided for non-twin mode, i. e.
single-mode, operation. In the alternative, a separate control
element for twin-mode operation may be provided.
[0141] The first turntable 3 and, where applicable, second
turntable 8 may be rotated manually. However, in particular in
terms of ease of use, rotation of the first turntable 3 and, where
applicable, second turntable 8 may be conducted automatically. Here
a controller and respective motors and/or actuators may be
provided.
[0142] FIG. 4 shows a schematic top view of a cooking hob 1 of a
fourth configuration. The cooking hob 1 differs from that of FIGS.
1 to 3 in that also linear translational movements of the first
heating element 5 are possible.
[0143] In the situation shown in FIG. 4, the first heating element
5 is rotated in a position in which a unique cooking zone 7 is
established with the bottom right second heating element 6.
Rotating the first heating element 5 by 180.degree. into position
5' will lead to a configuration in which the heating elements are
positioned in the corners of a rectangle and operable in single
mode.
[0144] The turntable 3 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is coupled
to rail system of linear type, schematically indicated by two
arrows. The rail system is adapted and designed such that a linear
movement of the turntable 3 as such is possible. Presently, the
rail system provides movement in two, mutually perpendicular,
linear directions.
[0145] It can be readily recognized, that the first heating element
5 can be moved along a trajectory of linear and/or circular shape.
For example, in order to establish a twin-burner configuration
between the first heating element 5 and the second heating element
6 positioned top left, the turntable may be rotated by -90.degree.
(or) 270.degree. and then be moved to the left about a distance
indicated by a respective arrow. Note that the linear and/or
rotational movements can be conducted in arbitrary sequence, in
particular concurrently. Hence, the first heating element 5 may be
moved along trajectories of an array of trajectories.
[0146] For establishing a twin-mode between the first heating
element 5 and the second heating element 6 arranged bottom left,
the turntable can be moved downwards along the linear rail or
guiding system and be rotated such that the first heating element 5
is in twin-mode configuration with the bottom left second heating
element 6.
[0147] One possible trajectory 12 along which the first heating
element 5 may be moved is indicated in FIG. 4 by a dashed line.
Note, that the trajectory 12 shown in FIG. 4 may have a different
course or geometry, in particular depending on the starting
position. Further it shall be noted, that the succession of
rotational movements and translational movements may be different.
In particular it is possible that rotational movements and
translational movements are conducted not only successively but
also concurrently.
[0148] FIG. 5 shows a further schematic top view of a cooking hob 1
in a fifth configuration. In this configuration there are provided
two first heating elements 5, presently the top right and bottom
left heating elements. In contrast to the previous embodiments, the
first heating elements 5 are not arranged on a turntable. In the
present case, the first heating elements are moveable along liner
trajectories only. Exemplarily, double arrows show how the first
heating elements 5 may be moved via motion units to which the first
heating elements are respectively coupled. The motion unit may
comprise a rail system and the like for example.
[0149] The configuration in FIG. 5 allows movements which are
essentially parallel to the short and long sides of the cooking
face 2. It shall be noted, that other linear movements may be used,
such as for example linear movements running diagonally to the
cooking face 2. In FIG. 5, one possibility of diagonal movement is
exemplarily shown by a dashed double arrow, indicating that the top
right first heating element 5 may be moved in diagonal direction of
the cooking face 2.
[0150] It shall further be noted, that it lies within the scope of
the invention if all the heating elements of the cooking face 2 are
moveable in at least one of a linear and curved, in particular
circular, movement.
[0151] FIG. 6 shows a household appliance 9 comprising a cooking
hob 1 in a configuration according to the first configuration shown
and described in connection with FIG. 1. Note that the cooking hob
1 may be of any other configuration described further above.
[0152] The appliance 9 comprises a first control knob 10 adapted in
particular for controlling the first heating element 5 mounted to
the turntable 3. Further, the appliance comprises second control
knobs 11 adapted for controlling respective second heating elements
6. In a twin-mode configuration, as for example shown in FIG. 4,
the control knob 11 of the second heating element 6 establishing
the unique cooking zone together with the first heating element 5
is deactivated whilst the first control knob 10 is switched to
twin-mode operation in which the first 5 and second heating element
6 establishing the unique cooking zone can be operated together. If
all heating elements are in non-twin mode operation, all control
knobs are in non-twin mode operational mode, in which each of the
heating elements can be operated in single mode.
[0153] The method of operating the cooking hob 1 easily can be
derived from the description above. In particular, it may be
provided that in a twin-mode configuration in which the first 5 and
second heating elements 6 establish a unique cooking zone 7, the
first 5 and second heating elements 6 are operable by a common
control element 10, whilst in an any non twin-mode configuration,
the first 5 and second heating elements 6 are operable by
respective individual control elements. Further reference is made
to the description above and further above.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0154] cooking hob [0155] 2 cooking face [0156] 3 first turntable
[0157] 4 center axis [0158] 5 first heating element [0159] 5' first
heating element [0160] 6 second heating element [0161] 7 unique
cooking zone [0162] 8 second turntable [0163] 9 household appliance
[0164] 10 first control knob [0165] 11 second control knob
* * * * *