WO2016082894A1

WO2016082894A1 - Framework for installing built-in type cooking appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2016082894A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/075975
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davut Ayhan Serabatir
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2014-11-28
Filing date: 2014-11-28
Publication date: 2016-06-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a framework (1) for installing a built-in type cooking appliance (2) into a cutout (3) of a worktop (4). The cooking appliance (2) comprises a cooktop (5) and a casing (6) for accommodating functional components. The framework (1) of the present invention comprises an upper peripheral piece (7) which comprises a decorative section (8) that is configured to abut against the worktop (4) at the periphery of the cutout (3) from above and to conceal the corner of the worktop (4) surrounding the cutout (3) and a support section (9) that is configured to abut against the periphery of the cooktop (5) from below and a lower peripheral piece (10) which comprises carrier section (11) configured to hold the periphery of the casing (6) and a fixing section (12) which is fixed to the support section (9).

Description

FRAMEWORK FOR INSTALLING BUILT-IN TYPE COOKING APPLIANCE

The present invention relates to a framework for installing a built-in type cooking appliance into a cutout of a worktop.

In general, the built-in type cooking appliance comprises a glass-ceramic cooktop which has a plurality of cooking areas for cooking and a plurality of touch-sensitive areas for controlling the cooking areas. In general, the built-in type cooking appliance also comprises a plurality of functional components such as the touch sensitive sensors and the heat sources which heat through induction and/or thermal conduction. The functional components are generally accommodated inside a protective casing which covers the lower side of the glass-ceramic cooktop. When taking the built-in type cooking appliance into operation, the user usually selects by means of the touch-sensitive areas a desired cooking area and sets a desired temperature associated with the selected cooking area. During the selection and the setting procedure, the built-in type cooking appliance generally provides visual and audible feedback for improving the intelligibility as the user contacts the touch-sensitive areas. Thereby, the user can reliably conduct the operation of the built-in type cooking appliance.

A built-in type cooking appliance is usually installed into a cutout of a worktop by means of a framework. Fig. 1 shows a prior art framework (1´) which has been used for installing a built-in type cooking appliance (2´) into a cutout (3´) of a worktop (4´). The framework (1´) comprises on each of the four sides of the cutout (3´) a single peripheral decorative piece which has been folded from a stainless steel plate or an Aluminium plate. The single peripheral decorative piece comprises a bending section which extends into the cutout (3´) and holds the periphery of the casing (6´) by means of screws (19´). The single peripheral decorative piece also comprises an exposed section which abuts both against the worktop (4´) and the cooktop (5´) from above in the vicinity of the periphery of the cutout (3´). The exposed section encloses a gap above the periphery of the cooktop (5´) for peripherally receiving adhesive silicone (not shown). The framework (1´) is adhered to the glass-ceramic cooktop (5´) by the adhesive silicone which is injected into the gap so as to carry the glass-ceramic plate (22´). Thus, the framework (1´) secures both the cooktop (5´) and the casing (6´) in place.

A drawback of the prior art framework (1´) is that the aforementioned peripheral adhesive silicone is vulnerable to the tension forces generated by the weight of the kitchen utensils placed on the cooktop (5´). Thus, there is a risk that the peripheral adhesive silicone tears up and the glass-ceramic plate (22´) falls down. Another drawback of the prior art framework (1´) is that it incurs comparatively high costs when it is manufactured from a high quality corrosion free material.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a framework for use in a built-in type cooking appliance which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art in a cost effective way and which enables an improved manufacturability and installation.

This objective has been achieved by the framework as defined in claim 1 and the built-in type cooking appliance as defined in claim 9. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

The framework of the present invention comprises on each of the four sides of the cutout two individual peripheral pieces which are fixed to each other. Each upper peripheral piece comprises a decorative section and a support section. In the installed state, the decorative section abuts against the worktop at the periphery of the cutout from above and conceals the corner of the worktop which surrounds the cutout. The support section abuts against the periphery of the cooktop from below. Each lower peripheral piece comprises a carrier section and a fixing section. The carrier section holds the periphery of the casing. The fixing section is fixed to the support section of the corresponding upper peripheral piece.

With the present invention, particularly by virtue of the two-piece structure, the material costs of the framework can be comparatively reduced by way of manufacturing the individual peripheral pieces from materials having different qualities. In particular, the upper peripheral pieces which are partly exposed to the user can be manufactured from a corrosive free and high quality material whereas the lower peripheral pieces which are embedded into the cutout and, thus not exposed to the user can be manufactured from a comparatively low quality material. With the present invention, particularly by virtue of the two-piece structure also the manufacturability of the framework has been expedited. In particular, the individual peripheral pieces of the framework can be produced in a comparatively easy and expedited folding process and subsequently fixed to each other in a fixing process. With the present invention, particularly by virtue of the two-piece structure also the installation of the framework has been expedited. In particular, the glass-ceramic cooktop can be easily placed into its designated position on the framework from above, namely without the need of turning the framework upside down and back. With the present invention, particularly by virtue of the support sections and the fixing sections, the glass-ceramic cooktop can be safely secured in its place and prevented from falling down in case of a breakage and the strain on the silicone sealing which is disposed between the cooktop and the framework can be completely relieved. With the framework of the present invention, a resilient and safe installation of the built-in type cooking appliance becomes possible. Thereby, the customer satisfaction can be increased.

In an embodiment, the upper peripheral pieces which are partly exposed to the user are manufactured from a high quality corrosion free stainless steel plate. The lower peripheral pieces which are not exposed to the user are manufactured from galvanized steel plate. Alternatively the lower peripheral pieces can be manufactured from a painted steel plate, a plastic plate or an Aluminium plate.

In another embodiment, the support section and the fixing section of the upper peripheral piece and the lower peripheral piece are firmly fixed by welding joints. Alternatively the support section and the fixing section of the upper peripheral piece and the lower peripheral piece can be firmly fixed by clinching joints. These joints are located blow the cooktop.

In another embodiment, the cooking appliance has a glass-ceramic plate which defines the cooktop.

The present invention also provides a built-in type cooking appliance which is installed into the cutout of the worktop by means of the framework of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the built-in type cooking appliance comprises peripheral silicone sealings between the framework and either of the worktop and the cooktop so as to prevent over spilled food from leaking into the interspaces.

Additional advantages of the framework and the built-in type cooking appliance of the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 – is a schematic partial perspective sectional view of a cooking appliance which has been built-into a cutout of a worktop by using a prior art framework;

Figure 2 – is a schematic perspective view of a cooking appliance which has been built-into the cutout of the worktop by utilizing a framework according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 – is a schematic partial perspective sectional view of the cooking appliance which has been built-into the cutout of the worktop by using the framework according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Framework
Cooking appliance
Cutout
Worktop
Cooktop
Casing
1^st peripheral piece
Decorative section
Support section
2^nd peripheral piece
Carrier section
Fixing section
Tapering subsection
Cover subsection
Gap
Horizontal subsection
Vertical subsection
Hole
Screw
Hole
Horizontal subsection
Plate

The framework (1) is suitable for installing a built-in type cooking appliance (2) into a cutout (3) of a worktop (4).

The cooking appliance (2) comprises a cooktop (5) and a casing (6) for accommodating functional components (Fig. 2 and 3).

The framework (1) of the present invention comprises an upper peripheral piece (7) and a lower peripheral piece (10). The upper peripheral piece (7) comprises a decorative section (8) and a support section (9). The decorative section (8) is configured to abut against the worktop (4) at the periphery of the cutout (3) from above and to conceal the corner of the worktop (4) surrounding the cutout (3). The support section (9) is configured to abut against the periphery of the cooktop (5) from below. The lower peripheral piece (10) comprises a carrier section (11) and a fixing section (12). The carrier section (11) is configured to hold the periphery of the casing (6). The fixing section (12) is fixed to the support section (9).

In an embodiment, the decorative section (8) comprises a tapering subsection (13) and an L-shaped cover subsection (14). The tapering subsection (13) is configured to abut against the worktop (4) at the periphery of the cutout (3) from above. The L-shaped cover subsection (14) is configured to conceal the corner of the worktop (4) surrounding the cutout (3). In addition, the L-shaped cover subsection (14) is raised from the upper surface and the inner surface of the worktop (4) so as to enclose a gap (15) below the underside of the decorative section (8) for receiving a sealing. In this embodiment, the support section (9) comprises an inwardly bending horizontal subsection (16) that is configured to abut against the periphery of the cooktop (5) from below. The horizontal subsection (16) and the tapering subsection (13) are disposed on the opposing ends of the L-shaped cover subsection (14).

In another embodiment, the carrier section (11) comprises a vertical subsection (17). The vertical subsection (17) has holes (18) for respectively receiving screws (19) that engage with the counterpart holes (20) on the casing (6). The fixing section (12) comprises an inwardly bending horizontal subsection (21) that is configured to abut against the matching horizontal subsection (16) of the support section (9) from below. The horizontal subsection (21) of the fixing section (12) is disposed on an upper end of the vertical subsection (17).

In another embodiment, the upper peripheral piece (7) has a height which protrudes a predetermined distance over the surface of the cooktop (5).

In another embodiment, the support section (9) and the fixing section (12) of the upper peripheral piece (7) and the lower peripheral piece (10) respectively are fixed by one or more than one welding joint. In an alternative embodiment the support section (9) and the fixing section (12) are fixed by one or more than one clinching joint.

In another embodiment, the upper peripheral piece (7) is made from a high quality corrosion free material such as stainless steel.

In another embodiment, the lower peripheral piece (10) is made from galvanized steel, painted steel, plastic, or Aluminium.

In another embodiment, the cooktop (5) comprises a glass-ceramic plate (22).

The present invention also provides a built-in type cooking appliance (2) which is installed into the cutout (3) of the worktop (4). The cooktop (5) and the casing (6) are secured into the cutout (3) by means of the framework (1).

In another embodiment, the built-in type cooking appliance (2) comprises a peripheral silicone sealing (not shown) which is provided at the interface between the upper peripheral piece (7) and the cooktop (5).

In another embodiment, the built-in type cooking appliance (2) comprises a peripheral silicone sealing (not shown) which is provided at the interface between the upper peripheral piece (7) and the worktop (4).

In another embodiment, the width of the cooktop (5) and the width of the casing (6) are substantially equal.

With the present invention a cost effective framework (1) has been provided which has an improved manufacturability and installation. Thereby, the customer satisfaction can be increased.

Claims

A framework (1) for installing a built-in type cooking appliance (2) into a cutout (3) of a worktop (4), the cooking appliance (2) comprising a cooktop (5) and a casing (6) for accommodating functional components, the framework (1) being characterized in that

- an upper peripheral piece (7) comprising a decorative section (8) that is configured to abut against the worktop (4) at the periphery of the cutout (3) from above and to conceal the corner of the worktop (4) surrounding the cutout (3) and a support section (9) that is configured to abut against the periphery of the cooktop (5) from below and

- a lower peripheral piece (10) comprising a carrier section (11) that is configured to hold the periphery of the casing (6) and a fixing section (12) that is fixed to the support section (9).
The framework (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the decorative section (8) comprising a tapering subsection (13) which is configured to abut against the worktop (4) at the periphery of the cutout (3) from above and an L-shaped cover subsection (14) which is configured to conceal the corner of the worktop (4) surrounding the cutout (3), wherein the L-shaped cover subsection (14) is raised from the upper surface and the inner surface of the worktop (4) so as to enclose a gap (15) below the underside of the decorative section (8) for receiving a sealing and the support section (9) comprises an inwardly bending horizontal subsection (16) that is configured to abut against the periphery of the cooktop (5) from below, wherein the horizontal subsection (16) and the tapering subsection (13) are disposed on the opposing ends of the L-shaped cover subsection (14).
The framework (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the carrier section (11) comprising a vertical subsection (17) which has holes (18) for respectively receiving screws (19) that engage with counterpart holes (20) on the casing (6) and the fixing section (12) comprises an inwardly bending horizontal subsection (21) that is configured to abut against the horizontal subsection (16) of the support section (9) from below, wherein the horizontal subsection (21) of the fixing section (12) is disposed on an upper end of the vertical subsection (17).
The framework (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the upper peripheral piece (7) has a height which protrudes a predetermined distance over the surface of the cooktop (5).
The framework (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support section (9) of the upper peripheral piece (7) and the fixing section (12) of the lower peripheral piece (10) are fixed by one or more than one welding joint or one or more than one clinching joint.
The framework (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the upper peripheral piece (7) is made from stainless steel.
The framework (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower peripheral piece (10) is made from galvanized steel, painted steel, plastic, or Aluminium.
The framework (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cooktop (5) comprises a glass-ceramic plate (22).
A built-in type cooking appliance (2) which is installed into a cutout (3) of a worktop (4), the cooking appliance (2) comprising a cooktop (5) and a casing (6) which accommodates the functional components of the cooking appliance (2), the cooking appliance (2) being characterized in that the cooktop (5) and the casing (6) are secured into the cutout (3) by means of the framework (1) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8.
The built-in type cooking appliance (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that a peripheral silicone sealing which is provided at the interface between the upper peripheral piece (7) and the cooktop (5).
The built-in type cooking appliance (2) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that a peripheral silicone sealing which is provided at the interface between the upper peripheral piece (7) and the worktop (4).
The built-in type cooking appliance (2) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the width of the cooktop (5) and the width of the casing (6) are substantially equal.