Patent Application
20230383959
One aspect of the invention relates to a cooking compartment insert, for detachable installation in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance. The cooking compartment insert is in particular configured to be plate-shaped. A further aspect of the invention relates to a cooking appliance.
DE 10 2010 030 471 A1 discloses an oven. The oven has a separate cooking compartment divider element, which is provided with at least one heating element of large surface area. The cooking compartment divider element forms a mountable unit that can be put in the cooking compartment of the oven at a specific slide-in level. As a result, the cooking compartment can be selectively subdivided into individually heatable adjacent cooking compartment regions. However, this mountable unit has only one integrated heating element. Usability is consequently limited. Moreover, EP 2 431 667 A1 discloses a heatable slide-in cooking compartment divider and a cooking appliance. An upper side of the slide-in cooking compartment divider is configured as a food receptacle, and as such takes the form of a tray. Integrated in the plate-shaped slide-in cooking compartment divider is a flat-surface heater. In addition, a temperature sensor may also be provided. This heatable slide-in cooking compartment divider is also of limited usability.
DE 42 17 545 A1 discloses an electric baking and roasting oven. The oven has a plate that may be inserted into the cooking compartment and has a heating body that emits heat downward. The plate has an insulation with a recess made in the underside, in which the heating body is arranged.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cooking compartment insert that is safer to handle. Accordingly, it is also an object of the invention to provide a cooking appliance.
This object is achieved by a cooking compartment insert and a cooking appliance as claimed in the independent claims.
One aspect of the invention relates to a cooking compartment insert, for detachable installation in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance. The cooking compartment insert is configured to be plate-shaped. The cooking compartment insert has a base plate. Moreover, the cooking compartment insert has a heating element. The heating element is arranged on an underside of the base plate, as seen in a direction of the height of the cooking compartment insert. The heating element is arranged on a side that is remote from the underside of the base plate such that, at least in certain regions, it is exposed downward. Formed on this underside is a delimitation web, which at least in certain regions borders the heating element peripherally, and which is arranged to overlap with the heating element in the direction of the height of the cooking compartment insert. The delimitation web forms a lateral protection against touching the heating element. The delimitation web may also be designated a delimitation wall. At least in certain regions, the delimitation web is offset inward, as seen along its longitudinal axis, relative to a peripheral edge of the base plate. This delimitation web has an outer side that is remote from the heating element. This outer side is offset inward, at least in certain regions, relative to a contour edge or an outer peripheral edge of the base plate. This means that, in a direction parallel to a plane over which the base plate extends, this delimitation web is arranged offset inward from this peripheral edge. As a result, a downwardly exposed region is formed between the peripheral edge and an outer side of the delimitation web. This plate region of the base plate forms a handle zone for the purpose of carrying the cooking compartment insert.
As a result of a cooking compartment insert of this kind, it is thus made possible to enable improved protection in the direction toward the heating element, while on the other it is additionally made possible to take hold of the cooking compartment insert on the edge simply and safely. This also allows the cooking compartment insert to be carried safely and reliably. For in particular, this cooking compartment insert is a portable cooking compartment insert. A user can thus take hold of the cooking compartment insert in a significantly improved manner. The handle zones, which are configured specifically for this and are intentionally also provided to be taken hold of, favor this behavior by users. These handle zones are preferably formed in a localized manner such that they are almost separated from the heating element. It is thus possible in practice to avoid the possibility that fingers undesirably accidentally touch the heating element. This is particularly advantageous in the context in which such a configuration of a delimitation web is multifunctional. On the one hand, the delimitation web delimits the heating element toward the side, such that this kind of protection from touching is formed there. On the other, the defined positioning of the delimitation web relative to the peripheral edge forms the handle zone, which is likewise itself delimited directly by the delimitation web. This also makes possible a compact construction with fewer components and also less geometrical complexity. For there is no need to form, in addition to the delimitation web, a handle zone which is delimited exclusively by other components, but rather the position and function of the delimitation web are utilized for this as well, and the delimitation web is arranged accordingly in this context.
In particular, the base plate is formed with no interruptions, as seen over its surface. This means that it has in particular no through-holes or similar. In this regard, therefore, for example a grid or similar should not be regarded as a base plate.
In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral edge has an overhang that projects downward, as seen in the direction of the height of the cooking compartment insert. Between this overhang and the outer side of the delimitation web there is then formed at least one recessed handle as a handle zone. A recessed handle of this kind is thus delimited on the inside by the outer side of the delimitation web and toward the outside by this overhang. Thus, a recessed handle that is in particular only open downward is formed. This enables taking hold to be particularly safe and user-friendly. Not least, this overhang may also reinforce the peripheral edge itself. Thus, in this case too a multifunctional component is provided in the form of the overhang.
In particular, this overhang is formed in one piece with the base plate. In this regard, it may be made for example by shaping. This is particularly the case if, at least in certain regions, in particular the region of the peripheral edge, the base plate is made of metal.
In an exemplary embodiment, there is formed between the overhang and the outer side of the delimitation web a first lateral recessed handle, as a handle zone. In an exemplary embodiment, there is formed between the overhang and the outer side of the delimitation web a second lateral recessed handle, different from the first recessed handle, as a handle zone. Thus, the cooking compartment insert may be taken hold of at opposite lateral regions at the same time. This makes it possible to carry it particularly simply and safely, in particular also in the horizontal direction. In an exemplary embodiment, there is formed between the overhang and the outer side of the delimitation web a recessed handle that is at the front as seen in the direction of the depth of the cooking compartment insert, as a handle zone. This makes it advantageously possible, when the cooking compartment insert has been slid into a cooking compartment, for it to be accessible and taken hold of at the front as well in order to pull it out of the cooking compartment. In that case, this recessed handle is also separated from the heating element by the delimitation web.
This in particular plurality of locally formed zones makes possible the utilization concept in respect of taking hold safely.
In an exemplary embodiment, the delimitation web is integrated into the base plate. This means that it is formed in one piece with the base plate. For example, the base plate may be made of metal, at least in certain regions. For example as a result of shaping, the delimitation web may then be formed in the base plate. As a result of integrating the delimitation web, the number of components is reduced. Moreover, assembly work is dispensed with. In particular, positioning tolerances may be reduced by comparison with an exemplary embodiment in which the delimitation web is a specific, separate part that is mounted on the base plate.
In an exemplary embodiment, the delimitation web has localized feet. These feet may be formed in a manner integrated into the delimitation web. For this, the corresponding exemplary embodiments apply, as already mentioned above for formation of the delimitation web integrally with the base plate. The feet thus make it possible to deliberately provide localized set-down elements. These can then be used to set down the cooking compartment insert directly on a surface. For example, for this purpose it may simply be set down on an upper side of a worktop of a kitchen unit.
In an exemplary embodiment, the feet are formed at at least two corner regions of the delimitation web. As a result, pronouncedly protruding points are selected for the feet. This enables setting down to be particularly stable and unaffected by tilting, although in that case the cooking compartment insert only comes into direct contact with the set-down surface at localized points at which the feet are formed.
In an exemplary embodiment, the delimitation web is a deep-drawn delimitation web. This means in particular that it is shaped by deep drawing out of the material of the base plate, in particular by shaping the base plate. As such, deep drawing is a very simple, high-precision shaping procedure. It may also be used to make configurations of relatively individual shapes of integrated components.
In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is secured to the base plate by a detachable connection. This detachable mechanical connection therefore makes it possible for the heating element to be reversibly removable and attachable again. An option of this kind allows cleaning of the individual components to be performed simply. It also simplifies the replacement and maintenance of individual components of the cooking compartment insert.
In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate has a bottom plate and a top plate. This bottom plate and top plate form between them an intermediate space, which is delimited by these two plates. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermal insulation material may be introduced into the intermediate space. In addition or instead of this, at least one metal foil, for example an aluminum foil, may be arranged in this intermediate space. An exemplary embodiment of this kind makes it possible for the base plate also to be a thermal insulation plate.
In an exemplary embodiment, in addition to its function as a cooking compartment divider, the cooking compartment insert is itself also a heating plate. As defined by this above-mentioned advantageous exemplary embodiment, this heating plate may emit the generated thermal energy only in one direction, namely downward. As a result of the configuration of the base plate as an insulation plate upward, it is possible to prevent or at least significantly reduce the upward emission of thermal energy that is generated by the heating element.
In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom plate and/or the top plate has/have stamped elements. As a result, the respective individual plate is self-reinforced. Moreover, the stamped elements may additionally also be used as signaling elements. Thus, the cooking compartment insert may be distinguished for example from a food container that is separate from it, such as a baking sheet. As a result, misuse in the case of an exemplary embodiment of this kind comprising food being put directly on the upper side of the base plate once the cooking compartment insert is arranged in the cooking compartment may be avoided. Rather, it is then preferably provided for a food container such as a pan or a pot or similar to be arranged on this upper side of the base plate and then for the food that is to be prepared to be arranged therein.
In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate has a peripheral edge border. This surrounds the bottom plate and/or the top plate peripherally. In particular, this edge border is formed to run peripherally all the way around, in particular being configured without interruptions. In an exemplary embodiment, this edge border laterally delimits the intermediate space between the bottom plate and the top plate. As a result of an edge border of this kind, the thickness of the base plate may be formed individually. Moreover, an individual appearance and/or mechanical functionality may also be achieved as a result of this separate edge border. It is also possible for the connection with the bottom plate and/or the top plate to be made individually with this arrangement. The edge border may for example be made from stainless steel. It may also be made from an enameled sheet metal. In particular, the edge border is separate from the bottom plate and separate from the top plate.
In an exemplary embodiment, it may be provided for the bottom plate to be made from stainless steel or enameled sheet metal.
In a further exemplary embodiment, it may be provided for the top plate and the bottom plate to be connected by an adhesive connection. In this case, a direct connection may be provided between the bottom plate and the top plate. An edge border, which in this case is separate from these, is then no longer necessary. However, in another exemplary embodiment it may also be provided in addition.
The heating element may have a tubular heating body and/or a radiant heating body and/or an induction heater. In this way, a vast number of the most diverse energy sources may be provided as heating elements for the cooking compartment insert. In this context, the energy generated by the heating element may thus be thermal energy. However, it may also be electromagnetic energy, as is the case with induction heating. For this energy generation, the heating element may be connected to an electrical energy source, such that generation of the energy of the heating element is initiated by the electrical energy.
An electrical energy source of this kind may be a constituent part of the cooking compartment insert. However, this electrical energy source may also be arranged on the outside of the cooking compartment insert. In particular in that case, the cooking compartment insert, in particular the heating element itself, has electrical contacts. These may make contact with electrical mating contacts, such that the electrical energy is transmitted from the electrical energy source and through this contact interface to the heating element of the cooking compartment insert.
If the cooking compartment insert has its own electrical energy source, this may be for example a battery or an accumulator.
If the cooking compartment insert does not have its own electrical energy source of this kind, it may for example be connected to the power grid.
In an exemplary embodiment, on the opposite side of the heating element to the receptacle region, the base plate has at least one material region that is configured as a thermal insulation region. As a result, the concept of the cooking compartment insert is such that it enables energy to be emitted through the energy-emitting unit in a very directional manner. Thus, a corresponding emission of energy is not provided in all directions of the cooking compartment insert. As a result of this thermal insulation region, it is thus also made possible for the cooking compartment insert to be incorporated into the cooking compartment more flexibly and more variably. On the one hand, in this context components in the cooking compartment that face the thermal insulation region and in particular are also adjacent or directly abutting thereon may be protected from undesirable energy transmission. In particular, this prevents undesired heating up of these components. On the other hand, directional emission of energy is performed through the receptacle region and the energy-emitting unit arranged therein.
In an exemplary embodiment, this thermal insulation region has aerogel as the thermally insulating material. On the one hand this is very light, and on the other it is particularly advantageous in respect of the thermal insulation effect. The thermal insulation region may also have a vacuum unit.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance has a housing. A cooking compartment is formed in the housing. Food may be prepared in the cooking compartment. In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking appliance has a cooking compartment insert in accordance with the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous exemplary embodiment.
A cooking compartment insert may also take the form of a cooking compartment divider. As a result, the cooking compartment may be subdivided into at least two different cooking compartment subregions. In particular, as seen in the direction of the width of the cooking appliance the cooking compartment insert substantially has a width corresponding to the clearance between two vertical walls that delimit the cooking compartment. This also enables particularly simple mounting of the cooking compartment insert on these opposing vertical side walls.
In an exemplary embodiment, it is provided for the at least one electrical contact region of the heating element to be arranged on a lateral edge of the base plate that is narrow in relation thereto. This enables electrical contact with an electrical mating contact, which is arranged for example on a vertical side wall of this kind that delimits a cooking compartment, to be made in a particularly simple manner. In particular, in this arrangement the electrical contact made between the electrical contact region and the mating contact region is automatically enabled if the cooking compartment insert is arranged in the cooking compartment in its end position. The end position is as seen in the direction of the depth of the cooking appliance. As seen in the direction of height, the cooking compartment insert may in particular be positioned in the cooking compartment on at least two different levels.
It is also possible for at least two separate cooking compartment inserts to be arranged in the cooking compartment at the same time. In particular, these may be positioned in the cooking compartment at different height locations. In particular, the orientation of the cooking compartment inserts is in general such that, in the cooking compartment, the energy-emitting unit faces the food that is to be prepared.
In an exemplary embodiment, the invention also makes it possible to provide the cooking compartment insert as a retrofit system for a cooking appliance. This also makes it possible for a cooking appliance to be provided in an individual basic layout. Depending on whether a user wishes to expand the functionality, this at least one cooking compartment insert or indeed plurality of cooking compartment inserts may be retrofitted as retrofit components. In particular, in this context it is also possible for only the basic layout to be provided in the cooking compartment insert. For the purpose of configuring an arrangement individually, a user may then additionally retrofit one or more energy-emitting units, as desired or needed, in addition, with the result that the user can lay out an arrangement with the cooking compartment insert and at least one energy-emitting unit in a manner specific to the user.
One aspect of the invention thus also relates to a retrofit system for a cooking appliance. The retrofit system has a cooking compartment insert in accordance with the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous exemplary embodiment thereof. The retrofit system may also have an arrangement in accordance with the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageous exemplary embodiment thereof.
The specifications “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “horizontal”, “vertical”, “direction of depth”, “direction of width”, “direction of height”, etc. are used to specify the positions and orientations that occur when the cooking compartment insert or the appliance are used and arranged correctly.
Further features of the invention will be apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features that are mentioned above in the description, and the features and combinations of features that are mentioned below in the description of the figures and/or are solely shown in the figures, may be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations or by themselves without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, statements that are not explicitly shown and explained in the figures but are apparent and producible from the explained statements by separate combinations of features are also to be regarded as comprised and disclosed in the invention. Thus, statements and combinations of features that do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim should also be regarded as disclosed.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below in conjunction with schematic drawings, in which:
The cooking appliance 1 has a housing 2. Arranged in the housing 2 is in particular a muffle 3. The walls of this delimit a cooking compartment 4. The cooking compartment 4 is delimited at the front by a door 5 (merely indicated here by dashed lines) of the cooking appliance 1, the door 5 being schematically shown in the open state here.
Moreover,
The cooking compartment insert 6 has a base plate 7. Moreover, the cooking compartment insert 6 has a heating element 8, as can be seen in
As can moreover be seen in
As can moreover be seen in
As can be seen in
In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in
The top plate 7a may have stamped elements 27 on an upper side. In addition or instead of this, it is also possible for other structured elements, in particular in respect of surface roughness, to be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element 8 may be connected to the base plate 7 by a detachable mechanical connection. This may be for example a push-fit connection or a snap-fit connection. A screw connection is also possible.
As a result of the outwardly projecting ends 8a and 8b, an electrical contact may be made with mating contact elements, which are formed for example on the back wall of the muffle 3 or outside the muffle 3 in the housing 2. This enables a corresponding energy supply to be made to the cooking compartment insert 6 when the cooking compartment insert 6 is in the condition inserted into the cooking compartment 4, in particular the energy supply to the heating element 8.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102020214630.6 | Nov 2020 | DE | national |
| 102021212758.4 | Nov 2021 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/081973 | 11/17/2021 | WO |
