METHOD FOR OPERATING A COOKTOP, CONTROL UNIT, AND COOKTOP

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION

[0001]Priority is claimed to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2024 131 417.6, filed on Oct. 28, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

[0002]The invention relates to a method for operating a cooktop, to a control unit, and to a cooktop.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Cooktops having vapor extractors can suck in the vapor from the surface of the cooktop and filter it.

SUMMARY

[0004]In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for operating a cooktop having a vapor extractor closable by a closure element, the method comprising: inputting a wiping protection signal; closing the closure element in response to the inputting of the wiping protection signal; and opening the closure element after passage of a predetermined length of time after the closing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]Subject matter of the present disclosure will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. All features described and/or illustrated herein can be used alone or combined in different combinations. The features and advantages of various embodiments will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate the following:

[0006]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment example of a cooktop;

[0007]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment example of a cooktop;

[0008]FIG. 3 is another sectional view of an embodiment example of a cooktop; and

[0009]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment example of a method for operating a cooktop.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010]In an embodiment, the present invention provides an improved method for operating a cooktop, an improved control unit, and an improved cooktop.

[0011]In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for operating a cooktop, by a control unit, and by a cooktop having the features described herein.

[0012]The advantages that can be achieved using the invention are that a suction opening of a vapor extractor can be briefly closed so that the cooktop can be wiped down without letting water or grime enter the suction opening. To do so, the closure element can be automatically closed and opened in connection with a wiping protection signal.

[0013]A method is presented for operating a cooktop having a vapor extractor that can be closed by a closure element, the method comprising a step of inputting a wiping protection signal, a step of closing the closure element in response to the wiping protection signal being input, and a step of opening the closure element once a predetermined length of time has passed after the closing.

[0014]According to one embodiment, the method can be configured such that cleaning the cooktop becomes simpler owing to a firmly closed closure element of a vapor extractor, in particular when the cooktop is being used to prepare food at that time. In this case, the cooktop may be in the form of an induction cooktop. Alternatively, the cooktop may also be a ceramic cooktop. In this case, the vapor extractor may be configured to suck in the vapor, which is produced during cooking, from a surface of the cooktop downward through a suction opening located in the cooktop. Analogously to known vapor extractors, the closure element can uncover the suction opening when the vapor extractor is in the active state and keep the suction opening closed when the vapor extractor is in an inactive state. In the closed state, the closure element can be level with a surface of the cooktop. As a result, it is possible to wipe over the closure element easily when cleaning the cooktop. The suction opening can be closed temporarily by the wiping protection signal. By way of example, the closure element can be made of a ceramic glass. A user can initiate the provision of the wiping protection signal by, for example, activating a control panel, for example pressing a button. In this case, the signal can represent an intention of the user to clean the cooktop. According to one embodiment, in the opening step and the closing step, the closure element may be moved by means of a suitable drive, for example an electric motor, an electromagnet, or a spring system.

[0015]The predetermined length of time after which the closure element is closed can be preset, adjustable, or programmable. By way of example, the predetermined length of time may last 20 seconds. Alternatively, the predetermined length of time may, for example, be less than one minute, less than 40 seconds, or, for example, between 10 and 30 seconds. Since the closure element opens, a user does not need to make another input, which they may forget to do.

[0016]Here, the method can comprise a step of switching off a fan unit of the vapor extractor. The fan unit can be switched off in response to the wiping protection signal. According to one embodiment, the switching-off step is executed in synchronization with the closing step. In this case, the fan unit can be arranged below a cooktop plate. For example, the fan unit may comprise a fan which generates an air flow for sucking in the vapor. Switching the fan unit off can reduce the energy consumption of the cooktop and prevent the fan unit from overheating.

[0017]The method can comprise a step of switching on the fan unit of the vapor extractor. The fan unit can be switched on in response to the closure element opening. In this regard, the switching-on step can be carried out in synchronization with the opening step. Thus, the vapor extractor can resume operation automatically once the cooktop has been cleaned, without the user having to adjust a setting again.

[0018]Among other things, the method can comprise a starting step. By this step, a timer for measuring the predetermined length of time can be started. The timer can be started in response to the wiping protection signal being input. The starting step can optionally be executed when the step of closing the closure element is complete.

[0019]The method can comprise a step of detecting that the control panel has been activated to provide the wiping protection signal. For example, it can be detected that a control-panel control element with which the wiping function is associated has been activated. By way of example, the control panel can form a touch-sensitive surface for displaying control panels or control elements that a user can activate.

[0020]The method can also have a step of outputting a locking signal that leads to a control panel of the cooktop being locked. This can prevent a cooktop function being inadvertently initiated when the control panel is being wiped. By way of example, the locking signal can initiate the locking of the control panel for the predetermined length of time or for a further predetermined length of time. The locking signal can, for example, be output in response to the wiping protection signal being input. Linking the closing of the closure element to the wiping function allows the user to clean the closure element quickly. As a result, the user is able to wipe over the closure element with a damp cloth and then immediately continue cooking without any real interruption. In this case, the locking signal can represent locking of the control panel as well as locking of cooktops and the fan unit. For this purpose, the wiping protection, or the functionality of the wiping function, should be extended to include the closure element. Since the wiping protection often ensues when dirt is present, it is expedient for the closure element to be cleaned at the same time. Furthermore, this can enhance customer expectations and convenience for customers when cleaning, which could constitute a selling point for customers who are looking for convenient cleaning.

[0021]In this case, if a configuration signal indicates that a closure function is deactivated, the step of outputting the locking signal is carried out and the closing step is not executed. Thus, a user can decide whether they would like to close the closure element in order to clean it too. When cleaning, the user can then, for example, also remove objects that have fallen into a suction duct of the vapor extractor or even clean the suction duct itself.

[0022]The approach presented here furthermore provides a control unit configured to carry out, actuate, or implement steps of any variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. The invention in the form of an apparatus can also provide inventive advantages quickly and efficiently.

[0023]The control unit can be configured to input input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. By way of example, an input signal can be a sensor signal that can be input via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can be a control signal or data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the output signals by using a processing specification implemented in hardware or software. For this purpose, the control unit can comprise, for example, a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised by a discrete component.

[0024]According to one embodiment, the cooktop can comprise a vapor extractor that can be closed by a closure element, and a control unit. Using the described approach, a fully closed, flat surface that can be readily cleaned or wiped down can be provided temporarily during cooking.

[0025]Furthermore, the cooktop can comprise a cooktop plate having at least one suction opening that can be closed by the closure element, and a control panel for controlling cooktop functions. The vapor extractor can comprise a housing and a fan unit arranged in the housing for sucking in vapor through the suction opening. In this case, the closure element can be formed to be movable, in particular so that it can be moved by a motor, a magnet, or a resilient element. This can allow the closure element to be cleaned in an improved manner when the wiping function is activated. Moreover, owing to the automatic closure of the closure lid, the closure element can ensure that the cooktop and the fan unit are protected against inflowing liquid.

[0026]A computer program product or computer program having program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or control unit, the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement, and/or actuate the steps of the method according to any of the embodiments described here.

[0027]Even though the described approach is described with reference to a domestic appliance, the approach described here can also be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional appliance.

[0028]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment example of a cooktop 100. The cooktop 100 has a cooktop plate 110 having a suction opening 120 of a vapor extractor. The suction opening 120 is closed by a movable closure element 130. The cooktop 100 can be controlled using a control panel 140 and a control unit 150 coupled to the control panel 140.

[0029]Here, the cooktop 100 is in the form of an induction cooktop or, alternatively, as a ceramic cooktop, for example. By way of example, the cooktop plate 110 of the cooktop 100 has cooking zones for heating cookware placed on the cooktop plate 110.

[0030]According to one embodiment example, the suction opening 120 is configured to allow vapor to be sucked in from the cooktop 100 using a fan unit of the vapor extractor. In this case, the suction opening 120 is arranged in the middle of the cooktop plate 120, for example. Alternatively, the suction opening 120 is also arranged at a side edge of the cooktop plate 110. According to an alternative embodiment example, the cooktop 100 even has two or more vapor extractors.

[0031]When the cooktop plate 110 needs to be wiped down, a user can activate the control panel 140 in order to activate wiping protection. By way of example, the wiping protection causes cooktop functions such as the operation of the cooking zones or the fan unit to be deactivated. Among other things, the wiping protection is used to close the suction opening 120 by using the closure element 130.

[0032]According to one embodiment example, to control a functionality of the wiping protection, the control unit 150 is used. For example, the control unit 150 is configured to actuate the closure of the closure element 130 in response to a wiping protection signal being input, said wiping protection signal being initiated, for example, by a user activating a corresponding control element, for example in the form of a button, of the control panel 140.

[0033]To move the closure element 130, a motor is actuated by the control unit 150, for example. The motor is coupled to the closure element 130 in order to move the closure element 130 into either a closed position or an open position. According to one embodiment example, the control unit is configured to reopen the closure element 130 once a predetermined length of time has passed after the closing.

[0034]Thus, the cooktop 100 can be an induction cooktop having a vapor extractor and a motorized or movable closure element 130. According to one embodiment example, the cooktop 100 comprises the integrated control unit 150, which can be controlled using the control panel 140 by means of capacitive surfaces, for example via a touch function, or similar operations. Since organic material or food to be cooked is used when cooking, this may often boil over or splatter and thus may lead to the cooktop 100 becoming dirty and to the control panel 140 being operated, thus potentially causing incorrect operation. The reason for this is that the cooktop 100 then cannot distinguish between operation by the user's finger and the food to be cooked, because both have a similar effect on the control panel 140.

[0035]By activating the wiping protection, a user can clean a surface of the cooktop 100, it being possible to also wipe over the vapor extractor owing to the closed closure element 130.

[0036]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment example of a cooktop 100. According to one embodiment example, the cooktop 100 is formed in the same way as the cooktop described in FIG. 1. In this case, the cooktop 100 comprises a vapor extractor 200 having a fan unit 210. Here, the vapor extractor 200 is arranged in a housing 220. According to one embodiment example, the cooktop plate 110 and the closure element 130 are made of a ceramic glass. According to the embodiment example shown here, the closure element 130 is open. When the closure element 130 is open, the fan unit 210 is able to suck in vapor from above the cooktop plate 110.

[0037]According to one embodiment example, the user can also select whether or not they would like to close the closure element 130 at the same time when activating the wiping function (also referred to as wiping protection). This programming by the customer also allows the closure element 130 to remain open even though the wiping protection is active. It is also conceivable for this configuring to be done via an app. In this case, during the wiping function with the vapor extractor still active, only the control panel is locked, for example, so as not to trigger any unintended functioning of the cooktop 100 when the control panel is being wiped.

[0038]Since the suction opening 120 opens and closes, it can be ensured that the suction opening 120 closes when the wiping function is activated. This thus allows the user to clean the surface of the closed closure element 130. For this purpose, the closure element 130 is moved into its closed position when the wiping function is activated. In the process, it is possible to also cover optional vapor guiding elements, such as grilles or the like, which have interfering edges that make cleaning difficult when they are wiped during the cooking process. Since the closure element is motorized, it is simple to move. The closure element 130, which may be dirty, is simple to clean when the wiping function is activated during cooking, because when the closure element is in its closed position, it is positioned such that it does not uncover the suction opening 120. If the cooktop is then cleaned during operation, the closed closure element 130 means that grime, liquids, crumbs, or other food substances that are to be removed cannot be wiped or run into the open suction opening 120. In addition, the opening, including its edges, does not interfere when the cooktop surface is simply being wiped.

[0039]FIG. 3 is a further sectional view of an embodiment example of a cooktop 100. According to this embodiment example too, the cooktop 100 is formed in the same way as the cooktop described in FIG. 1. The closure element 130 closes the cooktop plate 110 once a user has activated the wiping protection. Activating the wiping protection also deactivates a functionality of cooking zones, for example. Optionally, the fan unit 210 of the vapor extractor 200 is also deactivated in response to the wiping function being activated.

[0040]According to one embodiment example, once the closure element 130 is closed, for example in response to a wiping protection signal which indicates that the wiping function has been activated, a timer is set, which establishes how long the closure element 130 remains closed for before it is automatically opened. According to one embodiment example, the timer defines a length of time of 20 seconds, which is typically enough to wipe down the cooktop 100. Alternatively, the timer defines an adjustable period such as 10, 40, or 60 seconds, for example.

[0041]According to one embodiment example, the motorized opening of the closure element 130 is coupled to the wiping function, or the wiping protection signal, such that the process is executed particularly quickly and without any great user intervention. Since the closure element 130 closes when the user activates the wiping protection or wiping function, it is possible for the closure element 130 to be cleaned at the same time as the cooktop 100 when the user activates the wiping protection or the wiping function. This results in a completely closed, flat surface which can be readily cleaned and which additionally prevents liquids, crumbs, food, or the like from entering the suction opening 120. When the suction opening 120 is closed, the fan unit 210 is optionally switched off. Since the function is optionally extremely time-limited, switching off the fan unit 210 for this brief amount of time should not cause any issues in relation to dealing with the vapor.

[0042]As soon as the user presses a button on the cooktop 100 for the wiping function via the control panel, which, for example, is configured as a touch control, in accordance with one embodiment example, no selections can be made on the control panel for x seconds. For the time x, the control panel cannot be activated, meaning that operation of the cooktop 100 is locked. In this case, in combination with the closure element 130, which is configured, for example, as a fan cover, activating the wiping function automatically closes the fan cover and possibly switches off the fan of the fan unit 210. Once the timer of the wiping function ends after x seconds, the cooktop control switches back to the original status, and controls can be selected again, for example via the control panel. Optionally, the closure element 130 simultaneously moves back into its open position, and the fan unit 210 resumes operation at the previously set level.

[0043]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment example of a method 400 for operating a cooktop. The method 400 comprises an inputting step 401, a closing step 403, and an opening step 405. In the inputting step 401, a wiping protection signal is input, which, for example, originates from the operating unit when a user activates it. In response to the inputting step 401, the step 403 of closing the closure element is executed. The closing step 403 is executed, for example, using the motor, magnet, or resilient element. The step 405 of opening the closure element is executed after a predetermined length of time has passed after the closing step 403. The opening step 405 is also executed by means of the motor, magnet, or resilient element. Furthermore, the method 400 optionally comprises a step 407 of switching off the fan unit of the vapor extractor, for example in response to the wiping protection signal or in response to the closure element closing. In this case, the method comprises a step 409 of switching on the fan unit of the vapor extractor, for example in response to the step 405 of opening the closure element. According to one embodiment example, in a starting step 411, a timer for measuring the predetermined length of time is started. By way of example, the step 411 is executed in response to the wiping protection signal being input. Optionally, in a step 413, a locking signal is output, which leads to a control panel of the cooktop being locked for the predetermined length of time or for a further predetermined length of time, such that the control panel can be wiped without difficulty. The predetermined length of time can be shorter or longer than the length of time, and both lengths of time can start at the same time, for example. According to one embodiment example, if a configuration signal indicates that a closure function is deactivated, the step 413 of outputting the locking signal is carried out and the closing step 403 is not executed. Optionally, the method comprises a step 415 in which activation of a control-panel control element that initiates the wiping function is detected. For example, the wiping protection signal is provided in response to the activation being detected.

[0044]While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.

[0045]The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.