DE102013220285B4 - Vapor extraction device, in particular downdraft ventilation device - Google Patents

Abstract

Fume extraction device (1), in particular downdraft ventilation device, with at least one suction opening (10), at least one closing element (11) for at least temporarily closing the suction opening (10) and a fixing mechanism (3) for fixing the closing element (11), characterized in that
that the closing element (11) is rotatably mounted in the area of the suction opening (10) via a shaft (101),
that the closing element (11) serves to actuate the fixing mechanism (3), that the fixing mechanism (3) has at least one fixing means (32, 33, 34) for fixing the closing element (11) in at least two defined rotational positions and at least one control element for checking the movement of the closing element (11),
that the fixing mechanism (3) has a transmission element (30) which is provided on the shaft (101) of the closing element (11) for transmitting force and
that at least one fixing means (33, 34) acts on the transmission element (30) and at least one control element comes into contact with the transmission element (30) at least temporarily.

Description

The invention relates to an extractor device, in particular a downdraft ventilation device, according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the case of extractor devices, in particular in the case of downdraft ventilation, which are also referred to as table ventilation, an air inlet is provided in the work surface near the stove or workplace, through which air can enter the extractor device. For this purpose, a fan is provided below the hob level. This blower creates a vacuum, which then sucks the air from the stove or workspace. In such fume extraction devices it is known to provide the air inlet, which is also referred to as the suction opening, with a closing element. As a result, the intake opening can be closed, in particular when the vapor extraction device is not in operation, and the ingress of contaminants into the vapor extraction device can thus be prevented. In the case of known fume extraction devices, for example, a metal sheet whose size is slightly larger than the area of the suction opening is placed on the suction opening for this purpose. An access opening is preferably provided in the metal sheet, into which the user can reach to remove the metal sheet. Such a closure element is, for example, in DE 10 2009 025 038 A1 disclosed. A disadvantage of this type of extractor device is that opening and closing the suction opening is time-consuming, since the metal sheet must be aligned with the suction opening and placed on or in it exactly, and the user must also put the sheet metal on another after removing it must be stowed away.

Furthermore, in the older application DE 10 2012 206 255 A1 describes an extractor device in which a rotatably mounted closing element is provided. In this extractor device, a connecting element is fastened to a transmission element on the shaft of the closing element, which in turn is acted upon by at least one spring element.

The pamphlet DE 10 2012 003 532 A1 discloses a cooktop extractor with a closure element which can be rotated back and forth between a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation, the closure element being reversibly fixable in the vertical orientation in the middle region of the width of the cooking vapor inlet opening.

In the document DE 36 01 460 A1 describes a device for extracting vapors from kitchen appliances, in which the extraction shaft has a closure flap which is pivotably mounted between an open and a closed position and is provided with a drive which is coupled to the on/off switch of the fan.

In the pamphlet EP 1 944 553 B1 discloses a device for extracting cooking vapors, in which a closing element of the cooking vapor inlet device can be pivoted into different positions with respect to its axis of rotation.

The object of the present invention is to create a fume extraction device in which the intake opening can be reliably closed at least temporarily in a simple manner, which can be operated in a simple manner and which nevertheless has a simple structure.

The invention is based on the finding that this object can be achieved by providing a fixing mechanism by means of which a closure element can be held in different positions, in which the closure element itself serves as an actuating element for the fixing mechanism and in which a transmission element is used that can perform multiple functions.

The object is therefore achieved by an extractor device, in particular a downdraft ventilation device, with at least one suction opening, at least one closing element for at least temporarily closing the suction opening and a fixing mechanism for fixing the closing element. The extractor device is characterized in that the closing element is rotatably mounted in the area of the suction opening via a shaft, that the closing element is used to actuate the fixing mechanism, that the fixing mechanism has at least one fixing means for fixing the closing element in at least two defined rotational positions and at least one control element for checking the movement of the closing element and that the fixing mechanism has a transmission element which is provided on the shaft of the closing element for transmitting force and that at least one fixing means acts on the transmission element and at least one control element comes into contact with the transmission element at least temporarily.

Within the meaning of the invention, a vapor extraction device is understood to mean, in particular, a vapor extraction device for extracting fumes and vapors from a stove or another workplace in a kitchen. A vapor extraction device is preferably understood to mean a downdraft ventilation device, which is also referred to below as a downdraft fan or table fan. Such a downdraft fan is characterized in that air is sucked in from the cooker or hob or in the area of the cooker or hob and is directed downwards, preferably vertically downwards, from the intake opening through which the air enters the extractor hood. The suction opening in these downdraft fans is preferably in the horizontal and is arranged adjacent to the cooker, the cooking area, the hob or the workplace.

In the context of the present invention, a closing element, which is also referred to below as a closing element, is understood to mean an element by means of which a suction opening of a vapor extraction device can be completely covered, ie closed, at least at times. According to the invention, the suction opening of the vapor extraction device is understood to mean the opening through which air can enter the vapor extraction device if the closing element is not provided. The intake opening is preferably an elongated opening, in particular a rectangular opening. In the direction of flow behind the intake opening and thus below the intake opening in the case of downdraft fans, at least one filter element is preferably provided. According to the invention, several suction openings can be provided on the fume extraction device. In this case, at least one and preferably exactly one closing element is provided in each intake opening.

In the context of the present invention, a fixing mechanism is understood to mean a mechanism by means of which the closing element can be held in at least one position in the suction opening. Furthermore, the fixing mechanism can preferably also be used to release a fixing of the closing element in one position and to move the closing element. The fixing mechanism can also include holders for holding or fastening and, in particular, mounting of the closure element. These holders, which are also referred to as holding means, can also be provided separately, but are then connected to the fixing mechanism.

According to the invention, the closing element is rotatably mounted in the area of the intake opening via a shaft. The bearing is preferably detachable, so that the closing element can be removed from the suction opening. The axis of rotation of the closing element lies in or preferably parallel to the suction opening. The axis of rotation of a downdraft ventilation device is therefore horizontal. In this context, in the area of the suction opening means that the closing element is mounted in or near the suction opening, preferably downstream of the suction opening in the direction of flow, on the vapor extraction device.

According to the invention, the closing element serves to actuate the fixing mechanism. For the purposes of the invention, actuation of the fixing mechanism is understood to mean an influence on the fixing mechanism, by means of which the closing element is either fixed in a position or an existing fixing of the closing element in a position is canceled. Since this influence can be exerted by the closing element, the closing element can also be referred to as an actuating element. The actuation of the fixing mechanism is preferably brought about by exerting pressure on the closing element and particularly preferably by rotating the closing element.

According to the invention, the fixing mechanism comprises fixing means for fixing the closure element in at least two defined rotational positions. The fixing means are also referred to below as fixing elements. The position of the closing element in an angular position is referred to as the rotary position. Positions that are specified or can be specified and can be set in a targeted manner are referred to as defined rotational positions. In contrast to the setting of any position of the closure element, states of the vapor extraction device can be specified in the vapor extraction device according to the invention, with the rotational position of the closure element being specified for setting the state of the vapor extraction device.

The fixing means or means can comprise spring elements. According to one embodiment, the fixing means for fixing the closure element comprises a catch. In the context of the invention, a latch is understood in particular to mean a latch recess or latch recess. Since the fixing means is provided for fixing the closing element in a defined rotational position, the closing element can be held in a blocked position by a catch and in an operating position by a further catch. The advantage of providing a detent is that the user of the vapor extraction device can also be given haptic feedback that the closing element is in one of the defined rotary positions. As an alternative to a detent, however, it is also possible for other fixing means to be provided, which hold the closing element in one of the defined rotational positions. These can in particular be fixing means that hold the closing element in the defined rotational position by magnetic force or spring force.

According to the invention, at least one of the fixing elements is preferably a spring element for applying a rotational force for rotating the closing element. At least two spring elements are preferably provided, the spring forces of which are in directions that are offset from one another, that is to say inclined. As a result, a sliding element can be pulled into a detent by a spring element, for example, which defines the first rotational position. The other spring element then holds the sliding means in another detent, which defines the second rotational position. However, the spring element or the spring elements can also be used alone as a fixing means in order to hold the closing element in a rotational position. When two spring elements are provided, this rotational position can be such that both spring elements are relaxed in this rotational position. This rotational position can be, for example, a removal position of the closing element lying between a blocked position and an operating position. In addition, however, according to the invention, the spring element preferably also serves to apply a rotary force to the closing element, by means of which the closing element is rotated. This rotational force can be transmitted from the spring element to the closing element by parts of the fixing mechanism, in particular by the transmission element rigidly connected to the shaft.

In addition, the fixing mechanism has at least one control element for controlling the movement of the closing element. In the context of the invention, a control element refers in particular to an element by means of which the movement of the closing element can be monitored and/or influenced, in particular slowed down or impeded. The at least one control element preferably controls the movement of the closing element between the defined rotational positions.

Furthermore, the fixing mechanism has a transmission element which is provided on the shaft of the closing element. A transmission element is an element for power transmission, which is preferably a flat element in which the shaft is perpendicular to the surface of the transmission element. A fixing means acts on the transmission element and at least one control element comes into contact with the transmission element at least temporarily. The transmission element is preferably connected to the shaft in such a way that the shaft is also moved by movement of the transmission element. In addition, the movement of the closing element preferably also moves the shaft and thereby the transmission element. According to the invention, the attack of the fixing means on the transmission element is the intervention in or the application of force to at least one point of the transmission element. The at least part of the time the control element comes into contact with the transmission element, preferably by moving the transmission element.

Force can be transmitted from the closing element to at least one of the fixing means by the transmission element. Here, the fixing means can be, for example, a sliding element in the form of a pin, which is guided in a guide element to a connecting link, which can include the catch, or to another fixing means. The transmission element is preferably an elongate transmission element, for example a lever or pendulum. The transmission element preferably extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the closing element. This makes it possible to arrange the locations at which the fixing means must be provided at a distance or offset from the axis of rotation of the closing element on the transmission element. The defined rotational positions can thus be set more precisely than is possible if fixing means are provided on the rotational axis. In addition, the transmission element can create a lever arm that reduces the force that is required on the closure element to fix or release the fixation.

The provision of a transmission element on the shaft and at least one fixing means acting on the transmission element and coming into contact with at least one control element simplifies the actuation of the fixing mechanism and thus the setting of the defined rotational position of the closing element. In addition, the structure of the fixing mechanism is simplified by direct engagement of at least two fixing means on the transmission element. For example, spring elements can act as fixing means directly on different points of application on the transmission element and thereby influence the rotational position of the transmission elements, the rotational position of the shaft and the rotational position of the closing element. Since control elements can also act on the same transmission element, the structure is further simplified.

Since the locking element can also be actuated by the rotatably mounted locking element in the inventive extractor device and different rotational positions of the locking element can be fixed by this, it is possible for the user of the extractor device to set different states of the extractor device in a simple manner. In particular, the closure ßen the suction can be canceled by the closure element by the user by rotating the closure element about its axis of rotation and the suction can be used to suck air from a work surface or a stove. Separate controls or actuating elements, such as buttons, are not required for this. In addition, the predetermined rotational positions of the closing element and thus the different states of the vapor extraction device can be adjusted without the closing element having to be removed from the suction opening.

According to one embodiment, at least one control element comes into contact with the edge area of the transmission element. By using the edge area for contact with the control element, the surface of the transmission element is available for other control elements or fixing means to act on or engage. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one fixing means acts on or in the surface of the transmission element. By utilizing the surface of the transfer member, engagement of a fixative in the surface can be guided. The attack of fixing means in the area has the advantage that no overhang over the edge of the transmission element is required and the space required for the fixing mechanism is thus minimized.

According to one embodiment, one of the control elements or the control element represents part of a braking element. In this embodiment, the control element preferably represents a toothed wheel or partial toothed wheel which can engage with a toothing on the transmission element. The toothing is preferably provided on the edge of the transmission element. The movement of the transmission element can be slowed down by the braking element. In particular, the movement between the defined rotational positions of the closing element is slowed down. Because the braking element acts on the same transmission element that is also acted upon by other fixing means, such as spring elements, which bring about or support the movement force for moving the fixing element into one of the defined rotational positions, the effect of the opposing forces of the movement force and the braking force on one another can be controlled reliably and done quickly. In addition, the provision of a contact area, in particular a toothing, on the transmission element for the braking element means that only one component, namely a gear wheel or partial gear wheel, is required and the structure of the fixing mechanism is thus further simplified.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the control elements represents a switch which is actuated by the transmission element. The switch is preferably actuated by the edge area of the transmission element or by the rear side of the transmission element in the edge area. The switch, which can be actuated by the transmission element, is preferably a signaling switch. This signaling switch can be used to report the position of the closing element to an electronic system of the vapor extraction device. Since the movement of the closing element, which is rigidly connected to the shaft, leads to a movement of the transmission element, which is also rigidly connected to the shaft, by detecting the movement of the transmission element, the position of the closing element can be adjusted via the switch actuated by the transmission element to the Electronics are reported. The switch is preferably positioned in such a way that it is actuated in a rotary angle range of several degrees around the defined rotary positions of the closing element.

According to a further embodiment, at least one of the control elements is a locking pin for locking the movement of the closing element. A locking pin is a pin that can be at least partially inserted into the transmission element or can rest against the edge of the transmission element and thereby prevent a rotational movement of the transmission element prevented. The locking pin is preferably provided only temporarily. In particular, the locking pin can be provided for assembly purposes. According to one embodiment, the transmission element has at least one receiving opening for receiving at least part of the locking pin. The receiving opening is provided in the surface of the transmission element or at the edge and runs perpendicular to the surface. As a result, the locking pin can be provided on the transmission element in such a way that it protrudes beyond the transmission element and comes into contact with another part of the fixing mechanism and thus forms a stop which stops the movement of the transmission element.

According to one embodiment, the transmission element has an area for engaging with a part of a control element, which is a braking element, an area for contact with a control element, which is a switch, an area for guiding a fixing element, which is a sliding element, and at least one point of attack for attacking at least one fixing element, which is a spring element. In this preferred embodiment, the transmission element is a multifunctional element of the fixing mechanism, in which the radio Functions of guiding and braking the movement of the closing element, the application of a motive force to the closing element and the monitoring of the position of the closing element are combined in one element. This simplifies the structure of the entire fixing mechanism and thus of the fume extraction device.

According to the invention, the transmission element is preferably arranged in such a way that it is located on the outside of a housing of the vapor extraction device. The housing of the fume extraction device can be designed in one piece.

According to a preferred embodiment, however, the housing of the fume extraction device is designed in several parts. In particular, the housing comprises at least one base body of the fixing mechanism as a part.

According to one embodiment, the fixing mechanism therefore includes a base body on which the transmission element is rotatably mounted. In particular, the shaft is guided through the base body, that is to say it is perpendicular to the surface of the base body, which preferably has a cuboid shape. Because the fixing mechanism has a base body, different functions can be integrated in the base body and the rest of the housing of the fume extraction device can also have a simple structure, for example consist of sheet metal parts. The base body, on the other hand, can consist, for example, of an aluminum block into which different contours have been milled. In particular, the base body has an opening for passage of the shaft, on which the closing body and the transmission element are arranged. The closing body is provided on one side of the base body and the transmission element on the opposite side of the base body on the shaft.

According to one embodiment, at least one fixing means and/or at least one control element can be provided at least partially on the base body of the fixing mechanism. Screws can be provided on the base body, for example, to which the ends of spring elements that are opposite the ends with which they act on the transmission element are fastened. Furthermore, in the base body, for example, a groove with a connecting link can be introduced, in which a lubricant that is movably held on the transmission element can be guided and can latch in the defined rotational positions of the closing element.

In addition, a gear wheel or another part of a braking element can be rotatably fastened to the base body and can interact with the edge of the transmission element. Furthermore, for example, the switch for reporting the position of the closing element can be attached to the base body, which interacts with the transmission element and is actuated by this.

Because all of these means or elements are attached to or provided in the base body, the further structure of the fixing mechanism and the housing of the vapor extraction device is simplified. In addition, assembly and maintenance are simplified, since there is no need to align a large number of individual parts with one another.

According to a preferred embodiment, a holder for holding the closing element is provided on the side of the base body that is opposite the transmission element, and the holder is held on a common shaft with the transmission element. The side of the base body on which the transmission element is provided is also referred to below as the outside. The opposite side of the base body, ie the inside, faces the interior of the housing of the extractor hood in the assembled state. By a holder being provided on the inside of the base body, which is provided with the transmission element on a shaft, preferably rigidly, the force applied by the user to the closing element can be transmitted via the holder, the shaft and the transmission element to the other parts of the fixing mechanism, such as spring elements are transferred. In addition, a kinetic force caused, for example, by the spring elements on the transmission element can also be transmitted via the shaft and the holder to the closing element and this can thereby be brought into a desired position. Since a holder for holding the closing element is provided on the shaft, the shaft can be designed in a simple manner and, in particular, does not require any special geometry. Furthermore, the separate provision of a holder is advantageous since this can be made of a suitable material, such as plastic, which differs from the material of the shaft. Finally, due to the separate design of the holder, the holder can also be exchanged in a simple manner.

According to one embodiment, the holder has at least one latching arm for latching with an insertion opening of the closure element. This embodiment is advantageous because it ensures that the closing element is held securely during operation of the fume extraction device and yet for maintenance or cleaning purposes the Closing element can be removed from the holder.

According to a further embodiment, at least one channel for a cable is introduced into the base body. The channel can be provided on the inside of the base body. The cable that can be routed in this channel is preferably a cable for the switch that can be provided on the fixing mechanism. By providing a channel in the base body, the cable can be guided safely and, in particular, when the closing element and the transmission element are moved, the cable can be prevented from being torn off. By providing the channel in the base body of the fixing mechanism, the further structure of the housing of the extractor hood can be kept simple.

According to a further embodiment, at least one passage opening for a locking pin for locking the transmission element is provided in the base body. The passage opening runs from the inside to the outside of the base body. Since the outside of the base body, on which the transmission element is provided, is not accessible in the assembled state, movement of the transmission element cannot be prevented by unscrewing when exchanging, for example, the holder for the closing element. In order to be able to prevent such a movement or twisting for maintenance work, a locking pin can be introduced into the passage opening from the inside. This protrudes into a receiving opening of the transmission element and thus prevents the transmission element from twisting. The receiving opening can be a gap or slot, for example, in which a sliding element of the fixing mechanism is guided in the transmission element. After the maintenance work, the locking pin can then be removed again.

According to a preferred embodiment, a defined rotational position of the closing element represents a blocking position, which is also referred to below as the rest position, idle position or blocking position, and a further rotational position represents an operating position, which is also referred to below as the operating position or operating position. In the blocking position is the suction opening is closed by the closing element. In this position, therefore, no air can enter the suction opening and thus the extractor device. In this position, dirt cannot enter the extractor hood either. In the operating position, on the other hand, air can enter the vapor extraction device via the suction opening, that is to say air can be sucked in via the suction opening.

Since these rotational positions are permanently specified by the fixing mechanism of the vapor extraction device, it is possible to switch between these rotational positions easily and reliably without the user having to laboriously set them himself. This is advantageous because when the user sets or searches for the appropriate rotational position of the closing element for the individual states of the vapor extraction device, the alignment of the closing element with respect to the suction opening may not be exact. For example, when setting a rotational position in which the user assumes that the suction opening is closed, but in fact it is not completely closed, contaminants can enter the suction opening. Disadvantages can also occur when setting a rotational position that is intended to correspond to the operating position but has to be found out by the user himself. In particular, a higher fan output than necessary may be necessary if the intake opening is still partially closed by the closing element. These disadvantages are not to be feared in the embodiment of the vapor extraction device according to the invention, in which the operating position and the rest position of the closing element are predetermined. In addition, the different states of the fume extraction device can be set quickly with this embodiment. Furthermore, the closing element is fixed in the defined rotational positions. Thus, for example, by placing or setting up objects on the closing element, the closing element cannot move unintentionally. Since the defined rotational positions are set by actuating the closing element, the structure of the extractor device is simplified.

The closing element preferably comprises an elongate closing body which has at least one blocking side which is impermeable to air and at least one suction side which is permeable to air at least in certain areas.

The sides of the closure body, also referred to as faces or areas, preferably define a space. The closing body can therefore also be referred to as a three-dimensional closing body and represents a hollow body or a hollow profile that can be produced in one piece, for example by bending a metal sheet. A body is referred to as a three-dimensional closing body, the sides of which define a three-dimensional space. Particularly preferably, at least two sides of the closing body delimit the three-dimensional space.

The closure body preferably has at least one blocking side and at least one suction side, each of which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the closure body and which together define the space of the closure body. Each of these sides of the closing body preferably has a size, in projection onto the suction opening in which the closing body is provided, which corresponds to the size of the suction opening.

In the context of the invention, the blocking side is the part of the closing body that forms a continuous surface made of air-impermeable material. The blocking side is therefore also referred to below as the blocked area. The suction side refers to the part of the closing body in which at least one opening suitable for air entry is provided, but the opening preferably covers a smaller area than the area of the suction opening. A plurality of openings, which are separated from one another by webs, for example, are particularly preferably provided in the suction side.

The suction side of the closing body is preferably formed by a grid. In this context, a grid is referred to as a material in which at least two openings are provided, which are delimited by struts or other pieces of material. For example, a grid within the meaning of the present invention can also be a perforated plate, in which case the openings in the perforated plate can have round or rectangular cross sections, for example. By using a grille as the intake side, reliable intake of air via the intake side is ensured on the one hand. On the other hand, however, the stability of the closing body and thus of the closing element is increased compared to closing elements in which the suction side is replaced by a continuous opening. Finally, in a fume extraction device in which the suction side covers the suction opening in the operating position, it is advantageous if the suction side is designed as a grid, since this can prevent larger objects, such as parts of the food to be cooked, from falling in.

The at least one blocking side and the at least one suction side are preferably parallel to the axis of rotation of the closing body. The axis of rotation of the closing body is an axis about which the closing body can be rotated when it is mounted in the suction opening. The axis of rotation lies in the area of the suction opening or preferably parallel to it. In the case of an elongate closure body, the axis of rotation extends in the longitudinal direction of the closure body.

By preferably providing at least one blocking side on the closing body, the suction opening can be closed at least temporarily by this side of the closing body. However, since at least one suction side is additionally provided on the closing body, air can reach the suction opening of the fume extraction device at least temporarily via this side and thus be sucked in by the fume extraction device. The blocking side and the suction side are preferably parallel to the axis of rotation of the closing body. As a result, by turning the closing body about the axis of rotation, either the blocking side or the suction side can be brought into a position in which it covers or lies in the suction opening of the fume extraction device. During this movement, the closing element does not have to be removed from the extractor device.

The position or setting of the closing element and thus also of the closing body, in which the blocking side of the closing body lies in the suction opening, is also referred to as the blocking position, blocking position, rest position or rest position. The position or position of the closing element and thus also of the closing body, in which the suction side of the closing body lies in the suction opening, is also referred to as the operating position or operating position. The blocking side of the closing body, which can also be referred to as the blocking area, and the suction side of the closing body, which can also be referred to as the suction area, are also referred to as functional areas or functional surfaces of the closing body.

If the closing body is formed exclusively by the blocking side and the suction side, then in the installed state of the closing body at least a part of the suction side is used for the passage of air into the fume extraction device. However, the closing body preferably has at least one passage side in addition to the blocking side and the suction side. In this case, the part of the closing body through which the air can get from the suction opening into the vapor extraction device is referred to as the passage side. The passage side is therefore preferably formed by an opening that forms the largest part of the passage side. This opening can be delimited at the edges by webs.

One advantage of providing a passage side, which is also referred to as a passage area and which is essentially formed by a continuous opening, is in particular that the air resistance when the air flows through the closing body can be minimized. The air resistance is therefore lower in this embodiment than in an embodiment in which, apart from a blocking area, only one intake rich, in which webs are preferably arranged, is provided. In addition, the passage area can also be used to insert fastening elements, such as a shaft or axle, which are provided on the extractor device in the area of the suction opening.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least the surface area of the blocking side of the closing body corresponds to the surface area of the suction opening when projected onto the suction opening. In this way, a reliable closing of the intake opening can be ensured.

The cross section of the closing body can be round or polygonal. With a round cross-section, the blocking side and the suction side are formed by curved surfaces. The axis of rotation of a closure element, the closure body of which has a round cross section, preferably runs through the center point of the cross section.

According to a preferred embodiment, however, the closing body has a triangular cross section, preferably a cross section of an equilateral triangle. In this embodiment, one of the sides of the triangular shape preferably forms the blocking side, one side the suction side and one side the passage side of the closing body. In this embodiment, the sides of the triangle can each represent or define flat surfaces. However, it is also possible in this embodiment that at least one of the sides of the triangle represents a curved surface. Since the closing body has a triangular cross section, the closing element can cover the suction opening with a flat surface in the rest position of the closing body, in which the blocking side faces outwards, and can thus lie flush with a frame provided around the suction opening, for example. In the case of a triangular, equilateral closing element, the suction side can be brought into the position in which it covers the suction opening of the fume extractor device and is level with it by rotating the closing element by 120°. In this operating position, air can thus enter the vapor extraction device via the openings in the suction side. Since the blocking side is at an angle of 120° to the suction side in a closing element with a triangular, equilateral cross-section, in the position in which the suction side covers the suction opening of the extractor device, the blocking side does not prevent air from being sucked into the extractor device or only slightly . In the operating position of the closing body, the blocking side can serve to guide air in the direction of flow behind the intake opening.

The third side of the triangular cross-section of the closure body preferably forms the passage side of the closure body. In this case, the passage side of the closing body can be completely open and only be delimited at the edges by one edge each of the material on the blocking side and the material on the suction side. However, it is also possible, in particular to increase the stability of the closing body, for the edges of the passage side to be formed by flanges or webs from the material of the other two sides. These flanges or webs can be created by bending over the material on the other side.

An advantage of a triangular, preferably equilateral, shape of the cross section of the closing body is that the length of the legs of the cross section simultaneously represents the largest dimension of the cross section. During rotation of the closing body about the axis of rotation, which is perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of the closing body, the maximum dimension lying in a plane at a distance from the axis of rotation is always less than or equal to the length of one of the legs of the triangular cross-section. Thus, the closing body can be rotated in a suction opening, the width of which corresponds to the length of one of the legs of the triangular cross section of the closing body. Here, the closing body does not hit the edges of the suction opening and, in the positions in which one of the legs lies in the suction opening, nevertheless completely covers the suction opening. In the case of a square cross-section of the closing body, this is not possible, for example, since the diagonal represents a greater dimension than the side lengths of the square.

The closing element of the vapor extraction device is preferably designed in such a way that the closing element comprises a closing body which has at least one blocking side and at least one suction side, which are each parallel to the axis of rotation of the closing body and which together define the space of the closing body, and that on at least one of the End faces of the closure element, at least part of a fastening device is provided for a rotatable fastening of the closure element to the fume extraction device in the region of a suction opening of the fume extraction device.

Preferably, at least one part of a fastening device for rotatably fastening the closing element to the vapor extraction device in the area of a suction opening of the vapor extraction device is therefore provided on at least one of the end faces of the sealing element. In this case, the sides of the closing element are referred to as the end face, which, together with the at least one blocking surface and the at least one Intake define the space in the closing body. In the case of an elongate, ie longitudinally extending, closing body, the end faces are arranged in the region of the end faces, ie the longitudinal ends, of the closing body. More preferably, the end faces are perpendicular to the suction side and the blocking side of the closing body. In the context of the invention, a fastening device refers to one or more means which can interact with the suction opening and/or other means provided therein or on it, in particular a holder on the shaft, in order to hold the closing element on the vapor extraction device in the area of the suction opening at least to effect temporarily. In this case, the fastening device preferably serves for the detachable fastening of the closing element to the fume extraction device, in particular in the area of the suction opening of the fume extraction device.

The at least one part of the fastening device, which is provided on the closing element, preferably lies in the axis of rotation of the closing element. In the case of the elongate closure element, the axis of rotation lies in the longitudinal direction of the closure element. In the mounted state of the closing element on the vapor extraction device, the part of the fastening device is preferably located behind the suction opening in the direction of flow. In the case of downdraft ventilation, the part of the fastening device is therefore below the intake opening when assembled. The distance from the suction opening is dimensioned such that in at least one rotational position of the closing element, one side of the closing element lies in the area of the suction opening.

According to the invention, the fastening of the closing element to the fume extraction device is a rotatable fastening. In order that the closing body of the closing element can be rotated about its axis of rotation in the suction opening, the fastening device is preferably located in the axis of rotation of the closing body.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least part of the fastening device of the closure element is an insertion device, which can also be referred to as an insertion device. In the context of the present invention, a push-in or push-in device is a device that can be used to create a connection between the closing element and the fume extraction device by means of a translational movement of the closing element with respect to the suction opening. The closing element can thus be connected to the vapor extraction device in the area of the suction opening by pushing the closing element into the suction opening from above.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least part of the fastening device of the closure element comprises at least one insertion opening. This can be provided as a gap or slit in the end face of the closing element and can engage with the holder of the fixing mechanism, which protrudes inwards from the inside of the base body of the fixing mechanism into the suction opening. One or more latching elements can be provided to fix the closing element in the end position of the insertion opening. The latching elements are preferably latching lugs which interact with latching arms of the holder.

One advantage of providing an insertion opening is that the closing element can be easily inserted and removed in the area of the suction opening on the extractor hood, in particular by pushing it into the suction opening.

According to one embodiment, the end faces of the closing element are offset inwards relative to the longitudinal ends of the closing body. This offset creates an overhang that can serve as a grip for the user. In order to be able to remove the closing element from the suction opening, for example for cleaning purposes or for access to filter elements that are arranged behind the closing element in the direction of flow, it is necessary for the user to be able to hold the closing element. The handle created by the said overhang can be used for this purpose. This embodiment has the advantage that no separate handles or recesses have to be provided on the outside of the closing element. On the one hand, this improves the optical impression of the closing element in the different positions, in particular the operating position and the rest position. On the other hand, since there is no need for access openings, a continuous surface can be provided on the blocking side and the openings in the suction side can be selected to be smaller than would be necessary for access by means of fingers.

Preferably, the fixing mechanism of the extractor device is a push-to-open mechanism. A push-to-open mechanism is understood here in particular as a mechanism in which the action of pressure on the closing element fixes the closing element in a rotational position and releases such a position Fixation can be effected. For example, the push-to-open mechanism can represent a mechanism in which, in order to fix the closing element in a defined rotational position, a movement of the closing element, that is to say a rotation of the closing element, is required this rotational position is also required and the closing element is then brought into the defined rotational position automatically, in particular by spring force. To release the fixation from a defined rotational position, a movement is also required, ie twisting of the closing element beyond the rotational position, with the closing element then being brought into a further defined rotational position automatically, in particular by spring force. This further defined rotational position can be the removal position, for example. According to a preferred embodiment, the push-to-open mechanism comprises a connecting link, along which a sliding element is guided to a notch and away from a notch. For at least the defined rotational positions of the locked position and the operating position, a separate connecting link with a detent is preferably provided here. Between these two links, the sliding element is preferably guided in a guide element, which can be an arcuate groove, for example. The sliding element is preferably provided at one end of a transmission element, in particular in the form of a rigid lever, and extends perpendicularly to the length of the lever. In a central position of the sliding element between the two links, the two provided spring elements are relaxed. This position represents the removal position. In the operating position and the locked position, on the other hand, one of the spring elements is tensioned and thus ensures that the sliding element is held in the corresponding detent.

The extractor device is preferably a downdraft ventilation device with at least one horizontal suction opening. In the case of downdraft ventilation, the air is sucked down via the suction opening, ie the fan is arranged below the suction opening in the extractor device.

The advantages of the present invention can be used in particular in the case of downdraft ventilation with a horizontally arranged intake opening, since the ingress of impurities, in particular liquids, poses a particular problem there.

• 1: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform der Dunstabzugsvorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung mit einer Ausführungsform des Verschließelementes in einer Entnahmeposition,
• 2: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils der Dunstabzugsvorrichtung nach 1 ohne Verschließelement mit Blick auf die Außenseite einer Ausführungsform eines Fixiermechanismus;
• 3: eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des Verschließelementes;
• 4: eine weitere perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des Verschließelementes;
• 5: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Teils der Dunstabzugsvorrichtung nach 1 ohne Verschließelement mit Blick auf die Innenseite einer Ausführungsform eines Fixiermechanismus;
• 6: eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die Außenseite einer Ausführungsform des Fixiermechanismus; und
• 7: eine perspektivische Ansicht auf die Außenseite einer Ausführungsform des Fixiermechanismus.

The invention is described again below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• 1 : a perspective view of an embodiment of the extractor device according to the present invention with an embodiment of the closing element in a removal position,
• 2 : a perspective view of a part of the extractor device 1 without a closure element looking at the outside of an embodiment of a fixing mechanism;
• 3 : a perspective view of an embodiment of the closure element;
• 4 : another perspective view of an embodiment of the closure element;
• 5 : a perspective view of a part of the extractor device 1 without a closure element with a view of the inside of an embodiment of a fixing mechanism;
• 6 1: a perspective view of the outside of an embodiment of the fixing mechanism; and
• 7 1: a perspective view of the outside of an embodiment of the fixing mechanism.

In 1 an embodiment of the extractor device 1 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the extractor device 1 represents a so-called downdraft ventilation or table ventilation. In the embodiment shown, the suction opening 10 of the extractor device 1 is arranged between two hotplates of a cooker 2 and is located in the work surface. The air is sucked downwards from the intake opening 10 via a blower (not shown) arranged below the level of the hob. The suction opening 10 is surrounded by a frame 100 . The frame 100 constitutes the upper end of a housing 103 (see FIG 2 ) of the extractor device 1. In the suction opening 10, a closing element 11 is arranged. In the 1 only part of the closing body 115 of the closing element 11 can be seen.

The structure of the embodiment of the closure element 11 is in the 3 and 4 shown in more detail. As can be seen from these figures, the closure element 11 consists of an elongate closure body 115 which has a triangular cross-section. The closing body 115 is formed in particular by a bent metal sheet. The three sides of the closing body 115 each have a different configuration. One side of the closing body 115 is formed by a continuous piece of sheet metal. This side represents the blocking side 110 of the closing body 115. A second side of the closing body 115 is designed as a grid 1110 and forms the suction side 111 of the closing body 115. The grid 1110 is formed by openings 115 being introduced into the sheet metal of the closing body. There are webs between these openings. The third side of the triangular closing body 115 is largely open in the illustrated embodiment. Only on the sides At the edges, ridges of the suction side 111 and the blocking side 110 protrude into the third side. This third, open side is also referred to as the passage side 112 of the closing body 115 .

The closing body 115 has an elongated shape, that is, extends in length in the direction perpendicular to the triangular cross section. In the area of the longitudinal ends of the closing body 115, end faces 113, 114 are provided. These are perpendicular to the sides of the closing body 115 and, in the illustrated embodiment, are offset inwards toward the longitudinal ends of the closing body 115 . An insertion opening 1130 is shown in an end face 113 . In the embodiment shown, the insertion opening 1130 is designed as a slot. In the end face 114 opposite the end face 113, an insertion opening 1140 is provided as part of the fastening device. This insertion opening 1140 also represents a slot which extends from the passage side 112 to the center of the end face 114 and on the edges of which latching lugs are provided.

A space is defined in the closing body 115 by the three sides of the closing body 115, ie the closing body forms a hollow body. This space is delimited by the end faces 113 and 114 at the longitudinal ends.

The closing element 11 formed by the closing body 115 and the end faces 113, 114 can be introduced into the suction opening 10 of a fume extraction device 1. As in 5 shown, a shaft 101 is provided in the housing 103 of the extractor device 1 at one of the longitudinal ends in the area of the suction opening 10 and extends horizontally into the interior of the housing 103 . A holder 39 is attached to the shaft 101, which has an upwardly tapering shape and has a locking arm 390 on each of the two sides. The locking arms 390 extend downwards, that is to say their free ends are directed downwards. At the opposite longitudinal end of the housing 103 in the area of the suction opening 10 there is an axis (not shown) which also extends into the interior of the housing 103 . The axis and shaft 101 are offset downward to the top of the case 103 on which the frame 100 surrounding the suction port 10 is provided. The amount by which the axle and the shaft 101 are displaced downwards to the top of the frame 100 corresponds in the illustrated embodiment to the smallest distance between the top of the insertion opening 1130 or the insertion opening 1140 and the outer surface of the blocking side 110 or the suction side 111 of the closing element 11.

To insert the closing element 11 , it is inserted into the intake opening 10 with the passage side 112 facing downwards and with the end face 113 facing forwards, and the holder 39 on the shaft 101 is inserted into the insertion opening 1140 . Subsequently or at the same time, the opposite end of the closing element 11 is lowered. This engages the insertion opening 1130 with the axle and the axle can slide up in the slot that this insertion opening 1130 forms. As soon as the axis has reached the upper end of the insertion opening 1130 and the upper side of the holder 39 has reached the upper end of the insertion opening 1140, the closing element 11 is held in the vapor extraction device 1 and in particular in the area of the suction opening 10. This position that in 1 is shown and in which the passage side 112 of the closure element 11 is directed downwards is also referred to as the removal position. In this position, the upper part of the roof, formed by the blocking side 110 and the suction side 111, protrudes above the suction opening 10 and in particular above the frame 100. In this area, the user can reach into the longitudinal ends of the closing body 115, i.e. into the projections of the closing body 115 formed between the longitudinal ends and the end faces 113 and 114, and remove the closing element 11 from the vapor extraction device 1 by movements opposite to the movements just described.

If the extractor device 1 is to be used, the user can rotate the closing element 11 about the axis of rotation that runs through the shaft 101 . From the picking position 1 For this purpose, the closing element 11 is rotated counterclockwise until the suction side 111 of the closing body 115 is directed upwards. This position is also referred to as the operating position. Due to the triangular cross section of the closing body 115, the outside of the intake side 111 is flush with the top of the frame 100 in this position. However, it is also possible that the outside of the intake side 111 is offset slightly downwards compared to the top of the frame 100. In the operating position, the locking side 110 of the closing body 115 protrudes at an angle, in particular of 120°, downwards into the housing 103 below the intake opening 10. The air that is sucked into the housing 103 via the blower (not shown) is thereby , directed after passing through the suction side 111 and passes through the passage side 112 of the closing body 115 into the housing 103 and to the fan. If the extractor device 1 is not being used, the user can bring the closing element 11 into the rest position. In this rest position, the locking side 110 of the closing body 115 is directed upwards. around the closing body 115 and thus to be able to bring the closure element 11 from the operating position into the rest position, the user rotates the closure element 11 clockwise by 120° in the illustrated embodiment. The blocking side 110 of the closing body 115 completely closes the suction opening 10 in the rest position. As a result, the ingress of contaminants, particularly in the form of liquids, can be reliably prevented.

The setting of the different positions of the closing element 11, in particular the turning of the closing element 11, is preferably carried out manually by exerting a compressive force on one of the sides of the closing element 11. A fixing mechanism 3 is provided for this purpose according to the invention. An embodiment of such a fixing mechanism 3 is in the 2 , 5 , 6 and 7 shown schematically.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fixing mechanism 3 comprises a transmission element 30 in the form of an elongate pendulum which is rigidly connected to the shaft 101 . The shaft is formed by a screw that connects the transmission element 30 to the holder 39 . For this purpose, the transmission element 30 has a passage in the upper area. The area around the passage is designed in the shape of a semicircle and has teeth in the form of a partial gear wheel 351 on its outer edge. The partial gear 351 covers 180° of the circumference of the semicircular end of the transmission element 30. The semicircle is shown in FIG 6 shown removal position of the transmission element 30 pivoted to the vertical to the right. This makes it possible to attach the gear wheel 350, which forms the further part of the braking element 35, offset to the right to the transmission element 30 at a height on the base body 300 that is slightly higher than the height at which the passage for the shaft 101 in the Transmission element 30 is provided. The transmission element 30 extends downwards from the semicircular area and its width increases downwards. A receiving opening 38 in the form of a slot running vertically in the removal position is provided at the lower edge. In the illustrated embodiment, two screws are provided as engagement devices 340 on the transmission element 30 between the passage for the shaft and the upper end of the receiving opening 38 . The engaging devices 340 preferably only protrude beyond the transmission element 30 on one side. The upper ends of fixing means in the form of spring elements 34 can be attached to the engagement devices 340 . The spring elements 34 can in particular be in the form of spiral tension springs. The other ends of the spring members 34 are attached to the base body 300 of the fixing mechanism 3 offset downwards.

The base body 300 is a cuboid that can be connected to the housing 103, in particular screwed into an end wall of the housing 103 of the vapor extraction device. In the outside of the base body 300, which in 2 and 6 is shown, a guide element 31 is introduced in the form of an arcuate groove or double cardioid. In the guide element 31, a link 32 is provided as a fixing element at each of its two ends. Each connecting link 32 has a catch 320 on its upper side. A sliding element 33 is guided in the guide element as a further fixing means. The sliding element 33 can be guided in the guide element 31 around the connecting link 32 . The other end of the sliding element 33, which has the shape of a pin, engages in the receiving opening 38 of the transmission element 30 and is guided there.

Furthermore, a recess for receiving the gear wheel 350 of the braking element 35 is provided on the outside of the base body 300 . on the in 6 A depression for receiving a switch 36 is introduced on the left edge of the base body 300 . In this case, the switching element of the switch 36 protrudes beyond the outside of the base body 300 . If the transmission element 30 is now removed from the in 6 shown removal position rotated clockwise. When the left portion of the transmission element 30 at the back comes into contact with the switching element of the switch 36 and thus actuates the switch 36. The switch 36 is positioned in such a way that the switch 36 is actuated through several degrees about the rest position, thus indicating that the Suction opening is closed by the closing element 11.

In the rest or locked position of the closure member 11 off 1 the sliding element 33 is engaged in the catch 320 of the left connecting link 32 and is held in this position by the right spring element 34 .

In order to move the locking element 11 out of this position, the user can exert pressure on the right outer longitudinal edge of the locking side 110 of the locking body 115 . This force is transmitted to the transmission element 30 via the shaft 101 and moves it clockwise. As a result, the sliding element 33 runs along the connecting link 32 and disengages from the catch 320. A projection in the guide element 31, which points above the connecting link 32 in the direction of the connecting link 32, turns the sliding element 33 to the upper side of the connecting link 32 directed. If the pressure on the locking side 110 of the closing body 115 is removed, the sliding element 33 moves due to the spring force exerted on it by the right-hand spring element 34 along the upper side of the connecting link 32 in the direction of the center of the guide element 31. This movement of the sliding element 33 also rotates the closing element 11 via the transmission element 30. As soon as the right spring element 34 is relaxed, the closing body 115 is in the 6 shown removal position. The spring elements 34 are both relaxed in this rotational position of the closing element 11 .

The closing element 11 can be brought into the operating position from the removal position. To do this, the user exerts a pressure force directed to the left on the upper edge of the suction side 111 of the closing element. As a result, the sliding element 33 is guided in the guide element 31 in the direction of the right link 32 via the transmission element 30 . With sufficient pressure, the sliding element 33 engages with the catch 320 on the link 32 and the closing element 11 is in the in 3 shown operating position fixed. In particular, the sliding element 33 is held in the detent 320 by the left-hand spring element 34 in this position.

The rotation of the closing element 11 and thus the movement of the sliding element 33 is damped by the braking element 35 in the illustrated embodiment.

In 7 the inside of the main body 300 of the fixing mechanism 3 is shown. The holder 39 is attached to the shaft 101 on the inside. A channel 301 runs behind the holder 39 on the inside, in which a cable to the switch 36 can be routed. Furthermore, in the 7 a locking pin 37 introduced into the passage opening 302 in the base body 300 is shown. The inside of the base body 300 is preferably, as in 5 shown covered by a cover 303 before the holder 39 is attached.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

The present invention has a number of advantages. In particular, separate operating elements such as buttons can be dispensed with. In addition, an electric drive and the associated components are not required. Instead, the invention provides a purely mechanical closure element that is simple and reliable to use and produces a flat surface both in the closed state, ie in the blocked position, and in the open state, ie in the operating position. This means that no protruding elements impede cooking on the surrounding hobs.

In addition, with the fixing mechanism according to the invention, in which a large number of functions are provided on the transmission element, the installation space required for the fixing mechanism is small. In particular, the fixing mechanism has a low height. Finally, the fixing mechanism can be manufactured with great accuracy, since the base body can consist of an aluminum block in which grooves and depressions are milled and the other functions are performed on the transmission element. This reduces the required tolerance and the number of components. With the present invention, a push-to-open mechanism can be integrated in a limited volume. volumes are integrated.

Reference List

1

extractor device

10

intake port

100

frame

101

Wave

102

axis

103

Housing

11

closing element

110

blocking page

111

suction side

1110

grid

112

passage side

113

face

1130

Insertion opening (part of the fastening device)

114

face

1140

Insertion opening (part of the attachment device)

115

closing body

2

stove

3

fixing mechanism

30

transmission element

300

body

301

channel

302

passage opening

303

cover

31

guide element

32

Fixative (Set)

320

rest

33

fixative (sliding element)

34

fixative (spring element)

340

attack device

35

braking element

350

gear

351

partial gear

36

Switch

37

locking pin

38

intake opening

39

holder

390

locking arm

391

counter holder

Claims (14)

Vapor extraction device (1), in particular a downdraft ventilation device, with at least one suction opening (10), at least one closing element (11) for at least temporarily closing the suction opening (10) and a fixing mechanism (3) for fixing the closing element (11), characterized in that the closing element (11) is rotatably mounted in the area of the suction opening (10) via a shaft (101), that the closing element (11) serves to actuate the fixing mechanism (3), that the fixing mechanism (3) has at least one fixing means (32, 33, 34) for fixing the closing element (11) in at least two defined rotational positions and at least one control element for controlling the movement of the closing element (11), that the fixing mechanism (3) has a transmission element (30) which is attached to the shaft (101) of the Closing element (11) is provided for transmitting force and that at least one fixing means (33, 34) is attached to the transmission element (3 0) attacks and at least one control element comes into contact with the transmission element (30) at least temporarily. Extractor device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one control element comes into contact with the edge area of the transmission element (30) and preferably that the at least one fixing means (33, 34) engages in the surface of the transmission element (30). Extractor device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that one of the control elements is part of a braking element (35). Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that at least one of the control elements is a switch (36) which is actuated by the transmission element (30). Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that at least one of the control elements is a locking pin (37) for locking the movement of the closing element (11) and preferably the transmission element (30) has at least one receiving opening (38) for receiving at least part of the locking pin (37). Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the transmission element (30) has an area for engagement with a part of a control element, which is a braking element (35), an area for contact with a control element, which is a switch (36), an area for guiding a fixing means (32, 33, 34) which represents a sliding element (33) and at least one engagement device (340) for engaging a fixing means (32, 33, 34) which represents a spring element (34). Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the fixing mechanism (3) comprises a base body (300) on which the transmission element (30) is rotatably mounted. Extractor device (1) according to claim 7 , characterized in that at least one fixing means (32, 33, 34) and/or at least one control element is at least partially provided on the base body (300). Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 7 or 8th , characterized in that on the side of the base body (300), which is opposite the transmission element (30), a holder (39) for holding the closing element (11) is provided and the holder (39) with the transmission element (30) on a common shaft (101) is held. Extractor device (1) according to claim 9 , characterized in that the holder (39) has at least one latching arm (390) for latching with an insertion opening (1140) of the closure element (11). Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 8 until 10 , characterized in that in the base body (300) at least one channel (301) is introduced for a cable and / or that the base body (300) has at least one passage outlet opening (302) for a locking pin (37) for locking the transmission element (30). Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that a rotary position of the closing element (11) is a blocking position in which the suction opening (10) is closed by the closing element (11), and a further rotary position is an operating position in which the suction of air via the suction opening (10) is possible. Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 12 , characterized in that the closing element (11) has a closing body (115) with a triangular, preferably equilateral, cross section. Extractor device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 13 , characterized in that the fixing mechanism (3) effects the fixing of the closing element (11) in a rotational position and the release of such a fixing by the action of pressure on the closing element (11).

Images