EP3475621B1 - Device for removing cooking vapours - Google Patents

Description

The present patent application takes priority from the German patent application DE 10 2016 211 207.4 claim.

The invention relates to a device for extracting cooking fumes. The invention also relates to a hob system with such a device. Finally, the invention relates to kitchen furniture with a corresponding device.

A device for extracting cooking vapors is, for example, from DE 10 2007 002 241 A1 known. A hob system with a device for extracting cooking vapors is, for example, from WO 2012/146 237 A1 known.

Such devices are also known from DE 20 2012 001 839 U1 , the DE 20 2011 005 698 U1 , the EP 2 653 787 A2 and the DE 10 2013 007 722 A1 .

There is a continuing need to improve such cooking fume extraction devices and cooktop systems.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 or a hob with such a device.

The essence of the invention is to provide a closure element for closing a cooking vapor inlet opening, which can be displaced by means of an actuating device, the closure element has at least one rotational movement component and at least one linear movement component when shifting between two end positions. In particular, the closure element can be displaced between two defined end positions, which are also referred to as end positions. In the first end position, the closure element closes the cooking vapor inlet opening. In the second end position, the cooking vapor inlet opening is free. According to the invention, the actuating device also has a purely rotary drive, by means of which the at least one closure element can be displaced. In particular, a motor, in particular an electric motor, serves as the drive. Several drive motors can also be provided. In particular, one or more positioning or servomotors can be provided as the drive. This enables a smooth movement sequence for the displacement of the closure element.

According to the invention, the at least one closure element is arranged completely outside of a flow area of the cooking vapors in its second position releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening. The at least one closure element can be arranged in each case completely outside the flow area, in particular in its second position releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening.

In particular, the cylindrical area with the guide curve defined by the cooking vapor inlet opening and a generatrix running perpendicular to this is referred to as the flow area. The generatrix can also be aligned obliquely to the cooking vapor inlet opening. In particular, it can enclose an angle in the range from 60° to 120°, in particular in the range from 75° to 105°, with the cooking vapor inlet opening. In particular, it can be inclined by at least 5°, in particular at least 10°, to the vertical. This can be advantageous in particular in the case of an oblique design of the cooking vapor entry device or an extraction channel adjoining the cooking vapor entry opening or an obliquely running extraction channel area.

By arranging the closure element outside of the flow area can be achieved that the closure element in its second, the Cooking vapor inlet opening releasing position does not affect the flow of cooking vapors. In this way, undesired flow losses in particular can be reduced, in particular avoided. If desired, however, turbulence-inducing agents can be introduced into the cooking fume stream.

According to one aspect of the invention, the actuating device for actuating the closure element is designed in such a way that the at least one closure element has at least two linearly independent movement components when shifting between the two end positions. In this case, a rotational movement is referred to as being linearly independent of a linear movement if the orientation of the axis of rotation is not aligned parallel to the direction of the linear movement.

Alternative combinations of linearly independent movement components are also possible. In particular, it is possible for the closure element to have more than a single rotational movement component during the displacement between the two end positions. In particular, it can have two or more rotational movement components with different pivot axes.

By combining the different movement components, the closure element can be shifted between the two end positions in a confined space.

For example, the actuating device for actuating the closure element is designed in such a way that the at least one closure element has at least one rotational movement component and at least one linear movement component during displacement between the two end positions. The corresponding movements can be provided at least partially sequentially to each other. In particular, two linear movement components and one rotary movement component can be provided. It is possible, for example, to design the actuating device in such a way that the at least one closure element, when shifting between the two end positions, first performs a linear, in particular a purely linear movement, then a rotary, in particular a purely rotary movement Movement, and finally once again a linear, in particular a purely linear movement, performs. Here, the two are linear motion components preferably linearly independent of each other. In particular, they can be aligned perpendicular to one another. In particular, they can each be aligned parallel to a surface normal on the closure element in the respective end positions.

It is thus possible, in particular, to first linearly displace the closure element from one of the end positions for displacement to the respective other end position, then to pivot it and finally to linearly displace it again.

The pivoting of the closure element takes place in particular about a pivot axis which is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the closure element in one or both of the end positions.

By shifting the closure element with at least one rotational movement component and at least one linear movement component, the closure of the cooking vapor inlet opening in the first end position can be improved on the one hand, and the arrangement of the closure element in the second end position on the other. In particular, the fluidic properties of the device can be improved.

The cooking vapor entry device, in particular the cooking vapor entry opening, remains stationary during operation of the device, in particular when the closure element is displaced. This leads to a simpler construction of the device. In addition, this can prevent components of the extractor device from protruding beyond the plane of the cooktop during operation of the same. In particular, a vertical displacement of the cooking vapor inlet opening can be avoided.

The closure element can be designed as a closure flap, in particular as a one-part or multi-part closure flap. In the case of a multi-part design, the closure element can be divided into several partial areas in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. The partial areas can be moved independently, separately from one another.

The closure element can be plate-shaped, in particular can have a flat surface. It can also have a curved or curved surface.

The extraction device serves in particular to extract cooking vapors downwards, in particular in the direction below a plane defined by the cooking vapor inlet opening. The extraction device is also known as a downdraft system (downdraft system).

According to a further aspect of the invention, the closure element is guided for displacement by means of at least one connecting link device. This makes it possible to achieve multi-component displaceability of the closure element in a relatively simple manner.

In particular, the link includes a curved link slot. A sliding block is mounted in the link slot. The sliding block also engages in an opening in a power transmission lever. The opening can be designed as a slot. At the opposite end of the lever, it is connected to a rotary drive.

The sliding block is firmly connected to the locking element.

The connecting link slot is arranged in a stationary manner in relation to the cooking vapor entry device.

The connecting link slot can essentially be in the form of a quarter of a circle. In this case, the connecting link slot can be lengthened tangentially at at least one end, in particular at both ends. The connecting link slot thus has in particular at least one straight section and one curved area, in particular in the form of a segment of a circular arc. The connecting link slot can in particular have two rectilinear areas and an area in the form of a circular arc segment lying between them.

A further link slot can also be provided. This can be arranged stationary to the closure element. In particular, it is configured in a straight line. A sliding block connected in a stationary manner to the cooking vapor entry device is guided in this sliding link slot.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the closure element lies below an upper edge of the cooking vapor entry device both in the first and in the second end position. In particular, it lies completely below the upper edge of the cooking vapor entry device. In particular in the case of a curved design, it can also protrude a little, in particular by a few millimeters, over the upper edge of the cooking vapor entry device. In particular in the first position, which closes the cooking vapor entry opening, it can lead to a supplement or continuation of the edge area of the cooking vapor entry device which is interrupted by the cooking vapor entry opening.

The closure element can in particular be designed in such a way that in the first position, closing the cooking vapor inlet opening, it forms a continuation of an edge region of the cooking vapor inlet device surrounding the cooking vapor inlet opening, which can be described by a constant, in particular a differentiable, in particular a continuously differentiable function.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooking vapor inlet opening can be tightly closed by means of the at least one closure element. In particular, it can be closed in a liquid-tight manner. It can also be closable in a gas-tight manner.

In this way, it is possible in particular to prevent liquids from entering the cooking vapor entry device unintentionally, in particular when the extractor device is in the switched-off state. This also makes it possible to prevent odors from being able to escape through the cooking vapor inlet opening from below when it is in the closed state.

To improve the tightness, sealing elements can be arranged in the edge area of the cooking vapor inlet opening and/or the closure element. The sealing element can in particular be arranged circumferentially to the cooking vapor inlet opening and/or to the closure element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one closure element can be removed or removed. It can be removed from the cooking vapor entry device, in particular for cleaning purposes. In particular, a tool-free removal option is provided. In particular, the closure element can be easily inserted through the cooking vapor inlet opening. To support the correct alignment of the closure element when it is inserted into the cooking vapor entry device, one or more links, for example guide webs, can be provided.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the closure element is designed asymmetrically in such a way that it can only be inserted into the cooking vapor entry device in a specific orientation. It is particular can only be used in this correct orientation through the cooking vapor entry opening into the cooking vapor entry device. This improves the usability of the trigger device for the user.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extractor device comprises a suction device for sucking off cooking vapors through the cooking vapor entry device, wherein the actuating device for actuating the at least one closure element is coupled in a signal-transmitting manner to a control device for controlling the suction device.

This makes it possible to automate the actuation, in particular the displacement of the closure element. In particular, it is possible to couple the actuating device for actuating the at least one closure element to the control device for controlling the suction device in such a way that, when the suction device is activated, the closure element is automatically shifted from the closed position to the second end position, which releases the cooking vapor inlet opening. Conversely, after the suction device has been switched off, the closure element can be automatically shifted into the first position, which closes the cooking vapor inlet opening. Here, a run-on of the suction device can be provided and taken into account. In particular, it is possible to couple the actuating device for actuating the at least one closure element to the control device for controlling the suction device in such a way that the closure element is only transferred to the closed position with a delay after the suction device has been switched off. The delay can be in the range from 1 minute to 15 minutes, in particular in the range from 3 minutes to 10 minutes.

The delay can also be controlled by sensors. In particular, it can be controlled as a function of the air humidity in a predetermined measuring range of the cooking vapor entry device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the triggering device comprises at least one sensor for detecting the displacement position of the at least one closure element. In particular, this sensor can be connected to the control device for controlling the suction device in a signal-transmitting manner. In this way it can be ensured that the suction device is only activated or can be activated when the cooking vapor inlet opening is not closed by the closure element. In particular, it is possible to couple the control device for controlling the suction device to the sensor for detecting the displacement position of the at least one closure element in such a way that the suction device can only be activated when the at least one closure element is in the respective second end position that releases the cooking vapor inlet opening. According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuating device has a means for preventing jamming. In particular, it is provided with anti-trap protection. The protection against pinching can be realized by an electronic circuit. A resistance in the course of movement of the closure element can be detected in particular by an overcurrent. This can lead to a reversal of movement of the drive to move the closure element.

This improves the operational reliability of the extraction device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extraction device comprises a removable or detachable drip tray for collecting liquids.

The collecting tray is used in particular to collect liquids that accidentally enter through the cooking vapor inlet opening. This can prevent these liquids from getting into the suction device. This leads to increased safety of the trigger device.

The drip tray is in particular a component of the cooking vapor entry device. In particular, it can be removed through the inlet opening of the same.

The drip pan is made of plastic in particular. It can preferably be latched to the housing of the cooking vapor entry device. It can be inserted or inserted into the housing of the cooking vapor entry device. It can also itself form a part of the housing of the cooking vapor entry device.

In particular, the drip tray is dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning them easier.

The collecting trough is preferably arranged in the flow direction behind a filter element, in particular in the form of a filter insert.

The collection pan is arranged in front of a fan of the suction device, in particular in the direction of flow. This increases operational safety.

In particular, the collection pan has a collection volume of at least 200 ml, in particular at least 300 ml, in particular at least 500 ml, in particular at least 1000 ml, in particular at least 1500 ml, in particular at least 2000 ml. The collection volume of the collection pan is usually less than 5 l, in particular less than 3 l.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the collecting tray can be provided with a sensor device for detecting an accumulation of liquid in the collecting tray. In particular, the amount of liquid in the collecting pan can be detected by means of the sensor device.

The sensor device can be coupled in a signal-transmitting manner to the actuating device for actuating the at least one closure element. In particular, it is possible to couple the actuating device for actuating the at least one closure element to the sensor device of the collecting pan in such a way that the closing element is automatically transferred to the closed position when a certain specified liquid level is exceeded, in particular a certain specified quantity of liquid in the collecting pan , so that no further liquid can get into the cooking vapor entry device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extraction device comprises at least one sensor, by means of which it can be detected whether a filter, in particular a grease filter, is inserted in the device. In particular, the sensor can be used to detect whether the grease filter is correctly inserted into the device, ie whether the filter is in the correct operating position located. Optionally, the condition of the grease filter, in particular the degree of saturation thereof, can also be detected by sensors.

This can lead to improvements in the operation of the trigger device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extraction device comprises an extraction device for extracting cooking vapors through the cooking vapor inlet device. The extraction device comprises at least one fan with a fan housing, the distance between a base of the fan housing and an upper edge of the cooking vapor entry device being at most 30 cm, in particular at most 25 cm, in particular at most 20 cm, in a direction perpendicular to the base of the fan housing.

The withdrawal device is thus characterized in particular by a compact design. In particular, it can be mounted in a commercially available piece of kitchen furniture, in particular a kitchen base cabinet, instead of a drawer.

Sufficient space remains between the fan housing and the upper edge of the cooking vapor entry device, which can essentially coincide with the upper edge of a worktop, for the arrangement of one or more hobs. The space between the fan housing and the upper edge of the cooking vapor entry device is in particular at least 10 cm.

A carbon filter element can be connected to the fan housing. In this case, too, the distance between the floor and the upper edge of the cooking vapor entry device is preferably at most 30 cm, in particular at most 25 cm, in particular at most 20 cm. The distance between the bottom of the charcoal filter element and the top edge of the cooking vapor entry device is in particular at most as large as the distance between the bottom of the fan housing and the top edge of the cooking vapor entry device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the fan housing can have integrated noise insulation. Provision can in particular be made for a noise-damping mat to be arranged on the inside of the fan housing.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a suction chamber is provided between the fan motor and the cooking vapor inlet opening. The intake chamber is arranged in particular above the fan motor.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the fan housing has an exhaust opening. The blow-out opening is in particular arranged in a plane which encloses an angle of 90° with the plane defined by the cooking vapor inlet opening.

The exhaust opening has a free cross section of at least 100 cm ² , in particular at least 150 cm ² , in particular at least 200 cm ² , in particular at least 250 cm ² , in particular at least 300 cm ² , in particular at least 350 cm ² , in particular at least 500 cm ² . The free cross section of the exhaust opening is in particular at most 1000 cm ² .

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extraction device has a width of at most 20 cm, in particular at most 15 cm, in particular at most 12 cm, in particular in the region of the cooking vapor inlet opening at most 10 cm, in particular at most 8 cm, in particular at most 5 cm.

This enables the extractor device to be arranged in a space-saving manner, in particular between two hobs.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooking vapor entry device has an installation frame. The mounting frame can be exchangeable. In particular, it can be provided in different versions, in particular with different depths. The mounting frame can in particular have a depth of up to 50 cm, a depth in the range from 50 cm to 60 cm, a depth in the range from 60 cm to 70 cm or a depth in the range from 70 cm to 80 cm. According to an advantageous variant, the built-in frame can have a flexibly adjustable depth. In particular, it can have an adjustable depth.

This increases the flexibility when installing the extraction device.

The extractor device can be easily adapted to the dimensions of different hobs by means of the installation frame.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the extraction device is part of a modular system. The extractor device can in particular be part of a hob system with one or more hobs. The hobs are preferably of modular design. This means that the hobs can essentially be freely selected from a selection of different hobs and can be combined with the extractor device.

The hobs can each have their own control unit. As an alternative to this, it is possible to provide a separate central control unit for controlling all hobs. This control unit can also be used to control the extraction device. It can be designed as a separate module. It can also be integrated into the extraction device.

Another object of the invention is to improve kitchen furniture. This object is achieved by a piece of kitchen furniture with an extraction device according to the preceding description.

In particular, it is possible to integrate the extraction device into the kitchen furniture at the factory. Here, the compact design of the extraction device can be used particularly well. In particular, it is possible to adapt the dimensions and/or subdivision of the kitchen furniture precisely and specifically to the dimensions of the extractor device.

The kitchen furniture can in particular be a kitchen base cabinet.

The kitchen furniture can also include a worktop.

It can be designed as free-standing kitchen furniture or as a modular piece of furniture for integration into a kitchen unit with other pieces of furniture.

One or more hobs can also be integrated into the kitchen furniture.

According to an alternative, it is provided to integrate only the extractor device, but no hobs, in the kitchen furniture. In this case, the kitchen furniture can be made particularly narrow. In particular, it can have a width of at most 30 cm, in particular at most 25 cm, in particular at most 20 cm. In this case, provision can be made for the fan housing to be arranged rotated by 90° relative to the arrangement according to the preceding description.

Fig. 1

schematisch eine Ansicht eines Kochfeldsystems mit zwei Kochfeldern und einem dazwischen angeordneten Muldenlüfter,

Fig. 2

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Einsatzes für einen Muldenlüfter,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Einsatzes gemäß Fig. 2 aus einem anderen Blickwinkel,

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht des Filter-Elements des Einsatzes gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht des Auffang-Elements des Einsatzes gemäß Fig. 2,

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht des Filter-Elements gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung durch ein Kochfeldsystem im Bereich eines Muldenlüfters, wobei das Auffang-Element des Einsatzes entnommen ist,

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 7 mit einem in den Muldenlüfter eingesetzten Einsatz,

Fig. 9

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 8 mit einer weiteren Alternative eines Einsatzes für den Muldenlüfter,

Fig. 10

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 8 mit einer weiteren Alternative eines Einsatzes für den Muldenlüfter und

Fig. 11

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 8 mit einer weiteren Alternative eines Einsatzes für den Muldenlüfter,

Fig. 12

eine schematische Seitenansicht eines in eine Küchenarbeitsplatte integrierten Kochfeldsystems mit einem Muldenlüfter und einem Kochfeld,

Fig. 13

eine perspektivische Ansicht des Muldenlüfters gemäß Fig. 12,

Fig. 14

schematisch eine Schnittansicht des Muldenlüfters gemäß Fig. 13 entlang der Linie XIV-XIV,

Fig. 15A

eine Schnittansicht eines Ausschnitts eines Muldenlüfters im Bereich einer Einström-Einrichtung im verschlossenen Zustand einer Einströmöffnung,

Fig. 15B

eine an einer Vertikalachse gespiegelte Rückansicht des Ausschnitts gemäß Fig. 15A,

Fig. 15C

eine isolierte Darstellung der Kulissenelemente zur Führung des Verschlusselements in einer Stellung gemäß Fig. 15B,

Fig. 16A bis 16C

Darstellungen entsprechend den Fig. 15A bis 15C beim Öffnungsvorgang der Kochdunst-Eintrittsöffnung mit einer Stellung des Verschlusselements, in welcher eine lineare Verlagerung desselben in eine Drehbewegung übergeht bzw. beim Schließvorgang der Eintrittsöffnung umgekehrt eine Drehbewegung in eine lineare Bewegung übergeht,

Fig. 17A bis 17C

Darstellungen gemäß den Fig. 15A bis 15C in einer mittleren Position des Verschlusselements, wobei die Fig. 17A und 17B zu unterschiedlichen Positionen des Verschlusselements korrespondieren,

Fig. 18A bis 18C

Darstellungen gemäß den Fig. 15A bis 15C mit dem Verschlusselement in einer Stellung kurz vor Erreichen der zweiten Endposition, in welcher die Kochdunsteintrittsöffnung geöffnet ist,

Fig. 19A bis 19C

Darstellungen gemäß den Fig. 15A bis 15C mit dem Verschlusselement in der zweiten Endposition, in welcher die Kochdunst-Eintrittsöffnung geöffnet ist,

Fig. 20A

eine Aufsicht durch die Kochdunst-Eintrittsöffnung auf das Verschlusselement in der Stellung gemäß Fig. 19A,

Fig. 20B

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 20A bei herausgenommenem Verschlusselement, so dass die Lageführung desselben sichtbar ist und

Fig. 20C

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 20B, wobei die Lageführung entfernt wurde, um die Kulissenelemente zur Führung der Verlagerung des Verschlusselements sichtbar zu machen.

Further details and advantages of the invention result from the description of several exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. Show it:

1

a schematic view of a hob system with two hobs and a downdraft fan arranged between them,

2

a perspective view of an insert for a downdraft fan,

3

a perspective view of the insert according to FIG 2 from a different angle,

4

a view of the filter element of the insert according to 2 ,

figure 5

a view of the capture element of the insert according to FIG 2 ,

6

a side view of the filter element according to FIG 4 ,

7

a schematic sectional view through a hob system in the area of a downdraft fan, with the collecting element of the insert being removed,

8

a view according to 7 with an insert inserted in the downdraft fan,

9

a view according to 8 with another alternative of an insert for the downdraft fan,

10

a view according to 8 with another alternative of an insert for the downdraft fan and

11

a view according to 8 with another alternative of an insert for the downdraft fan,

12

a schematic side view of a hob system integrated into a kitchen worktop with a downdraft fan and a hob,

13

a perspective view of the hob ventilator according to FIG 12 ,

14

schematically shows a sectional view of the downdraft fan according to FIG 13 along line XIV-XIV,

Figure 15A

a sectional view of a section of a downdraft fan in the area of an inflow device in the closed state of an inflow opening,

Figure 15B

a rear view of the section according to FIG. 1 mirrored on a vertical axis Figure 15A ,

Figure 15C

an isolated representation of the link elements for guiding the closure element in a position according to FIG Figure 15B ,

Figures 16A to 16C

Representations according to Figures 15A to 15C during the opening process of the cooking vapor inlet opening with a position of the closure element in which a linear displacement of the same changes into a rotary movement or, conversely, during the closing process of the inlet opening a rotary movement changes into a linear movement,

Figures 17A to 17C

Representations according to Figures 15A to 15C in a middle position of the closure element, wherein the Figure 17A and 17B correspond to different positions of the closure element,

Figures 18A to 18C

Representations according to Figures 15A to 15C with the closure element in a position shortly before reaching the second end position, in which the cooking vapor inlet opening is open,

Figures 19A to 19C

Representations according to Figures 15A to 15C with the closure element in the second end position, in which the cooking vapor inlet opening is open,

Figure 20A

a view through the cooking fumes inlet opening on the closure element in the position shown in FIG Figure 19A ,

Figure 20B

a view according to Figure 20A with the closure element removed, so that the position guide of the same is visible and

Figure 20C

a view according to Figure 20B , with the position guide removed to reveal the cam elements guiding the displacement of the closure element.

The general components of a hob system 1 are first described below. The hob system 1 includes at least one hob 2 1 Hob system 1 shown as an example, two hobs 2 are provided. The hobs 2 can essentially be any hobs. In particular, it can be induction hobs, gas hobs, Tepan Yaki hobs, hobs for a wok, electric hobs or hotplates, grills or other hobs.

At the in the 1 As an alternative, shown as an example, control knobs 3 are provided for operating the hobs 2 . Operation by means of touch-sensitive sensors, which in particular can be integrated into the hob 2, is also possible. Operation via a separate operating module is also conceivable. In this case, the hobs 2 cannot be self-sufficient, ie without their own control electronics, be trained. As a result, the construction of the hobs 2 can be simplified. In particular, it is possible to reduce the overall height of the hobs 2 . In particular, it can be at most 10 cm, in particular at most 6 cm, in particular at most 5 cm, in particular at most 4 cm, in particular at most 3 cm, in particular at most 2 cm.

The hob system 1 also includes a downdraft fan 4. The downdraft fan 4 forms a device for extracting cooking vapors.

At the in the 2 In the alternative shown, the downdraft fan 4 is arranged between the two hobs 2 . It can also be arranged to the side of the hobs 2 or in the area behind the hobs 2 .

It can have a round, in particular a circular, cooking vapor inlet opening 5 . In the alternative shown, the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 is elongate, in particular rectangular. The cooking vapor inlet opening 5 has in particular an aspect ratio of at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, in particular at least 5:1, in particular at least 10:1. The aspect ratio of the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 is usually at most 100:1, in particular at most 50:1.

Several cooking vapor inlet openings 5 can also be provided. In particular, it is possible to provide two or more cooking vapor inlet openings 5, in particular slit-shaped cooking vapor inlet openings 5. These can in particular be aligned parallel to one another.

The cooking vapor inlet opening 5 can be reversibly closed, in particular by means of a closure element 6 . In the case of several cooking vapor inlet openings 5, these can each be reversibly closed separately, ie independently of one another, by means of closure elements 6.

A control knob 7 is provided to operate the downdraft fan 4 . Operation using a touch-sensitive sensor is also possible.

The downdraft fan 4 is arranged in particular in the area of a hob level 8 . It is used to extract cooking vapors from the area above the hob level 8 to an area below the hob level 8. It is therefore also referred to as a downdraft system.

The cooking vapor inlet opening 5 is preferably arranged in a fixed position relative to the plane 8 of the hob.

According to an alternative not shown in the figures, the area of the hob fan 4 with the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 can be displaced in the direction perpendicular to the plane 8 of the cooktop.

Provision can be made for the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 to be arranged a few millimeters above the hob level 8 . As a result, the risk of liquid inadvertently penetrating into the downdraft fan 4, particularly if liquids boil over, can be significantly reduced. In particular, it can also be provided that the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 is designed in such a way that it can be shifted to a position a few millimeters above the plane of the hob when the downdraft fan 4 is in operation. In this case, it can be arranged flush with the cooktop plane 8 when the downdraft fan 4 is switched off.

The hob system 1 is of modular design. In this case, essentially freely selectable hobs 2 can be flexibly combined with one or more of the downdraft fans 4 .

The hob system 1 can also be designed as an assembly unit. In this case, one or more hobs 2 are integrated with one or more downdraft fans 4 into a single system. In particular, they are arranged in a common housing. This only has to be inserted into a recess in a worktop 9 for assembly.

In the area below the hob system 1, compartments, in particular drawers 10 of a kitchen base unit 11, can be used essentially without restriction.

The kitchen base cabinet 11 generally forms a piece of kitchen furniture. The hob system 1, in particular the downdraft fan 4, can be integrated into the kitchen furniture. In particular, they can be integrated into the kitchen furniture at the factory.

The assembly unit, in particular the downdraft fan 4, preferably has an overall height h in the range of less than 30 cm, in particular less than 25 cm, in particular less than 20 cm, in particular less than 18 cm, in particular less than 16 cm, in particular less than 15 cm on. In particular, the mounting unit requires no more space under the worktop 9 for installation than a normal cutlery drawer.

For corresponding details and further information on the general structure of the hob system 1, refer to the EP 2 702 329 A1 referenced hereby are fully integrated as part of the present application in this.

The following are with reference to the Figures 2 to 4 further features of the downdraft fan 4, in particular a cooking vapor entry device 41 of the same, are described. In the Figures 7 to 11 in particular, only a section of the downdraft fan 4 from the area of the cooking vapor entry device 41 is shown. Components of the downdraft fan 4 that follow in the direction of flow 27 are not shown in these figures for the sake of clarity.

The downdraft fan 4 includes an insert 12. An alternative of the insert 12 is an example in the 2 and 3 shown. The insert 12 is designed in several parts. It comprises a filter element 13 and a collecting element 14. The filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 can be separated from one another. In the 4 the filter element 13 is shown without the collecting element 14 . In the figure 5 the collecting element 14 is shown without the filter element 13 .

The filter element 13 can be removed from the downdraft fan 4 . In particular, it can be removed from the hob ventilator 4 independently of the collecting element 14 .

The filter element 13 has a handle 15 to make it easier to remove. The handle 15 can be in the form of a recessed grip. In particular, it is designed in an ergonomically favorable manner, in particular adapted to the usual size of fingers on a human hand.

The filter element itself is designed in two parts. It has a frame 16 . The frame 16 is dimensionally stable. In particular, it can be made of plastic. According to an alternative, the frame 16 is made of metal, in particular aluminum or stainless steel. Other materials, such as carbon, are also possible. The frame 16 is in particular made of a moisture and heat resistant material.

In addition, the filter element 13 includes the actual filter 17. The filter 17 includes several layers of filter fabric. The filter layers are preferably made of stainless steel. The filter 17 can in particular have several, in particular at least three, in particular at least five, in particular eight or more layers, in particular double layers. The layers can have a stainless steel mesh. In particular, they can consist of a double-sided knitted grid.

The filter 17 is in particular a grease filter.

The downdraft fan 4, in particular the system comprising the removable components of the downdraft fan 4, in particular the system comprising the filter 17, the collecting element 14 and a collecting tray 28 which may be present, has a grease separation degree of more than 45%, in particular more than 55%, in particular more than 65%, in particular more than 75%, in particular more than 85%, in particular more than 95%. This information refers to the degree of grease separation according to DIN EN 61591.

The filter 17, in particular the filter layers, are curved.

A flow-optimized construction of the filter element 13 can be achieved by a curved shape.

The filter element 13 is dishwasher safe. For cleaning, it can simply be removed from the downdraft extractor 4 and placed in the dishwasher.

A signal transmitter 18 is arranged on the frame 16 . A magnet is used as the signal generator 18 . As an alternative to this, the signal generator 18 can also be designed, for example, as an electrical contact or mechanically, for example as a projection, in particular in the form of a latching lug.

A suitable sensor element in the downdraft fan 4 can be used with the aid of the signal generator 18 to detect whether the filter element 13 is correctly inserted into the downdraft fan 4 or not. The corresponding sensor is preferably in signal-transmitting connection with a control device 85 for the downdraft fan 4.

The collecting element 14 can also be removed from the downdraft fan 4 . The collecting element 14 has a handle 19 for this purpose. With regard to its design, reference is made to the description of the handle 15 of the filter element 13 .

The collecting element 14 is designed to match the filter element 13 . The two elements 13, 14 can in particular be plugged into or onto one another in a form-fitting manner. In the assembled state, they have, in particular, an inner wall 20 that is configured essentially without edges. The inner wall 20 is curved. It forms a flow control surface for deflecting the flow of cooking fumes. The flow guide surface is essentially edge-free, preferably smooth. The course of the flow control surface, in particular its cross section relative to a vertical plane, in particular relative to a vertically aligned central plane of the downdraft fan 4, can be described in particular by a continuous function, in particular a differentiable function, in particular by a continuously differentiable function. The flow directing surface can have a constant curvature. The flow guide surface can also have a curvature that varies in the direction of flow. In particular, it can be designed to be essentially planar in an edge region facing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 . In particular, it can be designed to be essentially planar in an edge region facing the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 . In this case, it is curved only in the area between these edge areas.

The collecting element 14 serves to absorb liquids. For this purpose, it has a collecting trough 21 or at least a trough-like area. The collection tray 21 has a collection volume of at least 50 ml, in particular at least 100 ml, in particular at least 200 ml, in particular at least 300 ml, in particular at least 500 ml, in particular at least 700 ml.

The collecting element 14 is made of a dimensionally stable material. The collecting element 14 is in particular made of plastic. It can also be made of metal, in particular aluminum, or stainless steel. The collecting element 14 can also be made from other materials, for example carbon, or can include such materials. In particular, the collecting element 14 is made exclusively of moisture-resistant materials. It is heat-resistant in particular for temperatures up to 75°C, in particular up to 80°C, in particular up to 95°C, in particular at least 100°C.

The collecting element 14 has a cooking vapor outlet opening 22 . A channel 23 for discharging cooking vapors adjoins the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 when the collecting element 14 is in the inserted state in the hob fan 4 . The transition from the collecting element 14 to the channel 23 is, in particular, essentially free of edges. It is preferably designed to be flow-optimized in such a way that, apart from targeted dead space and/or turbulence areas, an essentially turbulence-free flow of cooking vapors is made possible. In the direction of flow behind the grease filter 17, the flow cross section can initially increase. After a deflection, the flow cross section decreases in an adjoining area. The flow-mechanical properties of the downdraft fan 4, in particular of the insert 12, could be improved by a rounded design of the inner and/or outer wall delimiting the flow area, in particular in the area of the deflection, in particular by avoiding kinks in this area. In particular, it was possible to reduce flow losses.

In the inserted state, the collecting element 14 rests against a bottom wall 24 of the hob fan 4, in particular of the duct 23 for discharging the cooking fumes. The collecting element 14 can be removed upwards, in particular vertically upwards, in particular after the filter element 13 has been removed from the downdraft fan 4 .

The collecting element 14 has a flow-optimized shape. In particular, it is essentially edge-free on its inner side facing the flow area.

The collecting element 14, in particular the collecting pan 21, can lie flush in a collecting pan 28 in the channel 23. In particular, it rests flush on the collecting tray 28 at least in certain areas. In this way, an air flow in the area between the collecting pan 21 of the filter element 13 and the collecting pan 28 in the channel 23 can be avoided.

The catching element 14 is designed in such a way that the position of its center of mass 25 relative to the handle 19 favors, in particular brings about, a pivoting of the catching element 14 about a horizontally running axis, which simplifies the insertion of the catching element 14 into the downdraft fan 4. The center of mass 25 of the catching element 14 is arranged in particular in such a way relative to the handle 19 that the horizontal extension of the catching element 14 when it is hung on the handle 19 is reduced, in particular minimized, compared to the maximum horizontal extension in the correctly inserted state . When the catching element 14 is removed by the handle 19, the catching element 14 is automatically pivoted. This makes it easier to remove the collecting element 14 .

The catching element 14 can be provided with guide means, which lead to a self-centering design of the catching element 14 when it is inserted into the downdraft fan. For example, one or more grooves, webs, projections, bulges or recesses can serve as guide means.

The filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 can in particular be plugged together. For this purpose, they have connecting means 26 adapted to one another in the form of projections or recesses.

When plugged together, the filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 form an essentially edge-free, continuous, in particular smooth surface.

The collecting element 14 and the filter element 13 are preferably designed in such a way that they automatically come together in the correct relative positioning when they are inserted into the downdraft fan 4 . For this purpose, guide means, in particular in the form of recesses, in particular guide grooves and projections interacting therewith, can be provided on the outer walls of the filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 or on the inside of the downdraft fan 4 .

The collecting element 14 is arranged downstream of the filter element 13 in the flow direction 27 of the flow of cooking vapors in the downdraft fan 4 . Leaking liquids and fat can thus be collected in the flow direction 27 after the filter element 13 in the collecting element 14 .

A collecting tray 28 is preferably formed in the channel 23 itself for discharging the cooking fumes. For this purpose, a liquid barrier in the form of a nose 29 protruding upwards is formed in the channel 23 . When the collecting element 14 is inserted into the downdraft fan 4 , the collecting pan 21 or the lower edge of the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 rests essentially flush against the nose 29 .

The drip tray 28 can be detachable or removable. In particular, it can be latched to the channel 23 , in particular to the rest of the channel 23 . In particular, it can be attached to or in the channel 23 in such a way that it is sealed off from the outside in a liquid-tight manner by the collecting pan 28 .

The drip tray 28 can remain in the extraction guide, even if the collecting element 14 is removed with the drip tray 21 from the downdraft fan 4. The drip pan 28, which is also referred to as a maintenance pan, is usually only removed for maintenance work on the downdraft fan 4 or in the event of heavy soiling.

When inserted, the insert 12 forms part of a duct for deflecting and discharging the flow of cooking fumes. In other words, the insert 12 has in particular a flow-guiding function. In other words, the inner wall 20 serves as a flow guide surface for the flow of cooking vapors. The flow of the cooking vapors is significantly improved by their design, in particular by the curved, essentially edge-free design. Undesirable turbulence and, in particular, dead spaces are largely avoided. According to an advantageous alternative, the inner wall 20 can be provided with a structure to further improve the flow conditions in the downdraft fan 4 .

The cooking vapor entry device 41 has an overall height h of about 15 cm. The overall height h of the cooking vapor entry device 41 is in particular at most 30 cm, in particular at most 20 cm, in particular at most 15 cm. It is preferably at least 5 cm, in particular at least 10 cm. On the one hand, it therefore has a compact design, but on the other hand it is optimized with regard to its flow-mechanical properties. In addition, it is designed in such a way that in the area of the hob level 8 next to the cooking vapor entry device 41, hobs 2 can be arranged in the worktop 9 without them having to be connected to components of the downdraft fan 4, which of the cooking vapor entry device 41 are downstream in the direction of flow 27, collide. In particular, it is designed in such a way that in the area of the duct 23, in particular in the area of a cooking vapor outlet opening of the cooking vapor inlet device 41, in which the duct 23 is connected in a flow-conducting manner to subsequent components of the downdraft fan 4, there is sufficient space for arranging a hob 2 in the worktop 9 between a upper limit of the channel 23 and the hob level 8 remains.

The following is with reference to the 9 an alternative of insert 12 is described. The alternative according to 9 essentially corresponds to the alternative according to 8 , to which reference is hereby made.

At the in 9 In the alternative shown, a flow-guiding means 31, in particular in the form of a flow-guiding element or flow-guiding plate, is provided on the frame 16 of the filter element 13 on the deflection outside of the flow direction 27 of the flow of cooking vapors. The flow-guiding means 31 is in particular aligned essentially parallel to a further flow-guiding means 32 in the area of the inner radius r of the deflection area for the flow of cooking vapors. The flow-guiding means 32 is continued in a flow-guiding surface 33 of the collecting element 14. A flow-guiding element, in particular a flow-guiding plate, preferably serves as the flow-guiding means 32.

The flow-guiding means 31, 32 are made of the same material as the frame 16 of the filter element 13 and/or the collecting pan 21. They are made of plastic in particular.

The flow guide surface 33 forms a transition, in particular a rounded transition, in particular a substantially edge-free transition, to the channel 23. The flow guide means 32 and the flow guide surface 33 prevent the flow of cooking vapors from being deflected around a sharp edge on the inside of the deflection area. As a result, the flow-mechanical properties of the downdraft fan 4 are significantly improved.

In the area of its inner radius, the deflection area for the flow of cooking vapors has in particular a radius of curvature of at least 1 cm, in particular at least 2 cm, in particular at least 3 cm, in particular at least 5 cm.

At the in 9 In the alternative shown, the collecting pan 21 of the collecting element 14 has a bottom surface 34 which is designed to rise slightly in the direction of the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 . When the insert 12 is in the inserted state, the bottom surface 34 has, in particular, an angle b in the range from 3° to 30° with a horizontal plane 35 . The angle b is in particular at least 5°, in particular at least 10°. In particular, it is at most 20°, in particular at most 15°. The inclined design of the bottom surface 34 ensures that liquids that collect in the collecting pan 21 collect in a rear area 38 of the collecting pan 21 . The area on the bottom of the collecting tray 21 opposite the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 is referred to as the rear area 38 . The rear area 38 forms a collection area for the liquids to be collected. In addition, it forms a catchment area for fat running out of the fat filter 17 .

The bottom wall 24 of the collecting trough 28 is also designed to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane 35, at least in certain areas. The bottom surface 34 of the collecting pan 21 is in particular at least partially flush with the bottom wall 24 of the collecting pan 28 .

The handle 15 of the filter element 13 is arranged outside a flow area 36 of the flow of cooking fumes. The flow area 36 extends vertically downwards, in particular as an extension of the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, in particular perpendicular to the horizontal plane 35. Arranging the handle 15 outside of the flow area 36 can prevent the handle 15 from causing turbulence in the cooking vapor flow.

The following is with reference to the 10 another alternative of insert 12 is described. The alternative according to 10 essentially corresponds to the alternative according to 9 , the description of which is hereby referred to.

In the alternative according to 10 a hook 37 is arranged on the flow guide element 31 . The hook 37 is arranged on the side of the flow guide element 31 facing the deflection area. It is used for the targeted generation of turbulence in the flow of cooking vapors. In other words, it forms a means for generating turbulence. Such turbulence can be used to increase the degree of fat separation in the insert 12 . In particular, the degree of fat separation in the collecting element 14 can be increased by means of the hook 37 .

Corresponding hooks 38, 39 are on the inside of the deflection area, in particular on the flow guide surface 33, and in the area of the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 end facing the bottom surface 34 is provided.

The collecting element 14 is thus provided with a plurality of turbulence-generating means.

In the alternatives described above, the filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 each form separate or separable components of the insert 12. This is not absolutely necessary. The collecting element 14 can in particular also be designed in one piece with the filter element 13 . This allows the insert 12 to be designed in a manner that is particularly favorable in terms of flow mechanics. In this case, the insert 12 forms a filter-collecting insert.

The following is with reference to the 11 another alternative of insert 12 is described. The alternative according to 11 essentially corresponds to the in 9 illustrated alternative, to the description of which reference is hereby made.

At the in 11 The alternative shown includes the insert 12 only the filter element 13, but no collecting element 14. The filter element 13 lies directly on the collecting tray 28.

The flow guide element 32 is extended in such a way that it forms the transition to the channel 23 on the inside of the flow. In particular, it is designed in such a way that it is on the flow guide surface 33, which in accordance with the alternative 9 Is part of the drip tray 21 includes.

Also with the in the figures 9 and 10 illustrated alternatives, it is possible to form the bottom wall 24 of the drip tray 28 substantially flat. In particular, it is possible to form the bottom surface 34 of the drip tray 21 in such a way that its free end in the region of the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 corresponds to that in FIG figure 8 shown alternative on the nose 29 of the drip tray 28 is present. The bottom surface 34 of the catch pan 21 can in particular bear against the nose 29 in a substantially tight manner, in particular in a liquid-tight manner. This prevents liquid, in particular fat, from penetrating into the area between the collecting pan 21 and the collecting pan 28 .

The details of the different alternatives, especially those in the Figures 8 to 11 The alternatives shown can essentially be freely combined with one another. In particular, the different alternatives of the filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 can essentially be freely combined with one another.

Further details of the hob fan 4, in particular the closure element 6, for closing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 are described below.

In the 12 For the sake of clarity, an arrangement of the hob system 1 with the hob 2 and the downdraft fan 4 in the worktop 9 is shown again. More views of the trough fan 4 are in the 13 and 14 shown.

The hob ventilator 4 comprises a cooking vapor entry device 41 with the cooking vapor entry opening 5 . The cooking vapor entry device 41 is inserted into a recess in the worktop 9 . In the cooking vapor entry device 41 the previously described insert 12 can be used. The insert 12 can also be designed alternatively. In principle, it is even possible to dispense with the insert 12 entirely.

Furthermore, the hob fan 4 includes a suction device 42 for sucking off cooking vapors through the cooking vapor inlet device 41. The suction device 42 includes a fan 43. The fan 43 is arranged in a fan housing 44. The fan housing 44 is designed in several parts. In particular, it comprises a cover 45 and a base 46. The cover 45 and the base 46 are connected to one another, in particular detachably connected, by means of fastening means, in particular in the form of fastening clamps 47. Screws, latching elements or other fastening means can also be provided as fastening means.

The fan housing 44 is made of plastic. In principle, it can also be made of metal, in particular aluminum, a fiber composite material or another material, or it can include areas made of corresponding materials. For related details refer to the DE 10 2015 213 470.9 referred.

The fan 43 includes a fan wheel 48 which can be driven by a motor 49 . The fan wheel 48 is in particular mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertically oriented axis of rotation 50 .

The motor 49 is connected to the cover 45 in particular. In particular, it is suspended from the cover 45 . The motor 49 is arranged in particular at a distance from the bottom 46 of the fan housing 44 . This will the operational reliability, in particular with regard to liquids possibly entering the fan housing 44, is improved.

The cover 45 delimits an intake space 51. The intake space 51 is arranged in the direction of flow between the cooking vapor entry device 41 and the fan 43. It serves to suck in the cooking vapors by means of the fan 43 . The cooking vapors sucked in are guided to a blow-out opening 53 via a spiral space 52 formed in the fan housing 44 .

A sound-insulating element, in particular in the form of an insulating mat 54 , is arranged all around the spiral space 52 along a side wall of the fan housing 44 . For details of the soundproofing element, refer to the DE 10 2015 213 471.7 referred, which is hereby fully integrated as part of the present application in this.

The downdraft fan 4 has a total extension in the vertical direction of at most 30 cm, in particular at most 25 cm, in particular at most 20 cm. It is therefore designed to be very compact.

In the horizontal direction, the downdraft fan 4 has a total extension in the direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 of at most 60 cm, in particular at most 50 cm. This makes it possible to design the hob system 1 with an overall width of less than 100 cm, in particular less than 90 cm, in particular less than 80 cm. In principle, a total width of less than 60 cm is also possible. This enables the hob system 1 to be installed in kitchen base cabinets of different standard dimensions.

The downdraft fan 4 is thus constructed in particular in such a way that the flow of cooking vapors sucked off through the cooking vapors inlet opening 5 is first drawn off downwards through the cooking vapors inlet opening 5 and is deflected to the side in the cooking vapors inlet device 41 . From the cooking vapor entry device 41 , the cooking vapor flow essentially reaches the intake chamber 51 of the fan 43 in a horizontal direction. A further filter, in particular a carbon filter or a plasma filter, can be arranged in front of the exhaust opening 53 .

The exhaust opening 53 is in particular arranged in a plane which is perpendicular to the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 plane.

In a projection perpendicular to the plane defined by it, the exhaust opening 53 is arranged in some areas directly below the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 .

It is also possible to first pass on the flow of cooking vapors via a pipe/duct system. This can be particularly advantageous if there is only limited space in the area behind the kitchen base cabinet 11 in which the downdraft fan 4 is arranged, or if the flow of cooking vapors is to be directed to the outside, particularly in the case of an exhaust air system. In the case of a recirculation system, too, it can be advantageous not to blow the filtered cooking vapor flow directly through the blow-out opening 53, but rather to first pass it on via a pipe/duct system, for example in a base area of the kitchen base cabinet 11.

According to an advantageous alternative, the fan housing 44 is detachably connected to the cooking vapor entry device 41 . It is also possible to provide the fan 43 in two variants that are mirror-symmetrical to one another. In this case, it can be freely selected to which side the flow of cooking vapors in the cooking vapor entry device 41 is deflected. This further improves the flexibility with which the hob ventilator 4 can be adapted to structural conditions.

The fan housing 44 is arranged at a distance from the worktop 9 . There is a distance of at least 5 cm in the vertical direction between the cover 45 and the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 . The distance between the cover 45 and the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 is in particular so large that there is sufficient space for installing the hob 2 in the worktop 9 . In the installed state, the fan housing 44 is arranged at a distance from the hob 2 . In this way, in particular, air circulation between the fan housing 44 and the hob 2 is made possible.

According to an alternative, the fan housing 44 can also be mechanically connected to the hob 2 or to an installation/holding frame for the hob 2 . In this way, the assembly of the hob system 1 can be facilitated. The hob system 1 can in particular be preassembled at the factory. In this case, it only has to be inserted into a suitable recess in the worktop 9 . This makes it easier to retrofit the hob system 1 in existing worktops 9 .

The cooking vapor entry device 41 has a maximum width of 20 cm in the area of the cooking vapor entry opening 5 . The width of the Cooking vapor entry device 41 in the region of the cooking vapor entry opening 5 is in particular at most 15 cm, in particular at most 10 cm, in particular at most 8 cm, in particular at most 5 cm.

For the flexible installation of the downdraft fan 4, the cooking vapor entry device 41 can be provided with an installation frame, not shown in the figures. The mounting frame can be adjusted in particular in terms of its width and/or depth. This makes it possible to combine the downdraft fan 4 with essentially any desired hob, in particular with an already existing hob 2 . The downdraft fan 4 can in particular be combined with hobs 2 from different manufacturers.

The downdraft fan 4 can be designed in particular as a compact module with a low installation height. In particular, its installability is not dependent on whether or not there is any available space in the base area of the kitchen base unit 11.

The following are with reference to the Figures 15A to 19C Details of the closure element 6, in particular its displaceability for opening and closing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, are described.

In the Figure 15A the closure element 6 is shown in a first position closing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 . The closure element 6 closes the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 in this position in particular tightly, in particular liquid-tight, in particular gas-tight.

The closure element 6 has in the in the Figures 15A to 19C variant shown is a slightly curved one, in particular one that is slightly curved outwards surface 55 on. This promotes the drainage of liquids.

The closure element 6 is in particular made of metal, in particular aluminum or steel, in particular high-grade steel. The surface 55 can in particular be brushed. In principle, the closure element 6 can also be made of plastic, a fiber composite, in particular with carbon fibers, glass or another material.

The closure element 6 can also be made of different materials in some areas. In particular, it can be designed in two or more parts.

The closure element 6 comprises in particular a closure flap 56, by means of which the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 can be closed. For its part, the closure flap 56 can be designed in one piece or in several pieces. In particular, it can be divided into two or more separable partial areas in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction.

The closure flap 56 is mechanically connected to lateral holding elements 57 . It is in particular non-positively, in particular positively connected to the lateral holding elements 57 . It can also be designed in one piece with the lateral holding elements 57 . The lateral holding elements 57 can also be made of a different material than the closing flap 56. The lateral holding elements 57 can in particular be made of plastic or metal, in particular aluminum or steel, in particular high-grade steel.

As in the Figure 20A and 20B is shown as an example, the lateral retaining elements 57 are each formed in two layers. In particular, they each have an outer layer 79 which remains in the cooking vapor entry device 41 even when the closure flap 56 is removed from the cooking vapor entry device 41 (see FIG Figure 20B ).

They also include an inner layer 80 which is formed with the closure flap 56 in a force-fitting manner, in particular in a form-fitting manner, in particular in one piece with the closure flap 56 .

In the end position closing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, the closure element 6 lies essentially completely below the upper edge 58 of the cooking vapor inlet device 41. Due to its curved design in the central area, it protrudes by a maximum of a few millimeters over the upper edge 58 of the cooking vapor inlet device 41.

The closure element 6 can be removed from the hob ventilator 4 . In particular, it can be removed from the cooking vapor entry device 41 through the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 . This facilitates the cleaning of the closure element 6, for example. In addition, this facilitates access to components of the hob ventilator 4 below the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 .

The closure element 6 is in particular designed asymmetrically in such a way that it can only be inserted into the cooking vapor entry device 41 in a single orientation. This can prevent the closure element 6 from being inserted into the cooking vapor entry device 41 rotated by 180°.

The closure element 6 can be displaced by means of an actuating device. It can be reversed by means of the actuating device in particular from the first position, which closes the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, into a second position, which releases the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 (see Figure 19A ) relocatable. The displacement device includes a motor, not shown in the figures, in particular a servomotor. It can also include multiple engines.

In particular, the motor forms a purely rotary drive, by means of which the closure element 6 can be displaced.

The motor is connected in a force-transmitting manner to a force-transmitting lever 60 via a force-transmitting element, in particular in the form of a motor shaft 59 . The motor shaft 59 is in particular connected to the force transmission lever 60 in a form-fitting manner. In particular, it has a rotationally asymmetrical end piece for this purpose.

The power transmission lever 60 is arranged on the outside of a lateral boundary wall 61, by means of which a cooking vapor inflow area 62 is laterally bounded.

A recess, in particular in the form of a slot 62 for receiving a first sliding block 63, is provided in the force transmission lever 60. To strengthen the force transmission lever 60, the slot 62 can be surrounded by a circumferential web.

The first sliding block 63 is firmly connected to one of the lateral holding elements 57 of the closure element 6 .

The first sliding block 63 can comprise an outer region, in particular in the form of a hollow cylinder 65, which is rotatably mounted on a central pin 64.

A first link slot 66 is provided for guiding the first link block 63 when the force transmission lever 60 is actuated by means of the motor. The first link slot 66 is formed in the lateral boundary wall 61 .

The first link slot 66 has a straight end area 67, 68 at each end. The straight end regions 67, 68 are connected to one another by a central region 69 which is arcuate, in particular a central region which is in the form of a segment of a circular arc. The central area 69 includes in particular a circular arc section of 90°, i. H. a quarter circle.

The motor shaft 59 is arranged relative to the first link slot 66 in such a way that its distance from the end areas 67, 68 is somewhat smaller than its distance from the central area 69. When the force transmission lever 60 is displaced by means of the motor shaft 59, the first sliding block 63 is therefore not only first link slot 66, but also shifted at the same time in the slot 62 of the power transmission lever 60 along the longitudinal axis of the power transmission lever 60.

In addition, the displacement device includes a second sliding block 70 which is guided in a second link slot 71 . The second sliding block 70 is stationarily connected to the lateral boundary wall 61 . It is arranged in particular on the inside of the lateral boundary wall 61 facing the flow area.

The second sliding block 70 is arranged in particular in the area of the first link slot 66 on the outside of the curve.

The first link slot 66 is designed in particular to be mirror-symmetrical to an axis running through the motor shaft 59 and the second link block 70 .

The second link slot 71 is formed in the lateral holding element 57 . In particular, it is configured in a straight line. In particular, it is oriented substantially perpendicular to an alignment of the closure flap 56 .

When the closure element 6 is displaced, the second link slot 71 is displaced. In particular, it is displaced and rotated relative to the second sliding block 70 .

In the first end position of the closure element 6, the second link slot 71 is aligned parallel to the vertical direction.

In the second end position of the closure element 6, the second link slot 71 is aligned parallel to the horizontal direction.

Due to the guidance of the closure element 6 during the displacement of the same with the aid of the motor shaft 59, the closure element 6 initially performs a linear movement, then a rotary movement and then a linear movement due to the design and arrangement of the sliding blocks 63, 70 and the link slots 66, 71 movement off. In general, the link devices are used to guide the displacement of the closure element 6 is designed in such a way that the closure element 6 has at least two linearly independent movement components, in particular at least one linear and one rotary movement component, in particular two or more linear movement components, during the displacement between its two end positions.

The cooking vapor inlet opening 5 remains stationary to the worktop 9 when the downdraft fan 4 is in operation.

In the Figures 15 to 19 To illustrate the movement sequence of the closure element 6 during the shift from the first end position to the second end position, there are views of the closure element 6 from the flow area of the flow of cooking vapors (partial figures A), in each case corresponding positions of the force transmission lever 60 and the associated position of the first sliding block 63 in the first link slot 66 seen from the outside of the lateral boundary wall 61 (partial figures B) and schematically the positions of the sliding blocks 63, 70 in the link slots 66, 71 (partial figures C) corresponding to the respective displacement positions.

How to Figures 15 to 19 As can be seen qualitatively, the closure element 6 initially performs a purely linear movement when it is displaced from the first position that closes the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, in particular a displacement vertically downwards, ie into the cooking vapor inflow area (see 16A ). The linear movement is followed by an at least primarily rotary movement, ie a pivoting of the closure element 6 (see FIG Figure 17A ). This in turn is followed by a primarily linear, preferably purely linear in the end region Displacement, especially in the horizontal direction (see 18A , 19A ) on.

In the second end position, the closure element 6, in particular the closure flap 56, is arranged essentially completely outside of a flow area 72 of the cooking fumes.

In particular, in the second end position releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 , the closure element 6 is arranged completely below the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 , in particular completely below the hob level 8 .

The closure element 6 can be displaced completely out of the flow region 72 in particular by means of the linear displacement in the horizontal direction at the end of the displacement process into the second end position. To accommodate the closure element 6 outside the flow area 72 , the cooking vapor entry device 41 has a cross section that widens in the inflow direction 73 , starting from the cooking vapor entry opening 5 .

Like for example from the Figure 19A As can be seen, the inner side 74 of the closure flap 56 can form a boundary surface for boundary of the flow region 72 in the second position of the closure element 6 releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 . According to an advantageous alternative, it can be provided that the inside 74 of the closing flap 56 is used as a flow guide surface, in particular to be provided with flow guide elements for directing the flow of cooking vapors and/or with a flow-mechanically effective structuring.

The inner side 74 of the closure flap 56 can in particular be shaped in such a way that its surface forms a lining of the cooking vapor inlet device 41 in the flow area 72 which is adapted to the expected flow of the cooking vapors.

The closure flap 56 is in the second end position, releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, in particular on the side of the flow region 72 facing away from the fan 43. With regard to the deflection of the flow of cooking vapors in the cooking vapor inlet device 41, the closure flap 56 is in the second end position, especially on the outside of the curve.

A reverse pivoting of the closure element 6, i. H. a displacement of the same, so that the closure flap 56 is arranged in the second end position on the deflection inside of the flow area 72, is basically also possible.

As in the Figure 20A and 20B is illustrated by way of example, position guides 75 are arranged in the area of the lateral retaining elements 57 of the closure element 6 . The position guides 75 serve to guide the closure element 6 when it is removed from the cooking vapor entry device 41 or when it is inserted into it. The position guides 75 are designed in particular as guide structures running diagonally over the lateral holding elements 57 with guide webs 76 arranged parallel to one another. In order to simplify the insertion of the closure element 6, the guide webs 76 are designed to run towards one another in the area facing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 in the second end position of the closure element 6.

The guide webs 76 are connected to one another in particular to form a peripheral guide frame.

A guide edge 77 of a contact projection 78 is aligned parallel to the guide webs 76 .

The position guides 75 are each arranged on the inside of the outer layer 79 of the lateral holding elements 57 . They interact with guide elements that are suitable for this purpose on the outside of the inner layer 80 of the lateral holding elements 57 .

The position guides 75 are designed in particular in such a way that the closure element 6 can only be removed from the cooking vapor entry device 41 when it is in the second end position.

To illustrate the relative arrangement of the sliding blocks 63, 70 and link slots 66, 71 to one another in FIG Figure 20C the lateral boundary wall 61 of the flow area 72 is shown.

Further features of the downdraft fan 4 are described below. The suction device 42 has a control device 85 which is coupled in a signal-transmitting manner to the actuating device for actuating the closure element 6 . In particular, it can advantageously be provided that the actuating device for actuating the closure element 6 is coupled to the control device 85 for controlling the suction device 42 in such a way that the closure element 6 is automatically shifted into the second position, releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, when the suction device 42 is activated . Conversely, the control device 85 can be used to control the suction device 42 be coupled to the actuating device for actuating the closure element 6 in such a way that the suction device 42 can only be activated after the closure element 6 has been displaced into the second position releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 .

Furthermore, it can be provided that the suction device continues to run for a predetermined period of time after it has been switched off. In this case, it is advantageously provided that the closure element 6 is only shifted into the first end position, which closes the cooking vapor inlet opening 5, after the end of this run-on period.

The displacement of the closure element 6 can thus take place fully automatically depending on the actuation of the suction device 42 .

According to an advantageous alternative, the hob ventilator 4 can have one or more sensors 82 for detecting the displacement position of the closure element 6 . This sensor is coupled in particular in a signal-transmitting manner to the control device 85 for controlling the suction device 42 .

In the Figure 15B a possible positioning of the sensors 82 for detecting the displacement state of the closure element 6 is shown schematically.

According to a further advantageous alternative, the actuating device for actuating the closure element 6 is provided with anti-trap protection. One or more sensors can be provided as a means of preventing entrapment. Pinching can also be effectively prevented by an electronic circuit. It is particular possible to detect an increased resistance in the displacement of the closure element 6 by an overload on the motor.

As already mentioned, the downdraft fan 4 can have a detachable or removable collecting tray 28 for collecting liquids. The collecting pan 28 is also referred to as a maintenance pan. For further details, reference is made to the previous description.

According to a further alternative, the downdraft fan 4 has a sensor, by means of which it can be detected whether the insert 12, in particular the filter element 13 with the filter 17, is inserted into the cooking vapor entry device 41. In particular, it can be detected whether the filter 17 is correct, i. H. in the correct position, in which cooking vapor entry device 41 is inserted.

Using the sensors, it is possible to design the control of the suction device 42 in such a way that the fan 43 can only be activated when the closure element 6 and/or the filter element 13 are inserted in their correct position in the cooking vapor entry device 41. In this way, in particular, it can be prevented that foreign bodies are unintentionally drawn into the fan 43 .

A further sensor for detecting the degree of saturation of the filter 17 can optionally be provided.

Further details, advantages and alternatives are described in keywords below.

The closure element 6 can in particular be displaced in such a way that the cooking vapors sucked off by the suction device 42 do not flow directly past the closure element 6 in the second end position of the closure element 6 releasing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 .

The inflow area of the cooking vapor entry device 41, i. H. in particular the area adjoining the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 can be lined according to the flow to be expected. In particular, it can also be configured like a nozzle. This can reduce the separation of the flow.

The closure flap 56 can be designed in the area of its surface 55 in such a way that the end position closing the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 is automatically aligned centered relative to the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 when it is reached.

The closure element 6, in particular the closure flap 56, can also be designed in several parts. In this case, individual areas of the closure flap 56 can be displaceable independently of one another. In this way, it is possible to flexibly influence the area from which cooking vapors are drawn off by means of the suction device 42 . For example, it is possible to extract cooking vapors primarily from a rear area of the hob(s) 2 or primarily from a front area of the hob(s) 2 .

The closure flap 56 can be divided into two or more partial areas, in particular in the longitudinal direction and/or in the transverse direction. The partial areas can in particular be displaceable independently of one another.

It is also possible to form the closure flap 56 with a subdivision into two or more partial areas, which, however, can only be moved together. In particular, it is possible to divide the closure flap 56 along its longitudinal direction into two partial areas, in particular two halves, in particular a right and a left half, with the right half moving from the first to the second end position to the right and the left half moving from the first is pivoted to the second end position to the left.

The fan housing 44 does not protrude beyond the maximum horizontal extent of the cooking vapor entry device 41 in the horizontal direction on its side facing the cooking vapor entry device 41 . This makes it possible, in principle, to arrange the downdraft fan 4 directly next to a wall and/or at the edge in the kitchen base cabinet 11 .

The cooking vapor entry device 41 can have a removable cover plate 81 . The cover plate 81 can be placed on the cooking vapor entry device 41 in two different positions rotated by 180° relative to one another. This makes it possible to mount the downdraft fan 4 in the worktop 9 in such a way that the flow of cooking vapors in the cooking vapor inlet device 41 is deflected to the right or to the left.

The individual features of the alternatives described above can be freely combined with one another. In particular, the details shown schematically and/or as examples in the figures are not to be understood as limiting.

Claims (11)

1. Device (4) for extracting cooking vapours, comprising

   1.1. a cooking vapour entry installation (41) having a cooking vapour entry opening (5) which is closable by means of at least one closure element (6), and

   1.2. an activation installation for activating the at least one closure element (6),

   1.3. wherein the activation installation is configured in such a manner that

   1.3.1. the at least one closure element (6) by means of the activation installation is repositionable between a first position that closes the cooking vapour entry opening (5), and a second position that unblocks the cooking vapour entry opening (5), wherein

   1.3.2. the at least one closure element (6) in the repositioning between the two positions has at least one rotary movement component and at least one linear movement component,

   characterized in that

   1.4. the activation installation has a purely rotatory drive by means of which the at least one closure element (6) is repositionable, and

   1.5. the device (4) is configured in such a manner that the at least one closure element (6) is arranged in the second position outside a flow region (72) of the cooking vapours to be extracted in the cooking vapour entry installation (5).
2. Device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the activation installation is configured in such a manner that the at least one closure element (6) in the repositioning between the two positions has at least two movement components that are linearly independent.
3. Device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure element (6) is repositionable so as to be guided by means of at least one slotted link (66, 71).
4. Device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one closure element (6) both in the first as well as in the second position lies below an upper boundary of the cooking vapour entry installation (41).
5. Device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cooking vapour entry opening (5) is closable in a tight manner by means of the at least one closure element (6).
6. Device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a suction installation (42) for suctioning cooking vapours through the cooking vapour entry installation (41), wherein the activation installation for activating the at least one closure element (6) is coupled in a signal-transmitting manner to a control installation (85) for controlling the suction installation (42).
7. Device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a retrievable or removable collection tray (28) for collecting liquids.
8. Device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a suction installation (42) for suctioning cooking vapours through the cooking vapour entry installation (41), having at least one ventilator (43) having a ventilator housing (44), wherein a spacing between a base (46) of the ventilator housing (44) and an upper periphery (58) of the cooking vapour entry installation (41) in the direction perpendicular to the base (46) of the ventilator housing (41) is at most 30 cm.
9. Device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (4) in the region of the cooking vapour entry opening (5) has a width of at most 20 cm.
10. Hob system (1) comprising

    10.1. at least one device (4) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, and

    10.2. at least one hob (2).
11. Item of kitchen furniture (11) having at least one device (4) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9.

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