EP3475622B1 - Downdraft ventilation system with an insert - Google Patents

Description

The present patent application takes priority from the German patent application DE 10 2016 211 206.6 claim, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The invention relates to a downdraft extractor with a removable insert. Furthermore, the invention relates to a hob system with such a downdraft fan.

From the DE 10 2007 002 241 A1 a fume hood system is known, by means of which cooking fumes are drawn off downwards. Such systems are also referred to as hob ventilators or downdraft systems.

From the DE 20 2013 010 646 U1 a grease filter insert is known. Grease filter inserts are also known from DE 20 2009 008 286 U1 , the US 4,962,694A , the US 2012/0247345 A1 , the US 6,455,818 B1 and the DE 20 2011 005 698 U1 .

There is a constant need to improve downdraft fans, particularly with regard to the degree of grease separation and/or cleaning thereof.

This object is achieved by a downdraft fan with a removable insert according to claim 1.

The core of the invention consists in designing the removable insert of the downdraft fan with a filter element and a collecting element for absorbing liquid, the collecting element having at least one wall which acts as a flow guide surface for deflection a cooking vapor stream is used. The filter element and the collecting element are designed to be removable.

The filter element and the collecting element are designed so that they can be joined together. This is not mandatory. The filter element and the collecting element can also be designed in one piece. They are designed in such a way that, when inserted, they rest against one another in the housing of the downdraft fan, in particular in the flow duct.

With such a design of the insert, a particularly high degree of grease separation, measured in particular according to DIN EN 61591, could be achieved.

The collecting element forms part of a flow channel for the flow of cooking vapors, particularly when in use. In particular, it forms part of a transition from one or more cooking vapor inlet openings to a channel for discharging cooking vapors. The at least one inlet opening can be arranged in particular in the area of a cooktop level. In particular, it can be round, in particular circular, or rectangular.

The wall of the collecting element serving as a flow guiding surface leads in particular to a deflection of the flow of cooking vapors by approximately 90°, in particular by at least 10°, in particular by at least 30°, in particular by at least 45°, in particular by at least 60°. The deflection of the cooking vapor flow by means of the serving as a flow guide surface The wall of the collecting element can be defined here in particular by the angle which encloses an outflow-side tangential plane on the deflection-outside inner wall of the collecting element with an inflow-side tangential plane on the inner wall of the collecting element.

The channel for discharging cooking vapors can in particular be a flat channel, in particular with an aspect ratio of width to height of the flat channel of at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, in particular at least 5:1. The aspect ratio is usually less than 100:1, in particular less than 50:1.

The flat channel has in particular a flow 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 . The flow cross section is in particular at most 1000 cm ² .

The fact that the collecting element can be removed makes cleaning the insert considerably easier.

The design of the collecting element with at least one wall, which serves as a flow guide surface for deflecting the flow of cooking fumes, improves its flow-mechanical properties in particular. This contributes to a more efficient extraction of the cooking vapors and to a reduced noise level.

The insert can be removed as a whole. The filter element and the collecting element can in particular be firmly connected to one another. In particular, it is possible to form the collecting element in one piece with the filter element.

According to one aspect of the invention, the filter element can be removed separately from the collecting element. In particular, the filter element has a handle, for example in the form of a recessed grip. The handle can can also be arranged in a wall of the filter element so that it can be folded out or pulled out.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the catching element has a handle. This makes it easier to remove the collecting element. The handle can be designed to correspond to the handle of the filter element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the wall of the collecting element serving as a flow guide surface is designed to be bent or curved.

It can also be designed obliquely, at least in sections. This should be understood to mean that, when the collecting element is in the inserted state, it is not aligned parallel to a vertical plane or parallel to a horizontal plane, at least in sections. In particular, it has at least one area which encloses an angle in the range from 30° to 60° with a vertical plane. In the case of a curved design, this specification relates to a tangential plane on the inside of the wall serving as a flow guide surface.

In particular, the wall can also be designed to be flat in sections.

In particular, it is designed in such a way that, when the insert is in the inserted state, it encloses an angle of at least 3°, in particular at least 5°, in particular at least 10°, with the horizontal at least in certain areas.

In particular, it is designed in such a way that in the inserted state of the insert in the area of a side wall, in particular on the inflow side, it encloses an angle of at least 10° with the vertical at least in some areas. If the wall is curved, this information relates to the orientation of a tangential plane to this wall. This improves the deflection of the flow of cooking vapors.

The course of the wall, which serves as a flow control surface, can be described by a continuously differentiable function.

The wall is preferably designed without edges. The wall is in particular an outer wall of the flow channel. The wall of the collecting element, which serves as a flow guide surface for deflecting the flow of cooking fumes, can in particular transition into a wall of the filter element essentially without edges. The filter element and the collecting element can in particular be joined together in such a way that a wall of the filter element and a wall of the collecting element form an essentially edge-free flow guide surface for deflecting the flow of cooking fumes.

Alternatively or additionally, flow-guiding means, in particular in the form of one or more flow-guiding elements, can be arranged in the area of the wall serving as a flow-guiding surface for deflecting the flow of cooking vapors, in particular in the transition area from the filter element to the collecting element. These can also be used to create a targeted turbulence in the flow of cooking fumes.

All of the walls of the filter element and of the collecting element that define the flow cross section of the insert are preferably designed accordingly.

The structural design of the housing of the downdraft fan is simplified by the wall of the insert acting as a flow guide surface. The housing can in particular be rectangular. Flow losses caused by this, especially in the corner areas of the housing, are avoided by using it. By using it, in particular the wall of the same serving as a flow guide surface, the formation of dead spaces in the housing of the downdraft fan can be reliably prevented.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the collecting element and/or the filter element is designed in such a way that in the area of the inner radius of the flow channel they form a substantially edge-free continuation of a horizontal flow section.

By means of the insert it can be achieved in particular that the flow channel has no sharp-edged deflections, in particular no sharp-edged 90° deflections. In particular, a deflection with a radius of curvature of less than 1 mm is referred to as sharp-edged.

With the help of the insert, it can be achieved in particular that the effective flow area, apart from specially provided turbulence means, is essentially free of edges, in particular free of undesirable sharp-edged deflection areas.

According to one aspect of the invention, the insert is designed in particular in such a way that the areas of the insert that serve as flow guide surfaces for the flow of cooking vapors, in particular the walls of the collecting element, which serve as flow guide surfaces for deflecting the flow of cooking vapors, have a radius of curvature of at least 1 cm, in particular at least 2 cm.

According to one aspect of the invention, the collecting element is essentially free of edges, in particular free of dead space. The entire insert is preferably designed to be essentially free of dead space. In particular, it has a flow-optimized design.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the filter element and/or the collecting element is designed to be self-centering. This means that when it is inserted into the downdraft extractor, it automatically slides into the intended end position. This can be achieved, for example, with the aid of guide means on the outside of the collecting element and/or the filter element, which interact with suitable guide means in the housing of the downdraft fan, in particular on the inside of the opening for inserting the insert. The guide means can be designed in the form of grooves, projections, guide links and the like.

A self-centering design of the filter element and/or the collecting element can also be supported by a suitable arrangement of the respective center of gravity of these elements. In particular due to the relative position of the center of mass in relation to the handle element(s) of the filter element and/or the collecting element the orientation of these elements can be influenced when inserting them into the downdraft fan.

In addition, the filter element and the collecting element are designed in such a way that when they are inserted into the downdraft fan, they automatically slide into the intended assembled relative position of these two elements to one another. Suitable guide means can also be provided for this on the filter element and/or on the collecting element. The guide means on the filter element and/or on the collecting element are in particular designed to be complementary to one another, in particular to engage in one another. In particular, they can be mechanical guide means. The assumption of the intended relative position of the filter element and the collecting element can also be supported by alternative guide means, for example by magnetic guide means.

According to an alternative, the exact relative position of the filter element and the collecting element in the inserted state is specified solely by their interaction with the housing of the downdraft fan. They slide into the designated positions when inserted into the downdraft extractor. When used, they rest against one another. In the inserted state, they rest against one another in particular in a form-fitting manner. They have a substantially identical inner border and/or a substantially identical outer border, particularly in the area in which they abut one another when inserted.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the filter element and/or the collecting element is designed asymmetrically. In particular, it has purposefully asymmetrical guide means. Apart from these The filter element and/or the collecting element can be designed essentially symmetrically to a central plane by guiding means.

The asymmetrical design of the filter element and/or the collecting element can ensure that the respective element is not rotated through 180°, but can only be used in the downdraft ventilator with the correct intended orientation.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the filter element is designed in two or more parts. In particular, it has a frame and one or more filter layers arranged on it. The frame is preferably made of plastic. It can also be made of metal, in particular aluminum or stainless steel. It is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant, moisture-resistant and heat-resistant material.

The filter layers are preferably made of stainless steel. In particular, they can be designed as double layers of a stainless steel mesh. In particular, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more such double layers can be provided. In particular, the filter layers have a curved configuration. This increases the total surface area of the filter that can be arranged in the available width of the filter element.

The curvature of the filter layers has a radius of curvature of less than 100 cm, in particular less than 50 cm, in particular less than 30 cm, in particular less than 20 cm.

Different filter layers can have different radii of curvature. The filter layers can in particular be arranged concentrically be. The upper filter layers can have a smaller radius of curvature than the lower filter layers. The filter layers can cover identical angular ranges. In other words, they can have different extents in the circumferential direction.

In the correctly inserted state of the filter element in the downdraft fan, the filter layers are curved, in particular, around a horizontally aligned axis.

The filter element is preferably designed to be dishwasher safe. This considerably simplifies the cleaning of the same.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the collecting element is made of plastic at least in regions, in particular completely. This leads to a particularly low weight of the collecting element. The collecting element is particularly resistant to moisture and heat. In particular, it is designed to be dishwasher safe.

In the area on the flow outlet side, the collecting element has a cooking vapor outlet opening. When the insert is in place, this is followed by a cooking fume removal duct. The transition from the collecting element to the cooking fumes discharge channel is preferably designed to be essentially edge-free. In particular, the transition has such a flow-optimized shape that turbulence in the flow of cooking vapors is reduced in this area, in particular largely avoided.

According to an alternative, the collecting element at the transition to the cooking vapor discharge channel, in particular in the area of the cooking vapor outlet opening, a tear-off edge. The tear-off edge serves in particular to generate a targeted turbulence of the flow of cooking vapors in this area. In this way, it can be achieved that liquid and/or dirt that has collected in the collecting element is not drawn into the discharge channel by the flow of cooking vapors, but instead collects in the collecting pan of the flow channel. They can be easily removed from there.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the collecting element is designed as a collecting trough or comprises at least one corresponding trough or at least one trough-shaped area. The collection element, in particular the collection tray, 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 collection volume is usually less than 2000 ml, in particular less than 1000 ml.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the collecting element forms a transition piece between the filter element and the downstream channel for discharging the cooking vapor flow. In particular, the transition from the filter element to the collecting element is essentially free of edges.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the collecting trough can have a cover which is at least partially liquid-permeable. In this case, the cover can serve in particular as a flow guide element. With the help of the lid, the flow of cooking vapors through the collecting element can be further improved. To the liquid permeability to achieve, for example, openings, in particular holes or slots can be provided in the cover.

According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one signaling element is provided on the filter element and/or on the collecting element. This can be a mechanical, electrical or magnetic signaling element. The at least one signaling element interacts with a matching receiving device in the hob ventilator. This enables detection, by means of which a signal can be generated depending on whether the insert or its components are correctly inserted into the downdraft fan or not. This signal can be forwarded to a control device of the downdraft fan via a signal connection. This makes it possible to design the control of the downdraft fan in such a way that the downdraft fan is functional only when the insert is correctly inserted or only when the collecting element and/or filter element is correctly inserted. As an alternative or in addition to this, provision can also be made for a signal, in particular an optical or acoustic signal, to be output in the event of an incorrectly inserted filter and/or collecting element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, one or more sensors can be provided in the collecting element and/or in the filter element. The operating status of these elements can be monitored with the aid of such sensors. With the help of a sensor in the collecting element, it is possible in particular to detect the amount of liquid in the collecting element or if a predetermined amount of liquid in the collecting element is exceeded. With the help of a sensor in the filter element, its loading status can be determined or record its remaining capacity, so that it can be recognized when the filter should be cleaned.

The advantages of the downdraft fan with the insert described above result from those of the insert.

In particular, the downdraft fan has improved cleaning options. In addition, it has improved flow-mechanical properties in particular.

Overall, it leads to an improvement in a hob system. The hob system can in particular be an assembly unit. With such a mounting unit, the hobs and the downdraft fan are integrated into a single, common built-in unit. The assembly unit has a particularly compact structure. In particular, it has a total installation height 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.

The assembly unit can be delivered fully assembled. It can be inserted into a recess in a worktop. Preferably, the base cabinet provided in the area of the assembly unit does not have to be modified. All you have to do is remove the top drawer and replace it with a panel.

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 einen Ausschnitt eines Kochfeldsystems 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,

Fig. 11

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

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht einer Alternative des Auffang-Elements.

Further advantages and details of the invention result from the description of 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 section of 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,

11

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

12

a view of an alternative of the catch 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 can be non-autonomous, ie without their own control electronics. 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 fumes inlet openings 5, these can each separately, d. H. be reversibly closed 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. They are particularly in 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 referred, which are hereby 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. In the direction of flow 27 Subsequent components of the downdraft fan 4 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. The filter layers are curved in particular relative to a horizontally aligned axis. In particular, they have a rectilinear course in a horizontal section.

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 a signal-transmitting connection with a control device for the downdraft fan 4, not shown in the figures.

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 or laid into or onto one another in a form-fitting manner. When plugged together or in abutting 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 center 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 . When the collecting element 14 is inserted into the hob ventilator 4 , a duct 23 for removal adjoins the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 from cooking fumes. In particular, the transition from the collecting element 14 to the channel 23 is 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. As a result, an air flow in the area between the collecting tray 21 of the Filter element 13 and the drip pan 28 in the channel 23 are 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. This is not mandatory. Special connecting means can also be dispensed with. The filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 can, but do not have to, be latchable with one another. They can also rest loosely on one another in the inserted state. in the abutting, in particular when they are 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, in particular for collecting liquids, 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 is on or in the channel 23 attached that this is liquid-tightly closed by the drip tray 28 to the outside.

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 fumes. 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 colliding with components of the hob ventilator 4, which are arranged downstream of the cooking vapor entry device 41 in the direction of flow 27. 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 bottom surface 34 of the collecting pan 21 has a tear-off edge 42 in the region of the cooking vapor outlet opening 22 . The tear-off edge 42 is at a distance from the nose 29 of the drip pan 28 .

The inclination of the bottom surface 34 can ensure that the flow of cooking vapors is efficiently directed via the nose 29 into the adjoining channel 23 . Heavier particles, for example fat droplets, can remain upstream of the nose 29 and collect in the collecting pan 28 .

The nose 29 reliably prevents particles and/or liquids that have accumulated in the collecting tray 28 from being sucked into the channel 23 by the flow of cooking vapors.

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

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 .

In the figure 12 a further alternative of the collecting element 14 is shown. The embodiment essentially corresponds to that in FIG figure 5 shown, the description of which is hereby referred to.

At the in the figure 12 illustrated embodiment 22 flow guide elements are provided in the collecting element 14 in the region of the cooking vapor outlet opening. In particular, vertically aligned fins 43 serve as flow guide elements. In the illustrated embodiment, two fins 43 are provided. A different number of fins is also possible.

On the one hand, the fins 43 lead to an improvement in the flow properties and, on the other hand, to a mechanical stabilization of the collecting element 14, in particular its bottom surface 34.

The fins 43 are preferably arranged aligned in the direction of flow with corresponding flow guide elements in the channel 23 adjoining the collecting element 14 . In particular, the stability of the channel 23 can be improved by means of appropriate flow guide elements.

The fins 43 have a flow-optimized shape. In particular, they are wider in the area of the bottom surface 34 than in the area of the upper limit of the cooking vapor outlet opening 22.

The details of the different alternatives, especially those in the Figures 8 to 12 The alternatives shown can essentially be freely combined with each other. In particular, the different alternatives of the filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 can essentially be freely combined with one another.

In the following, different details of the invention are described in key words in other words.

The insert 12 with the filter element 13 and the collecting element 14 has a very low weight overall. The total weight of the insert 12 can in particular be less than 3 kg, in particular less than 2 kg, in particular less than 1 kg. In particular, the weight of the collecting element 14 can be less than 1 kg, in particular less than 500 g, in particular less than 300 g. This makes it easier to remove the insert, in particular the collecting element 14, from the downdraft fan 4. In particular, the risk of causing damage by accidentally dropping the catching element 14 is reduced.

When the collecting element 14 and the filter element 13 are inserted into the downdraft fan 4, they automatically slide into the positions provided for this purpose. This is called the self-centering property. This is supported or made possible by a corresponding design of the housing of the downdraft fan 4, in particular in the area of the cooking vapor inlet opening 5 and/or in the area of the collecting pan 28.

In order to support the self-centering properties of the collecting element 14 and/or the filter element 13, guide means in particular can be provided in the housing of the downdraft fan 4, which interact with these elements.

The collecting element 14 and the filter element 13 can be designed to at least partially overlap. They can also be designed without overlapping.

When inserted into the downdraft fan 4, the filter element 13 automatically slides into the correct position relative to the collecting element 14.

Claims (14)

1. Downdraft extractor (4) with a removable insert (10), the removable insert (10) comprising

   1.1. a filter element (13) that is insertable into and removable from a flow channel of the downdraft extractor (4) for filtering a stream of cooking fumes, and

   1.2. a collecting element (14) that is insertable into and removable from the flow channel of the downdraft extractor (4) for receiving liquids,

   characterized in

   1.3. that the filter element (13) and the collecting element (14), in a state inserted into the flow channel, are in contact with each other such that a wall of the filter element (13) and a wall (20) of the collecting element (14) form an edge-free flow conducting surface (33) and/or a flow conducting surface (33) that can be described by a continuously differentiable function for deflecting the stream of cooking fumes, and

   1.4.the wall (20) of the collecting element (14) serving as a flow guiding surface (33) is curved at least in some regions.
2. Downdraft extractor (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the collecting element (14) and the filter element (13) are designed to be joined together in a form-locking manner.
3. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (20) forms an outer wall of a flow channel for the stream of cooking fumes.
4. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a substantially edge-free design of the wall (20).
5. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (13) and the collecting element (14) have mutually adapted connecting means (26) in the form of projections and/or recesses for a pluggable connection.
6. Downdraft extractor (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide means are provided on an outer side of the collecting element (14) and/or the filter element (13), which guide means lead to a self-centering design of the collecting element (14) and/or the filter element (13).
7. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (13) has at least one filter layer with a design which is curved relative to a horizontally oriented axis.
8. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (13) and/or the collecting element (14) is formed from plastic at least in some regions.
9. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one signal-emitting element (18) is arranged on the filter element (13) and/or on the collecting element (14).
10. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collecting element (14) comprises a cooking-fume outlet opening (22) in which one or more flow conducting elements are arranged.
11. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter element (13) and/or the collecting element (14), in the inserted state, form part of a flow channel for the stream of cooking fumes.
12. Downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by maintenance trough (28) which is designed to be removable or able to be taken out.
13. Downdraft extractor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collecting element (14), in the inserted state, rests at least in some regions on the maintenance trough (28).
14. Hob system (1) with

    14.1. at least one hob (2) and

    14.2. at least one downdraft extractor (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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