EP3614053B1 - Vapour extraction device and combination device with vapour extraction device and hob - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an extractor device and a combination device with an extractor device and hob.

Cooking processes usually produce steam and vapors. There are known extractor devices by means of which the vapors and vapors can be sucked off and cleaned using filter elements. For example, combination devices are known in which an extractor device is arranged below the hob. Such a combination device is for example in the EP 290 813 A1 described.

In this combination device, an extractor device is provided in a hob, which has a fan, an extractor housing and a filter unit. The extractor device is characterized in that the extractor device has a collecting container for liquids with at least one overflow opening and an additional container for liquids and a liquid line is at least partially between the collecting container and the additional container. The additional container is preferably adjacent to the extractor housing of the extractor device.

A disadvantage of this combination device is that the installation space below the hob in which the extractor device is arranged is limited and the installation space available for the other components of the extractor device and the hob is further restricted by the additional container.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a solution which, on the one hand, allows the safe collection of contaminants and, on the other hand, does not restrict the installation space for the extractor device and yet allows a low height of the extractor device.

The invention is based on the knowledge that this object can be achieved by using a collecting device which consists at least partially of flexible material.

According to a first aspect, the invention is achieved by an extractor device according to claim 1.

Directional information such as above and below as well as front and rear refer to the extractor device in the assembled state, unless otherwise stated. In particular, the directional information relating to the combination appliance and its components relate to the installed state in which the hob is horizontal and the extractor device is arranged at least in some areas below the hob. The front side is the side facing the user. The back is the side that usually faces a mounting wall. In addition, the rear side of the combination device is preferably the side via which purified air is output from the combination device. The dimension in the direction between the front and the back is called the depth. The horizontal dimension perpendicular to this is called the width. The vertical dimension is called the height.

According to the invention, an extractor device is in particular a downdraft ventilation, which can also be referred to as a table fan. The extractor device has a suction opening in its top. The opening through which air can be sucked into the extractor device is referred to as the suction opening. The suction opening can be provided, for example, in an extractor housing of the extractor device, in which the fan of the extractor device, which is also referred to as a blower, is provided. Alternatively, the suction opening can also be formed by the top of a filter unit in which at least one filter element is provided and which is connected to the fan of the extractor device via an air line. According to the invention, the suction opening is preferably located in the plane of the hob (s) to which or to which the extractor device is adjacent.

According to the invention, the extractor device has an outlet opening. An outlet opening is an opening through which contaminants such as For example, fat or liquids can be removed from the extractor device. The outlet opening is provided in the lower area of a housing of the extractor device. The housing of the extractor device in which the outlet opening is provided is the filter housing of a filter unit.

An outlet opening is referred to as being provided in the lower region of the housing of the extractor device, which is provided either in the floor or at the lower end of the housing of the extractor device, for example the filter unit or a guide housing. Alternatively, however, the outlet opening can also be provided at a short distance from the floor or lower end of the housing of the extractor device.

The extractor device has a collecting device. According to the invention, several collecting devices can also be provided, in particular if the extractor device has several outlet openings. The collecting device is releasably connected to the outlet opening. In particular, the collecting device can be connected to the outlet opening via a screw connection or a latching connection.

The collecting device has a collecting container. The area of the collecting device in which media, in particular liquids and other contaminants, can be received is referred to as the collecting container. The collecting container is a closed space that only has one admission opening. The material from which the collecting container is formed, that is to say that delimits the interior of the collecting container, is preferably a waterproof material and can for example be plastic. According to the invention, the collecting container can be compressed. A collecting container is referred to as compressible, in which the collecting container and thus the interior of the collecting container can be minimized in a non-destructive manner. The material that delimits the interior of the collecting container is therefore flexible and can, for example, be folded or compressed. In the non-compressed state, which can also be referred to as the expanded state, the collecting container preferably has a capacity of at least one and preferably at least two liters. In the compressed state, the interior of the Collecting container reduced to a minimum. For this purpose, the collecting container can, for example, be folded, rolled up or otherwise compressed.

A number of advantages can be achieved by using a collecting device according to the invention which is compressible and which is releasably attached to an outlet opening of the extractor device, which is arranged in the lower region of a housing of the extractor device, or is detachably connected to it. In the case of an extractor device in which the suction opening is formed in the upper side and in which air is thus sucked in downwards, impurities can penetrate during cooking processes. For example, if food boils over or spills on a hob that is adjacent to the suction opening, larger amounts of liquid such as water or food such as milk or soup can enter the extractor hood. Liquids of this kind will run in the extractor device into the lower area of a housing of the extractor device. Since, according to the invention, an outlet opening is provided in this area, the liquids can thus be discharged from the extractor device in a simple and reliable manner. Since a collecting device with a collecting container is also provided at the outlet opening, the liquids can be reliably collected therein. Since the collecting device is detachably attached to the outlet opening, it can be removed from the outlet opening. The catcher can then either be cleaned or replaced with a new catcher. Since the collecting container can be compressed, the space that is taken up by the collecting container in the compressed state thereof is minimized. Only in the state in which the collecting container is filled with liquid, that is, in the non-compressed state, does it take up a larger space. Thus, there is more installation space in the extractor device, in which the other components of the extractor device can be arranged, or the size of the extractor device can be reduced overall.

According to the invention, the extractor device has a filter unit with a filter housing and the outlet opening is in the underside of the filter housing. According to the invention, at least one filter element is arranged in the filter housing through which impurities such as fat and liquid particles are filtered out of the air flow become. The filter element or the filter elements can therefore also be referred to as a grease filter. The filter unit is usually located near the suction opening or partially forms it. By introducing the outlet opening into the filter housing of the filter unit, on the one hand, the path that large amounts of liquid, which enter the extractor device through boiling over or spillage, travel in the extractor device can be minimized. On the other hand, fat and liquid particles that are deposited in the filter unit on the filter elements also flow downwards in the filter housing and can thus reach the outlet opening. These fat particles and liquid particles can also get into the collecting container. The embodiment according to the invention, in which the outlet opening is in the underside, that is to say the bottom of the filter housing, also has a further advantage. The underside of the filter housing usually represents the lower limit of the part of the extractor device that lies in the area of the hob. Below this part of the extractor device there is, for example, storage space for pots and pans. In particular, school drawers can be arranged. Since the collecting container of the collecting device can be compressed, this storage space is completely or largely available in the compressed state of the collecting container. Only in the event that larger amounts of liquid or fat get into the collecting container, the collecting container unfolds and protrudes into the storage space. In addition, the underside of the filter unit is easily accessible for the user. For example, the user can gain access to the collecting device by pulling out the drawer.

According to one embodiment, the collecting container is formed by a bag. The bag can also be referred to as a sack or bag. In this embodiment, the collecting container can consist of a plastic film, for example. The thickness and composition of the plastic film is chosen so that the film is tear-resistant and can carry the weight of a filling volume of at least 2 liters. The advantage of designing the collecting container as a bag is that a bag can be compressed to a very small size. In addition, this can be produced inexpensively and the collecting device can thus represent a single-use product.

As an alternative to a bag, the collecting container can also be formed, for example, by a bellows closed at the bottom. Here, too, is the space that Collecting container in the compressed, that is, compressed state occupies, low. The wall thickness of the bellows can be greater in comparison to the thickness of a plastic film and thus provide a reliable capacity of the collecting container of at least 2 liters.

According to one embodiment, the collecting device has a fastening element for detachable fastening to a counter-element at the outlet opening. The fastening element can represent a screw element, for example, and the counter element on the outlet opening can represent a corresponding thread. Alternatively, however, the fastening element can also represent a latching element, for example. In this case, the counter-element can represent, for example, a latching opening in a flange on the outlet opening. Alternatively, the counter element can also be the area around the outlet opening and a latching element on the fastening element engages behind the outlet opening. Furthermore, the fastening element and the counter element can act with one another in the form of a bayonet lock. In any case, the fastening element is designed in such a way that it has a passage opening through which liquids can get into the collecting container.

According to the invention, the collecting container is at least partially and preferably completely received in the fastening element in the compressed state. As a result, the height of the collecting device in the compressed state is limited to the height of the fastening element. This minimizes the overhang that the collecting device forms with respect to, for example, the bottom of the filter unit, and maximizes the storage space located under the extractor device.

In addition to the introduction of the collecting container into the fastening element, the collecting container can be fixed in the compressed state in the area of the outlet opening on the housing of the extractor hood in which the outlet opening is provided. An adhesive connection or Velcro connection, for example, can serve as a fixation. The fixation can prevent the collection container from expanding or widening due to the entry of air.

However, the fixation is preferably designed in such a way that it is released when the collecting container is filled with liquid. In particular, the fixation of the collecting container is released by the weight of the liquid and / or by the expansion of the collecting container.

According to one embodiment, the fastening element represents a screw ring with an internal thread. The screw ring can consist of plastic or metal. In this embodiment, a flange with an external thread, which extends downward from the outlet opening, can be provided as a counter element on the outlet opening.

Alternatively, the fastening element can also be a screw ring with an external thread. By introducing the thread on the outside, the inside of the screw ring can be used to hold the collecting container in the compressed state. Damage to the material of the collecting container, in particular a plastic film, when fastening and loosening the fastening element is not to be feared.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a combination device which has at least one hob and at least one extractor device, the extractor device representing an extractor device according to the invention.

Advantages and features that have been described with regard to the extractor device apply - if applicable - correspondingly to the combination device and vice versa.

A household appliance in which at least one hob and at least one extractor device are combined with one another is referred to as a combination appliance. According to one embodiment, a domestic appliance which can be installed as an assembly unit in a kitchen is referred to as a combination appliance. In this embodiment, the two components of the combination device, that is to say the hob and the extractor device, are supplied by a common power supply, for example a common power cord. In addition, the two components can be controlled by a common control device in which Control devices for the two components are combined. For example, the two components can also be operated by a common operating unit.

Alternatively, the hob (s) and the extractor device (s) represent components that are assembled and operated separately from one another. For example, the components are introduced separately into a common recess in a worktop of a kitchen cabinet and are adjacent to one another.

According to the invention, the combination device comprises at least one hob and at least one extractor device. The extractor device (s) can be arranged adjacent to the hob or hobs. The suction opening of the extractor device is adjacent to the hob in the plane of the hob. Alternatively, the extractor device (s) is or are integrated in a hob. In this case, the suction opening of the extractor device is located in the hob, in particular in a cutout in the cover plate of the hob.

• Figur 1: eine schematische, perspektivische Querschnittansicht der Filtereinheit einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Dunstabzugsvorrichtung;
• Figur 2: eine schematische, perspektivische Unteransicht der Ausführungsform Filtereinheit der Dunstabzugsvorrichtung nach Figur 1;
• Figur 3: eine schematische, perspektivische Längsschnittansicht der Filtereinheit der Ausführungsform der Dunstabzugsvorrichtung nach Figur 1;
• Figur 4: eine schematische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Auffangvorrichtung im expandierten und gelösten Zustand; und
• Figur 5: eine schematische Prinzipdarstellung einer Ausführungsform der Dunstabzugsvorrichtung als Teil eines Kombinationsgerätes.

The present invention is explained again in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• Figure 1 : a schematic, perspective cross-sectional view of the filter unit of an embodiment of the extractor device according to the invention;
• Figure 2 : a schematic, perspective bottom view of the embodiment filter unit of the extractor device according to FIG Figure 1 ;
• Figure 3 : a schematic, perspective longitudinal sectional view of the filter unit of the embodiment of the extractor device according to FIG Figure 1 ;
• Figure 4 : a schematic view of an embodiment of a collecting device in the expanded and released state; and
• Figure 5 : a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the extractor device as part of a combination device.

In Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the filter unit 2 of the extractor device 1 according to the invention. In addition to the filter unit 2, the extractor device 1 has a downwardly angled air duct 4 via which the filter unit 2 is connected to a fan (not shown). The fan is arranged at a lower height than the filter unit 2. The air duct 4 is connected to the rear face of the filter housing 20, in which a corresponding air passage opening 204 (see Figure 3 ) is formed for the passage of air from the filter housing 20 into the air duct 4. The filter unit 2 has a filter housing 20. In the embodiment shown, two filter elements 21 are arranged in a V-shape in the filter housing 20. The upper end or the upper edge of the filter housing 20 represents the suction opening 202 of the extractor device 1. The suction opening 202 is covered by a grille 22 in the embodiment shown.

In Figure 2 FIG. 11 is a schematic, perspective view from below of the embodiment of the extractor device 1 according to FIG Figure 1 shown. A collecting device 3 is provided in the lower region of the filter housing 20 and, in the embodiment shown, on the bottom 201 of the filter housing 20. The collecting device 3 consists of a fastening element 31 and a collecting container 30. The collecting container 30 is at least partially compressible. In the Figure 2 the collecting receptacle 30 is shown in a compressed state. In this embodiment, the collecting container 30 is completely compressible. The collecting container 30 preferably consists of a compressible, in particular flexible material. In the embodiment shown, the fastening element 31 has an annular shape. The collecting container 30 is received in the fastening element 31 and, in the compressed state, lies completely inside the screw ring. For example, the collecting container 30 can represent a bag made of plastic film. In the compressed state shown in Figure 2 As shown, the bag is received in the fastening element 31 in a folded or compressed manner.

How out Figure 3 results, an outlet opening 203 is introduced or formed in the bottom 201 of the filter housing 20. The collecting device 3 is detachably attached to the outlet opening 203, that is to say is detachably connected to it. In the embodiment shown, a flange 205 is provided on the outlet opening 203, which extends downward from the bottom 201 of the filter housing 20. An external thread (not shown) is introduced on this flange 205. The external thread thus represents a counter element to the fastening element 31 of the collecting device 3. The fastening element 31 of the collecting device 3 is screwed onto the flange 205. For this purpose, the fastening element 31 has an internal thread (not shown) so that the fastening element 31 can be detachably fastened to the flange 205 and thus to the outlet opening 203. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the collecting device 3 is detachably fastened in a different manner to the filter housing 20 in the area of the outlet opening 203. In particular, the fastening element 31 can represent a ring which has a thread on its outside which then interacts with an internal thread on the outlet opening 203. Other fastening mechanisms, such as latching mechanisms or bayonet locks, can also be provided for releasably fastening the collecting device 3 to the filter housing 20 or another housing (not shown) of the extractor device 1.

In the Figure 3 the collecting receptacle 30 is shown in the uncompressed, i.e. expanded, state. In this state, the collecting container 31 extends downwards over the bottom 201 of the filter housing 20, that is to say it hangs downwards from the filter housing 20.

The user can remove the collecting device 3 from the filter housing 20 and thus from the extractor device 1. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown, the user can unscrew the fastening element 31 from the flange 205 and thus from the outlet opening 203. In the Figure 4 the collecting device 3 is shown schematically in the expanded, in particular filled and removed state from the filter unit.

In the Figure 5 a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the extractor device 1 as part of a combination device 5 is shown. The Combination device 5 comprises the extractor device 1 and a hob 6. The hob 6 is introduced into a recess 70 in the worktop 74 of a kitchen cabinet 7. A cutout 60 is made in the hob 6 which, in the embodiment shown, lies in the center of the hob 6. The extractor device 1 of the combination device 5 is arranged below the hob 6. The extractor device 1 comprises a filter unit 2. The filter unit 2 can, like the filter unit 2, in the Figures 1 to 3 be designed, but is in the Figure 5 shown schematically rectangular. The upper edge of the filter housing 20 lies in the cutout 60 of the hob 6 and thus forms the suction opening 202. Filter elements 21 are arranged in the filter housing 20. An outlet opening 203 is made in the bottom 201 of the filter housing 20. The collecting device 3 is detachably attached to this outlet opening 203, that is to say is detachably connected to it.

In the area below the worktop 74, the kitchen cabinet 7 has an installation space 71 in which at least the filter unit 2 is accommodated. In addition, the electronics for the hob 6 and, if necessary, the fan of the extractor device 1 can also be provided in the installation space 71. In the embodiment shown, however, the fan 10 of the extractor device 1 is arranged in the kitchen cabinet 7 offset downwards relative to the installation space 71. In the embodiment shown, a first storage space 72 is arranged below the installation space and a second storage space 73 is arranged below it. The storage spaces 72, 73 can represent drawers, for example. In the embodiment shown, the fan 10 is arranged in the area of the first storage space 72. Alternatively, the fan 10 can also be arranged further down, for example in the area of the second storage space 73. The fan 10 can, for example, be arranged in the rear region of the kitchen cabinet 7 and thus lie behind drawers which form the storage spaces 72, 73. The fan 10 is connected to the filter housing 20 and thus to the suction opening 202 of the extractor device 1 via an air line 11, which can be part of the air duct 4 of the filter unit 2 or can be connected to it.

The collecting device 3, which is releasably fastened to the bottom 201 of the filter housing 20, protrudes slightly downward beyond the installation space 71 of the kitchen cabinet 7. If the installation space 71 is limited by its own housing or has at least one On the bottom, a passage for the collecting device is provided in the bottom of the installation space 71.

If food boils over during a cooking process on the hob 6 or if larger amounts of liquid occur on the hob 6 for other reasons, such as spillage, these flow through the suction opening 202 into the extractor device 1 and in particular into the filter housing 20 of the filter unit 2. The liquid arrives at the outlet opening 203 in the bottom 201 of the filter housing 2. The liquid arrives at the collecting device 3 and in particular into the collecting container 30 via the outlet opening 203.

In the normal state of the collecting device 3, the collecting container 30 is in a compressed state and is preferably as in FIG Figure 5 shown schematically, received in the fastening element 31 of the collecting device 3. If liquid gets into the collecting device 3, the collecting container 30 fills. As a result, the collecting container 30 is expanded from the compressed state and extends downward over the bottom 201 of the filter housing 20. This uncompressed or expanded state is in Figure 5 shown in dashed lines. In this state, the user can reach into the storage space 72. For this purpose, he can, for example, pull out a drawer provided therein. After detaching the collecting device 3 from the extractor device 1, the user can either clean the collecting device 3 and attach it again to the extractor device 1 or he can dispose of the removed collecting device 3 and replace it with a new collecting device 3.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Rather, the collecting device can also be releasably attached to another housing of the extractor device, into which the liquid penetrates when a larger amount of liquid enters. In addition or as an alternative to being introduced into the fastening element, the collecting container can also be releasably fixed in the compressed state, for example, on the underside of the bottom of a housing, in particular the filter housing, in the vicinity of the outlet opening. In addition, instead of a bag made of plastic film, the collecting container can, for example, also contain one represent bellows closed at the bottom, which is compressed in the relaxed state and expands when filled with liquid.

The present invention has a number of advantages. The invention can be used both in combination devices that consist of a hob next to which an extractor device is arranged. In addition, the invention can also be used in an extractor device which is arranged between a plurality of cooktops or in a cooktop. With the present invention it is not necessary to plan part of the available installation space for a collecting container. Thus, the height of the extractor device and in particular the height of the required installation space below one or more hobs can be minimized. So it reduces the height of the extractor hood in this area. In addition, the installation space can be used efficiently for the arrangement of components of the extractor device to improve the air flow in the extractor device. In this way, noise and aerodynamic disturbances can be reliably prevented. Finally, an advantage of the present invention is that the user can dispose of it in a simple manner in the event that a large amount of liquid enters the fume hood device.

Reference number

1

Extractor device

10

fan

11

Air duct

2

Filter unit

20th

Filter housing

201

Bottom filter housing

202

Suction opening

203

Outlet opening

204

Air passage opening

205

flange

21

Filter element

22nd

Grid

3

Catching device

30th

Collecting container

31

Fastener

4th

Air duct

5

Combination device

6th

Hob

60

Cutout

7th

Kitchen cabinet

70

Recess

71

Installation space

72

Storage space

73

Storage space

74

Countertop

Claims (8)

1. Vapour extraction apparatus (1) for a combination appliance (5), wherein the combination appliance (5) represents a household appliance, in which at least one hob and the at least one vapour extraction apparatus (1) are combined with one another,
   wherein the vapour extraction apparatus (1) has a fan (10), a filter unit (2) and a filter housing (20) and the vapour extraction apparatus (1) has a suction opening (201) on the upper side thereof, via which air is drawn downwards into the vapour extraction apparatus (1),
   wherein at least one filter element is arranged in the filter housing (20) of the filter unit (2) and wherein an outlet opening (203) is introduced or embodied in a base of the filter housing (20),
   wherein the outlet opening (203) is provided for dissipating impurities, such as fat or liquids, for example, from the vapour extraction apparatus (1),
   wherein releasably fastened to the outlet opening (203) is a collecting apparatus (3) for accommodating the impurities, which consists of a fastening element and a collecting container (30),
   characterised in that the collecting container (30) consists of a flexible material and can be fully compressed, wherein the collecting container (3) is at least partially accommodated in the fastening element (31) in the compressed state.
2. Vapour extraction apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the collecting container (30) is formed by a bag, which preferably consists of a plastic film.
3. Vapour extraction apparatus according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the fastening element (31) is a fastening element (31) for releasably fastening to a mating element on the outlet opening (203).
4. Vapour extraction apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the collecting container (30), in the compressed state, is fixed in the region of the outlet opening (203) on the housing (20) of the vapour extraction apparatus (1), in which the outlet opening (203) is provided.
5. Vapour extraction apparatus according to claim 4, characterised in that the fixing of the collecting container (30) is released when the collecting container (30) is filled with liquid.
6. Vapour extraction apparatus according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the fastening element (31) is a threaded ring with an internal thread.
7. Combination appliance with at least one hob (6) and at least one vapour extraction apparatus (1), characterised in that the vapour extraction apparatus (1) represents a vapour extraction apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6.
8. Combination appliance according to claim 7, characterised in that the suction opening (202) of the vapour extraction apparatus (1) lies adjacent to the at least one hob (6) or lies in the hob (6).

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