US20160054007A1

US20160054007A1 - Kitchen Furniture

Info

Publication number: US20160054007A1
Application number: US14/783,300
Authority: US
Inventors: Roger Paul Rieger; Marc Oliver Eckert; Otto Langer
Original assignee: Bulthaup GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Bulthaup GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2014-04-04
Publication date: 2016-02-25
Also published as: WO2014166613A3; WO2014166613A2; EP2984411A2; DE102013014895A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a piece of kitchen furniture having a useful surface area and at least one functional element arranged above the useful surface area. The functional element is arranged on a support member, wherein the support member comprises a pole attached to the piece of kitchen furniture and an arm adjoining the pole. The invention further relates to a piece of kitchen furniture having a useful surface area and at least one functional element arranged above the useful surface area, wherein the functional element is arranged on a support member, wherein the support member has a stem arranged on the piece of furniture within the useful surface area, the upper end of which extends above the useful surface area.

Description

SUMMARY

The invention relates to a kitchen fixture with a work surface and at least one functional element positioned above the work surface, whereby the functional element is positioned on a support part, whereby the support part comprises a post attached to the kitchen fixture and an arm connecting with the post. The invention relates, furthermore, to a kitchen fixture with a work surface and at least one functional element positioned above the work surface, whereby the functional element is positioned on a support part, whereby the support part has a trunk positioned on the kitchen fixture inside the work surface, the upper end of which extends above the work surface.
The invention relates to a kitchen fixture with a work surface and at least one functional element positioned above the work surface.
Exhaust hoods for kitchen fixtures, which are positioned above the kitchen fixture separately from the same and suction off the cooking fumes upwardly and outwardly, are already known from the state of the art. In such a configuration, the cooking fumes must cross over a long distance, since the exhaust hood is typically positioned above the head of the user. This requires high air speeds in connection with large quantities of air, which is associated with high energy consumption, high noise level, and less efficient suctioning. The effect of the suctioning is additionally impaired by air movements that may arise, for example, upon opening windows or doors. A portion of the cooking fumes then remains behind in the room.
Furthermore, so-called niche suctioning is known from the state of the art. This refers to a plate-shaped exhaust hood, which is positioned behind the stove top, projecting out perpendicularly or even diagonally from this, and suctions off the rising cooking fumes toward the rear. An unsatisfactory suction capacity for the forward area of the stove top, which is positioned well away from the exhaust hood, is a disadvantage here. In addition, high energy consumption and high noise level are brought about through the fact that the cooking fumes rising upwardly must be redirected toward the rear, which requires increased suction capacity.
Suctioning technology is known from DE 20 2012 004 271 U1. Furthermore, a suctioning technology which provides rectangular and closable slots next to the stove top and in the stove top is known from the state of the art. The cooking fumes are discharged downwardly through the aperture or the closable slots.
One disadvantage of these configurations is their high consumption of energy and an increased noise level, which is due to the fact that the hot cooking fumes caused by physical processes rise upwardly, so that a deflection in the opposite direction is necessary. One additional disadvantage of these configurations lies in the openings in the work surface or the stove top, respectively, so that fluids can flow into the exhaust opening when a pot overflows. A filter provided in these devices does, to be sure, capture a portion of the mass boiling over, but a portion, however, penetrates through the filter and into a collection point provided for that purpose, which must be cleaned regularly in order to prevent an unpleasant odor. This requires additional labor for the user.
The objective of this invention is to provide a cooking fixture, by means of which the above-stated disadvantages can be eliminated. One additional objective of the invention is to provide a kitchen fixture that has increased user-friendliness and functionality in comparison with known kitchen fixtures.
This task is solved, in accordance with the invention, with a kitchen fixture in accordance with one of the independent claims.
In accordance with the invention, on the one hand, a kitchen fixture in accordance with the introductory portion of claim 1 is provided, which has a support part for the functional element directly attached to the kitchen fixture. The support part has a post attached to the kitchen fixture, as well as an arm connecting with the post.
The work surface of the kitchen fixture is typically horizontal or essentially horizontal. The post and/or the arm have an elongated form and can assume a multiplicity of forms in their cross-sections, such as round, oval, or rectangular. The length ratio of the post to the arm may, for example, lie in the range between 2:1 and 1:2, or in the range of between 3:2 or 2:3. The post (in its longitudinal axis) preferably protrudes perpendicularly or essentially perpendicularly over the work surface. The arm (in its longitudinal axis) preferably protrudes parallel or essentially parallel to the work surface or normal or essentially normal onto the post, as the case may be (in its longitudinal axis). The arm is preferably attached to the upper end of the post (oriented at a distance from the work surface). The support part can be constructed as a single part or as a multiple part. The examples include a construction from a casting or a two part construction, whereby the arm and post represent separate components. The arm and/or the post can be manufactured from metal, for example. Functional elements can be positioned on the arm and/or on the post of the support part.
In one embodiment, the post is positioned in an edge area of the work surface or outside the work surface or is attached to the kitchen fixture, as the case may be. The edge area of the work surface comprises an area that lies inside the outer 30% and, preferably, the outer 15% of the section from the center point to the edge of the work surface.
In one embodiment, the arm is directed proceeding from the post in the direction of the center point or the central area of the work surface, as the case may be, and extends over a portion of the work surface. In one embodiment, the central area of the work surface comprises the area that lies within the inner 30% and, preferably, within the inner 15% of the section from the center point to the edge of the work surface. The arm preferably points directly in the direction of the center point.
In one embodiment, the post is positioned centrally in the rear edge area of the work surface (oriented distance from the user), and the arm (normally at the rear surface of the kitchen fixture) points directly in the direction of the user and extends over a portion of the work surface.
The post can, in principle, be attached with the arm inside the work surface or even outside the work surface, such as attached to the work plate, for example.
The post and the arm can be constructed together in a “gallows-like” form.
In one embodiment, the post is attached to the kitchen fixture in a swivellable manner. In this embodiment, the attachment preferably occurs in such a manner that the swivelling occurs around a vertical or an essentially vertical axis. Thus, the arm can be moved, along with the post, in a swivelling manner above the work surface and occupy different positions above the work surface. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the arm, either alternately or additionally, to connect with the post in a swivellable manner. The arm can be swivellable relative to the post, such as around a vertical or an essentially vertical axis, for example. It can also be brought about that the arm can move above the work surface and can occupy different positions above the work surface. “Essentially vertical” means a deviation of less than 10° from the vertical axis.
In one embodiment, the work surface is a rinsing area, and the support part is formed by the water faucet for the rinsing area. In this case, there is at least one functional element, preferably a light source and/or a support mount, such as for sponges, cleaning rags and the like, for example. The necessary components of the water faucet—i.e., the shut-off valve, its activation device, and the opening for the water—, are not functional elements in the sense of the invention. The rinsing area can, furthermore, comprise a support surface in addition to the wash basin or wash basins, such as a support surface for detergents, for example.
In one embodiment, the support part is swivellable, so that the support part can change the orientation of the arm within a horizontal plane.
In accordance with the invention, furthermore, a kitchen fixture in accordance with the introductory portion of claim 4 is provided, which has a support part for the functional element attached directly to the kitchen fixture. In this embodiment, the support part has a trunk, whereby the trunk is positioned on the kitchen fixture inside the work surface or rises from the work surface. The upper end of the trunk is located above the work surface.
The trunk has an elongated form and can assume a multiplicity of forms in the cross-section, such as round, oval, or rectangular, for example. The trunk preferably protrudes (in its longitudinal axis) perpendicularly or essentially perpendicularly over the work surface.
In one embodiment, the support part is mushroom-shaped, whereby a screen is attached to the upper side (the side oriented at a distance from the work surface) of the trunk. The screen is a flat component which protrudes laterally, in specific areas or everywhere, over the circumferential surface of the trunk. In a view from above, the screen can have different forms, such as round, oval, or rectangular, for example. A flat closing plate is particularly preferred. The concept of the screen is, therefore, not to be understood as being restricted to a strictly umbrella-shaped design of the component. The screen (the plane of the flat component) preferably protrudes in parallel or essentially parallel to the work surface or normally or essentially normally to the trunk (in its longitudinal axis). The screen is preferably attached to the upper end of the trunk (oriented at a distance from the work surface). The support part there can be designed as a single part or as a multiple part. The examples include one design of a casting or a two part design, whereby the screen and the trunk represent separate components. The screen and/or the trunk can be manufactured from metal, for example. Functional elements can be positioned on the screen and/or on the trunk of the support part.
In one embodiment, the trunk is positioned in the center point of the central area of the work surface, for example, precisely at its center point. In one embodiment, the central area of the work surface comprises the area that lies within the inner 30% and, preferably, within the inner 15% of the section from the center point to the edge of the work surface, and the trunk can be positioned in the area between several cooking surfaces of a stove top, for example.
The first and second aspects of the invention (support part with post and arm, trunk- or mushroom-shaped support part) combine the joint function. In this respect, the invention also comprises a kitchen fixture in accordance with the introductory portion of claims 1 and 4, whereby the support part represents a portion of the kitchen fixture, and the functional element is placed directly and at an ideal distance above the work surface.
In one embodiment, the work surface is a stove top. In another embodiment, this work plate or work surface, is a rinsing area. In another embodiment, on the other hand, the work surface is a preparation surface.
In one embodiment, the functional element is a suction hood. The suction hood is preferably attached to the point of the support part oriented towards the work plate, for example, or to the lower side of the arm or to the screen or to the front side of the post or trunk.
In one embodiment, the functional element is a light source. The light source is, preferably, attached to the point of the support part oriented towards the work plate, such as towards the lower side of the arm or the screen or towards the front side of the post or the trunk, for example.
In one embodiment, the functional element is a control element, such as a switch or a knob. The control element may comprise control elements for additional functional elements positioned on the support part, such as a suction hood or a light source. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the control element to also comprise control elements for additional functions of the kitchen fixture, such as for the stove top. It is preferably attached to the upper side of the arm or the screen, as the case may be, so that it is easily accessible for the user.
In one embodiment, the functional element is an electrical outlet.
In one embodiment, the functional element is a support mount, such as a support mount for cleaning rags, kitchen towels and the like, for example.
In one embodiment, these functional elements can be positioned precisely on the support device, or several identical or different functional elements can be present.
In one embodiment, the work surface is a stove top, and the functional element is a suction hood. As an additional functional element in addition to the suction hood, the support part can, in this embodiment, comprise a light source and/or a control element, for example.
In one embodiment, the work surface is a preparation surface, and the functional element is a light source. As an additional functional element in addition to the light source, the support part can, in this embodiment, comprise a plug socket and/or a control element, for example. A suction hood can additionally be integrated, in order to suction off undesirable vapors, such as arise upon chopping onions, for example.
In one embodiment, the operating height of the functional element is between 5 and 50 cm and is, preferably, between 10 and 30 cm above the work surface.
In one embodiment, the support part is adjustable in height, either progressively or in defined increments, so that the vertical distance of the functional element from the work surface can be changed. In addition to additional conceivable configurations, it is possible for the post or the trunk to be recessed into the kitchen fixture or extended from it. The support part, for example, can be adjustable in height inside the area in which the operating height of the functional element is in its preferred area. It is also conceivable, however, for the support part to also be completely retractable into the work surface.
In one embodiment, the kitchen fixture is designed in such a manner that a movement of the support part (such as the adjustment of height or swivelling) is carried out by machine and, preferably, electrically. The movement can thereby be controlled by means of functional elements in the form of control elements on the support system.
In one embodiment, an encircling protective device is positioned on the lower end of the post or trunk. The protective device is designed in such a manner that the entrance of fluids into the accommodation of the support part on the kitchen fixture is impeded, such as by means of a ring encircling the post or trunk, such as a metal ring, a rubber ring, or a plastic ring, for example. The protective device is preferably raised relative to the work surface.
In one embodiment, the suction hood has a removable filter, which can be attached to the support part, preferably from the outside. The filter may be a single-shell or a double-shell metal filter. The filter and the support part are preferably designed in such a way that the tool-free removal of the filter from to the support and its attachment to the same is possible.
In one embodiment, the suctioning technology of the suction hood is completely integrated into the support part, preferably in the arm or the screen. The term “suctioning technology” refers, in particular, to the filter, the fan, and the motor. It can thus be achieved that only the tube through which the air suctioned off is discharged is positioned in the body of the kitchen fixture, below the work surface.
The present invention can have the following advantages in comparison with those of the state of the art, either per se or in different preferred configurations.
Insofar as the functional element is a suction hood, an effective suctioning off of hot cooking fumes above the pans and cooking pots is achieved in accordance with the invention through the fact that the suction hood is positioned directly above the pans or cooking pots. The cooking fumes are removed and suctioned off primarily laterally, with a somewhat rising tendency, over the edges of the pot or pan, and within the shortest distance. Since heated air expands physically upwardly and in the lateral direction, this suctioning technology effectively follows physical laws.
A direct and immediate escape of the cooking fumes occurs at the place of origination, so that a reduction of the quantity of air to be removed and a reduction of the air speed results. Through that fact, there is the additional consequence of a reduction of the energy consumption for the exhaust hood and a reduction of the noise level from the venting. Because of the short distance between the point of origin of the cooking fumes and the accommodation of the cooking fumes by the centrally positioned exhaust hood at the optimal height, an increase in the efficiency of the suction hood is brought about. In the exhaust hood venting technology presented, the physical laws of heated air are followed, and the air, which has been contaminated by water, odors, fats, and oil vapors, is removed, either primarily or solely.
A light source positioned on the screen or on the arm, and encircling the same, if necessary, makes possible an effective lighting of the stove top, and thereby a lighting of the pots and pans and their contents as well. A simple and secure monitoring of the progress of the cooking is thereby made possible.
The place where the suction hood is usually mounted above the head can be used for other purposes. Through that fact, additional storage space is brought about. This novel suctioning is of great advantage precisely in this area of a cooking island unit, because no exhaust hood above the head is required.
The venting filter there can, in one embodiment, be easily mounted and dismounted and placed in the dishwasher for the purpose of cleaning.
A protective device, such as a stainless steel ring, can be mounted in the opening of the stove top for the exhaust air positioned in the middle. In one embodiment, the venting filter can be plugged into this projecting ring, if necessary, and maintain its lower attachment as the result. This ring or this protective device, as the case may be, protects the venting filter and the exhaust opening against overflowing cooking material, and the former or the latter, also serves to seal the filter off from the stove top.
The control element for the control of the suctioning and the light can be positioned, in a simple and clear manner, on the upper side of the support part.
The suctioning technology can be accommodated completely above the stove top in the support part. This makes possible an ease of maintenance of the suctioning technology. Only the tube through which the cleaned exhaust air is discharged is then located underneath the stove top. The ventilating fan can, for example, be mounted in the lower area of the filter, above the stove top or in the round stove top opening in the area of the stainless steel ring.
The material of the suction hood and of the light is, in one preferred configuration, easy to maintain.
On the whole, all the various advantages of this new suctioning technology provide for a considerable increase in the effectiveness of the suctioning, lower noise levels, and a clear reduction of the cost of the suctioning process relative to that of the state of the art. Through the integration of the suctioning into the stove top, a single and compact work area is brought about. Therefore, two individual devices—stove top and exhaust device—do not need to be maintained and mounted. This leads to low production, assembly, and maintenance costs.
In one embodiment, it is provided that the work surface and the support part are an integral component of the entire kitchen fixture. In other words, the kitchen fixture is a kitchen fixture that has work surfaces or work areas installed or integrated.
In one embodiment, it is provided that the work surface and the support part component of a module are attachable to a base, whereby the base and the module jointly form the kitchen fixture. In other words, individual work surfaces or work areas, can be placed on a base as independent function units or modules. A configuration of the module next to additional work surfaces, such as a work plate, is conceivable. The work surfaces or work areas of the module, each comprise the support part, in such a way that a module is positioned between individual work plates of the kitchen fixture, for example. In one embodiment, it is conceivable that such a module can be variably integrated into a kitchen work bench or the kitchen fixture, so that a preparation module, a cooking module, and a rinsing module can be mounted in series next to one another on a joint base frame assembled into a kitchen fixture, for example.

Additional details and advantages of the invention result from the embodiments depicted in the figures and in the following. The figures depict the following:

FIG. 1: A lateral view of an embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 3: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 3;

FIG. 5: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 5;

FIG. 7: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 7;

FIG. 9: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 10: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 9;

FIG. 11: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 12: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 11;

FIG. 13: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 14: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 13;

FIG. 15: A perspective view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 16: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 17: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 16;

FIG. 18: A perspective view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 19: A lateral view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 20: A view from above of the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 19; and:

FIG. 21: A perspective view of an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict a lateral view and a view from above of a first embodiment of a kitchen fixture 100 in accordance with the invention.
The kitchen fixture has a work surface 110 in the form of a stove top which is designed, in this embodiment, to be rectangular and has four cooking surfaces. The work surface or the stove top, as the case may be, can obviously also be constructed in a diverging manner without influencing the remaining characteristics of these embodiments.
Furthermore, a support part 120 for several functional elements 131 to 133, which support part sits in the middle 112 of the stove top 110, is positioned on the kitchen fixture. The center of the stove top can be seen in the figure at the intersection of the lines B and C. Also, an oval, or rectangular design of the suction device is also comprised by the invention. This is applicable to the trunk 121 and/or to the screen 122, for example.
The support part 120 has a mushroom-shaped shape and a trunk 121, as well as a closing plate or a screen 122, as the case may be. The trunk 121 protrudes perpendicularly over the stove top 110, which means that the longitudinal axis A of the trunk 121 protrudes perpendicularly over the horizontal plane of the stove top 110 extending over the lines B and C. In the embodiment depicted, the trunk is designed to be round in cross-section, and the screen is a round, flat closing plate 122. Other configurations are obviously also conceivable, however.
The support part 120 has several functional elements 121 to 123 at different points. The suction hood 130 is positioned on the trunk 121, whereby the suction apertures or the reception capacity in relation to the longitudinal axis of the trunk 121 have such a symmetry, or the suction hood 130 is designed in such a manner, that it can suction in air essentially evenly from all peripheral directions of the trunk 121. Since the support part 120 is positioned in the center 112 of the stove top 110, an effective suctioning of all cooking surfaces can thus take place. The venting from individual spaces (such as from quarters individually corresponding to a stove top) can be activated individually.
The filter of the suction hood 131 can, in this embodiment, be removed completely in order to clean it in the dishwasher, for example, and, in order to be able to set it up free of connecting tools, a single-shell or double-shell metal filter is placed from the outside. As depicted schematically in the figures, cooking fumes 131 a are removed laterally and suctioned off through the suction hood 131, with a somewhat rising tendency in the shortest distance. This exhaust air is subsequently discharged downwardly into the socket area of the support part 120 on the kitchen fixture 100.
In principle or optionally, the air can be suctioned off as exhaust air (outwardly), or can be guided as circulating air.
Furthermore, the support part 120 has light sources 132 on the lower side of the cover plate 122, which light sources, in the embodiment depicted, encircle the closing plate in the lower edge area and, consequently, upon proceeding from the center, optimally light up the stove top at every point.
As indicated in FIG. 1 by the double arrow, the support part 120 is adjustable in height along its longitudinal axis A, so that the distance from the light source 132 to the stove top 110 and the height of the suction hood 131 above the stove top 110 can be adjusted individually. Thus, an optimal and effective suctioning and lighting can always be guaranteed for all pans and pot heights.
Finally, the support part 120, in the embodiment depicted, has control elements 133 positioned on the upper side of the screen or sealing part 122. This may thereby involve control elements for the light source 132 or the suction hood 131. Furthermore, it may involve a control element for adjustability of height. The operating device 115 for the stove top is attached to the stove top 110 itself. It is also obviously conceivable that the stove top can also be operated by means of the operating device on the support part, or that parts of the control element 133 on the support part 120 or the control element 133 on the support part 120, may be entirely dispensed with, and these functions can be taken over by a control element on the stove top. By means of the control element 133 attached to the upper side of the closing plate or of the screen, such as for the lighting and the control of the venting, a simple, direct, economic, and clear operation can be achieved.
In the socket area of the trunk 120, this is encompassed by an encircling ring, such as a metal ring or stainless steel ring 140, which serves as a protective device and is designed in such a manner that any fluids possibly boiling over from the pots cannot enter the accommodation or the suctioning channel for exhaust air 131 a. The contamination of the filter in the lower area upon the cleaning of the stove top or the entrance of materials boiling over into the exhaust air channel, is thereby impeded. This protective device 140 is attached to the stove top 110 in the area of the air passage. The filter of the suction hood can also attached or have its lower attachment on the protective device 140.
In summary form, the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is therefore a stove top 110, with a suction hood 131 integrated into the middle of the plate. A round single-part or two-part filter, can be introduced into a protective device 140 attached to the stove top 110, such as a stainless steel ring. The encircling light 132 is integrated underneath the upper cover or under the screen 122. A keypad 133 for the light 132 and suction hood 131 is positioned on the upper side of the cover or of the screen 122. The cover or the screen 122 can be constructed in a height-adjustable manner with the integrated light. The height of the suction hood 131 with the integrated filter above the stove top 110 can be between 10 cm and approx. 30 cm. These heights were determined as optimal in series of tests.
FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an alternative embodiment to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a lateral view and in a view from above, whereby the same features are provided with the same reference numerals. Reference is hereby made to the descriptions of FIGS. 1 and 2 in this respect.
In this embodiment, the stove top 110 and the support part 120, including functional elements, are designed as modules that can be variably integrated into the base of a kitchen fixture. The boundaries of the module relative to the additional parts of the kitchen fixture are marked with the reference numeral 200. Work plates 210 of the kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention constructed separately therefrom are positioned to the left and to the right of the module.
FIGS. 5 and 6 depict, in a lateral view and a view from above, an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention, the work surface 110 of which is designed as a stove top and which has, in the center point 112 of the stove top 110, a support part 120 with several functional elements 131 to 133. The identification of corresponding parts of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is also applicable to FIGS. 5 and 6, so that reference is made, in this respect, to the descriptions given there.
This additional embodiment differs from the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, among other points, through the design of the stove top, whereby the stove top here comprises two partial areas 110 a and 110 b. The partial areas 110 a and 110 b can be positioned separately on the work plate in different embodiments, in accordance with choice. The support system 120 or the exhaust hood 131, can be additionally positioned next to or between the partial areas. An operating device 133 is positioned on the upper side of the screen 122. The exhaust hood 131 is designed as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 and as described in connection with these figures.
FIGS. 7 and 8 depict an additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention, whereby the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals as in the embodiments discussed above, and these fulfill the same functions, so that reference is made in this respect to the descriptions given there.
In contrast to the embodiments described above, the support part in this embodiment has a post 123 attached to the kitchen fixture 100, as well as an arm 124 connected therewith. The post 123 is attached to the kitchen fixture in the edge area 111 of the stove top 110 and, specifically so, centrally in the edge area of the work surface oriented at a distance from the user. That is to say, the arm normally points directly towards the rear surface of the kitchen fixture in the direction of the user and extends over a portion of the work surface 110. The post 123 and the arm 124 each have an elongated form, whereby the post protrudes (in its longitudinal axis A) perpendicularly over the stove top 110, and whereby the arm 124 protrudes (in its longitudinal axis B) in parallel to the work surface and normally to the post. The arm is attached to the upper end—i.e., to the end of the post 123 oriented at a distance from the work surface. The arm 124 extends over more than half the depth of the stove top 110—i.e., over the axis C normally bisecting the axis B and the stove top 110.
In the forward—i.e., the end area of the arm 124 oriented towards the user—a control element 133 is attached to its upper side, which can fulfill the same functions as described in connection with the preceding embodiments.
Light sources 132 are attached to the lower side of the arm 124, approximately in its central area, and are thereby positioned above the central area of the stove top 110. An optimal lighting of all cooking surfaces of the stove top 110 can thus be achieved.
The suction hood 131 extends over the front side of the post 123, over the transition area between the post 123 and the arm 124, as well as over the rear part of the lower side of the arm 124. Through this projection over the stove top 110, an optimal suction power can be achieved for all cooking surfaces of the stove top 110. In this embodiment, the filter of the suction hood 131 can also be cleaned in one or in several parts, and can, preferably, be removed without use of tools. Preferred configurations of the filter have already been described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The suction apertures or the reception capacity can have symmetry in relation to the plane formed by the trunk 123 and the arm 124, or the suction hood 130 can be designed in such a manner that air can be suctioned, essentially evenly, from both sides of the support part 120. Since the support part 120 in the middle of the stove top 110 is positioned or divides the space above the stove top 110 into two halves, an effective suctioning of all stove tops can take place. The venting from individual space segments (such as from the space segments corresponding to half the stove top) can be activated individually.
The support part 120 is also adjustable in height in this embodiment.
Although this is not realized in the present embodiment, it is conceivable and comprised by the invention for the support part 120 to be swivellable around a vertical axis. It can thus be achieved, if necessary, that the arm lights up those areas of the stove top or vents off those areas of the stove top fumes, as the case may be, in which this is particularly desired in accordance with the current circumstances. A swivelling can take place manually or electrically, for example, and the swivelling can be controlled by means of control elements 133 or 115.
Furthermore, the support part 120 has a ring 140 in the socket area as a protective device against the entrance of fluids into the exhaust air channel. For additional details, we refer to the descriptions of FIGS. 1 and 2.
In summary, this is the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, and thus a stove top 110 with a suction hood 131 integrated in the center or in the rear. The opening for the suction line is positioned here, not in the middle of the surface, but rather centrally on the rear stove top edge. The single part filter can, for example, be placed from the front and onto the suction hood 131 positioned vertically on the post 123. The arm 124 is kept narrower. The light 132 is accommodated in the lower area. The keypad for the control of the lighting device 132 and of the suction hood 131 is positioned on the upper side of the arm 124. The arm 124, or the entire support part there, can be constructed to be adjustable in height, whereby the preferred work level of the suction hood 131 was determined, in corresponding series of tests, at between 10 cm and approx. 30 cm over the work surface 110.
Embodiments that are similar to the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 7 and 8, are depicted in FIGS. 9 to 15. These embodiments differ from the embodiment from FIGS. 7 and 8 in the configuration of the support part 120 or in the configuration and mounting position of the filter 131 and the light source 132, among other points.
Reference is thus essentially made to the preceding descriptions, and only individual special features of these embodiments will be described in the following.
Thus, in the embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 9 and 10, the suction hood 131 is positioned on the arm 124. The exhaust hood is centrally attached to the rear stove top area, over an arm 124 projecting into the center of the stove top. The filter 131 is, viewed at shortened height from below, attached to the arm through the center of the stove top. The stove top under it can be used to freely shift the pots and pans. The filter is plugged in or screwed in from below, and onto the suctioning unit. The filter can be removed by means of a simple rotary movement and cleaned in a dishwasher. The optimal operating height of the exhaust hood was also determined in this embodiment, in one series of tests, at approx. 10 cm to 30 cm over the stove top 110. The top-positioned closing plate of the arm 124 serves to guide the exhaust air to the post 123 attached in the rear. The exhaust air line points downwardly. The light is designed as explained in connection with FIGS. 7 and 8.
In the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 11 and 12, the suction hood 131 has a shortened height and is mounted from below, underneath the upper cover plate or the arm 124, respectively. The filter is formed in the lower area as a hemisphere and can be screwed out, if necessary, for cleaning in the dishwasher, by means of a hand movement.
In the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 13 and 14, the support part 121 is manufactured from metal in a single part, and has a flat and rectangular cross-section, which is identical for both the post as well as for the arm. This makes the support part particularly space-saving, and creates an aesthetically appealing impression. In this embodiment, the suction hood 131, as well as the light source 132, are attached exclusively to the lower side of the arm. In this embodiment, the arm can extend nearly over the entire depth of the stove top 110. A direct suctioning at the point of origin of the cooking fumes is also ensured with this solution. The support part 120 curved at a right angle can be integrated onto the stove top, or can be individually attached to stand on the work surface (depending on the mounting of one individual stove top or of several partial areas).
In the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 15, the stove top 110 and the support part 120, including the functional elements, are designed as modules, which can be variably integrated into the base of a kitchen fixture. The boundaries of the module relative to the additional parts of the kitchen fixture are marked with the reference numeral 200. Work surfaces 210 of the kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention, which are constructed separately therefrom, are positioned to the left and to the right of the module. The suction hood 131 is positioned both on the lower side of the arm 124, as well as on the front side of the post 123. The lighting unit is seated at the lower side of the arm 124, and proceeds along the left and the right edges. The control element 133 is attached to the upper side in the forward area of the arm 124. This embodiment therefore depicts, in summary form, a kitchen fixture with a module comprising a stove top 110 and a support part 120 with integrated suction hood 131, with an integrated light 132 and an integrated control unit 133.
In the embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 9 to 15, in summary form, the suction hood 131, in contrast to the embodiment in accordance with FIGS. 7 and 8, extends, not over the post 123 or over the entire height of the post 123, but, rather, only over the central and upper area of the post, if necessary. It can thus be achieved, for example, that, in the case of a support part 120 that is adjustable in height, the maximum suction power is always achieved at the optimal height, and venting occurs only where it is also actually efficient.
Individual construction design elements from the individual embodiments can also obviously be combined with one another.
An additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention, whereby the work surface 110 in this embodiment is a preparation surface, which has a board 110, a waste bin 117, as well as slots 116 for accommodation of the blade, is depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17. A support part 120 with a post 123, as well as an arm 124, is attached in the rear edge area of the preparation surface 110.
Optionally, only one waste collector 117 can also be provided. Electrical kitchen aids, such as a mixer or electrical blade, etc., can be installed in the space of the second waste collectors that become available.
In this embodiment, the support part 120 has a post 123 attached to the kitchen fixture 100, as well as an arm 124 connecting therewith. The post 123 is attached to the kitchen fixture in the edge area of the work surface or of the cutting board 110, as the case may be and, specifically so, centrally in the edge area of the work surface oriented distance from the user 110. That is to say, the arm 124 normally points directly to the rear surface of the kitchen fixture in the direction of the user and extends over a portion of the work surface 110. The post 123 and the arm 124 each have an elongated form, whereby the post protrudes (in its longitudinal axis A) perpendicularly over the stove top 110, and whereby the arm 124 protrudes (in its longitudinal axis) in parallel to the work surface and normally to the post. The arm is attached to the upper end—that is to say, to the end of the post 123 oriented distance from the work surface. The arm 124 extends over less than half the depth of the work surface 110.
In the forward end—i.e., the end area of the arm 124 oriented towards the user—a control element 133 is attached to the upper side. This may thereby involve control elements for the light sources 132, for example. A simple and clear operation can be achieved through the control element 133 attached to the upper side of the arm, such as for the light and, optionally, suctioning, for example.
Light sources 132 are attached to the lower side of the arm 124 in its rear area, as well as to the front side of the post 123, in its upper area. Good lighting of the work surface 110 can thus be achieved.
Electrical outlets 134 are attached in the central area of the post 123. These electrical outlets 124 are practical for the operation of different electrical kitchen appliances, and their placement on the support part 120 saves space on the work surface 110 and protects against contamination and the entrance of moisture.
An alternative embodiment to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17 is depicted in a perspective view in FIG. 18, whereby the same characteristics are provided with the same reference numerals. Reference is made in this respect to the descriptions of FIGS. 16 and 17.
In this embodiment, the preparation surface 110 and the support part 120, including the functional elements, are designed as modules that can be integrated into the base of a kitchen fixture in a variable manner. The boundaries of the module relative to the additional parts of the kitchen fixture are marked with the reference numeral 200. Work surfaces 210 of the kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention, which are constructed separately therefrom, are positioned to the left and to the right of the module.
In this embodiment, the preparation surface 110 or the module comprise additional electrical appliances 135 or support mounts 135, as the case may be, for electrical appliances, such as stirrers, mixers, scales, and the like. This embodiment therefore depicts, in summary form, a kitchen fixture with a module comprising a preparation surface 110, which comprises a cutting board, two waste collectors 117, support mounts for small electrical appliances or small electrical appliances 135, as the case may be, a knife holder 116, as well as a support part 120. The support part 120, for its part, has a light 132, two electrical outlets 134, and a suction hood 131.
An additional embodiment of a kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention is depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20, whereby the work surface 110 is, in this embodiment, a rinsing area, which has a flat basin 119, a deep basin 118, and a shelf, as well as a water faucet 120. At the same time, the water faucet 120 represents, in this embodiment, a support part for a functional element 132 in the form of a light source.
The support part or the water faucet 120 has a post 123 attached to the kitchen fixture 100, as well as an arm 124 connected therewith. The post 123 is attached, in the rear edge area of the work surface 110, to the kitchen fixture and, specifically so, behind the wash basin 118 and 119, as seen by the user. The arm 124 is swivellable around the axis of the post 123 (arrow of movement D in FIG. 16). The post 123 and the arm 124 each have an elongated form, whereby the post protrudes (in its longitudinal axis A) perpendicularly over the stove top 110, and whereby the arm 124 protrudes (in its longitudinal axis) in parallel to the work surface and normally to the post. The arm is attached on the upper end—i.e., to the end of the post 123 oriented at a distance from the work surface.
Furthermore, next to the control element 128 for the water valve 127, a control element for the light source 132 is attached to the arm 124, preferably on the upper side of the water faucet. A simple and clear operation can be achieved by the control element attached to the upper side of the arm, for example, for the light.
Light sources 132 are attached to the front side of the post 123 in its upper area. Good lighting of the wash basin 118 and 119 can thus be achieved.
A mixing battery for the light sources can be attached to the support part 120 or under the rinsing area.
An alternative embodiment to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 19 and 20 is depicted in FIG. 21, in perspective view, whereby the same characteristics are provided with the same reference numerals. Reference is made in this respect to the descriptions of FIGS. 19 and 20.
In this embodiment, the rinsing area 110 and the support part 120, including the functional elements, are designed as modules, which can be variably integrated into the base of a kitchen fixture. The boundaries of the module relative to the additional parts of the kitchen fixture are marked with the reference numeral 200. Work surfaces 210 of the kitchen fixture in accordance with the invention that are constructed separately therefrom are positioned to the left and to the right of the module.
In this embodiment, furthermore, the support part 120 comprises support mounts 136 and 137 for sponges and cleaning rags, for example. The rinsing area or the module, as the case may be, additionally comprises a support surface 138 for detergents or the like. The lever 128 for the mixing battery is positioned on the forward end of the arm 124. The arm there can be tubular with a round cross-section, for example, whereby the cross-section remains constant over its length. Alternately, the arm can, as indicated in the figure, also proceed forward, proceeding from the articulation point on the post—i.e., the cross-section can taper off there. Other cross-section forms than a round cross-section, such as rectangular, oval, etc., are obviously also conceivable.
This embodiment therefore depicts, in summary form, a kitchen fixture with a module comprising a rinsing area 110, which comprises a support surface 138 for detergents, a tube 118, as well as a support part 120, for example. The support part 120, for its part, has a light 132, a swivellable lever 128 of a mixing battery, and support mounts 136 and 137 for sponges and the like, for example.

Claims

1. A kitchen fixture with a work surface and at least one functional element positioned above the work surface, wherein

the functional element is positioned on a support part, and

the support part comprises a post attached to the kitchen fixture and an arm connecting with the post.

2. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the post is attached to the kitchen fixture in an edge area of the work surface and/or the arm proceeding from the post points in the direction of the center point of the work surface.

3. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the post is attached around a vertical or essentially vertical axis to the kitchen fixture in a swivellable manner and/or that the arm connects with the post around a vertical or essentially vertical axis in a swivellable manner.

4. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the work surface is a rinsing area, the support part is formed by a water faucet, and the functional element is a light source and, if necessary, additionally a support mount.

5. A kitchen fixture with a work surface and at least one functional element positioned above the work surface, wherein

the functional element is positioned on a support part, and

the support part has a trunk positioned on the kitchen fixture inside the work surface, the upper end of which extends above the work surface.

6. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 5, wherein the functional element is mushroom-shaped and has a screen connecting with the trunk and/or that the trunk is positioned in the central area of the work surface.

7. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the work surface is a stove top, a rinsing area, or a preparation surface and/or that the functional element is selected from the group of a the suction hood, a light source, a control element, and a the power source.

8. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the work surface is a stove top, and the at least one functional element includes a suction hood and, in addition light sources and/or control elements, if necessary.

9. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the work surface is a preparation surface and the functional elements are light sources and, in addition, are power sources and/or control elements and/or a suction hood, if necessary.

10. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein the support part is adjustable in height in relation to the work surface and/or that the operating height of the functional element is between 10 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm, above the work surface or is adjustable in this range, as the case may be.

11. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein an encircling protective device, preferably a metal ring, is positioned on the lower end of the post and/or the suction hood has a removable filter and/or the suctioning technology of the suction hood is completely integrated into the support part.

12. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 1 wherein the work surface and the support part are an integral component of the entire kitchen fixture, or the work surface and the support part are a component of a module attachable to a base, and the base and the module jointly form the kitchen fixture.

13. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 2, wherein the post is attached around a vertical or essentially vertical axis to the kitchen fixture in a swivellable manner and/or the arm connects with the post around a vertical or essentially vertical axis in a swivellable manner.

14. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 13, wherein the work surface is a rinsing area, the support part is formed by a water faucet, and the functional element is a light source and, if necessary, additionally a support mount.

15. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 3, wherein the work surface is a rinsing area, the support part is formed by a water faucet, and the functional element is a light source and, if necessary, additionally a support mount.

16. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 2, wherein the work surface is a rinsing area, the support part is formed by a water faucet, and the functional element is a light source and, if necessary, additionally a support mount.

17. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 5, wherein the work surface is a stove top, a rinsing area, or a preparation surface and/or the functional element is selected from the group of a suction hood, a light source, a control element, and a power source.

18. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 5, wherein the work surface is a stove top, and the at least one functional element includes a suction hood and, in addition light sources and/or control elements, if necessary.

19. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 5, wherein the work surface is a preparation surface and the functional elements are light sources and, in addition, are power sources and/or control elements and/or a suction hood, if necessary.

20. A kitchen fixture in accordance with claim 5, wherein the support part is adjustable in height in relation to the work surface and/or the operating height of the functional element is between 10 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm, above the work surface or is adjustable in this range, as the case may be.