Extraction device, combination appliance, and method for operating extraction device or combination appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to an extraction device (14), comprising: an air channel system, which comprises at least a first air duct for air delivery, which first air duct has at least one suction opening (24) and at least one exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b, 72); an air conveying device (36); and a filter unit (48, 48 ') comprising at least one first filter element. The extraction device (14) is configured to operate in a first mode of operation, which is a cooking fume extraction mode, and a second mode of operation, which is an air purification mode. The air channel system comprises a branch or a joint and at least one shut-off device (64, 64 ', 68) or a switching device (70). The at least one shut-off device (64, 64 ', 68) provides access to at least the second air conduit when the extraction device (14) is operated in the second mode of operation. Alternatively, the switching device (70) has a first outlet and a second outlet for conducting at least a portion of the conveyed air through the first outlet to the first air conduit or to the at least one exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b) when the extraction device (14) is operated in the first operating mode, or directing at least a portion of the delivered air through the second outlet to the second air conduit when the extraction device (14) is operated in the second operating mode. The branch or joint and the switching device (70) are arranged at the first end of the second air duct, in particular at the first end of the first air duct. According to the invention, at least one air treatment device (66) is arranged in the second air duct and / or strikes the air guided through the second air duct. A combination appliance (10) and a method for operating an extraction device (14) or a combination appliance (10) are further disclosed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an extraction device comprising an air channel system, an air conveying device and a filter unit according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a combination appliance comprising a cooking hob and an extraction device according to the preamble of claim 12. The invention further relates to a method for operating an extraction device or a combination appliance according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0002] During cooking activities using a cooking hob, cooking vapors are generated that are distributed in the cooking area. In order to avoid that these cooking vapors spread throughout the kitchen space, an extraction device, in particular a range hood, is usually arranged. The extraction device operates in parallel with the cooking hob, thereby sucking in those cooking vapors in order to filter out particles and small droplets from the vapors and / or blowing the vapors to the outside of the building. Such a range hood can be arranged above the cooking area or it can be included in a combination appliance, which is a configuration of entities including a range hood and a cooking hob. This type of extraction device is usually arranged as an extraction unit under the worktop of the associated cooking hob, and the extraction device includes at least one fan for sucking air from the cooking area through an opening arranged in the worktop, the air flowing through an air channel system to an exhaust outlet, in which a filter unit is arranged for removing cooking fumes.

[0003] On the other hand, in order to increase home comfort, there is a new trend towards a steady improvement in the indoor air quality in residential buildings. Corresponding devices for air conditioning and air purification are known, which are equipped with different types of fluid or air filters for removing pollutants from the indoor air.

[0004] It is also known to include the execution of two of the tasks described in only one unit, namely both the extraction of cooking fumes and the purification of indoor air. In particular, CN 109323311A discloses an integrated stove capable of performing the extraction of cooking vapors according to a first function and the purification of air according to a second function. For this purpose, a common inlet opening is provided, and the delivered air is transferred to the smoking box after passing through a common filter unit and is continuously transferred to the air duct system. The air duct system is divided into a main end pipe for outdoor discharge of cooking fumes and an auxiliary end pipe for recirculation of purified indoor air. In order to control the airflow direction, a switching assembly is included for selectively opening and closing the passage to the main pipe and the auxiliary pipe.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an extraction device and / or combination appliance which performs an improved air purification without requiring an increased maintenance effort. Further, a method for operating an extraction device or combination appliance is to be provided which supports said improved air purification performance of the extraction device and / or combination appliance compared to a limited maintenance effort which only needs to be performed by the user.

[0006] The object of the extraction device according to the preamble of claim 1 is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1 .

[0007] An extraction device comprises: an air channel system for air delivery, the air channel system having at least one suction opening and at least one exhaust opening; an air conveying device, in particular a blower; and a filter unit, the filter unit comprising at least one first filter element. The air channel system comprises at least a first air duct. The extraction device is configured to operate in a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first operating mode is a cooking smoke extraction mode, in which the air conveying device draws air containing cooking smoke from an area above a cooking zone or area. Further, the second operating mode is an air purification mode, in which the air conveying device draws air from a space in which the extraction device is arranged. The air channel system comprises a branch or a joint. The air channel system further comprises at least one shut-off device, which provides access to at least the second air duct when the extraction device is operated in the second operating mode. In particular, the shut-off device is at least one shut-off valve, preferably an electrical shut-off valve. As an alternative to the shutoff device, the air channel system further comprises a conversion device, which has a first outlet and a second outlet, for guiding at least a portion of the delivered air through the first outlet to the first air duct or to at least one exhaust opening, or guiding at least a portion of the delivered air through the second outlet to the second air duct. When the extraction device is operated in the first operating mode, the delivered air or the delivered air portion is guided to the first air duct or the at least one exhaust opening. On the other hand, when the extraction device is operated in the second operating mode, at least a portion of the delivered air is guided to the second air duct. The branch or joint and the conversion device are arranged at the first end of the first air duct and the first end of the second air duct. Preferably, the branch or joint and the conversion device or the shutoff device are arranged downstream of the air conveying device. According to the present invention, at least one air treatment device is arranged in the second air duct. Additionally or alternatively, at least one air treatment device impacts the air guided through the second air duct. The conversion device can be a conversion valve, preferably an electrical conversion valve. With this air treatment device, air can be treated in a specific manner, especially in addition to the filtering effect performed by the filter unit including at least one first filter element.

[0008] A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the filter unit comprising at least one first filter element is a first filter device and the air treatment arrangement is a second filter device or comprises a second filter device, which in particular comprises a second filter element.

[0009] The extraction device may comprise means for blocking the executableness or execution or selection of the second operating mode when cooking fumes are generated on the area above the cooking zone or zone. Alternatively, the means may be designed to block the executableness or execution or selection of the second operating mode when the cooking zone or zone is in a condition in which cooking fumes are at least likely to be generated or have been generated. In this case, the cooking zone or zone may be in a condition that enables the execution of a cooking process. The means for blocking the executableness or execution or selection of the second operating mode are in particular blocking means for disabling the associated selection button, or the means may be any software application or routine that recognizes the execution of a cooking process and / or the generation of cooking fumes on a cooking zone or zone or is triggered by recognizing the execution of a cooking process and / or the generation of cooking fumes on a cooking zone or zone.

[0010] In some embodiments, the selection between the first operating mode and the second operating mode can be performed by an electrical or electronic switching operation of at least one cut-off device or a switching device. In this way, in particular, the user does not need to perform a manual action.

[0011] According to an embodiment, at least one air treatment device (particularly the second filter device) comprises an air purification filter device. The air purification filter device preferably comprises an odor and / or dust filter unit, in particular a VOC or TVOC filter unit that eliminates any kind of volatile organic compounds. More specifically, the air purification device particularly comprises at least one of a HEPA filter, a PECO filter, an Ulpa filter, and a fluid filter device.

[0012] The extraction device advantageously comprises a common suction opening, which is provided for operation of the extraction device in the first operating mode and in the second operating mode. The common suction opening is preferably arranged or arrangeable on a cooktop of a cooking hob assigned to the extraction device. According to an even more preferred embodiment, the common suction opening is arranged or arrangeable through a central partition of a cooktop, which is in particular a glass ceramic cooktop.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the first exhaust opening is arranged at the second end of the first air duct and the second exhaust opening is arranged at the second end of the second air duct. In particular, the second exhaust opening is arranged or can be arranged on a cooktop, in particular a glass ceramic cooktop, of a cooking hob assigned to the extraction device. Alternatively, the second exhaust opening is arranged or can be arranged on a worktop of a kitchen cabinet on which the extraction device is installed or can be installed. More specifically, the second exhaust opening passes through the cooktop or through the worktop. As another alternative, the second exhaust opening can be arranged in the bottom area of ​​a cabinet on which the extraction device can be arranged or can be arranged. Another alternative or additional specific embodiment provides a first exhaust opening, which at least includes a first first exhaust opening and a second first exhaust opening, which are spaced apart from each other and / or from the suction opening. Other specific, additional or alternative embodiments provide a first exhaust opening and a second exhaust opening arranged in such a way that they are spaced apart from each other and / or from the suction opening. Additionally or as an alternative to the spaced apart positioning, at least one of the first and second exhaust openings may include an orientable air guide (eg, a baffle) to avoid short-circuiting air recirculation resulting in exhaust air being drawn directly through the suction opening.

[0014] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one of the first exhaust air opening and the second exhaust air opening and the suction opening are arranged on a common surface, in particular a cooktop of a cooking hob. More specifically, at least one of the first exhaust air opening and the second exhaust air opening and the suction opening pass through a common surface, in particular a cooktop of a cooking hob. This type of joint positioning may be advantageous with respect to an easy-to-install solution.

[0015] The filter unit comprising at least one first filter element can be arranged downstream, in particular directly downstream, of the suction opening, and / or the filter unit can be accessible through the suction opening. The filter unit is in particular a first filter device, which preferably comprises a grease filter element and / or an odor filter element. In addition, at least one air treatment device can be arranged upstream, in particular directly upstream, of the exhaust opening, in particular the second exhaust opening, and / or the at least one air treatment device can be accessible through the exhaust opening. More specifically, the exhaust opening is the second exhaust opening. At least one air treatment device can include a second filter device and / or a second filter element.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first operating mode, in particular the cooking fume extraction mode, is a recirculation mode, i.e. the air is delivered in a recirculation flow. This may also include that the at least one suction opening and the at least one exhaust opening are arranged in the same room or space, in particular a kitchen room. In some other embodiments, the first operating mode is an external release mode. According to this mode, it may be provided that the at least one suction opening and the at least one exhaust opening are arranged in different rooms or spaces. The at least one exhaust opening, in particular the first exhaust opening, is preferably arranged outside the building.

[0017] On the other hand, the second operating mode (in particular the air purification mode) is preferably a recirculation mode. Accordingly, at least one suction opening and at least one exhaust opening, in particular the second exhaust opening, are arranged in the same room or space. In particular in almost closed spaces, such recirculation can provide a gradually purified indoor atmosphere.

[0018] Another embodiment is characterized in that both the first air duct and the second air duct are merged into a common exhaust opening. In this way, only one open outlet needs to be provided, which can also reduce the workload of installing the extraction device in a small kitchen. In the same spirit, but using a different structure, both the first air duct and the second air duct can be merged into a common air channel end section. Accordingly, the common air channel end section can be connected to the common exhaust opening for the air outlet. Preferably, an air duct closing device is included, which is configured to close at least the second end of the second air duct when the extraction device is operated or can be operated in a first operating mode, which first operating mode can be a cooking smoke extraction mode. According to a preferred embodiment, the second end of the second air duct is arranged downstream of the air treatment device. In addition, the air closing device is in particular a second switching valve having a first inlet and a second inlet. With the air closing device, any backflow of air into the second air duct via the second end of the second air duct can be prevented, and the second air duct can be closed from its two ends.

[0019] The second operating mode, more specifically the air purification mode, can be an operating mode in which the air conveying device is operated at low power and / or low delivery capacity. This can enhance the purification effect, which means that when the air throughput is reduced, the corresponding air treatment device can be operated in an optimized manner. Advantageously, the second operating mode is executed at the end of the cooking process or according to a specific selection of the user.

[0020] The object of the combination according to the preamble of claim 12 is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 12 .

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a combination appliance is provided, which comprises a cooking hob for performing a cooking process and an extraction device according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein. The combination appliance is configured to selectively operate in a first operating mode (the first operating mode is a cooking smoke extraction mode) or in a second operating mode (the second operating mode is an air purification mode). In the cooking smoke extraction mode, the air conveying device draws air containing cooking smoke from the area above the cooking zone or area of ​​the cooking hob, and in the air purification mode, the air conveying device draws air from the space where the extraction device or the combination appliance is respectively arranged. The operation of the combination appliance, in particular the included extraction device, is preferably performed based on the user's selection and / or by automatic activation with the aid of a software application. The software application may include a routine that receives an input of a timer and / or a sensor signal, and the operation of the extraction device is particularly triggered by the timer and / or the sensor signal.

[0022] It should be noted that all embodiments disclosed herein in relation to the extraction device, in particular the disclosed features and components, should be understood to also relate to the combined appliance, in particular when referring to any features and / or functions of the cooking hob.

[0023] Finally, the object of the method for operating an extraction device or a combination appliance according to the preamble of claim 13 is achieved by the characterizing portion of claim 13 .

[0024] A method for operating an extraction device or combination appliance according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be operated by a first operating mode and a second operating mode, in which cooking fumes are removed from a cooking zone or area, and in which air is sucked from a space where the extraction device or combination appliance is arranged. The second operating mode is provided for air purification, in particular purification of ambient air, more specifically purification of air in a room (e.g., a kitchen), thereby forming an installation location of the extraction device or combination appliance. The method is determined by causing air to be sucked in through at least one suction opening and conveyed from the at least one suction opening to at least one exhaust opening of the air channel in an air channel system. It is further provided that, according to the first aspect, at least a portion of the conveyed air is guided at a branch or joint in the following manner: when the extraction device is operated in the second operating mode, it is guided to at least a second air duct by opening and / or closing at least one shut-off device. Compared to this embodiment of the shut-off device, a conversion device can be implemented. In this case, the at least a portion of the conveyed air can be guided to the first air duct or the second duct at a branch or joint. In order to achieve this guidance, the conversion device comprises a first outlet and a second outlet, and the conversion device makes the air either take a path leading to the first air duct or to at least one of the at least one exhaust openings via the first outlet, or take a path leading to the second air duct via the second outlet. When the extraction device is operated in the first operating mode, the air flow can reach the first outlet, and when the extraction device is operated in the second operating mode, the air flow can reach the second outlet. Each of the first and second air ducts opens into at least one of the at least one exhaust openings, which can mean that the first and second air ducts open into a common space or chamber formed or arranged upstream of the common exhaust opening, or at least one first exhaust opening assigned to the first air duct and at least one second exhaust outlet assigned to the second air duct are provided. According to the invention, when the extraction device or the combination appliance is operated in the second operating mode, at least one air treatment device strikes the air for the purpose of air purification. During the second operating mode, the air is particularly guided through the second air duct. In addition, the air treatment device can be an air purification filter device, which preferably includes an odor and / or dust filter unit, in particular a VOC or TVOC filter unit that eliminates any kind of volatile organic compounds. More specifically, the air purification device particularly includes at least an air treatment filter, in particular at least a HEPA filter, a PECO filter, an Ulpa filter, and / or a fluid filter device.

[0025] The extraction device or combination appliance may or may only be operated in the first operating mode when cooking fumes are generated in the cooking zone or in the area above the cooking area and / or when a cooking process is being performed or is ready to be performed. This may mean preventing the extraction device or combination appliance from operating in the second operating mode during this time or event.

[0026] One embodiment of the method is characterized in that the shutoff device (preferably a shutoff valve) switches between an open state and a closed state by means of an electrical control signal. If a conversion device is implemented instead of a shutoff device, the conversion device is preferably a conversion valve, then the conversion device switches from the first outlet to the second outlet and / or vice versa, i.e., switches from the second outlet to the first outlet by means of an electrical control signal. The control signal is based on manual activation of the user or based on automatic activation. In the case of manual activation, the user selects at least one of the first operating mode or the second operating mode. The manual activation is particularly performed on the control device of the extraction device or the combination appliance or on the input device of an intelligent device (such as a smart phone or a tablet computer). For signal transmission, a wireless connection is preferably used. In an alternative, that is, in the case of automatic activation, a specific algorithm implemented in a software application can be provided for controlling the selection of at least one of the first operating mode and the second operating mode. The selection can be based on a timer signal and / or based on a sensor signal, which detects at least one state value of the air delivered. The state value is particularly at least one of a humidity value, a temperature value and / or a VOC value.

[0027] The method can be set up so that the user can selectively select the first operating mode or the second operating mode. Correspondingly, the switching device can switch to the first outlet or the second outlet. In the case of selecting the first operating mode, the relevant power level and / or air flow rate can also be selectable by corresponding user input. In the case of selecting the second operating mode, the operation can be started immediately or a device for delayed start can be provided.

[0028] Furthermore, during the second operating mode, in particular during the air purification mode, the air conveying device can be operated at a low power and / or at a low delivery capacity, which can be related to the lowest selectable power level and / or air flow rate of the first operating mode, or can be within the range of or even lower than the lowest selectable power level and / or air flow rate of the first operating mode. The second operating mode can be executed at the end of the cooking process or according to a specific selection of the user.

[0029] On the other hand, the method can be set up so that the software application can selectively trigger the first operating mode or the second operating mode. In case of automatic selection of the first operating mode, the operation of the extraction device can be triggered by a specific cooktop control signal, for example based on the selected power level of the operated cooking zone or based on a specific cooking program selected by the user. In case of automatic selection of the second operating mode, the timer and / or sensor signal can not only trigger the second operating mode to be selected, but also select and / or set any parameters for the operation of the extraction device.

[0030] The methods described herein, in particular the air functions, may be operated and / or controlled on a remote basis, in particular by means of a software application, wherein any known connection means may be used, such as mobile and / or wireless connection solutions.

[0031] The novel and inventive features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0032] The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combined appliance including a cooking range and a downdraft extraction device mounted in a kitchen cabinet;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional perspective view of a disassembled combined appliance with a front surface cut away and including a removable filter device;

[0035] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 Indicated by III-–III, Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a detail of a combined appliance;

[0036] Figure 4 It has a transparent stove Figure 1 A top view of a combined appliance;

[0037] Figure 4a yes Figure 4 A top view of a combined appliance of the type shown in FIG. 1 , but having two exhaust openings;

[0038] Figure 5 is based on Figure 4 A perspective view of the rear side of the combined appliance;

[0039] Figure 5a is based on Figure 4a An opaque stereogram of the rear side of the combined appliance;

[0040] Figure 6 Schematically shows the Figures 1 to 5A longitudinal section of a similar combined appliance of an embodiment showing a first example of an air channel system;

[0041] Figure 6a is similar to Figure 6 A diagram of a practical embodiment of a schematic combined apparatus;

[0042] Figure 7 is similar to Figure 6 , but showing a second example of an air channel system;

[0043] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 6 Schematic illustration of , but showing a third example of an air channel system;

[0044] Figure 8a is similar to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a side view of a partially transparent combined device;

[0045] Figure 8b yes Figure 8a A non-transparent perspective view of the combined device; and

[0046] Fig. 9 A flow chart of an algorithm for automatically controlling an extraction device to operate in an air purification mode is shown.

[0047] In all the Figures, the same or equivalent parts are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0048] Figure 1 A combination appliance 10 is shown, which comprises a cooking hob 12 and a downdraft extraction device 14 mounted in a kitchen cabinet 16. The cooking hob 12 is mounted in a cutout of a kitchen countertop 18 forming the top cover of the kitchen cabinet 16. According to a first function of the combination appliance 10, the downdraft extraction device 14 is configured to carry away cooking vapors generated during the cooking process, in particular when cooking with uncovered cookware. The cooking hob 12 comprises cooking zones 20a, 20b arranged on the left and right halves of a worktop 22 of the cooking hob 12, the left and right halves being separated from each other by a suction opening 24 for extracting cooking vapors, the suction opening 24 being arranged along the center line of the worktop. The suction opening 24 is covered by a covering grid 26 to prevent items (e.g., cookware) from falling into the suction opening 24.

[0049] exist Figure 11 shows a hood 28 of the extraction device 14 in a transparent illustration. The hood 28 provides a closed housing or first channel section for the sucked air containing cooking vapors to flow on its way from the suction opening 24 to the exhaust opening 30 in the base area 32 of the kitchen cabinet 16. The exhaust opening 30 is also covered, in particular by an outlet grille 34.

[0050] The flow of sucked air through the extraction device 14 is driven by the operation of an extraction fan 36 arranged inside the hood 28. The extraction fan 36 comprises a bottom-side suction opening 38 for sucking the delivered air from the interior space of the hood 28.

[0051] The delivered air leaves the extraction fan 36 at an outlet 54 at the rear side of the fan, which is connected to the first end of an air duct 44 designed as a rectangular tube. The air duct 44 forms a second channel section arranged downstream of the aforementioned first channel section. A 90-degree air duct bend is implemented directly at the passage from the fan outlet 54 to the air duct 44, which turns the air flow from horizontal to vertical downward. The air duct 44 can be guided along the rear side of the kitchen cabinet 16 and can be bent 90 degrees again near the rear lower edge of the kitchen cabinet 16 to guide the air flow toward the exhaust opening 30 in the base area 32 of the kitchen cabinet 16. Accordingly, the second end of the air duct 44 is connected to the exhaust opening 30. Figure 1 The embodiment shown in shows a solution of the air duct 44 in which the inclined section of the downwardly directed part of the air duct points slightly to the right. Naturally, solutions in which the part is arranged in an exact vertical direction are also conceivable.

[0052] exist Figure 1 Through the dotted arrow 46 1 To 46 5 The route of the cooking vapors from the cooking area through the extraction device 14 back into the room air is shown. On the way through the extraction device 14, the cooking vapors pass through a filter device 48, which is arranged downstream just behind the suction opening 24. The filter device 48 is suitable for filtering particles and droplets, in particular grease particles and droplets, as well as moisture and odorous substances from the cooking vapors, as the cooking vapors are purified in order to supply the filtered air back into the room air.

[0053] Figure 2The cross-sectional view of further shows two power strips 50, one for the left cooking zone 20a and one for the right cooking zone 20b, which provide power to the cooking zones in the left cooking zone 20a and the right cooking zone 20b. In the present embodiment, the cooking hob 12 is an induction cooking hob and the cooking zones are defined by induction coils (not shown) arranged below the worktop 22 of the cooking hob 12. Another circuit board is attached to the bottom side of the power strip 50 assigned to the right cooking zone 20b and is arranged to form control electronics 52 for the combination appliance 10.

[0054] According to the second function of the combination appliance 10, the downdraft extraction device 14 is further configured to take away pollutants from the room air of the room, more specifically the kitchen space, in which the combination appliance 10 is arranged. This type of air purification function forms a second operating mode that can be performed by the combination appliance 10, more specifically by the extraction device 14, while the first function described above of removing cooking smoke forms a first operating mode. The extraction device of the combination appliance 10 can be operated in or in the first operating mode or the second operating mode. The selection of one of the available operating modes can be performed by a specific selection of the user or automatically, for example, by a software application, which advantageously depends on any room or appliance conditions. The first operating mode and the second operating mode will be described in more detail below.

[0055] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing a detail of the combined appliance 10, which is arranged at the rear side, specifically shows an exhaust outlet pipe 56, which comprises: a first element 56a, which is used to connect to the fan outlet 54; a second element 56b, which can be cut to a certain length according to the installation conditions provided by the kitchen cabinet 16; and a third element, which comprises a flange for fixing to the cabinet rear wall 58, which is provided with a passage opening 60 in the fixing area of ​​the flange. In this way, an exhaust opening or outlet 30 is provided, which is connected to the fan outlet 54. Figure 1 The exhaust opening or outlet of the embodiment is positioned differently. By this exhaust outlet pipe 56, it is avoided that Figure 1 The embodiment of the present invention does not require the elaborate arrangement of the air duct 44. Instead, the exhaust air is blown into the space between the cabinet rear wall 58 and the kitchen wall.

[0056] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Another different exhaust outlet pipe 56 is presented, which also includes the previously described first element 56a and second element 56b of the exhaust outlet pipe 56. However, instead of Figure 3The exhaust air is blown directly, the airflow is redirected twice 90 degrees at the rear side of the combination appliance 10 through the pipe elements 56d, 56e towards the exhaust opening 30, which is arranged at the rear side of the worktop 22 of the cooking hob 12, behind the suction opening 24. Both the suction opening 24 and the exhaust opening 30 of this embodiment are arranged in an axisymmetrical manner on the middle axis of the worktop 22, but the longitudinal axes of the suction opening and the exhaust opening are arranged orthogonally to each other. This solution is also equipped with an outlet grille 34 to prevent items from falling into the exhaust opening 30.

[0057] Figure 4a and Figure 5a An alternative solution is presented that may be superior to the previous solution. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The only exhaust opening 30 is located adjacent to the suction opening 24, specifically on the central axis of the combined appliance 10 and symmetrically about the central axis, and two exhaust openings 30a, 30b with assigned outlet grilles 34a, 34b are arranged close to the rear edge of the worktable 22 of the combined appliance 10. In addition, the two exhaust openings 30a, 30b can be arranged symmetrically about the central axis of the combined appliance 10, such as Figure 4a and Figure 5a As shown, however, the two exhaust openings are spaced from the central axis and thus from the suction opening 24, so that short-circuit air recirculation is avoided. The first of these exhaust openings 30a can communicate directly with the tubular element 56d, and the second exhaust opening 30b can communicate with the tubular element 56e.

[0058] Figure 6 A longitudinal section is schematically shown, and Figure 6a Shows something like Figures 1 to 5 A real embodiment of a combination appliance 10 with a transparent cover shows a first example of an air duct system, which is arranged for operation of the combination appliance 10 in a first operating mode, in which cooking fumes are sucked from the cooking zones 20a, 20b, and in a second operating mode, in which the air in the kitchen room is purified, the first operating mode and the second operating mode being typically operated by the same appliance, but in particular in the case of different settings or arrangements of the appliance or in the case of different settings or arrangements in the appliance at different times.

[0059] according to Figure 6The embodiment of differs from the previously described embodiments in that the filter device 48' is only equipped with a grease filter element, while the odor filter element, in the present example a charcoal filter 62, is arranged downstream of the fan 36 and upstream of the exhaust opening 30. The channel section between the fan outlet 54 and the exhaust opening 30 that accommodates the charcoal filter 62 forms a main channel section, which is traversed both in the first operating mode and in the second operating mode. An auxiliary channel section is provided parallel to the main channel section, which is traversed by the airflow only in the second operating mode, i.e. the air purification mode. An air purification filter element, more specifically a HEPA filter element 66, is arranged in the auxiliary channel section. In order to avoid that the HEPA filter element 66 is saturated for a short time due to grease particles contained in the airflow, the air purification subsystem is arranged in the first operating mode, i.e. the cooking smoke extraction mode.

[0060] Therefore, the auxiliary channel section where the air purification subsystem is arranged is disconnected from the air flow. This disconnection is performed by the inlet valve 64 and the outlet valve 64', which are configured to selectively open and close the auxiliary channel section. Figure 6a The structure of the embodiment and Figure 6 The structure of the embodiment of is different in that it is a horizontal mirror design (i.e., has a vertical mirror axis) and the charcoal filter 62 is positioned above the HEPA filter element 66. Figure 6a Not shown in detail, only the inlet valve 64 and the outlet valve 64' are indicated.

[0061] Figure 7 Shown with Figure 6 The embodiment is similar to the combined appliance 10, but Figure 7 The embodiment of comprises a second example of an air channel system. In this second example, the grease filter element and the odor filter element are again combined and accommodated in the filter device 48. In contrast to the first example, the auxiliary channel section leads to an auxiliary outlet 72, which is an outlet opening separated from the exhaust opening 30. According to this separation of the exhaust outlets 30, 72, shut-off valves 68 are implemented, which allow air flow through the exhaust opening 30, or through the auxiliary channel section in the case of passing through the HEPA filter element 66.

[0062] Figure 8 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b A third example of an air channel system presented in a different presentation form is similar to Figure 7 However, although the auxiliary outlet 72 of the second example is arranged on the top side of the combination appliance 10, in particular in the worktop 22 of the cooking hob 12, this is similar to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The situation shown, but the auxiliary outlet 72 of the third example is arranged in the base area, which is similar to Figure 1 The situation shown by the exhaust opening 30. Due to the extended length of the auxiliary channel section of the third example, two air purification filters can be arranged either by using two HEPA filters 66 in series (as shown) or by using a combination with another type of air purification filter element (e.g., a PECO filter device, an Ulpa filter device, or a fluid filter device).

[0063] Finally, through Fig. 9 , shows a flow chart of an algorithm for automatically controlling the extraction device 14 to operate in an air purification mode. Starting from symbol "A", where the user selects the extraction device

[0064] 14 Whether the air purification operation will normally be performed, at decision step "B", a selection must be made whether the user wants to manually start such an operation through option "m", or whether the control electronics 52 triggers automatic activation through option "a". If manual start through "m" is selected, the user must start the operation through process step "C" of setting at least one parameter (in particular setting the timer value, that is, entering the time interval, how long the air purification should be performed). After the corresponding selection of the user, the relevant input is provided to the air purification board, which can be part of the circuit of the control electronics 52, and according to the previously described example embodiment, the implemented valves 64, 64', 68, 70 are opened through process step "D" to provide access to the auxiliary channel section. In addition, also at process step "D", the fan 36 is started to perform a "breeze mode", which is an operation with low delivery capacity. If automatic activation by option "a" is selected, the user must also choose at decision step "e" by setting option "t" whether the automatically started air purification operation should be based on a timer value, so that the control electronics 52 will start the operation as soon as the down counter provides a signal that the value "zero" has been reached. In the alternative, if the user has selected option "s", a sensor signal is waited for, which indicates the measurement occurrence rate. Decision steps "F" and "G" are program loops through which the corresponding events are waited for, i.e. the timer value "zero" or the measured sensor set value. After entering the event to be waited for, the algorithm continues with the process step "D" previously described. The sensor value is a measurement of the air quality level, and it can be any one of the measurements of receiving a predetermined humidity level and / or temperature and / or predetermined values ​​of volatile organic compounds (TVOC). Independently of the manual or automatic start of the air purification process, after the air purification process is started through process step "D", a program loop is started through decision step "H", which waits for any of the following events: (i) "the timer reaches the predetermined operating time", (ii) "the sensor signal is lower than the predetermined reference signal" or "iii" "the user interface input signal for operating the cooking program". When any one of "i" to "iii" occurs, valves 64, 64', 68, 70 are closed through process step "I" and the fan 36 is turned off, or in the case where the user chooses to start the cooking program, see event "i", the fan 36 is operated at a corresponding higher power level. The algorithm for the air purification process is completed at the end of the process "J".

[0065] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art in the above embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0066] Furthermore, features described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or interchangeable. Similarly, features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0067] List of Reference Numerals

[0068] 10 Combination tools

[0069] 12 Cooking stove

[0070] 14 Downdraft Extraction Equipment

[0071] 16 Kitchen Cabinets

[0072] 18 Kitchen Countertops

[0073] 20a, 20b cooking areas

[0074] 22 Workbench

[0075] 24 Suction opening

[0076] 26 Covering Grid

[0077] 28 Hood

[0078] 28a, 28b first cover portion and second cover portion

[0079] 30, 30a, 30b Exhaust opening / outlet

[0080] 32 Base area

[0081] 34, 34a, 34b Outlet grille

[0082] 36 Extraction fan

[0083] 38 Inhalation opening

[0084] 42 Fan housing

[0085] 44 Air duct

[0086] 46 1 Up to 46 5 Arrows indicating air flow

[0087] 48, 48' filter equipment

[0088] 50 Power Board

[0089] 52 Control electronics

[0090] 54 Fan outlet

[0091] 56 Exhaust outlet pipe fittings

[0092] 56a, 56b, 56c,

[0093] 56d, 56e pipe fittings

[0094] 58 Cabinet back wall

[0095] 60 Access opening

[0096] 62 Charcoal Filter

[0097] 64, 64' inlet valve, outlet valve

[0098] 66 HEPA filter

[0099] 68 Stop valve

[0100] 70 Switching valve

[0101] 72 Auxiliary exit

[0102] A process starts

[0103] B, E, F, G, H decision steps

[0104] C, D, I Process Steps

[0105] J Process End

[0106] a, m, s, t options

[0107] n Result "No"

[0108] yResult "Yes"

Claims

1. An extraction device (14), the extraction device comprising - an air channel system comprising at least a first air duct for air delivery, at least one suction opening (24), and at least one exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b, 72), - an air conveying device (36), in particular a blower, - a filter unit (48, 48') comprising at least one first filter element, in, The extraction device (14) is configured to operate in a first operating mode and a second operating mode, The first operating mode is a cooking smoke extraction mode, in which the air conveying device (36) draws air containing cooking smoke from the area above the cooking zone or area (20a, 20b), The second operating mode is an air purification mode, in which the air conveying device (36) draws air from the space where the extraction device (14) is arranged. and wherein the air channel system includes branches or joints, and at least one shut-off device (64, 64', 68), in particular at least one shut-off valve, preferably an electrical shut-off valve, which provides access to at least the second air duct when the extraction device (14) is operated in the second operating mode, or a switching device (70), in particular a switching valve, preferably an electrical switching valve, the switching device (70) having a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet and the second outlet being used to guide at least a portion of the delivered air through the first outlet to the first air duct or to the at least one exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b) when the extraction device (14) is operated in the first operating mode, or to guide at least a portion of the delivered air through the second outlet to the second air duct when the extraction device (14) is operated in the second operating mode, and wherein the branch or joint and the switching device (70) are arranged at a first end of the second air duct, in particular at a first end of the first air duct, The branch or junction and the shut-off device (64, 64', 68) or the switching device (70) are preferably arranged downstream of the air conveying device (36). It is characterized in that At least one air treatment device (66) is arranged in the second air duct and / or impinges on the air guided through the second air duct.

2. The extraction device (14) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The filter unit (48, 48') comprising the at least one first filter element is a first filter device, and the air treatment device (66) is a second filter device or comprises a second filter device, which in particular comprises a second filter element.

3. The extraction device (14) according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that Means are provided to prevent the executability or selection of the second operating mode during the generation of cooking fumes in the area above the cooking zone or area (20a, 20b).

4. Extraction device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The selection between the first operating mode and the second operating mode can be performed by electrical or electronic switching operation of the at least one cut-off device (64, 64', 68) or the switching device (70).

5. Extraction device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The at least one air treatment device (66), in particular the second filter device, comprises an air cleaning filter device, which preferably comprises an odor and / or dust filter unit, in particular a VOC filter, in particular an air treatment filter, preferably at least -HEPA filter, -PECO filter, -Ulpa filter, and / or - Fluid filter assembly.

6. Extraction device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that A common suction opening (24) is provided for operation of the extraction device (14) in each of the first operating mode and the second operating mode, the common suction opening being preferably arranged or arrangeable on a cooktop (22) of a cooking hob (12) assigned to the extraction device (14), more preferably in a central zone of the cooktop (22), in particular a glass ceramic cooktop, of the cooking hob.

7. Extraction device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that A first exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b) is arranged at the second end of the first air duct, and a second exhaust opening (72) is arranged at the second end of the second air duct, wherein the first exhaust opening (30) i. comprising at least a first first exhaust opening (30a) and a second first exhaust opening (30b), wherein the first first exhaust opening and the second first exhaust opening are spaced apart from each other and / or from the suction opening (24), and / or ii. Arranged or capable of being arranged - on a cooktop (22), in particular a glass ceramic cooktop, of a cooking hob (12) assigned to the extraction device (14), or - on a worktop (18) of a kitchen cabinet (16) on which the extraction device (14) is installed or can be installed, or - In the bottom area (32) of the cabinet (16).

8. Extraction device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The filter unit (48, 48') comprising the at least one first filter element, in particular the first filter device, is arranged downstream, in particular directly downstream, of the suction opening (24) and / or the filter unit is accessible through the suction opening (24), the first filter device preferably comprising a grease filter element and / or an odour filter element, and The at least one air treatment device (66), in particular comprising the second filter device and / or the second filter element, is arranged upstream, in particular directly upstream, of the exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b, 72), in particular the second exhaust opening (72), and / or the at least one air treatment device can be reached through the exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b, 72), in particular the second exhaust opening (72).

9. The extraction device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The first air duct and the second air duct both merge into a common exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b).

10. The extraction device (14) according to claims 1 to 6, It is characterized in that The first air duct and the second air duct are both merged into a common air channel end section, wherein an air duct closing device (64'), in particular a second switching valve having a first inlet and a second inlet, is preferably included, the air duct closing device being configured to close at least the second end of the second air duct when the extraction device (14) operates in the first operating mode or is capable of operating in the first mode, the second end of the second air duct being preferably arranged downstream of the air treatment device (66).

11. Extraction device (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The second operating mode is an operating mode in which the air conveying device (36) operates at low power and / or at low delivery capacity, and the second operating mode is preferably performed at the end of the cooking process or according to a specific selection of the user.

12. A combination appliance (10) comprising a cooking hob (12) for performing a cooking process and an extraction device (14) according to any of the preceding claims, the combination appliance (10) being configured to selectively operate in a first operating mode or in a second operating mode, the first operating mode being a cooking smoke extraction mode in which the air conveying device (36) draws air containing cooking smoke from an area above a cooking zone or area (20a, 20b) of the cooking hob (12), the second operating mode being an air purification mode in which the air conveying device (36) draws air from a space in which the extraction device (14) is arranged, the operation preferably being based on a user's selection and / or by automatic activation by means of a software application, in particular triggered by a timer and / or a sensor signal.

13. A method for operating an extraction device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or a combination appliance (10) according to claim 12, the extraction device (14) or the combination appliance (10) being operable in a first operating mode, in which cooking fumes are removed from cooking zones or areas (20a, 20b), and in a second operating mode, in which air is drawn from a space in which the extraction device (14) or the combination appliance (10) is arranged for air purification, -in, Air is sucked in through at least one suction opening (24) and conveyed in an air channel system from the at least one suction opening (24) to at least one exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b, 72), -in, At least part of the conveyed air is directed at the branch or joint in the following manner: a. when the extraction device (14) is operated in the second operating mode, by opening and / or closing at least one shut-off device (64, 68) to be directed at least to the second air duct, or b. when the extraction device (14) is operated in the first operating mode, the air is guided by a conversion device (70) comprising a first outlet and a second outlet through the first outlet to the first air duct or to the at least one exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b), or when the extraction device (14) is operated in the second operating mode, the air is guided by the conversion device through the second outlet to the second air duct, - and wherein each of the first air duct and the second air duct opens into at least one of the at least one exhaust opening (30, 30a, 30b, 72), It is characterized in that When the extraction device (14) or the combined appliance (10) is operated in the second operating mode, in particular when air is guided through the second air duct, at least one air treatment device (66), in particular an air purification filter device, impinges on the air for the purpose of air purification.

14. The method according to claim 13, It is characterized in that When cooking fumes are generated in the area above the cooking zones or areas (20a, 20b) and / or when a cooking process is being performed or is about to be performed, The extraction device (14) or the combination appliance (10) is or is capable of being operated only in the first operating mode, and / or The extraction device (14) or the combination appliance (10) is prevented from operating in the second operating mode.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, It is characterized in that a. The shut-off device (64, 64', 68), preferably a shut-off valve, is switched between an open state and a closed state by means of an electrical control signal, or b. the conversion device (70), preferably a conversion valve, switches between the first outlet and the second outlet by means of an electrical control signal, The electrical control signal - at least one of the first operating mode or the second operating mode is selected based on manual activation by a user, the manual activation being performed in particular on a control device of the extraction device (14) or of the combination appliance (10) or on an input device of a smart device, preferably using a wireless connection, or - Based on automatic activation using a software application, in particular based on a timer signal and / or based on a sensor signal detecting at least one state value of the conveyed air, in particular a humidity value, a temperature value and / or a VOC value.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, It is characterized in that The air conveying device (36) operates at low power and / or low delivery capacity during the second operating mode, which is preferably performed at the end of a cooking process or according to a specific selection of a user.

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