extraction device

Abstract

Extraction device (1) for at least one cooktop unit (100) with at least one intake element (2) and with at least one connection element (3), wherein the intake element (2) has at least one inlet (4) for drawing in vapors and at least one outlet (5), and wherein the connection element (3) has at least one inlet opening (6) and at least one outlet opening (7), wherein the outlet (5) of the intake element (2) is operatively connected to the inlet opening (6) of the connection element (3), characterized in that the outlet (5) of the intake element (2) and the inlet opening (6) of the connection element (3) have a round cross-section, and the intake element (2) is L-shaped, and that the outlet (5) of the intake element (2) is associated with the horizontal leg (9) of the L-shaped intake element (2) in the installed position of the cooktop unit (100).

Description

The present invention relates to an extraction device for at least one cooktop. The extraction device comprises at least one intake element and at least one connection element. The intake element has at least one inlet for drawing in fumes and at least one outlet. The connection element has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening. The outlet of the intake element is operatively connected to the inlet opening of the connection element. The present invention further relates to a cooktop comprising a cooktop and such an extraction device. Extractor hoods are often installed above cooking areas to extract the fatty fumes rising during cooking and to remove grease and odors. In some installation situations, however, there is insufficient space or mounting surface above the cooktop for a freestanding or built-in extractor hood. Sometimes, an extractor hood above the cooktop is also undesirable for aesthetic reasons. As an alternative, a downdraft extractor can be used to extract the greasy cooking fumes downwards. For example, document US 2013 / 0319400A1 discloses a downdraft system with a retractable fan for removing gases and vapors. The publication EP 2 702 329 B1 discloses a downdraft ventilation system with a fan housing for two or more radial fans, which is arranged on the underside of the cooktop. These downdraft fans are typically installed next to or within a cooktop or hob to extract cooking fumes from the cookware downwards. The extracted air is then cleaned of grease and odors, similar to a range hood suspended above a cooktop. The airflow is then recirculated or extracted via a suitable exhaust duct, either in recirculation mode or ducted extraction mode. A disadvantage of many downdraft fans is that the exhaust air duct is located directly below the intake area. Since a cabinet is usually installed beneath a cooktop, the exhaust air duct significantly restricts the use of this cabinet. Generally, downdraft fans are also often quite bulky. Furthermore, downdraft extractors offer the option of installing a fan directly beneath the cooktop or in the plinth area of ​​a cabinet. Different fans and accessories are often offered for these two options. This limits planning flexibility, as one must commit to one of the two possibilities early on. The object of the present invention is to provide a downward extraction system for vapors which is flexible and space-saving. This problem is solved by an extraction device with the features of claim 1 and by a cooking device with the features of claim 16. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments. The extraction device according to the invention for at least one cooktop is suitable for installation on or in at least one cooktop. The extraction device comprises at least one intake element and at least one connection element. The intake element includes at least one inlet for drawing in fumes and at least one outlet. The connection element comprises at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, the outlet of the intake element being operatively connected to the inlet opening of the connection element. Furthermore, the outlet of the intake element and the inlet opening of the connection element are substantially round or have a substantially round cross-section. The extraction device according to the invention provides, in particular, a so-called trough extraction system or a downdraft fan, which is designed especially for installation next to or in a cooktop unit. With such an extraction device, steam rising from a cooking vessel placed on the cooktop unit is drawn downwards into the extraction device and freed there from grease particles and odors. According to the invention, the intake element is the component of the extraction device which provides airflow through the cooktop or through a worktop. According to the invention, a connection element is in particular a housing-like structure which is used for exhaust air routing and can be connected to the intake element. According to the invention, this connection element is operatively connected to the intake element, whereby "operatively connected" is understood in particular to mean that the connection element is directly connected to the intake element or indirectly connected to the intake element via adapters and connections provided for this purpose. A substantially round cross-section of the intake element outlet and the connecting element inlet opening means, in particular, that these are circular in shape. The outlet and inlet openings are preferably sized to match each other so that two corresponding openings can be connected, especially when the connecting element is connected directly to the intake element. The extraction device according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that the round design of the outlet and inlet opening ensures particularly flexible exhaust air routing. This allows the connection element to be freely and rotatably positioned on the intake element. Because the round design of the outlet and inlet opening allows for a rotatable arrangement relative to each other, the connection element can be positioned differently on the intake element depending on the installation situation. Furthermore, the outlet opening of the connection element can be directed in different directions by rotating the connection element on the intake element. This allows for variable exhaust air routing, enabling particularly flexible use of the extraction device. Preferably, the outlet of the intake element is directed substantially downwards or upwards, and the inlet opening of the connecting element is directed substantially upwards or downwards. In such a configuration, the outlet of the intake element and the inlet opening of the connecting element are preferably provided in horizontally oriented surface sections of the intake element and the connecting element, respectively. Thus, the openings are preferably provided on an upper or lower surface section of the intake element or the connecting element. In advantageous embodiments, the inlet of the intake element is also directed upwards or is provided by an opening in a horizontal orientation. The outlet opening of the connecting element is particularly preferably provided on at least one lateral surface section of the connecting element. This outlet opening is preferably provided by a vertically oriented opening, thus enabling lateral discharge of fumes. The vertically oriented outlet opening and the horizontally oriented inlet opening preferably result in a deflection of the airflow within the connecting element from vertical to horizontal. Since the connecting element is attached to the intake element via a substantially round opening, it is possible to freely rotate the connecting element on the intake element so that the lateral outlet can be turned in any direction. In such a configuration, the connecting element is preferably designed and configured to align the outlet opening in at least two directions. This means, in particular, that the connecting element can be rotated so that the outlet opening arranged on the lateral surface section points in a specific direction. This also makes it possible to align the outlet opening or the exhaust air duct at any desired angle from the inlet opening. For example, the outlet opening can be directed towards an adjacent base cabinet or towards the rear wall of a base cabinet.In other advantageous designs, however, several outlet openings can be provided, which can be opened or closed as needed. In advantageous embodiments, at least the connecting element is arranged for mounting in a flat arrangement on a lower housing surface section of the intake element. This means, in particular, that the connecting element and the intake element are in direct contact with each other. Intermediate elements or adapters for connecting the outlet of the intake element and the inlet opening of the connecting element are preferably not provided in such embodiments. Preferably, the inlet and outlet of the intake element are offset from each other. This means, in particular, that the inlet and outlet are not, or at least not completely, aligned above or below each other in the axial, especially vertical, direction. It is particularly desirable that the inlet and outlet are oriented in the same direction. A horizontal orientation of the inlet and outlet is especially advantageous. In such a configuration, the inlet and outlet are then offset from each other, at least partially, particularly in the horizontal direction. In advantageous further developments, this can be achieved by having the intake element be essentially L-shaped. Such an L-shaped intake element can preferably be provided by a one-piece or a composite housing of the intake element. Preferably, the outlet of the intake element, in the installed position of the cooktop or extraction device, is located on the horizontal leg of the L-shaped intake element. Preferably, the inlet is then located on the vertical leg of the L-shaped intake element. This creates an offset between the inlet and the outlet. Preferably, the outlet opening of the connection element has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Such a rectangular cross-section of the outlet opening results in a change in the cross-section of the exhaust air duct from a round to a rectangular cross-section. In such configurations, the outlet opening of the connection element can preferably be designed as at least one connection spigot for at least one ducting system. In particular, a ducting system can then be connected to the outlet opening of the connection element to continue the exhaust air flow to another area. Commercially available ducting components can preferably be used as the ducting system. Due to the angular design of the outlet opening, flat ducts are particularly suitable for this purpose. In suitable further developments, at least one collar device is assigned to the outlet of the intake element and / or the inlet opening of the connecting element. Such a collar device provides a certain degree of guidance, ensuring a centered arrangement of the outlet and the inlet opening relative to each other. The collar device can also be used as a guide when the connecting element is rotated, so that the outlet of the intake element and the inlet opening of the connecting element are essentially completely aligned. Preferably, at least one sealing device is provided at the outlet of the intake element and / or the inlet opening of the connection element. Such a sealing device ensures, in particular, a flow-tight connection between the connection element and the intake element. This sealing device can preferably be provided either as a separate seal or as a sealing ring. However, it is also possible for the sealing device to be integrated into the collar assembly or at least partially provided by the collar assembly. Preferably, the connection element is designed as a fan housing with at least one fan. In this configuration, a fan for drawing in fumes can be provided directly at the intake element, allowing the airflow to be directed in virtually any desired direction with exceptional flexibility. The intake area of ​​the fan is preferably located at the inlet opening. Preferably, the fan's axis of rotation is located essentially at the center of the inlet opening. This allows the connecting element to be rotated around the fan's axis of rotation or the center of the inlet opening. The offset of the inlet and outlet further improves the practicality of the extraction device. Objects that unintentionally enter the inlet are prevented or severely restricted from entering the fan due to this offset, thus increasing the fan's protection against accidental damage. Preferably, the inlet opening is adaptable to the fan being used. This allows for the universal use of a single housing for different fan types. Adapting the inlet opening or modifying the fan housing to suit a particular fan can be achieved, for example, using templates or adapter frames. This is particularly advantageous when fans of different sizes are to be used in the same fan housing, depending on the installation situation. The essentially round cross-section of the inlet opening of the connection element further facilitates this. Preferably, the connection element is designed as an adapter element. In such a configuration, the adapter element is specifically designed as an intake nozzle, which enables exhaust air to be directed in a specific direction. This configuration is particularly suitable when a base fan is provided in the extraction device. The exhaust air can then be directed via the adapter element in the appropriate direction. For this purpose, flat ducts can be used, for example, which are deflected downwards into the base at a specific point. There, the exhaust air can be connected to a base fan, which is preferably provided by a fan housing with a fan, as described above. Additional adapter elements, such as a suction unit, can then be advantageously used to connect the fan housing. The cooking device according to the invention comprises at least one cooking hob device and at least one extraction device as previously described. The cooktop unit includes, in particular, a surface for cooking vessels, under which at least one heat source is provided, for example on a frame. The extraction device is then preferably installed next to or within the cooktop unit. In this case, at least one component of the extraction device either passes through a section of the worktop next to the cooktop unit or directly through the cooktop unit. A suction crown, also called a vapor guide element, can preferably be attached to the extraction device or the suction element of the extraction device, enabling targeted vapor guidance into the suction element. Likewise, the extraction device can include at least one vapor guide element in the inlet area for targeted vapor guidance into the suction element. The cooking device according to the invention also achieves the advantages described for the extraction device. Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments, which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of a cooking device according to the invention with an extraction device according to the invention in a frontal sectional view; Fig. 2 a purely schematic representation of a fan housing from above and from the side; Fig. 3 a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention with an extraction device according to the invention in a frontal sectional view; Fig. 4 a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention with an extraction device according to the invention in a frontal sectional view; and Fig. 5 a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention with an extraction device according to the invention in a frontal sectional view. Figure 1 schematically shows a front sectional view of a cooking device 200 according to the invention. The illustrated embodiment comprises a cooktop 100 into which an extraction device 1 according to the invention is integrated. The extraction device 1 is positioned essentially centrally in the cooktop 100, so that cookware can be placed on the cooktop 100 to the right and left of the extraction device. In the embodiment shown here, the extraction device 1 is designed as a so-called downdraft extractor 22. With an extraction device 1 designed in this way, rising steam from cookware placed on the hob unit 100 is extracted downwards and discharged through the extraction device 1 via a corresponding exhaust air duct. The illustrated extraction device 1 comprises an intake element 2 with an inlet 4 and an outlet 5. The intake element 2 penetrates the cooktop unit 100, with the inlet 4 in the embodiment shown here being essentially flush with the surface of the cooktop unit 100. Depending on the design, a vapor guide element, a so-called intake crown, can be placed on the inlet 4 of the intake element 2. This intake crown can also include vapor guide elements that further improve the extraction of rising vapors. It is also possible that, for example, at least one adjustable vapor guide element is provided in the area of ​​the inlet 4 of the intake element 2, which, in at least one functional position, is positioned at least partially raised above the surface of the cooktop unit 100. The extraction device 1 also includes a connection element 3, which has an inlet opening 6 and an outlet opening 7 for further exhaust air routing. The inlet opening 6 is operatively connected to the outlet 5 of the intake element 2. "Operatively connected" here means, in particular, that the intake element 2 and the connection element 3 are connected directly or also by means of the intermediate connection of adapter elements 19 and / or duct devices 10. For particularly flexible exhaust air routing, the outlet 5 of the intake element 2 and the inlet opening 6 have a substantially round cross-section. In the embodiment shown here, the outlet 5 and the inlet opening 6 are circular. A substantially round cross-section enables particularly flexible exhaust air routing. This results from the fact that the connecting element 3 on the intake element 2 can be arranged in almost any angular position relative to each other via the round outlet 5 and the round inlet opening 6. The connecting element 3 further comprises an outlet opening 7, which is provided on a lateral surface section 8. In the embodiment shown here, the inlet opening 6 is provided on an upper surface section 24, in which a horizontally oriented opening is provided. By providing the outlet opening 7 in a lateral surface section 8, which has a substantially vertically oriented opening, the exhaust air flow is deflected. Since the connection element 3 is essentially rotatable on the intake element 2, the lateral outlet opening 7 can be oriented in a predetermined direction for the exhaust air flow. In particular, the connection element can be positioned on the intake element 2 such that the outlet opening 7 is directed to one side, forward, or backward, allowing for easy exhaust air flow in various directions using appropriate ductwork 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the intake element 2 is essentially L-shaped, with the outlet 5 being located on the horizontal leg 9 of the intake element 2. This design results in the inlet 4 and outlet 5 of the intake element 2 being offset from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 5 is located on a lower surface section 25 of the intake element 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the intake element 2 and the connection element 3 are designed such that a flat contact surface is formed between the lower surface section 25 of the intake element 2 and the upper surface section 24 of the connection element 3. This ensures a stable connection between the two components. Furthermore, the required installation space is kept as small as possible, since no adapter components are needed to connect the outlet 5 to the inlet opening 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sections of the outlet 5 and the inlet opening 6 are matched to each other. To ensure that the outlet 5 fits as precisely as possible against the inlet opening 6 and to facilitate rotation of the connecting element 3 in a desired direction, a collar device 11 is provided, which ensures a certain degree of guidance for the two components. In the embodiment shown here, the collar device 11 is located at the outlet 5 of the intake element 2. In other embodiments, however, the collar device can also be located at, or additionally located on, the inlet opening 6 of the connecting element 3. In the embodiment shown here, the collar assembly 11 also provides a sealing device 12, which ensures a flow-tight connection between the outlet 5 and the inlet opening 6. In other embodiments, a separate sealing device 12 may also be provided, which ensures a flow-tight connection either exclusively or in conjunction with the collar assembly 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection element 3 is designed as a fan housing 13 in which a fan 14 is provided. The fan 14 is associated with the inlet opening 6 of the connection element 3. The fan 14 is designed as a radial fan 15, with the size of the inlet opening 6 being adapted to the intake area 16 of the radial fan. To ensure optimal rotation of the connection element 3 relative to the intake element 2, the axis of rotation 17 of the radial fan 15 is essentially located at the center 18 of the inlet opening 6. Fig. 2 shows a connection element 3 in a purely schematic top view, where this connection element is designed as a fan housing 13. In this view, it can be seen that the axis of rotation 17 of the fan 14, designed as a radial fan 15, is located at the center 18 of the inlet opening 6. The inlet opening 6 is round or circular and its dimensions are adapted to the intake area 16 of the fan 14. In preferred training courses, the same fan housing 13 can also be used with different fans 14. For this purpose, a precisely fitting opening for the fan can be created, for example, using a template or a specific adapter frame, in order to ensure optimal extraction performance. The fan housing 13 further includes an outlet opening 7 on a lateral surface section 8, which is essentially square or rectangular. This makes it possible to connect commercially available ducting devices 10 to the outlet opening 7, with the use of flat ducts 26 being particularly advantageous. The right-hand illustration in Fig. 2 shows the fan housing 13 in a purely schematic side view of the lateral surface section 8. The rectangular outlet opening 7 can be seen, which, due to the round design of the inlet opening 6, can be rotated in certain directions depending on the installation situation. Fig. 3 shows, purely schematically, a further embodiment of a cooking device 200 according to the invention, comprising a cooking hob device 100 and an extraction device 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, the connection element 3 is not designed as a fan housing 13, but as an adapter element 19. In the embodiment shown here, an intake port 20 is provided on the intake element 2 via such an adapter element 19, through which the exhaust air can be diverted to another area via at least one appropriately adapted duct assembly 10. Such a design is particularly advantageous when a fan 14 belonging to the extraction device 1 is provided as a plinth fan 30, for which purpose the fan housing 13 with the corresponding fan 14 is provided in the plinth of a kitchen unit. The fan housing 13 then preferably has the same construction and the same technical features as the connection element 3 or the fan housing 13 according to Figs. 1 and 2. To ensure the connection of the fan housing 13 located in the base to the duct assembly 10, an intake element designed as a suction assembly 27 can be provided, which causes a corresponding air deflection into the inlet opening 6 of the fan housing 13. The suction assembly 27 is then preferably designed analogously to the intake element 2, so that a corresponding airflow into the inlet opening 6 is ensured. Figure 4 shows another purely schematic embodiment of a cooking device 200 according to the invention, comprising a cooktop device 100 and an extraction device 1. Here too, the extraction device 1 includes an intake element 2 and a connection element 3. The intake element 2 is L-shaped, with the inlet 4 and the outlet 5 offset from each other. For this purpose, the outlet 5 of the intake element 2 is located on the horizontal leg 9 of the intake element 2. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the outlet 5 is directed upwards, for which purpose an essentially horizontally oriented opening is provided in an upper surface section 28 of the intake element 2. To establish a functional connection between the outlet 5 and the inlet opening 6 of the connecting element 3, the inlet opening 6 of the connecting element 3 is directed downwards in the embodiment shown here. For this purpose, a substantially horizontally oriented opening is provided on a lower surface section 29 of the connecting element 3. To create the corresponding inlet opening 6 of the connecting element 3, an inlet opening 6 can be provided at a corresponding position of the connecting element 3. However, it is also possible to use the connecting element 3 shown in Fig. 1, rotated by 180°. In this way, the inlet opening 6 on an upper surface section 24 of the connecting element 3 becomes an inlet opening 6 on a lower surface section 29 of the connecting element 3. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the connecting element 3 is designed as a fan housing 13, as already shown in Fig. 1, with the technical features, function and mode of operation corresponding to the fan housing 13 described above. Figure 5 shows the embodiment according to Figure 4 in a purely schematic sectional view from the front, wherein the connection element 3 in the embodiment shown here is designed as an adapter element 19 and, in particular, as an intake nozzle 20. With such a design, as in the embodiment described in Figure 3, an exhaust air can be routed, for example, to a base fan 30. A channel device 10 is connected to the essentially rectangular outlet opening 7 and is directed towards a base. The outlet opening 7 of the connection element 3 or the adapter element 19, which is provided in a lateral surface section 8, faces the right side 31. The duct assembly 10 is connected in the area of ​​the base to an adapter element 19, which provides a suction unit 27. The suction unit 27 is essentially constructed analogously to the intake element 2, with the suction unit 27 having, in particular, a substantially round outlet 5 that corresponds to the dimensions of the inlet opening 6 of the fan housing 13. In the illustrated embodiment, a further connection element 3 is provided, which is designed as a fan housing 13 with a fan 14. The fan housing 13 with the fan 14 corresponds to the design of the fan housing 13 already described. Here, too, a substantially rectangular outlet opening 7 is provided, which is located on a lateral surface section 8. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the fan assembly 13 is arranged rotated compared to Figs. 1, 3, and 4, so that the outlet opening 7 is directed towards the left side 32. In general, a particularly flexible and, in particular, space-saving extraction of vapors downwards into an extraction device is made possible by the corresponding exhaust air ducts. Reference symbol list 1 Extraction device 2 Intake element 3 Connection element 4 Inlet 5 Outlet 6 Inlet opening 7 Outlet opening 8 Side surface section 9 Leg 10 Duct assembly 11 Collar assembly 12 Sealing assembly 13 Fan housing 14 Fan 15 Radial fan 16 Intake area 17 Axis of rotation 18 Center point 19 Adapter element 20 Intake nozzle 21 Side 22 Downdraft fan 24 Upper surface section 25 Lower surface section 26 Flat duct 27 Suction set 28 Upper surface section 29 Lower surface section 30 Base fan 31 Right side 32 Left side 100 Cooktop assembly 200 Cooking unit

Claims

Extraction device (1) for at least one cooktop unit (100) with at least one intake element (2) and with at least one connection element (3), wherein the intake element (2) has at least one inlet (4) for drawing in vapors and at least one outlet (5), and wherein the connection element (3) has at least one inlet opening (6) and at least one outlet opening (7), wherein the outlet (5) of the intake element (2) is operatively connected to the inlet opening (6) of the connection element (3), characterized in that the outlet (5) of the intake element (2) and the inlet opening (6) of the connection element (3) have a round cross-section, and the intake element (2) is L-shaped, and that the outlet (5) of the intake element (2) is associated with the horizontal leg (9) of the L-shaped intake element (2) in the installed position of the cooktop unit (100). Suction device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet (5) of the suction element (2) is directed downwards or upwards and that the inlet opening (6) of the connecting element (3) is directed upwards or downwards. Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening (7) of the connecting element (3) is provided on at least one lateral surface section (8) of the connecting element (3). Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (3) is suitable and designed to align the outlet opening (7) to at least two sides (31, 32). Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the connecting element (3) is arranged for mounting in a planar arrangement on a surface section of the suction element (2). Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet (4) and the outlet (5) are provided offset from each other. Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening (7) of the connecting element (3) has a square cross-section. Suction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet opening (7) of the connection element (3) is designed as at least one connection nozzle for at least one channel device (10). Suction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one collar device (11) is provided at the outlet (5) of the suction element (2) and / or the inlet opening (6) of the connection element (3). Suction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sealing device (12) is provided at the outlet (5) of the suction element (2) and / or the inlet opening (6) of the connection element (3). Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection element (3) is designed as a fan housing (13) with at least one fan (14). Extraction device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fan (14) is designed as a radial fan (15), wherein the intake area (16) of the fan (14) is assigned to the inlet opening (6) of the fan housing (13). Extraction device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of rotation (17) of the fan (14) is arranged in the center (18) of the inlet opening (6). Extraction device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet opening (6) is adaptable to the fan (14) used. Extraction device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the connecting element (3) is designed as an adapter element (19). Cooking device (200) comprising at least one cooking hob device (100) and at least one extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images