Combination appliance with hob, extractor hood and cover

Abstract

Combination appliance (1) comprising a cooktop (10) and a range hood (11) integrated into the cooktop (10), which has a filter unit (13) and whose fan is arranged below the cooktop (10), wherein the range hood (11) has at least one cover (12) detachably connected to a part of the combination appliance (1), which comprises a cover plate (120) that is a rigid component which is dimensionally stable when a cooking vessel is placed on it, and at least the cover plate (120) is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, namely less than 2 W / (mK), wherein the cover (12) has a frame (123) on which the cover plate (120) is held.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a combination device comprising a cooktop and a range hood integrated into the cooktop, which has a filter unit and whose fan is arranged below the cooktop.

[0002] To clean fumes and vapors produced during cooking, for example, it is known to use extractor hoods. These can be range hoods mounted above a cooktop, for example on a wall, which draw air upwards. Extractor hoods are also known that are arranged next to or within a cooktop and draw air downwards. Since the inlet opening of such extractor hoods is horizontal and the air is directed downwards, there is a risk of objects falling into the inlet opening. DE 10 2011 079 306 A1 and DE 10 2009 025 038 A1 each disclose an extractor hood arranged next to a cooktop that draws air downwards and whose inlet opening can be covered.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution by which the extractor fan can be reliably protected in a simple manner and which is advantageous for the user to handle.

[0004] The invention is based on the realization that this problem can be solved by providing a cover that can temporarily close the inlet opening of the extractor fan and can also be used for other purposes.

[0005] According to the invention, the problem is therefore solved by a combination device comprising a cooktop and a range hood integrated into the cooktop, which has a filter unit and whose fan is arranged below the cooktop. The combination device is characterized in that the range hood has at least one cover that is detachably connected to a part of the combination device, which includes a cover plate that is a rigid component, and at least the cover plate is made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

[0006] A combination appliance is a kitchen appliance that includes a cooktop and an integrated extractor hood. For this purpose, the cooktop preferably has at least one recess in which at least part of the extractor hood is located. The extractor hood includes a filter unit. The filter unit preferably has at least one filter element and is positioned upstream of a fan of the extractor hood in the direction of airflow. The filter unit serves to separate contaminants such as grease and is also referred to as a grease filter unit. The filter unit can be inserted into the recess of the cooktop. The fan of the extractor hood, which can also be called a blower, is located below the cooktop. A fan located below the cooktop is specifically defined as one that is positioned beneath a cover plate of the cooktop.The fan can be located in or below a cooktop housing positioned beneath the cover plate. The fan is preferably a radial fan.

[0007] The combination unit is characterized by the fact that the extractor hood has at least one cover. A cover is understood to be a component that at least partially covers the inlet opening of the extractor hood. The inlet opening is defined as the opening through which air could enter the extractor hood without the cover. The inlet opening may be located on the filter unit of the extractor hood. The cover is detachably connected to a part of the combination unit. A detachable connection is defined as a connection that can be released by lifting the cover. In the simplest case, the detachable connection therefore consists of the cover resting on a part of the combination unit.The part of the combination appliance to which the cover is detachably connected can be the hob, in particular a cover plate of the hob, or the extractor hood, in particular the filter unit of the extractor hood or a housing of the extractor hood.

[0008] According to the invention, the cover comprises at least one cover plate. A cover plate is understood to be a flat, planar component. The cover plate preferably consists of an airtight material. More preferably, the material of the cover plate is also impermeable to liquids.

[0009] The cover is a rigid component. This means that the cover remains dimensionally stable even under significant weight. The cover remains dimensionally stable when a cooking vessel, such as a pot, is placed on it. The rigidity of the cover is achieved through the material from which it is made and its shape. In particular, a material thickness is selected, at least in the area of ​​the cover plate, that prevents the cover plate from bending, even under heavy loads.

[0010] At least the cover plate is made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

[0011] A material with low thermal conductivity is defined as a material that has a thermal conductivity of less than 2 W / (mK), preferably less than 1.5 W / (mK).

[0012] The top of the cover preferably lies in a horizontal plane. This allows objects to be placed or set on the top of the cover without them slipping.

[0013] Using a cover with high rigidity and a surface made of a material with low thermal conductivity offers several advantages. Firstly, its high rigidity allows the cover to rest only on its edge of the appliance, such as the edge of a recess in the cooktop, without risk of sagging when heavy objects like pots are placed on it. Secondly, the low thermal conductivity allows the cover to be used for other purposes after removal, such as a trivet.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, at least the cover plate of the appliance is made of glass and / or glass-ceramic. Using one of these materials ensures sufficient rigidity even with a thin material and thus a light weight. Furthermore, these materials have low thermal conductivity, allowing hot pots to be placed on the cover. Even when removed from the appliance, the cover can be used as a trivet, protecting the underlying surface, such as the countertop, due to its low thermal conductivity. Additionally, the use of glass-ceramic offers the advantage of being break-resistant. This prevents the cover plate from breaking when objects are placed on it.Finally, the cooktop in which the extractor hood is integrated according to the invention is preferably made of glass-ceramic. Since the cover, and in particular at least the cover plate, is also made of glass-ceramic, the visual appearance of the combination appliance is improved when the cover is in place, as the cover appears as an extension of the cooktop.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the cover has a removal device. A removal device is defined as a mechanism by which the cover can be removed from the combination device. The removal device can be integrally formed with the cover plate, for example, integrated into it, or it can be attached to the cover plate. By providing a removal device, the user can grasp the cover more easily. The removal device can, for example, be a handle.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the dispensing device is a handle tab that extends upwards over the cover plate. The handle tab is defined here as a strip of material that is sufficiently high to be grasped by the user. The material tab can be made of metal. By providing an upwardly extending handle tab, the surface of the cover plate can be continuous; in particular, it is not necessary to incorporate a handle into the surface of the cover plate.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the handle extends upwards from one edge of the cover plate. By attaching the handle to only one edge of the cover plate, the other edges of the cover plate can be flat. This maximizes the surface area on which objects can be placed. Furthermore, this embodiment allows objects larger than the cover plate, particularly those extending beyond its flat edges, to be placed on it. When the cover is attached to the combination appliance, the edge where the handle is located preferably faces the rear of the cooktop. The cover plate can, for example, be rectangular. The cooktop can have a rectangular recess extending in the depth direction of the cooktop.In this embodiment, the handle tab is preferably provided on the rear edge of the cover plate that is applied to or inserted into the recess. In this position, the handle tab does not obstruct the user or only does so to a minimal extent.

[0018] Directional terms such as top, bottom, front and back, or top, bottom, front and back, are used below – unless otherwise specified – to refer to a combination device where the inlet opening is horizontal and where the cover is placed on or in the inlet opening. The front refers to the side facing the user of the combination device.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to a handle, the removal device can include a hole in the cover plate. According to the invention, several holes can also be provided in the cover plate. The hole(s) preferably have a size that allows the user to insert a finger into the hole and then lift the cover. This embodiment has the advantage that the cover does not need to have any upward or downward projections and can still be easily removed from the combination device. Since at least the cover plate is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, the user can remove the cover plate without the risk of injury from a hot cover plate.

[0020] According to the invention, the cover has a frame to which the cover plate is attached. The frame preferably forms the outer circumference of the cover. The cover plate can be mounted on the frame and connected to it in this position. Alternatively, and more preferably, the cover plate is inserted into the frame and connected to it in this position. By using a frame, a greater cover height can be achieved with a thinner cover plate material. Thus, even in a combination device where another component, for example a filter holder, is located directly below a hole in the cover plate, and the cover plate is held in the upper part of the frame, engagement with the hole can be ensured.Furthermore, the frame can also improve the visibility of the cover's position, thus preventing an object from being accidentally placed on the edge of the cover.

[0021] The shape of the cover is adapted to the shape of the inlet opening of the combination unit.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cover has a rectangular shape. Preferably, the rectangular shape is elongated, since the inlet opening is preferably located in the width or depth direction of the combination appliance and, in particular, the cooktop, and preferably covers as much of the cooking zone provided in the cooktop as possible.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment, the cover has a round shape. The cover can be circular or oval.

[0024] The cover preferably rests on the cooktop and / or on a part of the extractor hood's ventilation system. For example, part of the cover's underside can rest on the cooktop. The cooktop preferably has a recess through which air can reach the ventilation system. In this embodiment, the cover rests, for example, on the edge of the recess. Because the cover rests on the cooktop, no special design of the cooktop is necessary. The cover is designed, for example, such that its underside is formed by a horizontal plane. This plane can be formed by the underside of the cover plate and / or by a frame.This underside, for example, in the area of ​​a frame of the cover, allows it to be placed on the cooktop, in particular on a cooktop surface within a recess for the extractor hood. Alternatively or additionally, the cover can rest on a part of the extractor hood. The part of the extractor hood on which the cover rests can be, for example, a flange or edge of a housing, or an upward projection of the housing over the cooktop surface. The flange can extend outwards through a recess in the cooktop on the upper surface. The projection is preferably also provided over the entire circumference of the recess. Additionally or alternatively, the cover can rest on the top of a filter holder.In this embodiment, the top of the filter holder can, for example, be a grip surface into which a handle for removing the filter holder from the filter unit is integrated. By resting the cover on the filter unit in the area of ​​the grip surface, this grip surface can be protected by the cover.

[0025] The cover can be attached to the combination appliance in such a way that it is flush with the top of the hob, in particular with the top of a hob cover plate.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the cover is arranged so that it projects at least partially beyond the top surface of the cooktop. In this embodiment, the underside of the cover can be recessed into the cooktop. Alternatively, the cover rests on the top surface of the cooktop or part of the extractor hood, thus projecting completely beyond the top surface of the cooktop. An advantage of arranging the cover so that it projects upwards at least partially beyond the top surface of the cooktop is that the cover is easily visible to the user.A further advantage of arranging the cover so that it extends at least partially over the top of the cooktop is that it is easy for the user to grasp and remove from the appliance. In the embodiment where the cover extends beyond the top of the cooktop, its underside can rest on the countertop, the housing of the extractor hood, or the filter unit. However, it is also possible for the lower part of the cover to be integrated into the cooktop or the extractor hood.

[0027] The cover is preferably made of a heat- and alkali-resistant material.

[0028] The cooktop can be, in particular, an electric cooktop or an induction cooktop. The extractor hood is preferably integrated centrally into the cooktop. By positioning the extractor hood centrally, reliable extraction of cooking fumes from all cooking zones of the cooktop is ensured. Furthermore, with this central positioning, the size and number of cutouts required in the cooktop are reduced. The cover that preferably conceals these cutouts is therefore also small, thus maximizing the cooking surface area of ​​the cooktop.

[0029] The cover can reliably conceal the inlet opening, which can also be referred to as the extraction opening. According to one embodiment, the cover integrates seamlessly into the cooktop environment and becomes virtually invisible. The cover also features a design that creates an extended work surface suitable for placing both hot and cold dishes.

[0030] The cover can be removed from the combination unit to expose the extractor fan during active cooking. The cover has a flat structure, adapted to the basic shape of the extractor fan's inlet opening and, in one embodiment, visually extending it. The cover's surface provides a flat surface for placing dishes. The cover can rest on the cooktop and the underlying filter unit, preventing larger objects from falling through and visually closing the inlet opening. In one embodiment, the cover can include a removal device in the form of a handle to facilitate user handling.In another embodiment, the cover can include one or more openings to allow it to be gripped and held during removal. The cover can preferably be made of a similar material to the rest of the device, for example, tempered glass and / or a glass-ceramic. The filter unit is preferably located beneath the cover, having a geometry designed for its function and readily usable for extracting the fumes.

[0031] The integrated extractor fan is not always switched on. Therefore, the cooktop is often used alone. In this case, the user can leave the cover described above in place without it interfering with the cooking process. In fact, it offers the advantage of being able to place a cutting board or a small bowl on it. If the user wants to use the extractor fan's full power, they can remove the cover to expose the air intake.

[0032] The other major advantage of the described invention is that the cover can be removed and used independently of the cooktop, for example as a trivet when cooking is finished and the food is placed on the dining table. The cover then functions as an accessory and protects the delicate surface of the dining table from the dangers posed by hot dishes, such as discoloration or damage.

[0033] The invention will below be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1: a schematic, perspective view of a first embodiment of a combination device; Fig. 2: a schematic, perspective view of the embodiment according to Fig. 1 with raised cover; Fig. 3: a schematic, perspective view of a second embodiment of the combination device according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic, perspective view of a third embodiment of a combination device; and Fig. 5: a schematic, perspective view of the embodiment of the combination device according to Fig. 4 with the cover removed.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of a first embodiment of a combination appliance 1. The combination appliance 1 consists of a cooktop 10 and a range hood 11 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) The cooktop 10 has a cover plate 100 in which a recess 101 is provided in the center. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 101 extends in the depth direction of the cooktop 10 and has a rectangular shape. The recess 101 with a housing 111 inserted into it (see Fig. 2) In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet opening 110 of the extractor hood 11 forms the extractor hood 11. A cover 12 is applied to the cooktop 10 in the area of ​​the recess 101. The cover 12 has a rectangular shape. The length of the cover 12 corresponds to the depth of the cooktop 10. The width of the cover 12 corresponds to the width of the cooktop 10. The cover 12 has a cover plate 120, which is a flat plate. A removal device in the form of a handle 121 is attached to the rear edge of the cover plate 120. The handle projects upwards beyond the top surface of the cover plate 120.

[0035] As can be seen from Fig. As shown in section 2, the extractor hood 11 in the illustrated embodiment has a filter unit 13. The filter unit 13 has filter elements 130, of which in Fig. 2 only one is visible. In addition, the filter unit 13 has a filter holder 131. Of the filter holder 131, to which the filter elements 130 are held, is in the Fig. 2 Only the top surface, which can also be referred to as the handle surface 1310, is visible. The filter unit 13 is inserted into the housing 111 of the extractor hood. The fan (not shown) of the extractor hood 11 is located below the filter unit 13. A handle (not shown) may be incorporated into the handle surface 1310 of the filter holder 131. The filter elements 130 are arranged in the filter unit 13 at a downward angle from the handle surface 1310. The filter elements 130 can be vertical or inclined at an angle to the vertical.

[0036] The recess 101 in the cover plate 100 with the housing 111 of the extractor hood 11 inserted therein forms the inlet opening 110 of the extractor hood 11. In the illustrated embodiment, air can enter the extractor hood 11 via the gap between the filter holder 131, in particular the handle surface 1310 and the housing 111.

[0037] The cover 12 can rest on the top of the cover plate 100 of the cooktop 10 at the edge of the recess 101. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in 2, the cover 12 rests on the upper side of a bend 1110 of the housing 111, which lies on the edge of the recess 101.

[0038] The width and length of the cover 12 are therefore larger than the width and length of the recess 101 in the cover plate 100 of the hob 10.

[0039] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the combination device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the recess (in Fig. (3 not visible) in the cover plate 100 of the cooktop 10, there is a circular recess. The cover 12 of the second embodiment therefore also has a round shape. In the second embodiment, the cover 12 consists of a cover plate 120, which is held in a frame 123. The frame 123 extends vertically beyond the top of the cooktop. The cover plate 120 is held in the upper part of the frame 123 and projects beyond the top edge of the frame 123. The frame 123 can be made of metal, for example, stainless steel. The cover plate 120 can be made of glass-ceramic.

[0040] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the combination device 1. The difference to the second embodiment from Fig. 3 consists in the form of the cover 12. In the third embodiment, the cover 12 is formed by a round cover plate 120, in the center of which a hole 122 is provided as a removal device. In the third embodiment, the cover plate 120, and thus the cover 12, lies in the recess 101 of the cover plate 100 and is flush with the top surface of the cover plate 100.

[0041] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the third embodiment with the cover 12 removed. The filter unit 13 has a different shape than in the first embodiment. The recess 101 in the cover plate 100 of the cooktop 10 is round. A filter unit 13 is inserted in this round recess 101, which in the illustrated embodiment has a cylindrical filter element 130. The cover 12 is in Fig. 5 is placed on the worktop 2, which surrounds the hob 10. A pot (not shown) can be placed on the cover 12.

[0042] The present invention has a number of advantages. In particular, the present invention ensures reliable protection of a ventilation device integrated below a cooktop. Furthermore, the cover of the combination appliance can be removed and, due to its shape and design, used as a trivet. Reference sign 1 combination device 10 hobs 100 Cover plate 101 recess 11 Extractor hood 110 Inlet opening 111 Housings 1110 Bending 12 Cover 120 Cover plate 121 Handle tab 122 holes 123 frames 13 filter unit 130 filter elements 131 filter holders 1310 Grip area 2 worktop

Claims

[1] Combination appliance (1) comprising a cooktop (10) and a range hood (11) integrated into the cooktop (10), which has a filter unit (13) and whose fan is arranged below the cooktop (10), wherein the range hood (11) has at least one cover (12) detachably connected to a part of the combination appliance (1), which includes a cover plate (120) that is a rigid component which is dimensionally stable when a cooking vessel is placed on it, and at least the cover plate (120) is made of a material with low thermal conductivity, namely less than 2 W / (mK), wherein the cover (12) has a frame (123) on which the cover plate (120) is held. [2] Combination device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least the cover plate (120) is made of glass and / or glass-ceramic. [3] Combination device (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by, that the cover (12) has a removal device. [4] Combination device (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the removal device is a handle tab (121) which extends upwards over the cover plate (120). [5] Combination device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the handle tab (121) extends upwards from an edge of the cover plate (120). [6] Combination device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by that the extraction device includes a hole (122) in the cover plate (120). [7] Combination device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the cover (12) rests on the hob (10) and / or on part of the extractor hood (11). [8] Combination device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the cover (12) protrudes at least partially beyond the top of the hob (10).

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