Duct unit for conducting cooking fumes

Abstract

Channel unit (16) for conducting cooking fumes for an extractor device (4), comprising 1.1. a flow chamber (26), with 1.1.1 at least one inlet opening (27), 1.1.2. at least one discharge opening (28), and 1.1.3. at least one connecting section (30) formed on the at least one inflow opening (27) and / or on the at least one outflow opening (28), and 1.2. at least one sealing element (35) formed on the connecting section (30) for sealing a reversibly detachable connection of the at least one connecting section (30) to a connecting channel unit (17), 1.3. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) is integrally and directly connected to the at least one connecting section (30), 1.4. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) and the at least one connecting section (30) have different hardnesses, 1.5. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) is designed as a sealing lip and / or in the form of sealing lamellae (49), and 1.6. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) completely surrounds a flow cross-section of the channel unit (16), characterized in that 1.7. the at least one sealing element (35) is arranged at least in sections within the flow chamber (26) and is integrally connected to an inner surface of the connecting section (30).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a duct unit for conducting cooking fumes for an extractor device according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an extractor device having such a duct unit and a cooktop system having such a extractor device. Finally, the invention relates to a method for producing such a duct unit.

[0002] WO 2018 / 073350 A1 discloses a duct unit for conducting cooking fumes for an extractor hood. The disadvantage is that the installation of such duct units is complex and error-prone.

[0003] A plastic pipe for transporting air is known from DE 20 2009 011 641 U1. Duct units for conducting air are also known from EP 2 233 850 A1 and DE 198 27 681 A1. A piping system is known from EP 2 463 564 A2. A method for applying seals to objects is known from DE 43 20 257 A1.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of creating an improved duct unit which is particularly easy and reliable to assemble and economical to manufacture.

[0005] This object is achieved by a channel unit having the features of claim 1. According to the invention, it was recognized that a channel unit with a flow chamber, in which a sealing element is integrally and directly connected to at least one connecting section of the flow chamber, wherein the at least one sealing element and the at least one connecting section have different hardnesses, can be assembled particularly reliably and is economical to use and manufacture. Because the at least one sealing element is integrally connected to the at least one connecting section, incorrect assembly of the channel unit can be avoided, in particular due to slipping of the sealing element when connecting the channel unit to the connecting channel unit. The need for separate handling of the at least one sealing element is avoided, thereby reducing logistics and order picking costs.In particular, it reliably prevents an insufficient quantity of sealing elements from being in stock during assembly due to an order error. Since an additional assembly step can be avoided, the duct unit can also be manufactured particularly cost-effectively. Furthermore, it can be ruled out that a sealing element is not used due to an assembly error. The proposed duct unit thus also contributes to improving the quality achieved by the end user and increasing customer satisfaction.

[0006] The term "sealing" refers to at least reducing the gap between the at least one connecting section and the at least one connecting channel unit. Sealing is preferably completely tight, particularly gas-tight.

[0007] The term "hardness" refers to Shore A hardness. Different hardnesses exist when these differ by at least 5 Shore A, in particular by at least 10 Shore A, in particular by at least 20 Shore A, and in particular by at least 50 Shore A.

[0008] Material-to-material connections include welded connections and / or connections produced by shaping manufacturing processes, in particular connections by casting and / or injection molding.

[0009] The direct connection of the at least one sealing element to the at least one connecting element is characterized in that the at least one sealing element adheres to the at least one connecting section without an intermediate element and / or without an intermediate layer. In particular, there is no connecting layer, in particular no adhesive layer, between the at least one sealing element and the at least one connecting section. In particular, there is no intermediate layer that is not formed by the material of the sealing element or the connecting section itself. The sealing element directly connected to the at least one connecting section is attached to the latter without adhesive. Advantageously, this makes it possible to dispense with an additional assembly step in the manufacture of the duct unit. In particular, the use of cost-intensive and potentially harmful adhesives can be avoided.The duct unit is therefore particularly robust in operation and economical to manufacture.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element and the at least one connecting section have different stiffnesses, in particular different moduli of elasticity, and / or different strengths and / or different yield strengths and / or different elongations at break. Preferably, the hardness and / or the stiffness and / or the strength of the at least one sealing element are lower than those of the at least one connecting section. Preferably, the elongation at break in the sealing element is greater, in particular by at least 50% greater, in particular by at least 100% greater, in particular by at least 300% greater, than in the at least one connecting section. The hardness of the at least one sealing element is preferably at least 10 Shore A, in particular by at least 20 Shore A, in particular by at least 50 Shore A, in particular by at least 100 Shore A, in particular by at least 100 Shore A, greater than in the at least one connecting section.

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow chamber has an outer wall which, together with the at least one inflow opening and the at least one outflow opening, delimits a flow space of the channel unit. The at least one connection section can be formed by the outer wall. The outer wall is preferably formed in one piece, in particular monolithically. Preferably, the entire channel unit is formed in one piece.

[0012] Preferably, the flow chamber comprises exactly one inflow opening and exactly one outflow opening. The flow chamber may also have at least two of the inflow openings and / or at least two of the outflow openings.

[0013] The flow chamber, in particular the outer wall, preferably comprises a plastic material, in particular a duromer, in particular polyvinyl chloride, and / or a thermoplastic, in particular polypropylene and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and / or thermoplastic polyurethane and / or polyethylene, and / or a metallic material, in particular a rust-proof material, in particular a coated metal, in particular a galvanized material, and / or a rust-proof metal, in particular stainless steel and / or aluminum. The flow chamber, in particular the outer wall, is preferably heat-resistant, in particular up to at least 80°C, in particular up to at least 100°C, in particular up to at least 120°C, in particular up to at least 180°C, heat-resistant, in particular dimensionally stable.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow chamber is designed to deflect the cooking vapor flow. Preferably, the flow chamber is designed to deflect the cooking vapor flow by a deflection angle of at least 10°, in particular at least 30°, in particular at least 45°, in particular at least 60°, in particular at least 90°, in particular at least 100°. The deflection angle is preferably understood to be an angle between the inflow opening and the outflow opening. The flow chamber can be designed as a pipe bend.

[0015] The flow chamber can be designed as a straight channel. The inflow opening is preferably oriented parallel to the outflow opening.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, the flow chamber has at least one flow guide element. The flow guide element can be single-curved or double-curved. In particular, when the flow chamber is designed as a pipe bend, the flow guide element ensures particularly low-loss flow guidance. The at least one flow guide element preferably extends over a length of at least 30%, in particular at least 50%, in particular at least 75%, of an extent of the flow chamber along a main flow direction. The main flow direction is understood to be the flow direction of the cooking vapors that varies along the channel unit, is averaged over the flow cross-section, and is determined by the flow chamber. The flow chamber can have at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least five, of the flow guide elements.

[0017] The at least one sealing element can be arranged at least partially, in particular completely, inside or outside the flow chamber. The flow chamber, in particular the outer wall, can overlap the at least one sealing element in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction, in particular completely overlap and / or adjoin the at least one sealing element without overlap.

[0018] The at least one sealing element can be arranged in particular on the inside of the flow chamber or on its outside.

[0019] The at least one sealing element preferably extends along a main extension line. In cross-section, in particular perpendicular to the main extension line, the at least one sealing element can be linear, in particular straight, and / or round, in particular circular or circular sector-shaped and / or elliptical, and / or polygonal, in particular triangular, in particular sawtooth-shaped, and / or rectangular. Preferably, the at least one sealing element is funnel-shaped. The at least one funnel-shaped sealing element is preferably tapered inwardly in the direction from the at least one connection section towards the flow chamber.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element is integrally connected to the at least one connecting section via a connecting surface. Preferably, the width of the connecting surface is smaller, in particular at least 50% smaller, in particular at least 70% smaller, than the width of a projection surface of the at least one sealing element perpendicular to the main flow direction onto the outer wall.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, the cross-section of the at least one sealing element is variable along the main extension line. Preferably, the cross-section of the at least one sealing element is smaller in a curved sealing section of the main extension line than in a straight sealing section of the main extension line. This advantageously ensures that straight sections of the flow chamber, which are susceptible to deformation and, accordingly, leakage, are sealed more effectively than curved sections. Alternatively, the cross-section of the at least one sealing element can also be constant. This allows the channel unit to be manufactured particularly economically.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, at least one sealing element is provided on the at least one connecting section. More preferably, at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least five, of the sealing elements are provided on the at least one connecting section. The at least one sealing element is preferably designed as a sealing lip.

[0023] A connecting surface width, measured perpendicular to a main flow direction, is preferably in a range from 2 mm to 20 mm, in particular from 3 mm to 15 mm, in particular from 5 mm to 10 mm.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the sealing surface, via which the at least one sealing element is integrally connected to the at least one connecting section, is flat. The sealing surface can also be curved, in particular single-curved or double-curved. Preferably, the at least one sealing element is integrally and positively connected to the at least one connecting section. This makes the channel unit even more robust.

[0025] The sealing surface may have an undercut along the main flow direction and / or perpendicular to the main flow direction.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the connecting surface at which the at least one sealing element is integrally connected to the at least one connecting section is formed as a circumferential groove. The circumferential groove can be U-shaped and / or dovetail-shaped. This further improves the connection between the at least one sealing element and the at least one connecting section.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the connection of the at least one sealing element to the at least one connecting section is produced in a casting process, in particular in an injection molding process, and / or in a welding process and / or in a sintering process.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element extends along a spiral main extension line. The spiral main extension line preferably has at least one, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, thread turns. The pitch of the spiral main extension line is preferably in a range from 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the channel unit comprises several of the sealing elements in the form of sealing lamellas on at least one connection section.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element completely surrounds a flow cross-section of the channel unit. For this purpose, the at least one sealing element preferably extends along a main extension line formed as a closed curve. A particularly effective seal can thus be achieved.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, within the flow chamber. Preferably, the connection section connected to the at least one sealing element is designed as an external connection. An external connection surrounds a counterpart connected to it, in particular perpendicular to the main flow direction, from the outside, in particular circumferentially. An internal connection is inserted into an external connection. Because the at least one sealing element is arranged at least partially within the flow chamber, it is particularly well protected against damage during transport.

[0032] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element consists of an extrudable material. According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element comprises a thermoplastic material. The at least one sealing element can comprise thermoplastic material, in particular polypropylene and / or polyethylene, and / or a rubber-elastic material, in particular rubber, and / or a vulcanizate and / or nitrile butadiene rubber and / or polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the at least one sealing element comprises a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic vulcanizate. According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element comprises a rubber-elastic material.

[0033] The at least one sealing element can also consist of the aforementioned materials.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element has a variable cross-sectional area along its main extension line. The cross-sectional area can be variable in its shape and / or surface area. This advantageously allows the at least one sealing element to be flexibly adapted to local sealing requirements.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the cross-sectional area in a curved sealing section of the main extension line is smaller than in a straight sealing section. In the straight sealing section, the flow chamber is more prone to deformation. These deformations can be compensated for by the larger cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one sealing element in the straight sealing section. The cross-sectional area in the straight sealing section is preferably at least 50%, in particular at least 100%, in particular at least 200%, larger than in the curved sealing section.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element extends over casting edges and / or webbing and / or casting cavities and / or casting steps, particularly in the region of a mold parting line of a casting tool. This allows sections of the flow chamber that are particularly difficult to seal with conventional seals to be sealed particularly effectively.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one sealing element is only created upon application to the at least one connecting section. The at least one sealing element is preferably applied to the at least one connecting section in a pasty and / or melt-tough state and hardens there. Irregularities in the sealing surface, particularly due to manufacturing inaccuracies, can thus be reliably compensated.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element is spiral-shaped. The at least one sealing element can be designed as a labyrinth seal. Such a sealing element can be produced particularly economically. In particular, the at least one sealing element can be applied to the at least one connecting section in several threads, in particular in at least two, in particular in at least three, in particular in at least five. The sealing element can be applied to the at least one connecting section continuously or discontinuously.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least two of the sealing elements and / or at least two sealing sections of a single sealing element overlap each other in the main flow direction. This ensures a particularly reliable seal of the at least one connecting section relative to the connecting channel unit. In particular, a redundant seal is achieved.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one connection channel unit is designed according to the channel units.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element is round, triangular, and / or sawtooth-shaped in cross-section. This reliably ensures that the at least one sealing element fits snugly against the connecting channel unit.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element is integrally connected to a sealing surface of the at least one connecting section that is oriented substantially parallel and / or perpendicular to the main flow direction. An axial seal in which the sealing surface is oriented perpendicular to the main flow direction is particularly robust against dimensional tolerances. A radial seal in which the sealing surface is oriented substantially parallel to the main flow direction is largely robust against assembly errors.

[0043] The at least one sealing surface can also be arranged obliquely to the main flow direction and a plane perpendicular to the main flow direction, in particular at an angle to the main flow direction in a range of 20° to 70°, in particular 30° to 60°. This advantageously ensures that the at least one sealing element is compressed when establishing the connection between the channel unit and the connecting channel unit, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0044] Preferably, the at least one sealing element is integrally connected to the at least one connecting element in such a way that the adhesive strength exceeds the cohesive strength of the at least one sealing element and / or the at least one connecting section at least in sections over the connecting surface, in particular completely over the connecting surface.

[0045] The connection is therefore particularly robust.

[0046] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved extractor device for extracting cooking fumes.

[0047] This object is achieved by an extractor device having the features of claim 11. The extractor device is preferably further developed with at least one of the features explained above in connection with the duct unit. The advantages of the extractor device according to the invention correspond to the advantages described above in connection with the duct unit. Because the extractor device is designed with the duct unit according to the invention, it is robust in operation and economical to manufacture. In particular, the risk of assembly errors can be largely eliminated.

[0048] The extractor device is preferably a device for extracting cooking fumes downwards. The at least one fan is preferably arranged vertically below a cooking fume inlet opening. The cooking fume duct preferably extends completely below the at least one cooking fume inlet opening and / or a cooking appliance support of a hob. The extractor device can also be designed as an extractor hood.

[0049] The cooking fume duct preferably has a negative pressure duct section arranged upstream of the at least one fan and / or a positive pressure duct section arranged downstream of the at least one fan. The duct unit according to the invention can be a component of the negative pressure duct section and / or a component of the positive pressure duct section. The cooking fume duct preferably comprises at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least five, of the duct units. The improved sealing effect achieved with the duct unit particularly advantageously ensures in the negative pressure duct section that any overflow liquids that may penetrate into the cooking fume duct are kept leak-free and thus cannot cause damage outside the cooking fume duct. For this purpose, the duct unit can be connected to the connecting duct unit in a liquid-tight manner.

[0050] Preferably, the connection between the duct unit and the connecting duct unit, in particular the entire cooking fume duct, is gas-tight up to a pressure of at least 100 Pa, in particular up to at least 200 Pa.

[0051] Another object of the invention is to provide an improved hob system.

[0052] This object is achieved by a hob system having the features of claim 12. The hob system is preferably further developed with at least one of the features explained above in connection with the duct unit and / or the extractor hood. The advantages of the hob system according to the invention correspond to the advantages described above in connection with the duct unit and the extractor hood. The hob system is particularly simple and time-efficient to assemble and can be manufactured economically. The hob system preferably comprises at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four of the cooking zones. The at least one hob preferably has a cooking support.The at least one cooking fume inlet opening of the extractor device can penetrate the cooking product carrier, in particular in a central region, and / or be arranged adjacent to an edge of the cooking product carrier and / or be arranged at a distance from the cooking product carrier.

[0053] A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method for producing a duct unit for an extractor device for extracting cooking fumes.

[0054] This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 13. The method is preferably further developed with at least one of the features explained above in connection with the duct unit and / or the extractor device and / or the hob system. The advantages of the method according to the invention correspond to the advantages described above in connection with the duct unit, the extractor device, and the hob system.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the sealing element is only created during the material-to-material connection to the at least one connection section. The at least one sealing element can be welded and / or cast and / or injection-molded and / or welded and / or sintered onto the at least one connection section. The sealing material is preferably prepared before the sealing element is created. The preparation of the sealing material can comprise melting the sealing material and / or capturing reaction components of the sealing material. The sealing material is preferably mixed from at least two, in particular at least three reaction components. The at least one sealing element preferably hardens on the at least one connection section. For this purpose, the material of the sealing element can be applied to the at least one connection section in a molten and / or melt-tough and / or pasty state.The material of the sealing element can be reaction-curing, particularly vulcanization-curing and / or UV-curing. A blowing agent can be added to the sealing material to foam it.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one sealing element is firmly attached to the at least one connecting section using an injection molding process or an extrusion process. This allows a particularly robust connection to be created between the at least one sealing element and the at least one connecting section.

[0057] According to a further aspect of the invention, the material-to-material attachment of the at least one sealing element to the at least one connecting section is automated. The automated attachment can be performed using a multi-axis machine, in particular using an articulated arm, in particular using a robot arm. The articulated arm preferably has at least two, in particular at least three, joints. This allows the at least one sealing element to be attached to the connecting section in a particularly flexible manner.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, of the sealing elements are applied simultaneously to a single connecting section. The extrusion head preferably comprises an extrusion die for extruding the at least one sealing element. The extrusion die preferably has at least one, in particular exactly one, in particular at least two, in particular at least three, extrusion openings for simultaneously dispensing one sealing element each.

[0059] Preferably, the at least one sealing element is applied to the at least one connecting section at an extrusion speed of at least 10 mm / s, in particular at least 20 mm / s, in particular at least 40 mm / s, in particular at least 60 mm / s, in particular at least 80 mm / s. The sealing material is preferably selected such that curing and / or solidification occurs within a maximum of 5 minutes, in particular a maximum of 2 minutes, in particular a maximum of 1 minute, in particular a maximum of 0.5 minutes, after application to the at least one connecting section.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one connecting section is pretreated prior to the material-to-material connection to the at least one sealing element. The pretreatment may include a plasma treatment and / or a treatment with alcohol and / or with isopropanol and / or with a primer and / or a flame pretreatment and / or a mechanical pretreatment, in particular grinding and / or sandblasting.

[0061] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a hob system with several cooking zones for heating food and an extractor device for extracting cooking fumes, Fig. 2 a partially sectioned view of the hob system in Fig. 1, wherein the extractor device has a cooking fume duct with a duct unit for guiding the cooking fumes, Fig. 3 a sectional view of the hob system along the section line III-III in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a perspective view of the channel unit in Fig. 3 with a flow chamber and sealing elements bonded and directly connected to it, Fig. 5 a sectional view of the channel unit along the section line VV in Fig. 4, Fig. 6 a perspective sectional view of the channel unit along the section line VI-VI in Fig. 5, wherein the sealing element is produced by means of an extrusion head on the connecting portion, Fig. 7 a sectional view of the channel unit according to a further embodiment, wherein a sealing element is arranged on sealing surfaces of a connecting section oriented parallel and perpendicular to the main flow direction, Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a section of a channel unit according to a further embodiment, wherein the sealing element protrudes from the flow chamber, Fig. 9 a sectional view of the channel unit along the section line IX-IX in Fig. 8, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a channel unit according to a further embodiment, wherein the sealing element is arranged completely outside the flow chamber and does not overlap the flow chamber perpendicular to a main flow direction, Fig. 11 a sectional view of the channel unit along the section line XI-XI in Fig. 10, Fig. 12 a perspective view of a channel unit according to a further embodiment, wherein the sealing element comprises a Y-shaped branch for receiving a connecting channel unit, and Fig. 13 a sectional view of the channel unit along the section line XIII-XIII in Fig. 12.

[0062] Based on the Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 6 describes a first embodiment of a cooktop system 1 with four cooking zones 2 for heating food 3 and an extractor 4 for extracting cooking vapors downwards. The cooking vapor flow is schematically illustrated by lines with the reference numeral 5. A common control device 6 is provided for controlling the cooktop system 1, in particular the cooking zones 2 and the extractor 4. The control device 6 comprises a user interface 7 in the form of a touch-sensitive screen. The cooktop system 1 is installed by means of a mounting frame 8 into a corresponding recess in a kitchen worktop 9. The kitchen worktop is placed on a kitchen base cabinet 10.

[0063] The cooking zones 2 are part of a cooking surface 11. The cooking surface 11 comprises a cooking support 12, which is designed as a glass-ceramic plate. The cooking support 12 overlaps the cooking zones 2 in a plan view. The cooking zones 2 are designed as induction cooking zones. The cooking zones 2 each comprise heating electronics (not shown), in particular induction coils. The heating electronics are arranged in a cooking zone housing 13.

[0064] The extractor device 4 is designed to extract cooking fumes downward and comprises a cooking fume duct 14 for conducting the cooking fumes and at least one fan 15 arranged in the cooking fume duct 14 for conveying the cooking fumes. The cooking fume duct 14 comprises a duct unit 16 and several connecting duct units 17 for conducting the cooking fumes. Preferably, at least one connecting duct unit 17 is designed to correspond to the duct units 16. The cooking fume duct 14 is connected to a cooking fume inlet opening 18. The cooking fume inlet opening 18 penetrates the cooking product support 12. In particular, the cooking fume inlet opening 18 is arranged in a central region of the cooking product support 12. The cooking fume inlet opening 18 overlaps a geometric center of gravity of the cooking product support 12.

[0065] The fan 15 is in fluid communication with the cooking vapor inlet opening 18 via the cooking vapor duct 14. The fan 15 is designed as a radial fan. The cooking vapor duct 14 comprises a vacuum duct section 19 arranged upstream of the fan 15 and a positive pressure duct section 20 arranged downstream of the fan. A grease filter insert 21 is provided in the vacuum duct section 19. The grease filter insert 21 can be reversibly removed from the vacuum duct section 19. A reversibly removable odor filter 22 is arranged in the positive pressure duct section 20.

[0066] To protect the fan 15 from overflow fluid, the vacuum channel section 19 extends into an area below a fan impeller 23 of the fan 15. The fan impeller 23 is connected to a fan motor 24 in a torque-transmitting manner. A rotational axis 25 of the fan impeller 23 is oriented vertically.

[0067] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows the channel unit 16 in further detail. The channel unit 16 comprises a flow chamber 26 with an inflow opening 27 and an outflow opening 28. The flow chamber 26 is bounded by an outer wall 29. A connection section 30 is provided at each of the inflow opening 27 and the outflow opening 28 for connecting a respective connection channel unit 17.

[0068] The duct unit 16 is designed as a pipe bend. A deflection angle α, which is determined between two connection standards 31 oriented perpendicular to the inflow opening 27 and the outflow opening 28, is 90°. The cooking vapor flow 5 is thus deflected by 90° within the duct unit 16. For loss-reducing flow deflection, the duct unit 16 comprises a flow guide element 32 arranged within the flow chamber 26.

[0069] Both connection sections 30 are designed as external connections 33. The external connection 33 surrounds a connected internal connection 34 of the connection channel unit 17. In particular, the internal connection 34 of the connection channel unit 17 is reversibly and detachably inserted into the external connection 33 of the channel unit 16.

[0070] Two sealing elements 35 are integrally connected to each of the connecting sections 30. The respective sealing element 35 is directly connected to the respective connecting section 30, i.e., without an intermediate separating layer, which, for example, consists of a different material than the sealing element 35 or the connecting section 30, in particular without an intermediate adhesive layer.

[0071] The sealing elements 35 are designed in such a way that a reversibly detachable connection of the respective connection section 30 of the connection channel unit 17 is enabled. The sealing element 35 is designed to establish a contact connection, in particular a force-locking connection, but not a material connection, with the connection channel unit 17.

[0072] The sealing elements 35 are attached to a sealing surface 36 of the respective connecting section 30, which is oriented essentially parallel to the main flow direction 5. All of the sealing elements 35 are radial seals.

[0073] A hardness of the respective sealing element 35 is lower than a hardness of the outer wall 29, in particular of the respective connecting section 30. The hardness of the sealing elements 35 is 50 Shore A. The hardness of the flow chamber 26, in particular of the outer wall 29, in particular of the connecting section 30, is 120 Shore A.

[0074] Each of the sealing elements 35 completely surrounds a flow cross-section spanned by the flow chamber 26. All sealing elements 35 are arranged entirely within the flow chamber 26. In particular, each of the sealing elements 35 extends along a closed curve.

[0075] The at least one sealing element 35 consists of an extrudable material, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular thermoplastic polyurethane. The material of the sealing element 35 is a rubber-elastic material.

[0076] The sealing elements 35 are wedge-shaped in cross-section. The sealing elements 35 are funnel-shaped in the direction from the respective connection section 30 inward with respect to the flow chamber 26. Due to the funnel shape, a flow cross-section enclosed by the respective sealing element 35 decreases in the direction from the connection section 30 to a center of the flow chamber 26.

[0077] The at least one sealing element 35 has a cross-sectional area that varies along its main extension line 37. In a straight sealing section 38, the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing element 35 is larger than in a curved sealing section 39.

[0078] A sealing element height h is variable along the main extension line 37. The sealing element height h is measured perpendicular to the sealing surface 36. The sealing element height h lies in a range from 3 mm to 15 mm. In the straight sealing section 38, the sealing element height h is greater than in the curved sealing section 39. In particular, the sealing element height h is 5 mm in the straight sealing section 38 and 10 mm in the curved sealing section 39.

[0079] The at least one sealing element 35 is integrally connected to the connecting section 30 via a connecting surface 40. A width 41 of a projection surface of the sealing element 35 perpendicular to the main flow direction 5, in particular onto the connecting section 30, is larger, in particular at least 50% larger, in particular at least 100% larger, than a width 41a of the connecting surface 40.

[0080] The two sealing elements 35 formed in each of the connecting sections 30 overlap each other in the main flow direction. The adjacent sealing elements 35 are formed separately from each other. The adjacent sealing elements 35 form a lamellar seal.

[0081] Based on the Fig. 6 explains a method for producing the channel unit 16. The flow chamber 26 with the connecting section 30, which is formed at the inflow opening 27, is initially present without the sealing element 35. In an extrusion process, the at least one sealing element 35 is applied to an inner surface, in particular the sealing surface 36, of the connecting section 30. For this purpose, an extrusion head 42 is introduced into the flow chamber 26 via the inflow opening 27. The extrusion head comprises an extrusion die (not shown) with a wedge-shaped, in particular a sawtooth-shaped, extrusion opening. Thermoplastic, molten sealing material 43 is extruded via the extrusion head 42. The molten sealing material 43 is deposited, in particular injection-molded, onto the sealing surface 36. The molten sealing material 43 cools on the sealing surface 36 and is present there as solidified sealing material 44.The flow chamber 26 is displaced relative to the extrusion head 42 along the main extension line 37 to form the sealing element 35. The sealing element 35 is completed as soon as it has been completely applied to the connecting section 30 along the closed main extension line 37.

[0082] In the present case, the extrusion die is designed to form a single sealing element 35. According to an alternative embodiment, the extrusion die can be designed to simultaneously dispense at least two, in particular at least three, sealing elements 35.

[0083] A melting temperature of the sealing material 43, 44 is at least 80° C, in particular at least 100° C, in particular at least 120° C. Melting of the sealing material during operation of the extractor device 4 due to contact with hot cooking fumes can thus be reliably prevented.

[0084] By applying the sealing material 43 to the sealing surface 36 in the molten state, the sealing material 43 is bonded to the flow chamber 26, in particular to the connecting section 30. A bonded and direct connection between the respective sealing element 35 and the connecting section 30 is present.

[0085] The extrusion head 42 is mounted on a multi-axis machine (not shown), in particular on an articulated arm, in particular on a robot arm. The production of the at least one sealing element 35 and the connection to the respective connecting section 30 can thus be carried out particularly easily and automatically. In particular, the flow chamber 26 remains stationary, and the extrusion head 42 is moved relative to the flow chamber 26. Alternatively, the extrusion head 42 can remain stationary, and the flow chamber 26 is moved relative to the extrusion head 42, in particular by means of the multi-axis machine.

[0086] The operation of the hob system 1, in particular the extractor device 4, in particular the duct unit 16, is as follows: The hob 11, the extractor device 4, in particular the negative pressure duct section 19, and the at least one fan 15, are connected together with the control device 6 to form a one-piece mounting unit 45. The mounting unit 45 is attached to the kitchen worktop 9 by means of the installation frame. The positive pressure duct section 20 is not part of the mounting unit 45 and is connected to it separately.

[0087] The duct unit 16 is a component of the overpressure duct section 20. The duct unit fluidically connects a first connection duct unit 17 in the form of a fan housing 46 of the fan 15 with a second connection duct unit 17 in the form of a continuing duct of the overpressure duct section 20. To establish this connection, the duct unit 16 is plugged onto the inner connection 34 of the fan housing 46. The inner connection 34 of the continuing duct section is plugged into the outer connection 33 of the duct unit 16. The sealing elements 35 seal the duct unit 16 against the respective inner connection 34 of the fan housing 46 and the continuing connection duct unit 17.

[0088] The cooktop system 1 is activated by the control device 6, in particular by a user input on the user interface 7. The cooking item 3 arranged above the cooking area 2 is heated. Cooking vapors arise above the cooking item 3. The extractor device 4 is activated by the control device 6, and the cooking vapors are extracted downward through the cooking vapor inlet opening 18. The cooking vapors are drawn through the negative pressure duct section 19 into the fan 15 and blown out via the positive pressure duct section 20. The sealing elements 35 ensure leak-free guidance of the cooking vapors through the positive pressure duct section 20.

[0089] Based on the Fig. 7 describes a further embodiment of the channel unit 16. In contrast to the embodiment described above, only one of the sealing elements 35 is attached to a sealing surface 36 oriented substantially parallel to the main flow direction 5. The second sealing element 35 on the respective connecting section 30 is attached to a sealing surface 36 oriented perpendicular to the main flow direction 5. The sealing elements 35 formed on the respective connecting section 30 thus form a radial seal and an axial seal.

[0090] The sealing elements 35 comprise a foam material, in particular a non-thermoplastic foam material. The sealing elements 35 are compressible and thus designed for particularly reliable sealing of the connection to the connecting channel unit 17.

[0091] As described above, the sealing material is applied to the connecting section 30 of the flow chamber 26 by means of an extrusion head 42. In contrast to the embodiment described above, the sealing material is reaction-curing. In particular, the sealing material consists of a two-component reaction system.

[0092] The sealing elements 35 are round in cross-section, particularly in the shape of a circular sector. For this purpose, the extrusion head 42 comprises a not-shown extrusion die with a circular cross-section.

[0093] The operation of the channel unit 16 corresponds to the operation of the channel unit 16 described above.

[0094] Based on the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 describes a channel unit 16 according to a further exemplary embodiment. In contrast to the embodiments described above, the sealing element 35 is located partially inside and partially outside the flow chamber 26. The sealing element 35 is integrally connected to the sealing surface 36, in particular an inner surface of the connecting section 30. The sealing element 35 comprises a sealing flange 47 arranged inside the flow chamber 26 and a sealing extension 48 arranged outside the flow chamber 26. The sealing element 35 is integrally connected to the connecting section 30 in the region of the sealing flange 47.

[0095] The sealing element 35 has three sawtooth-shaped sealing lamellae 49, which are arranged on an inner side of the sealing extension 48. The sealing extension 48 is designed as an external connection 33.

[0096] The sealing element 35 consists of a rubber-elastic, thermoplastic material, in particular of a thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0097] The flow chamber 26 and the sealing element 35 are integrally connected to one another in an injection molding process. For this purpose, the flow chamber 26 is first provided in an injection mold (not shown). The molten, thermoplastic sealing material is injected onto the flow chamber 26. The flow chamber 26 is preferably made of a thermoplastic material with a melting temperature that is higher than the melting temperature of the sealing material. During injection molding, the sealing element 35 forms a materially bond with the flow chamber 26. After the sealing material has solidified, the channel unit 16 can be removed from the injection mold.

[0098] The operation of the channel unit 16 corresponds to the operation of the channel unit 16 according to the embodiments described above.

[0099] Based on the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 describes a further embodiment of the channel unit 16. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the respective sealing element 35 is arranged entirely outside a flow space delimited by the flow chamber 26. In particular, the respective sealing element 35 is attached to a sealing surface 36 oriented perpendicular to the main flow direction.

[0100] The sealing element 35 is essentially rectangular in cross-section. The aspect ratio of the rectangular cross-section is at least three, in particular at least five, in particular ten. The sealing elements 35 are injection-molded onto the flow chamber 26, in particular onto the connecting section 30.

[0101] The at least one sealing element 35 can be folded back and forth between an external connection configuration and an internal connection configuration. For this purpose, the sealing element 35 is made of a rubber-elastic material. In the folded state, the sealing element 35 overlaps the flow chamber 26, in particular the outer wall 29, in a direction perpendicular to the main flow direction 5. The sealing element 35 can be folded such that the corresponding connection section 30 of the channel unit 16 is optionally configured either as an external connection 33 or as an internal connection 34. To arrange the sealing element 35 in the external connection configuration, the sealing element 35 is folded inwards, in particular into the flow chamber 26. To arrange the sealing element 35 in the internal connection configuration, the sealing element 35 is folded outwards, in particular so as to bear against an outer surface of the outer wall 29.

[0102] To connect the channel unit 16 to the connecting channel unit 17, the respective sealing element 35 is arranged in the external connection configuration or the internal connection configuration, depending on the design of the connection section of the connecting channel unit 17. The functionality of the channel unit 16 otherwise corresponds to the functionality of the channel units 16 according to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0103] Based on the Fig. 12 and the Fig.13, a further embodiment of the channel unit 16 is described. In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the respective sealing element 35 has a Y-shaped branch 50 in cross-section at an end facing away from the flow chamber 26. The Y-shaped branch 50, together with an annular catch opening 51, delimits a catch groove 52. The catch opening 51 overlaps the connecting section 30 in the main flow direction 5, in particular an edge of the connecting section 30 delimiting the inflow opening 27 or the outflow opening 28. The catch groove 52 is closed in the direction of the flow chamber 26 and open on a side facing away from the flow chamber 26.

[0104] The sealing element 35 is made of a rubber-elastic material. In particular, the sealing element 35 is injection-molded onto the flow chamber 26, in particular the connecting section 30.

[0105] The sealing element 35 is movable between an outer connection configuration and an inner connection configuration. To arrange the sealing element 35 in the outer connection configuration, a radially inner sealing arm 53 is folded inward. An outer connection 33 is created. To arrange the sealing element 35 in the inner connection configuration, an outer sealing arm 54 is folded outward. An inner connection 34 is created.

[0106] The operation of the channel unit 16 is as follows: To connect the channel unit 16 to a connecting channel unit 17, the connecting channel unit 17 is brought forward such that the associated connecting section engages in the retaining groove 52. If the connecting section of the connecting channel unit 17 is designed as an internal connection, the internal sealing arm 53 folds inward when the connecting channel unit 17 is moved further towards the flow chamber 26 and forms an external connection 33. If, on the other hand, the connecting section of the connecting channel unit 17 is designed as an external connection, the external sealing arm 54 folds outward and forms an internal connection 34.

[0107] Otherwise, the functioning of the channel unit 16 corresponds to the functioning of the channel units 16 described above.

[0108] The integral and direct connection of the at least one sealing element 35 to the flow chamber 26, in particular the connecting section 30, enables particularly efficient and interference-free assembly of the duct unit 16, in particular of the cooking vapor duct 14. Since separate assembly of a sealing element is eliminated, logistics and order-picking costs can be reduced. The duct unit 16 can thus be procured and installed particularly cost-effectively. In particular, the production of a corresponding duct unit 16 is particularly economical.

Claims

[1] Channel unit (16) for conducting cooking fumes for an extractor device (4), comprising 1.

1. a flow chamber (26), with 1.1.1 at least one inlet opening (27), 1.1.

2. at least one discharge opening (28), and 1.1.

3. at least one connecting section (30) formed on the at least one inflow opening (27) and / or on the at least one outflow opening (28), and 1.

2. at least one sealing element (35) formed on the connecting section (30) for sealing a reversibly detachable connection of the at least one connecting section (30) to a connecting channel unit (17), 1.

3. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) is integrally and directly connected to the at least one connecting section (30), 1.

4. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) and the at least one connecting section (30) have different hardnesses, 1.

5. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) is designed as a sealing lip and / or in the form of sealing lamellae (49), and 1.

6. wherein the at least one sealing element (35) completely surrounds a flow cross-section of the channel unit (16), characterized by , that 1.

7. the at least one sealing element (35) is arranged at least in sections within the flow chamber (26) and is integrally connected to an inner surface of the connecting section (30). [2] Channel unit (16) according to claim 1, characterized by that it is formed in one piece. [3] Channel unit (16) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) is arranged completely within the flow chamber (26). [4] Channel unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) consists of an extrudable material. [5] Channel unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. [6] Channel unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) has a cross-sectional area along its main extension line (37) which is smaller in a curved sealing section (39) than in a straight sealing section (38). [7] Channel unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) is spiral-shaped. [8] Channel unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least two of the sealing elements (35) and / or at least two sealing sections (49) of a single sealing element (35) which overlap one another along a main flow direction determined by the flow chamber (26). [9] Channel unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) is round and / or triangular and / or sawtooth-shaped in cross section. [10] Channel unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) is materially connected to a sealing surface (36) of the at least one connection section (30) oriented parallel and / or perpendicular to a main flow direction determined by the flow chamber (26). [11] Extractor device (4) for extracting cooking fumes, comprising 11.

1. a cooking fume duct (14) with at least one duct unit (16) according to one of claims 1 to 10, and 11.

2. at least one fan (15) for conveying the cooking fumes through the cooking fume duct (14). [12] Hob system (1) comprising, 12.

1. an extractor device (4) according to claim 11, and 12.

2. a hob (11) with at least one cooking zone (2) for heating food (3). [13] Method for producing a duct unit (16) for an extractor device (4) for extracting cooking fumes, comprising the steps: 13.

1. Providing a flow chamber (26) with at least one inflow opening (27) and at least one outflow opening (28), 13.1.

1. wherein a connection section (30) for connecting at least one connection channel unit (17) is formed at the at least one inflow opening (27) and / or at the at least one outflow opening (28), and 13.1.

2. wherein the flow chamber (26) is initially present without a sealing element (35), and 13.

2. bonding at least one sealing element (35) directly to an inner surface of the at least one connecting section (30), wherein the at least one sealing element (35) and the at least one connecting section (30) have different hardnesses, characterized by , that 13.

3. the material-to-material attachment of the at least one sealing element (35) to the at least one connecting section (30) is carried out in an extrusion process. [14] Method according to claim 13, characterized by that the at least one sealing element (35) is produced when connecting to the connecting section (30). [15] Method according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized by that the material-to-material attachment of the at least one sealing element (35) to the at least one connection section (30) is carried out automatically. [16] Method according to claim 15, characterized bythat the material-to-material attachment of the at least one sealing element (35) to the at least one connecting section (30) is carried out by means of an articulated arm. [17] Method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized by that at least two of the sealing elements (35) are applied simultaneously to a single connection section (30).

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