Baseboard flap unit for extracting vapors, kitchen furniture and method for operating a baseboard flap unit

Abstract

Baseboard flap unit (100) for extracting vapors (105) from a kitchen unit extractor hood (110), wherein the baseboard flap unit (100) a base flap (115) which is designed to open and / or close an opening of the extractor hood and an actuating unit (125) which is designed to cause the base flap (115) to open and / or close, characterized by the fact that the base flap unit (100) has a moisture reduction element (200) which is designed to separate moisture from air or to to clean the air of moisture before the air is discharged from the base flap unit (100), and a) the actuating unit (125) has a reading interface (135) to receive at least one reading signal (410) and to control the base flap (115) in response to the reading signal (410), wherein the reading interface (135) receives information and / or control commands from a cooktop or a smart home application and is configured to control the base flap (115) accordingly, and / or b) the actuating unit (125) has a sensor (130) to receive at least one sensor signal (405) and to actuate the base flap (115) in response to the sensor signal (405), wherein the actuating unit (125) is designed, to open the base flap (115) when the humidity measured by the sensor (130) exceeds a limit value and / or to open the base flap (115) when the moisture separated in the moisture reduction element (200) is released back into room air during a cleaning process.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a plinth flap unit for extracting vapors, a kitchen furniture, a method for operating a plinth flap unit and a control device according to the independent main claims.

[0002] A generic base flap unit is known from the publication DE 20 2015 006 156 U1.

[0003] Extractor hoods with an exhaust duct, as disclosed for example in publication DE 10 2015 117 374 A1, can transport moisture released during a cooking process out of a building or at least away from a cooking area.

[0004] In recirculating cooker hoods, as disclosed, for example, in German patent application DE 10 2019 116 237 A1, this moisture remains in the room. With cooker hood systems that include a downdraft fan, moist air can be directed into or through kitchen furniture, which saves space in terms of the way the cooking fumes are vented.

[0005] The invention aims to provide an improved means of removing steam by means of a base flap unit, an improved kitchen furniture and an improved method for removing steam.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a plinth flap unit for extracting fumes, a kitchen unit, and a method for operating a plinth flap unit and a control device with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0007] The advantages achievable with the invention are that, on the one hand, the installation of a plinth flap unit ensures that, with space-saving ventilation, no visually disruptive ventilation grilles need be visible on the kitchen cabinet front, and on the other hand, high humidity in the plinth area of ​​the kitchen cabinet can be prevented when the extractor hood vents fumes into the plinth area. The fumes can then be discharged through a suitably opened plinth flap, which can also be closed again for aesthetic reasons when no fume extraction is currently required.

[0008] The present invention provides a plinth flap unit for extracting fumes from a range hood of a kitchen unit. The plinth flap unit comprises a plinth flap designed to open and / or close an opening of the range hood. Furthermore, the plinth flap unit comprises an actuating unit designed to cause the plinth flap to open and / or close.

[0009] Cooking fumes can be steam, usually water vapor, and / or odors, which are produced, for example, when cooking or preparing a meal on a cooktop. A range hood extracts these fumes and directs them through a duct into the surrounding air. A kitchen unit can, for example, be a worktop unit with an integrated cooktop and range hood. An intake opening for the range hood may be located next to the cooktop to extract the cooking fumes. The fumes are then extracted from beneath the unit through a duct or tube. The kitchen unit may have a support base that allows it to rest on the kitchen floor. The plinth flap unit is typically located within this support base. The fumes from the range hood are then vented into the surrounding air via the plinth flap unit.The base unit has a base flap that can open or close the extractor fan or an opening for the release of fumes. An actuating unit performs the opening and / or closing of the base flap.

[0010] Downdraft extractors, also known as countertop extractors or downdraft systems, draw cooking fumes downwards. They recirculate the fumes from the cabinet base, located at the bottom of the kitchen unit. To enable this, an exhaust grille can be installed in the base to vent the exhaust air. However, this grille is usually visible and significantly limits design options for the kitchen, such as base height, color, and material. Some systems even direct the exhaust air directly into the cabinet base. Under unfavorable room conditions, this can lead to increased humidity in the base, potentially causing mold growth and / or moisture damage to the kitchen furniture.

[0011] The cooking fumes produced during the cooking process can thus be extracted from the base of a kitchen cabinet using the approach presented here. When extracting fumes from the kitchen cabinet (for example, via the plinth, cabinet front, carcass, etc.), a vent grille is usually installed in a visible area to prevent foreign objects from entering the extractor fan or the outlet opening in the plinth area. The vent grille is available for kitchen plinths that are higher than 10 centimeters. With a lower plinth, the height of the vent grille may not be sufficient, requiring a wider cutout in a cabinet front panel. This significantly increases the visibility of the vent grille or the cutout, which should be avoided for aesthetic reasons. The cutout for the vent grille should be precisely and custom-made by the installer.When venting into the plinth, unfavorable room air conditions can lead to condensation of moisture from the exhaust air (warm, humid exhaust air on cold surfaces), which can damage the kitchen furniture. Additionally, this condensation promotes mold growth in the plinth area.

[0012] The actuating unit can be designed according to one embodiment to open and / or close the base unit mechanically, electronically, electromechanically, and / or pneumatically. For example, the actuating unit can be mechanically actuated with a foot switch or electromechanically with a spring and / or a magnet. The various design options offer the advantage that the actuating unit can be adapted to the specific requirements of the kitchen or the customer's wishes.

[0013] According to the invention, the actuating unit can have a sensor and / or a reading interface to receive at least one sensor signal and / or a reading signal and, in response to the sensor signal and / or the reading signal, to control the plinth flap. The reading interface receives information and / or control commands from the cooktop or a smart home application and can control the plinth flap accordingly. In this way, the currently required position of the plinth flap can be easily and conveniently controlled by the user. The reading interface can receive the information and / or control commands, for example, via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating unit can be designed to open the base flap when the humidity measured by a sensor exceeds a limit value. In this way, a very fast, convenient, and effective method of removing moisture from an area of ​​the base flap can be achieved.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the plinth flap can be designed to accommodate a plinth panel. This offers the advantage that the plinth panel conceals the plinth flap, thus creating a visually uniform appearance of the plinth, for example, even with a kitchen cabinet front, so that, for instance, an exhaust grille is no longer required.

[0016] The operating unit can be designed to automatically open the plinth flap when cooking is taking place, in order to vent cooking fumes through the extractor hood. This design offers the advantage of opening the plinth flap only when a sensor has detected, for example, high humidity in the area of ​​the plinth flap unit, which then needs to be vented through the opening. This increases user convenience, as the user no longer needs to manually activate the plinth flap.

[0017] According to the invention, the plinth flap unit has a moisture reduction element for removing moisture from the air in order to purify the air of moisture before it is discharged from the plinth flap unit. This reduces, for example, mold growth in the plinth area and additionally or alternatively promotes a more pleasant atmosphere in the kitchen for the user while cooking.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the plinth flap unit can have an odor filter to purify the air of odors before it is discharged from the plinth flap unit. This contributes to a more pleasant atmosphere in the kitchen for the user while cooking.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the actuating unit can be designed to open the base flap when the moisture separated in the moisture reduction element is released back into the room air during a cleaning process.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the moisture reduction element and / or the odor filter can be detached and / or removed from the base flap unit. This offers the advantage that the moisture reduction element and the odor filter can be easily replaced and, for example, cleaned by the customer.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the plinth flap unit can include an air duct element for directing steam from a cooktop to the plinth flap. An air duct element can be, for example, a pipe made of sheet metal. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling rapid and directed extraction of steam from the cooktop without, for example, causing damage to kitchen furniture components from moisture contained in the steam.

[0022] According to one embodiment, a kitchen unit can be designed with a support area for placing it on a kitchen floor, with a plinth flap arranged in this support area. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of providing a concealable vent for steam in the lower part of the unit, thus enabling the design of a kitchen unit with a visually appealing appearance for the user.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a method for operating a base flap unit may comprise the following step: - Opening and / or closing the base flap to control the extraction of steam.

[0024] Although the described approach is based on a household appliance, the device or method described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example, a catering appliance.

[0025] The approach presented here further provides a control device designed to perform, control, or implement the step of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate facilities. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a control device, also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0026] The control device can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control device. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control device. The control device can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as, or comprised of, a discrete component.

[0027] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or control device, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown purely schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a base flap unit; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of another embodiment of a base flap unit; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of another embodiment of a base flap unit; Fig. 4 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a base flap unit; and Fig. 5 a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method for operating a base flap unit.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a plinth flap unit 100. The plinth flap unit 100 is designed to discharge fumes 105 from a range hood of a kitchen unit 110, such as a sideboard, on which there is also a cooktop in the upper area. Fig. 1. A cooktop is provided, but not explicitly shown. The kitchen unit 110 has a support area in its lower section, which is designed to support the kitchen unit 110 (for example, by means of the Fig. 1 (supports not explicitly shown for clarity) to be placed on the floor of a kitchen, with a plinth flap 115 arranged in the support area.

[0030] The plinth flap unit 100 has an air duct element 120 for guiding fumes 105 from a cooktop located on the top of the kitchen cabinet 110 to the plinth flap 115. The air duct element 120 can, for example, be designed as a sheet metal tube. The plinth flap unit 100 comprises a plinth flap 115 and an actuating unit 125. The plinth flap 115 is designed to open and / or close the extractor hood. The actuating unit 125 is designed to open and close the plinth flap 115. The actuating unit 125 is designed to open and / or close the plinth flap 100 mechanically (e.g., by foot pedal), electronically, electromechanically (e.g., with a spring or a magnet), or pneumatically.The actuating unit 125 further comprises a sensor 130 and / or a reading interface 135 to provide or output at least one sensor signal and / or a reading signal in order to control the plinth flap 115 for opening or closing in response to the sensor signal and / or the reading signal. The control of the plinth flap 115 can therefore be effected via an integrated control unit, which uses as its input a signal from a sensor 130 or information received from the cooktop or a smart home application via, for example, an interface or a wireless transmission method such as WLAN, Bluetooth, etc. The plinth flap 115 is designed to accommodate a plinth panel 140, which, for example, has the same color as a front of the kitchen cabinet 110 and thus presents a visually pleasing appearance for the user in the kitchen.This allows the plinth flap 115 to be covered by the plinth panel 140, creating a visually uniform appearance of the plinth and the kitchen front; a previously commonly used exhaust grille is then no longer required.

[0031] The actuating unit 125 is designed, according to this embodiment, to automatically open the plinth flap 115 when cooking is taking place, in order to extract any steam 105. The plinth area with a plinth panel 140 is located beneath the kitchen cabinet 110. The portion of the plinth panel 140 located below the cooktop is cut out, for example, during or before the installation of the plinth flap 115. A plinth flap 115 is mounted in this cut-out space. This plinth flap includes a mechanism for attaching the cut-out portion of the plinth panel 140 to this mechanism and then moving the plinth flap into an opening or closing position, depending on the operating state of the extractor hood.To attach the cut-out section of the plinth panel 140 to the plinth flap 115, the plinth flap unit 100 has a receptacle into which the cut-out section of the plinth panel 140 can be inserted. This section of the plinth panel 140 can be glued, plugged, or screwed into the receptacle. When the opening is closed, the cut-out section of the plinth panel 140 conceals the entire mechanism, i.e., the plinth flap unit 100. Thus, the mechanism of the plinth flap 115, i.e., the plinth flap unit 100, is invisible to a user of the kitchen looking at the kitchen front panels. The now-invisible plinth flap unit 100 therefore encompasses the mechanism (which can also be referred to here as the actuation unit 125). The section of the plinth panel 140 attached to the plinth flap 115 then serves to drain moisture from the cabinet plinth when necessary, by opening this plinth flap 115.The attached cut-out part of the plinth panel 140 is folded into a position that allows steam 105 to pass from the plinth flap unit 100 into the kitchen.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows one way in which fumes 105 can be transported below the kitchen cabinet 110 through an air duct 120. The plinth flap 115 remains closed, for example, when no cooking is taking place. If cooking is initiated or a run-on cycle (i.e., the extraction of air or fumes from the cooktop without cooking) is started, the flap 115 can open automatically and the fumes can be vented. Normally, the flap 115 opens fully. Alternatively, the flap 115 can open automatically and continuously depending on the fan speed setting; for example, at speed 1, a minimal opening cross-section is allowed through the plinth flap 115, whereas at speed 2, a maximum opening cross-section is allowed through the plinth flap 115.

[0033] The approach presented here aims to eliminate the need for ventilation grilles in the base of the kitchen cabinets, thus preventing them from being visible to the user. This is advantageous for both larger and smaller base heights. Additionally, the increased humidity in the base area is prevented through early and, if necessary, automatic ventilation, provided the base is properly ventilated.

[0034] The advantage of the approach presented here can be seen in the fact that, for example, automatic and continuous monitoring of the room climate in the plinth area can take place, and a visually uniform appearance of the plinth can be achieved, since no (visible) exhaust grille is required and the removal of moisture from the plinth area of ​​the kitchen furniture can be achieved by controlling the opening or closing of an opening of the extractor hood through the plinth flap unit 100.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a base flap unit 100. This could be the one described in Fig. The base flap unit 100 described in section 1 is now expanded to include several additional components. The base flap unit 100 differs from the one described in the... Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 1, a moisture reduction element 200 is additionally included for removing moisture from the air, and an odor filter 205 is included for removing odors from the air before it is discharged from the base flap unit 100. It is also conceivable that the base flap unit 100 comprises either only the moisture reduction element 200 or the odor filter 205. The moisture reduction element 200 can, for example, be designed as an adsorption element in which moisture condenses when steam flows through it during the cooking process.This can be achieved, for example, by including one or more components in the moisture reduction element 200 that have a lower temperature than the steam, causing moisture to condense on these components and be collected in the moisture reduction element 200. To remove this moisture from the moisture reduction element 200, it can be blown out or diffused out when no cooking is taking place. For this to occur, however, the base flap 115 must be opened to ensure that moisture can still be removed from the moisture reduction element 200 even during this cleaning process.The odor filter can, for example, comprise one or more layers of fleece and be designed to filter odor molecules out of the steam, thereby creating a pleasant cooking atmosphere in the kitchen.

[0036] The actuating unit 125 is designed, for example, to open the base flap 115 when the moisture separated in the moisture reduction element 200 is released back into the room air during a cleaning process. The moisture reduction element 200 and / or the odor filter 205 can also be removed from the base flap unit 100, for example, to be cleaned or emptied separately and / or externally.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows an arrangement in which the cooking fumes 105 are conveyed below the kitchen cabinet 110 through a so-called recirculation box 210, which includes a moisture reduction element 200 for separating moisture from the air and / or an odor filter 205 and is positioned in the plinth area. The recirculation box 210 can be placed directly against the plinth flap 115 (covered and therefore invisible by the cut-out part of the plinth panel 140) or within the plinth area. The recirculation box 210 contains, for example, the moisture reduction element 200 as a moisture adsorber, which absorbs moisture from the cooking fumes 105 during the cooking process. Once the cooking process is finished and the humidity in the room is reduced, the absorbed moisture can be released back into the room air according to the procedure described above.When moisture is released, the base flap 115 (usually invisible due to the base panel 140) can be automatically opened and / or closed. The (invisible) base flap 115 also serves to remove the moisture adsorber 200 and the odor filter 205 from the recirculation box 210, for example, to clean these components.

[0038] The advantage of such an embodiment of the approach presented here can be seen in the fact that, in combination with a recirculation box 210 in the cabinet base, individual positioning of the recirculation box 210 in the (kitchen) cabinet base is possible independently of the exhaust air outlet.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of a base flap unit 100. This can essentially be the one shown in Fig. The described base flap unit 100 is involved, however, in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, an open area is provided between a vertical section of the extractor hood from the cooktop or hob and the plinth flap 115 of the plinth flap unit 100. This allows material to be saved for the guidance of the fumes, and it can be seen that the fumes can also be guided freely along the bottom of the kitchen cabinet 110 in the lower area.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 shows an arrangement in which the steam 105 is conveyed into the plinth area beneath the kitchen cabinet 110. The plinth flap 115 remains closed, for example, when no cooking is taking place. If cooking is taking place or the after-run cycle (for example, for cleaning components of the plinth flap unit 100) is started, the plinth flap 115 remains closed. Only when the humidity in the plinth area reaches a certain threshold, for example, is the plinth flap 115 (concealed and therefore invisible by the cut-out part of the plinth panel 140) automatically opened. The actuating unit 125 is designed to open the plinth flap 115 when the humidity measured by the sensor 130 exceeds a certain threshold. If the humidity in the plinth area rises or falls, the actuating unit 125 automatically adjusts the opening cross-section of the exhaust opening of the plinth flap 115.This also applies analogously, for example, to the run-on time of a range hood.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic block diagram of a base flap unit 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The base flap unit has an actuating unit 125. The actuating unit 125 comprises a sensor 130, a read interface 135, and a control device 400. The sensor 130 is configured to send a sensor signal 405 to the control device 400. The read interface 135 is configured to send a read signal 410 to the control device 400. The control device 400 reads the sensor signal 405 and / or the read signal 410 and sends a control signal 415 to the base flap 115. In response to the control signal 415, the base flap 115 either opens or closes.

[0042] Fig.Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 for operating a base flap unit according to an embodiment. The method 500 for operating a base flap unit includes the step of opening 505 and / or closing 510 of the base flap to control the discharge of the fumes.

Claims

[1] Base flap unit (100) for extracting vapors (105) from a kitchen unit extractor fan (110), wherein the base flap unit (100) a base flap (115) which is designed to open and / or close an opening of the extractor hood and an actuating unit (125) which is designed to cause the base flap (115) to open and / or close, characterized by , that the base flap unit (100) has a moisture reduction element (200) which is designed to separate moisture from air or to to clean the air of moisture before the air is discharged from the base flap unit (100), and a) the actuating unit (125) has a reading interface (135) to receive at least one reading signal (410) and to control the base flap (115) in response to the reading signal (410), wherein the reading interface (135) receives information and / or control commands from a cooktop or a smart home application and is configured to control the base flap (115) accordingly, and / or b) the actuating unit (125) has a sensor (130) to receive at least one sensor signal (405) and to actuate the base flap (115) in response to the sensor signal (405), wherein the actuating unit (125) is designed, to open the base flap (115) when the humidity measured by the sensor (130) exceeds a limit value and / or to open the base flap (115) when the moisture separated in the moisture reduction element (200) is released back into room air during a cleaning process. [2] Base flap unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating unit (125) is configured to perform the opening and closing of the base flap unit (100) mechanically, electronically, electromechanically and / or pneumatically. [3] Base flap unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base flap (115) is designed to accommodate a base panel (140). [4] Base flap unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating unit (125) is designed to automatically open the base flap (115) when a cooking process is carried out in order to discharge a vapor (105) through the extractor hood. [5] Base flap unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base flap unit (100) has an odor filter (205) to clean air of an odor before the air is discharged from the base flap unit (100). [6] Base flap unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims wherein the actuating unit (125) is designed to open the base flap (115) when the moisture separated in the moisture reduction element (200) is released back into room air during a cleaning process. [7] Base flap unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims 5 or 6, wherein the moisture reduction element (200) and / or the odor filter (205) is detachable and / or removable from the base flap unit (100). [8] Base flap unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an air duct element (120) for guiding vapors (105) from a cooking area to the base flap (115). [9] Kitchen furniture (110) with a support area designed to place the kitchen furniture (110) on a kitchen floor, wherein a plinth flap (115) of the plinth flap unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged in the support area. [10] Method (500) for operating a base flap unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the method (500) comprises the following step: - Opening (505) and / or closing (510) of the base flap (115) depending on the input signal (410) and / or the sensor signal (405) to control the extraction of the vapor (105). [11] Control device (400) configured to perform and / or control the step of the method (500) according to claim 10 in a corresponding base flap unit (100).

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