Household appliance, preferably kitchen appliance

Abstract

Household appliance (1, 2), preferably a kitchen appliance, with a fixed element having an opening (11) and with a height-movable element (23), which is arranged and formed within the opening (11), to be moved relative to the stationary element in the vertical direction (Z) by means of a, preferably electric, drive, so that the height-movable element (23), preferably a cover of the height-movable element (23), in the vertical direction (Z) relative to the plane of the stationary element • flush and • offset upwards can be positioned wherein in the flush-fitting position perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) a gap is formed between the opening (11) and the height-adjustable element (23), wherein the gap is filled at least partially, preferably completely, by an illuminateable sealing element (12; 26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a household appliance, preferably a kitchen appliance, a stationary element of such a household appliance and a height-adjustable element, preferably a range hood with a height-adjustable element, of such a household appliance.

[0002] Cooking typically produces fumes, which can contain not only water vapor but also fat. This is similar to frying, which can also generate fumes, particularly those containing fat and odors. These fumes can also be referred to as steam, kitchen exhaust, or cooking vapors.

[0003] In modern kitchens, it is therefore common practice to actively extract cooking fumes to keep the kitchen as free as possible from steam, grease, and odors. This can be achieved using extractor hoods, which are usually positioned above the cooktop to capture the naturally rising fumes. The fumes are actively drawn in by at least one fan to capture them as completely as possible. The extractor hood can then filter the fumes, which are subsequently released back into the kitchen as purified air. Alternatively, the fumes can also be vented directly from the kitchen to the outside.

[0004] It is also common nowadays to use integrated extractor hoods, also known as cooktop extractors, which can be positioned within the cooktop, for example, to the side between the cooking zones or on either side of the cooking zones. These extractors draw cooking fumes downwards into the cooktop, thus keeping them away from the cooktop. Alternatively, such extractor hoods can also be installed as separate kitchen appliances in a countertop, particularly next to a cooktop or similar appliance. These types of extractor hoods can also be called table extractors, downdraft extractors, or simply downdrafts. For example, German patent DE 10 2010 042 436 A1 describes a cooktop with an integrated extractor hood that extends vertically from the cooktop. In any case, an extractor hood can generate an airflow to remove the cooking fumes, which are then filtered and returned to the kitchen as purified air.Extractor hoods are therefore a type of extractor hood.

[0005] From the publication EP 3 540 316 B1, a cooktop with a range hood is known, wherein the range hood has at least one light source, wherein a protective element has at least one light guide area which consists of light-guiding material and is connected to the at least one light source in a light-guiding manner.

[0006] From the publication EP 3 848 640 A2, a projection device for projecting a boundary of a cooking area onto the surface of a worktop is known.

[0007] These types of extractor hoods offer an advantage over the previously described range hoods: no separate unit needs to be positioned above the cooktop, which users might find visually distracting. This also saves space in this area. Instead, the cooktop's functions and its extraction can be integrated into a single appliance, eliminating the need for a separate range hood. This can also save costs. Alternatively, a separate extractor hood can be installed in the kitchen worktop, which may be less obtrusive than a wall-mounted range hood.

[0008] A disadvantage of extractor hoods is that their intake opening is visible to the outside or upwards. This can remain open at all times, which is the simplest solution, but may be perceived as visually distracting by the user. There is also the risk that objects could fall through the intake opening into the extractor hood's air duct from above. On the other hand, additional effort, as will be described in more detail below, can be avoided, and the air extraction can be made available at all times.

[0009] The intake opening can be visually enhanced with a grille, which can also at least partially prevent objects from falling into the air duct from above. This does not block the intake opening, so airflow remains unobstructed at all times.

[0010] However, it is also known to close the intake opening when not in use, which can improve the visual appearance and prevent objects from falling into the air duct from above. For this purpose, the intake opening can be manually closed by the user, for example, with a sheet of metal or a glass plate as a cover or closure element, by placing the cover on top of the intake opening or inserting it into its edge.

[0011] A disadvantage, however, is that the user must remove the cover before using the extractor hood. The user must also replace the cover on the extractor hood's intake opening after use to ensure its functionality. This represents an additional step for the user, which can be perceived as inconvenient. Furthermore, the removed cover can be misplaced, requiring the user to search for it, which can be another hassle.

[0012] To avoid this, rotatable covers are also known, which can be rotated by a suitable mechanism, for example by approximately 90°, to close the intake opening in a horizontal orientation and to open it for use in a vertical orientation. This can be done automatically by a drive, so that the user does not have to do anything. The rotatable cover can be made of one or two parts. A disadvantage of this type of cover is that it can incur additional costs for the rotating mechanism, the drive, and its control system. Furthermore, objects can fall into the air duct from above when the cover is open.

[0013] Alternatively, the cover can also be moved vertically upwards away from the cooktop in its horizontal orientation to expose the intake opening for the extraction of steam. This can prevent objects from falling directly into the air duct from above, as this direction can be blocked by the cover both when not in use and when not. However, a vertical movement may require a more complex mechanism than a rotating one. Furthermore, the upward-protruding cover may be perceived as visually distracting by the user. Additionally, the vertically extending cover can obstruct the user when using the cooktop and, for example, collide with, displace, or tip over cookware. This also applies to rotating covers that protrude upwards when in use.

[0014] All known covers for extractor hood intakes have in common that they can obstruct the user when using the hob or kitchen worktop. In particular, the usable area of ​​the hob or worktop can be restricted by the cover.

[0015] Furthermore, when using the extractor hood, the user may have a direct view of the intake opening and into the air duct, meaning the air duct is directly in the user's field of vision. This could force the user to view a filter or similar component located in the air duct, which can be visually distracting, especially if the air duct and / or filter is dirty.

[0016] It should be noted that in the field of residential design, a trend has been observed in many countries for several years now towards increasingly open-plan kitchens that flow seamlessly into, for example, the dining and / or living room. As the kitchen increasingly becomes the central living space, kitchen appliances that have a distinct, visible, and often obtrusive character are perceived as disruptive by many customers. This can lead to a desire to integrate kitchen appliances further and as completely as possible into the kitchen itself, so that they are perceived as less disruptive and the kitchen is perceived as less of a separate living space.

[0017] Extractor hoods are of particular importance in this context, as their size and prominent location often make them highly noticeable to customers in many kitchens. Therefore, there is a particular need for attention to extractor hoods in order to integrate the kitchen as discreetly as possible into the living space.

[0018] This is why it's common practice to design extractor hoods as ceiling-mounted units, so that they are as inconspicuous as possible, or even completely invisible, when viewed from the side. Similarly, extractor hoods are often designed as downdraft units, extending vertically into the worktop next to the hob. They can be extended when in use and otherwise retracted flush with the worktop. This design also creates an extractor hood that is as inconspicuous as possible, or even completely invisible, when not in use.

[0019] Considering the cooktop mentioned earlier in DE 10 2010 042 436 A1 with an integrated extractor hood that can be extended vertically, the extractor hood is moved upwards from an opening in the cooktop or cooktop surface and then lowered back into the opening. However, a gap forms between the inner edge of the opening and the outer edge of the extractor hood's cover when the hood is lowered, i.e., when the cover and the cooktop surface are flush. This gap around the extractor hood's cover may be perceived as visually distracting by the user or observer.

[0020] The invention is therefore based on the objective of improving the visual appearance of a household appliance, particularly a kitchen appliance, and / or expanding the possibilities for its visual appearance. This is to be achieved particularly for a retractable or recessed extractor hood. Specifically, this is to be achieved for the gap between an opening and a movable element. In any case, this should preferably be implemented as simply, cost-effectively, space-savingly, and as discreetly or attractively as possible. At the very least, an alternative to known household appliances, kitchen appliances, or extractor hoods should be created.

[0021] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a household appliance, in particular a kitchen appliance, by a stationary element and by a height-adjustable element with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0022] The invention thus relates to a household appliance, preferably a kitchen appliance, with a stationary element having an opening and with a height-adjustable element, which is arranged and designed to be moved vertically relative to the stationary element by means of a, preferably electric, drive, so that the height-adjustable element, preferably a cover of the height-adjustable element, can be positioned flush with the plane of the stationary element in the vertical direction and offset upwards, wherein in the flush-fitting position a gap is formed perpendicular to the vertical direction between the opening and the height-adjustable element, wherein the gap is filled at least partially, preferably completely, by an illuminateable sealing element.

[0023] The term "appliance" can refer to both a self-contained device comprising a fixed element and a height-adjustable element as structurally connected components, and a functionally connected arrangement of separate devices forming a system, where the separate devices interact as elements of the appliance or system. For example, a household appliance could be a range hood in a kitchen, where the height-adjustable element is movable relative to the hood's frame, a cooktop, or a countertop (which is a fixed element). Alternatively, a household appliance could be a cooktop combined with a range hood, where the fixed element is a height-adjustable element.

[0024] In any case, the gap that forms perpendicular to the horizontal between the opening of the fixed element or its inner edge and the height-adjustable element or its outer edge can be filled and thus sealed by an illuminated sealing element, provided the height-adjustable element is positioned flush with the fixed element or its opening. This can be done section by section, in the form of several sections, or completely, which can increase design flexibility.

[0025] In any case, the illuminated sealing element can close the gap in such a way that moisture, dirt and the like cannot get underneath and thus into the interior of the household appliance.

[0026] Secondly, the illuminated sealing element can also be used to generate and emit light above the household appliance, thereby fulfilling additional functions. For example, information can be displayed visually to the user. Additionally or alternatively, this can create an ambient lighting effect for the user.

[0027] In any case, the luminous effect of the illuminable sealing element can be achieved by means of afterglow, for example by using a phosphorescent material which forms the illuminable sealing element section by section or completely and / or is contained or embedded therein.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the luminous effect of the illuminated sealing element can also be achieved through active light sources such as light-conducting fibers, which are embedded in the material of the illuminated sealing element and / or arranged at the edges or in recesses. Likewise, individual light sources such as LEDs can be positioned at specific points. This can be done in one or more colors. Furthermore, the light generation can be continuous, intermittent, with varying brightness, pulsed, and so on, depending on the control method. This can increase the design possibilities.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the illuminated sealing element is elastic and preferably oversized perpendicular to the vertical direction relative to the gap. This can improve the sealing function of the illuminated sealing element.

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, the illuminable sealing element is transparent or translucent, and at least one luminaire is arranged in, beside, and / or below the illuminable sealing element and oriented to shine upwards through the illuminable sealing element in a vertical direction. In other words, light can be emitted from a luminaire as a light source through the transparent or translucent material of the illuminable sealing element. This can represent one way of implementing an illuminable sealing element as described above. Illumination from the side can be deflected by scattering centers in or on the seal and thus also reach upwards, thereby enabling the arrangement of a luminaire next to the illuminable sealing element.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the illuminating element comprises a plurality of point sources, preferably monochromatic and / or multicolored, preferably of the same or different colors, preferably LEDs, wherein the illuminating sources can preferably be operated independently of one another and / or with different brightness levels. This can represent a way of implementing an illuminated sealing element as described above.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the illuminating element comprises a linear light source extending perpendicular to the vertical direction and parallel to the gap, wherein the linear light source is preferably configured to operate at different brightness levels and / or with different colors. For example, such a linear light source can be an optical fiber into which light from a light source such as an LED can be coupled at its end face. This can represent a possible implementation of an illuminated sealing element as described above.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the illuminated sealing element has a sensor element configured to detect brightness in the vertical direction above the illuminated sealing element. Such a sensor element can, for example, be a photodetector, which can also be referred to as a light sensor, an optical detector, or an optoelectronic sensor. The household appliance can use this brightness information, for example by means of a control unit, to adjust the illumination of the illuminated sealing element to the brightness above it. This can correspondingly expand the design possibilities and applications of the household appliance according to the invention.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the illuminated sealing element has a control element designed to detect operation by a user in the vertical direction above the illuminated sealing element. The control element can be designed as a sensor to detect the user, so that the household appliance or its control unit can react to this, for example, by adjusting the illumination of the illuminated sealing element. For this purpose, the control element can be designed as a sensor to detect the user, and in particular a hand or finger of the user. This can be achieved, for example, as a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, and the like. This also expands the design possibilities and application options of the household appliance according to the invention.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the illuminated sealing element is designed to operate in both a flush-fitting position and / or an upwardly offset position. Thus, the illuminated sealing element can only be operated when in the flush-fitting position, and the sealing element is fulfilling its sealing function. Alternatively, the illuminated sealing element can only be operated when in the upwardly offset position, which can represent a specific operation of the household appliance, supported by the aforementioned functions of the illuminated sealing element. The illuminated sealing element can also be operated in both positions to utilize the respective capabilities.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the illuminated sealing element is either arranged on the stationary element and the height-adjustable element is height-adjustable relative to the illuminated sealing element, or the illuminated sealing element is arranged on the height-adjustable element and the illuminated sealing element is height-adjustable relative to the stationary element. In the former case, this can simplify the electrical wiring of the illuminated sealing element, since this can also be fixed to the stationary element. In the latter case, the visibility of the illuminated sealing element can be improved, since the illuminated sealing element can be moved together with the height-adjustable element.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the household appliance has an actuable fixing element designed to fix the height-adjustable element in at least one position in the vertical direction, preferably in the flush-fitting position. Such an actuated fixing element can be implemented, for example, by means of a pin, hook, or the like, which can be moved, for example, by an electric drive, to engage in or release at least one corresponding recess of the height-adjustable element. This provides support and securement for the respective positioning, making it easier to maintain this position and, in particular, ensuring it is held securely when the height-adjustable element is subjected to a load from above, for example, by a cooking utensil, kitchen appliance, or the like.Different positioning options can also be secured in this way by having corresponding recesses in the height-adjustable element.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, the height-adjustable element includes a display and / or control element for operating the household appliance and / or displaying information about the household appliance, which is only visible and / or accessible to a user in the upward position. This can be implemented using separate buttons, knobs, switches, toggles, and the like as control elements in combination with a display as a display element, for example, a liquid crystal display. Monochrome or multicolored lights can also be used additionally or alternatively as display elements. Alternatively, a touchscreen display can be provided, which can combine operating and display functions.

[0039] In any case, this method allows the user to access and operate the appliance's display and control options that are only available when the height-adjustable element is positioned in its raised position. This can improve the appliance's visual appearance for the user and, in particular, make the height-adjustable element virtually invisible when it is positioned flush with the surface.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, the household appliance has a control unit configured to operate the (preferably electric) drive of the height-adjustable element, an actuable fixing element, an air extraction element, and / or a display and / or operating element. The control unit can also perform other functions, such as time-dependent and / or condition-dependent functions of the household appliance.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, the stationary element is a kitchen worktop or a cooktop, wherein the height-adjustable element is a height-adjustable element of a range hood designed to extract a stream of fumes below the level of the kitchen worktop and / or the cooktop, wherein the height-adjustable element has an intake opening which, in its upwardly offset position, is arranged above the kitchen worktop or the cooktop, preferably in the vertical direction in the area of ​​the upper edge of a cooking vessel located on the kitchen worktop or the cooktop. This allows the functions of a range hood in the form of a table fan, downdraft extractor, or cooktop extractor to be combined with the functions described above.

[0042] Preferably, the extractor hood is designed to draw the vapor stream through the intake opening to below the level of the kitchen worktop or hob when the height-adjustable element is positioned vertically offset upwards relative to the level of the kitchen worktop or hob. This can enable the concrete implementation of previously described features of the household appliance according to the invention.

[0043] Preferably, the extractor hood has an air extraction element, preferably with a fan, designed to generate the fume flow. This allows the corresponding air currents to be generated as described above. The air extraction element can preferably be fixed to a frame, which simplifies the design. A fan can also be referred to as a blower.

[0044] Preferably, the extractor hood is designed to operate the air extraction element automatically in its flush-mounted position for a predetermined period. This allows for a corresponding after-run of extracting the fumes following operation of the cooktop, ensuring that fumes, odors, and the like continue to be removed from the area above the extractor hood for a predetermined, limited time. Simultaneously, the flush-mounted positioning of the height-adjustable element allows the operation of the extractor hood to be relatively unobtrusive for the user.

[0045] Preferably, the extractor hood is designed so that the air extraction element operates at a higher extraction rate in the upwardly offset position than in the flush-mounted position. As previously described, this allows for particularly effective extraction of the fumes in the upwardly offset position at a higher extraction rate during use of the cooktop, and more discreet extraction of the fumes, for example as a residual vent after use of the cooktop, at a lower extraction rate in the flush-mounted position.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a fixed element, preferably a kitchen worktop or a cooktop, for use in a household appliance as described above. This provides a fixed element for realizing a household appliance according to the invention as described above and for practically implementing and utilizing its properties and advantages.

[0047] The present invention further relates to a height-adjustable element, preferably a range hood with a height-adjustable element, for use in a household appliance as described above. This provides a height-adjustable element to realize a household appliance according to the invention as described above and to practically implement and utilize its features and advantages.

[0048] In other words, the invention aims to provide a way to enhance the unavoidable gap or its seal in such extractor hoods by adding an extra benefit, thereby increasing customer acceptance. Furthermore, the invention preferably aims to increase safety with regard to moving parts. Finally, it preferably aims to enable a design feature.

[0049] Thus, according to the invention, the sealing of a gap in the worktop can be enhanced with additional functions through the integration of light. For example, the following functions can be implemented: • Lights / flashes before a fan module starts up / down and / or a cover pierces the worktop or cooktop. This can serve, for example, as a safety feature to warn of movement. • Lighting mood / effects: For example, the activation of a cooktop can be indicated by a continuous light point or an increasingly long band of light until an entire side or the entire seal is illuminated. The lighting can optionally be integrated into lighting scenarios on a home automation platform. • Residual heat indicator for the entire hob: illumination of the entire seal or illumination of a defined area.

[0050] A residual heat indicator can be particularly advantageous, as it can be displayed separately for individual cooking zones and / or areas of a cooktop. For example, with multiple cooking zones, a residual heat indicator can be displayed via a light signal only in the heated area, and / or the light signals for the different zones / areas can be distinct. • The current temperature can be indicated, for example, by the brightness and / or width of a light strip and / or the color of the light. • An error can be indicated, for example, by flashing lights or a change in color.

[0051] In addition to simple illumination, further functions can be integrated into the seal or in the area of ​​the seal. These can include, for example, the following functions: • Light sensor in / on seal: A light sensor can be used, for example, to measure the ambient brightness even when the hood is closed and to activate different pre-programmed lighting modes, e.g., for mood lighting, according to the measured brightness. • Furthermore, a light sensor can also be part of a presence sensor and / or input unit.

[0052] It can be particularly advantageous to combine local illumination with an input element such as a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, or the like. In this case, the light can be used as an indicator of the position, selectability, and / or status of the respective function. It is especially desirable that the position or status of an opening switch and / or on / off switch can be displayed.

[0053] Further comfort can be achieved by combining it with presence detection. In this case, the process can proceed as follows: • Presence is detected • The light element in the seal indicates the position of an opening switch and / or on / off switch. • User activates, for example, the on / off switch • Activation of the hob is indicated, for example, by a change in brightness and / or color.

[0054] Optionally, in addition to the on / off switch in the area of ​​the seal, there can be another on / off switch with a permanent marking, which becomes accessible as soon as the extractor hood element is raised.

[0055] In the event of an opening switch being activated, for example the switch's illumination could first change its lighting mode before a large part of the seal lights up as a warning and finally the height-adjustable element moves up.

[0056] As an alternative to a switch that can only be used to turn the cooktop on / off or activate the opening function, a combined opening and on / off switch can also be used. When this switch is activated, the cooktop can be switched on and the extractor hood put into automatic mode, whereby the extractor hood automatically moves to the correct height or a preset height as soon as a cooking or ventilation process is started.

[0057] The lighting can be implemented using, for example, the following approaches: • Self-illuminating seal, e.g. integrated lighting elements built into the seal during the manufacturing process or seal at least partially made of a material that can be made to glow by an applied voltage or irradiation with photons (e.g. quantum dots in the sealing material or in a coating on the sealing material are excited to glow by UV light). • Recesses in the seal into which the lighting elements protrude. This allows the seal to be replaced without having to replace the lighting elements. • Lighting elements below the seal: e.g. light-distributing element such as a frosted light-guiding rod into which light is coupled at least at one point by a lighting element.

[0058] The seal can be optionally attached to the moving part of the extractor hood, the fixed part, or a separate frame that is glued, clamped, or clipped into the cutout. If a frame is used, it can be made slightly flexible to accommodate minor variations in the cutout. Furthermore, a separate frame allows for different variations, such as wider or narrower seals, with or without controls, with more elaborate locally and / or color-variable lighting, or simpler versions with single-color and / or whole-light switching, and various color options to perfectly match the color and / or texture of the worktop, without having to create variations early in the cooktop manufacturing process and the associated logistical challenges.

[0059] Adaptation to the color or texture of the worktop can be achieved, for example, by using a top layer with micro-perforation to ensure semi-transparency.

[0060] The seal can include attractive additional functions, thus transforming from a nuisance into an advantage.

[0061] Furthermore, an on / off switch can be implemented that is intuitively locatable, but only becomes visible when a user approaches it.

[0062] Several embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through a household appliance according to the invention in the form of a cooktop with extractor hood in a flush-fitting position of a height-adjustable element; Fig. 2 the representation of the Fig. 1 in an upwardly offset positioning of the height-adjustable element; Fig. 3 a cross-section through a section of the household appliance according to the invention with an illuminateable sealing element according to a first embodiment; Fig. 4 the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a second embodiment; Fig. 5 the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a third embodiment; Fig. 6 the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 7 the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a fifth embodiment; and Fig. 8 the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a sixth embodiment.

[0063] The figures above are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. A longitudinal direction X extends, which can also be called depth X or length X. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X extends a transverse direction Y, which can also be called width Y. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y extends a vertical direction Z, which can also be called height Z and corresponds to the direction of gravity. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X,Y, which can also be called the horizontal plane X,Y.

[0064] Fig. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a household appliance 1, 2 according to the invention in the form of a cooktop 1 with a range hood 2 in a flush-mounted position of a height-adjustable element 23. The cooktop 1 and the range hood 2 together form the household appliance 1, 2 in the form of a kitchen appliance, which can also be referred to as a cooking system.

[0065] The cooktop 1 is considered using the example of an induction cooktop, whereby the extractor hood 2 can also be used with a kitchen worktop. The cooktop 1 has a cooktop surface 10 in the form of a glass-ceramic plate with an opening 11 in which the extractor hood 2 is arranged. In the transverse direction Y, to the side of the opening 11, a cooking zone (not shown) of the cooktop 1 is arranged on each side. Each cooking zone has an induction coil in the vertical direction Z below the cooktop surface.

[0066] The extractor hood 2 can also be referred to as a table extractor, a downdraft extractor, or a downdraft extractor. The extractor hood 2 has a frame 20, which can also be referred to as a housing. The frame 20 is fixedly mounted below the cooktop 10 on the cooktop 1 or on its frame (not shown). The frame 20 forms a rectangular shaft (not labeled) in which the aforementioned height-adjustable element 23 is arranged. The height-adjustable element 23 itself has a frame (not labeled) which is movably mounted relative to the frame 20 in the vertical direction Z (not shown). Furthermore, an electric drive (not shown) is provided on the side of the frame 20, which can move the height-adjustable element 23 both upwards and downwards in the vertical direction Z.The electric drive is controlled via a control unit (not shown) of the extractor hood 2. The cooktop 1 itself can be considered a fixed element relative to the height-adjustable element 23 of the extractor hood 2.

[0067] The height-adjustable element 23 terminates vertically Z at the top with a range hood cover 25, which can also be referred to as a range hood plate or range hood closure. The range hood cover 25 is designed, when positioned vertically Z, to close the opening 11 as completely as possible and to be flush with the top surface of the cooktop plate 10. By closing the opening 11, objects and liquids are kept out of the interior of the range hood 2, thus protecting it from dirt and damage. The flush closure allows the range hood 2 to be as visually unobtrusive as possible for a user of the household appliance 1, 2. This position of the height-adjustable element 23 represents the state of the range hood 2 when not in use.

[0068] In this position, the height-adjustable element 23 can be fixed or held by means of an actuable fixing element 22, so that the weight of the height-adjustable element 23, as well as any additional weight of objects located vertically Z on top of the extractor hood cover 25, can be supported by the actuated fixing element 22. This relieves the electric drive of this load and ensures that this flush-fitting position is maintained.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows the representation of the Fig. 1 in an upwardly offset position of the height-adjustable element 23. In this position, the height-adjustable element 23 is fully extended in the vertical direction Z by means of the electric drive, so that an intake opening 24, extending laterally in the transverse direction Y and elongatedly along the longitudinal direction X in a slit-like manner, is located in the vertical direction Z near the extractor hood cover 25 below it, and clearly above the hob plate 10. The intake openings 24 can also be referred to as air inlet openings.

[0070] A stream of fumes, also known as vapors, can be drawn through the intake openings 24 into the interior of the height-adjustable element 23 and conveyed downwards in the vertical direction Z into the extractor hood 2. The corresponding airflow of the fumes can be achieved by means of an air extraction element 21, which can be fixed in the form of a fan at the lower end of the frame 20 and can also be operated by the control unit. The elevated position of the intake opening 24 facilitates the intake of the fumes. This can be further enhanced by a correspondingly high fan output of the air extraction element 21. Thus, particularly effective extraction of the fumes can be achieved in the upwardly offset position of the height-adjustable element 23.

[0071] As previously mentioned, the extractor hood cover 25 is designed to close the opening 11 as completely as possible when in its flush-fitting position, thus keeping objects and liquids out of the interior of the extractor hood 2 and protecting it from dirt and damage. However, it should be noted that a certain gap (not labeled) in the horizontal X, Y direction between the edge of the opening 11 and the outer edge of the extractor hood cover 25 cannot be completely avoided. This may be due to manufacturing and / or assembly tolerances. A sufficient gap also ensures that the flush-fitting position can be reliably achieved and that the extractor hood element 25 does not rest on the edge of the opening 11 from above in the vertical direction Z.

[0072] According to the invention, this unavoidable gap is used for additional functions of the household appliance 1, 2 by completely filling the gap with an illuminated sealing element 12, 26. Thus, the illuminated sealing element 12, 26 can completely fill the gap and ensure that, in particular, liquids cannot enter the interior of the extractor hood 2. For this purpose, the illuminated sealing element 12, 26 can be made of an elastic material, which may preferably be radially slightly oversized compared to the gap in order to reliably fulfill or improve the sealing function.

[0073] The luminous effect of the illuminable sealing element 12, 26 can be generated in various ways, as will be described in more detail below: Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section through a section of the household appliance 1, 2 according to the invention, with an illuminable sealing element 12 according to a first embodiment. In this case, luminescent elements 13 in the form of phosphorescent elements or particles are embedded in the material of the illuminable sealing element 12, which can absorb light from above and emit light. The corresponding excitation of the phosphorescent particles with light can be achieved, for example, by illuminating the cooktop 1 from above.

[0074] Fig. 4 shows the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a second embodiment. In this case, a light element 13 in the form of an optical fiber is provided, which extends over the entire longitudinal extent of the gap and is arranged in the vertical direction Z below the illuminateable sealing element 12. There, the light element 13 is held on the cooktop plate 10 by means of a holder 14. Light can be coupled into the optical fiber at one end face by means of a light source (not shown) such as an LED.

[0075] Fig. 5 shows the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a third embodiment. In this case, the illuminated sealing element 12 has a recess 12a on its underside, which can also be referred to as a receptacle. The light source 13, as an optical fiber, is arranged in this recess 12a as described above, so that the light source 13 can be positioned within the cross-section of the illuminated sealing element 12, which can simplify the design. The light source 13 can also be brought closer to the top surface of the illuminated sealing element 12, which can enhance the luminous effect.

[0076] Fig. Figure 6 shows the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment corresponds essentially to the third embodiment of the Fig. 5 with the difference that the illuminated sealing element 26, which accommodates a light element 27 in a recess 26a or receptacle, is held in a fixed position below the extractor hood cover 25 by means of a holder 28 and is thus movable together with the height-adjustable element 23.

[0077] Fig. 7 shows the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a fifth embodiment. In this case, the illuminated sealing element 12 is fixedly arranged below the cooktop plate 10 by means of a separate frame 15, which is basically the same as in the third embodiment of the Fig. 5 can be compared. However, the frame 15 has the light source and corresponding electronics, so that a self-contained module can be created to which electrical energy can be supplied by means of an electrical contact 16.

[0078] Fig. Figure 8 shows the representation of the Fig. 3 according to a sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment essentially corresponds to the third embodiment of the Fig. 5 with the addition that a sensor element 17 is arranged as a control element between the holder 14 and the cooktop plate 10 in such a way that brightness above the illuminated sealing element 12 and / or the presence or movement of a user or a finger above the illuminated sealing element 12 can be detected sensorially. This can create additional input and operating options. Reference numeral list (part of the description) X Longitudinal direction; Depth; Length Y transverse direction; width Z vertical direction; height X, Y Horizontal; horizontal plane 1, 2 Household appliance 1 hob 10 hob plates 11 Opening 12 illuminated sealing elements 12a Recess 13 lighting elements 14 bracket 15 separate frames 16 electrical contact 17 Sensor element 2 extractor hood 20 frames 21 Air extraction element 22 operable fixing element 23 height-adjustable element 24 intake openings 25 Extractor hood cover 26 illuminated sealing element 26a Recess 27 lighting elements 28 bracket

Claims

[1] Household appliance (1, 2), preferably a kitchen appliance, with a fixed element having an opening (11) and with a height-movable element (23), which is arranged and formed within the opening (11), to be moved relative to the stationary element in the vertical direction (Z) by means of a, preferably electric, drive, so that the height-movable element (23), preferably a cover of the height-movable element (23), in the vertical direction (Z) relative to the plane of the stationary element • flush and • offset upwards can be positioned wherein in the flush-fitting position perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) a gap is formed between the opening (11) and the height-adjustable element (23), wherein the gap is filled at least partially, preferably completely, by an illuminateable sealing element (12; 26). [2] Household appliance (1, 2) according to claim 1, wherein the illuminateable sealing element (12; 26) is elastic and preferably oversized perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) relative to the gap. [3] Household appliance (1, 2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the illuminable sealing element (12; 26) is designed to be transparent or translucent and wherein at least one illuminating element (13; 27) is arranged in, next to and / or below the illuminable sealing element (12; 26) and is aligned to shine upwards through the illuminable sealing element (12; 26) in the vertical direction (Z). [4] Household appliance (1, 2) according to claim 3, wherein the luminaire element (13; 27) comprises a plurality of point-like, preferably monochrome and / or multicolored, preferably same-colored or different, luminaires, preferably LEDs, wherein the light sources can preferably be operated independently of each other and / or with different brightness levels. [5] Household appliance (1, 2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the luminous element (13; 27) has a linear luminous medium which extends perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z) and parallel to the slit, wherein the linear light source is preferably designed to be operated with different brightness levels and / or with different colors. [6] Household appliance (1, 2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the illuminable sealing element (12; 26) has a sensor element (17) which is configured to detect brightness in the vertical direction (Z) above the illuminable sealing element (12; 26). [7] Household appliance (1, 2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the illuminateable sealing element (12; 26) has a control element which is designed to detect operation by a user in the vertical direction (Z) above the illuminateable sealing element (12; 26). [8] Household appliance (1, 2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the illuminateable sealing element (12; 26) is designed to be operated in the flush closing position and / or in the upwardly offset position. [9] Household appliance (1, 2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the illuminateable sealing element (12) is either arranged on the stationary element and the height-movable element (23) is height-movable relative to the illuminateable sealing element (12) or wherein the illuminateable sealing element (26) is arranged on the height-movable element (23) and the illuminateable sealing element (26) is height-movable relative to the stationary element. [10] Household appliance (1, 2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an actuable fixing element (22) which is designed to fix the height-movable element (23) in the vertical direction (Z) in at least one position, preferably in the flush-fitting position. [11] Household appliance (1, 2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-adjustable element (23) has a display and / or control element for operating the household appliance (1, 2) and / or for displaying information from the household appliance (1, 2), which is only visible and / or accessible to a user in the upwardly offset position. [12] Household appliance (1, 2) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit configured to operate the, preferably electric, drive of the height-movable element (23), an actuable fixing element (22), an air extraction element (21) and / or a display and / or control element. [13] Household appliance (1, 2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixed element is a kitchen worktop or a hob (1), wherein the height-adjustable element (23) is a height-adjustable element (23) of a cooker hood (2) which is designed to extract a stream of fumes below the level of the kitchen worktop and / or the hob (1), wherein the height-adjustable element (23) has a suction opening (24) which is arranged in the upwardly offset position above the kitchen worktop or hob (1), preferably in the vertical direction (Z) in the area of ​​the upper edge of a surface on the kitchen worktop or hob The cooking cookware located on the hob (1) is to be positioned. [14] Fixed element, preferably kitchen worktop or hob (1), for use in a household appliance (1, 2) according to any of the preceding claims. [15] Height-adjustable element (23), preferably extractor hood (2) with a height-adjustable element (23), for use in a household appliance (1, 2) according to one of claims 1 to 13.

Images