Recirculation unit for a downdraft extractor hood and system, comprising a downdraft extractor hood, an air duct, a kitchen base cabinet and a recirculation unit

Abstract

A recirculation unit for a downdraft extractor hood (2) is designed for installation in a plinth area (18) of a kitchen cabinet (8). The recirculation unit has a housing (22) with an air inlet (36) and with at least two air outlet areas (26a, 26b) which are arranged essentially opposite each other. A filter element (28a, 28b) for air purification is arranged at each of the air outlet areas (26a, 26b), the housing (22) having a filter receptacle (30a, 30b) at each air outlet area (26a, 26b) by means of which the filter elements (28a, 28b) can be replaced without tools.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a recirculating air unit according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0002] Such a recirculation unit is known from the publication EP 3 598 006 B1, wherein a cooktop that can be installed in a piece of furniture is equipped with an exhaust air duct and a recirculation device which is arranged in a base interior of the furniture and which has an odor filter for cleaning an airflow.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of improving the aforementioned state of the art.

[0004] This problem is solved by a recirculation unit with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a system comprising a downdraft extractor, an air duct, a kitchen base cabinet, and a recirculation unit, which has the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, individually or in combination.

[0005] Directional or location references, such as "right", "left", "side", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "horizontal", "vertical", etc., refer, unless otherwise specified, to the usual installation position of the recirculation unit and are to be understood from the perspective of a user or observer standing in front of the recirculation unit.

[0006] According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the housing has a filter holder at each air outlet area, by means of which the filter elements can be changed without tools. This design offers the advantage that, due to the specially designed filter holder, the filter elements can be changed without the use of tools and, in particular, without changing the position of the recirculation unit. Thus, the recirculation unit can, for example, remain in a plinth area of ​​the kitchen cabinet or base unit while the filter elements are changed or replaced. Compared to disposable filter boxes available on the market, this solution also offers the advantage of being more resource-efficient. This is especially true when using regenerable filter elements. The downdraft extractor hood can be designed as a combination unit in conjunction with a cooktop.It can also be integrated as a separate unit next to a cooktop, into the worktop of a kitchen base cabinet. A recirculation unit, in this context, refers to a device positioned away from the downdraft extractor, designed to filter and release the exhaust air from the downdraft extractor into the surrounding air. This exhaust air is drawn in by the downdraft extractor, specifically by ambient air or cooking fumes, which are filtered through a grease filter and channeled via a duct system to the recirculation unit. The recirculation unit is positioned at a distance from the downdraft extractor. The two air outlets of the recirculation unit are located in the same room as the downdraft extractor itself, such as a kitchen. The recirculation unit incorporates filter elements positioned within the airflow, each located at one of the air outlets.The filter elements are, for example, designed as pleated activated carbon filters that need to be replaced at certain intervals. Alternatively, the filter elements can also be designed as regenerable activated carbon filters, which can be regenerated by heat treatment in an oven.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the filter elements can be removed from their respective filter holders on the side of the housing opposite the air inlet, and in particular, pulled out. Specifically, they can be pulled out towards a user standing in front of the kitchen unit or the recirculation unit. Preferably, the recirculation unit is positioned directly behind a removable plinth panel of the kitchen unit for easy access, so that a user does not need to reach far back on the front of the unit to change the filter elements. The filter elements are inserted in the reverse direction by sliding them backward into the filter holder.

[0008] Preferably, the filter holder has guide geometries, in particular guide webs, projecting vertically towards the center of the housing, through which the filter elements can be inserted. These guide geometries are arranged on both lateral edges of the housing, opposite each other on a bottom side (lower housing wall) and a top side (upper housing wall). A further guide geometry of the filter holder can be provided on a rear side facing away from the user to prevent exhaust air from flowing past the rear edge of the filter when the filter element is fully inserted. The rear guide geometry can also be designed as a bend in a vertical housing edge, so that the filter element is guided slightly behind the vertical housing edge near its end position. The filter element then seals against the vertical housing end.In a metal housing, the guide geometries can also be designed as a fold along the outer housing edge towards the housing center. "Towards the housing center" means that the guide geometries are aligned with a horizontal center line of the housing, which is located midway between the upper housing wall and the lower housing wall of the recirculation unit. A further guide geometry, arranged parallel to this and horizontally one filter width away from it towards the housing center, can be designed as an elongated groove. In the case of a plastic housing, the guide geometries can be designed as webs. Preferably, the guide geometries extend over the entire length of the filter element in its installed position. Even more preferably, the guide geometries are arranged symmetrically with respect to the upper and lower housing surfaces.To achieve particularly good airtightness of the filter holder when filter elements are inserted, the filter holders can be equipped with appropriate sealing elements. These can, for example, be designed as a rubber seal that can be attached to the guide geometries, or they can be applied directly to the guide elements in the form of a sealing coating.

[0009] To enable a particularly dense arrangement of the filter elements within the filter housing, the filter elements have raised or recessed contours on at least two opposite sides, which interact with the guide geometries of the filter housing. These contours on the filter elements can be designed, for example, as a collar or flange, or even as a groove. In particular, the contours can be made of a particularly well-sealing material or coated accordingly. Such a coating can be achieved, for example, by flocking with a soft material. Materials that conform tightly to the guide geometries of the housing or the filter housing are particularly advantageous for this purpose.

[0010] Preferably, the filter housing's filter receptacles are designed to accommodate at least two different types of filter elements. One filter element type can, for example, be a pleated activated carbon filter. This is formed, for instance, from at least two layers of soft filter fleece with activated carbon granules sandwiched between them. Another filter element type can be a regenerable activated carbon filter, which consists, for example, of a housing and several ceramic substrates embedded within it, in which a corresponding activated carbon material is embedded. The ability to use different types of filter elements enables a user to, for example, replace the pleated activated carbon filters supplied as standard with the recirculation unit with regenerable activated carbon filters.It is also possible to offer differently equipped recirculation units for sale without having to provide differently designed recirculation housings.

[0011] To achieve exceptional flexibility in accommodating different types of filter elements, each filter holder features at least two different guide geometries, thus enabling the use of geometrically diverse filter elements. These elements can differ particularly in their width. Different guide geometries can also be advantageous due to varying substrate materials. For example, in disposable filters made of soft nonwoven material, the guide elements can be designed to create a virtually airtight seal through a clamping effect. In the case of regenerable filter elements, whose housing is typically made of a hard material, such as...If the filter element is made of metal, for example higher guide elements, especially guide ribs, or spring-loaded guide elements can be used to achieve the best possible seal of the filter element in the filter housing.

[0012] If at least one vibration-damping and / or anti-slip spacer is attached to the underside of the housing, quiet operation and convenient filter element replacement are ensured, as the housing of the recirculation unit will not slip during filter element changes. The spacer can be made of felt or a silicone material, for example. It can cover the entire base of the housing or be applied only partially, for example, by means of at least three feet or support pads.

[0013] Preferably, the housing has a V-shape when viewed from above, with the filter holders arranged at its angled edges. The geometry also features a truncated tip opposite the air inlet. The V-shaped housing with its truncated tip is preferably positioned as close as possible to a plinth panel of the kitchen cabinet. The area of ​​the housing with the truncated tip is where the filter elements can be pulled out or inserted. The V-shape allows for a narrow access area for filter removal. This means that a removable section of the plinth panel can be very narrow. Furthermore, placement between closely spaced cabinet legs is also possible, as the recirculation unit, with its pointed or narrow front, can still fit between them.

[0014] Preferably, the angle between the air inlet and the air outlet areas is between 95° and 110°. A value of 100° is particularly preferred. Since the air outlet areas also form the lateral termination or boundary of the housing, and a perpendicular outflow pattern with respect to this boundary is assumed, the V-shape of the housing is designed to result in a narrow structure that can be easily positioned between the legs of the kitchen cabinet while simultaneously ensuring good air distribution within the plinth area of ​​the kitchen cabinet.

[0015] To allow for positioning between the legs of the kitchen cabinet, the housing, especially with the filter elements installed, has a width of less than 35 cm at its widest point, and in particular less than 28 cm. This allows the recirculation unit to be positioned anywhere in the base of the kitchen cabinet without being significantly restricted by the cabinet legs. This is particularly advantageous for 90 cm wide base cabinets, which often have an additional central leg in addition to the legs near the side walls. Furthermore, if the housing is V-shaped, it can be easily slid between the legs, and filter changes are easily accomplished even in very confined spaces.

[0016] By covering the filter elements in a built-in position on at least two, and in particular three, side surfaces with the filter housing, it is ensured that the air flows horizontally from the filter elements into a plinth area of ​​the kitchen cabinet. Specifically, the filter element is completely covered by the housing, especially at the top, bottom, and rear, so that no air can escape from these areas. This is particularly advantageous because an airflow towards the floor or the underside of the cabinet is undesirable due to the typically very small distance. The filter elements are essentially elongated and rectangular in shape. Their height is less than 10 cm. Furthermore, the filter elements preferably have a length between 25 and 45 cm. The width of the filter elements is preferably between 5 and 10 cm.

[0017] The recirculation unit can be used with particular flexibility if the housing is less than 10 cm high. This ensures that the recirculation unit can be positioned anywhere in the plinth area, even in kitchen base cabinets with a low plinth height.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a downdraft extractor hood, an air duct, a kitchen base cabinet, and a recirculation unit, wherein a separately removable section of the base cabinet's plinth panel is arranged in the area of ​​the recirculation unit. This facilitates easy filter replacement, particularly because only a small part of the plinth panel needs to be removed to change the filter elements on the recirculation unit. The removable section of the plinth panel can be magnetically attached. Preferably, the removable section also has a handle or tab by which it can be removed from the remaining part of the plinth panel. The removable section is narrower than 50 cm, and particularly preferably narrower than 40 cm.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 A kitchen unit with a recirculating air unit installed inside; Fig. 2 a spatial view of the recirculation unit from a diagonal top view; Fig. 3 a top view of the recirculation unit without the upper housing wall; Fig. 4 a filter element; Fig. 5 Positioning of the recirculation unit in the kitchen cabinet in a view from below and Fig. 6 the recirculation unit on the underside of the kitchen furniture with the filter element removed and part of the plinth panel removed.

[0020] The kitchen furniture 8 made of Fig. Kitchen unit 8 is equipped with a downdraft extractor 2 (not visible), which is integrated into a worktop 4 of the kitchen cabinet 8. A cooktop 6 (not visible) is recessed into the worktop directly in front of the downdraft extractor 2. Cooking fumes generated during cooking are extracted by the downdraft extractor 2. An air duct 10 of the downdraft extractor 2 carries the extracted cooking fumes into a plinth area 18 of the kitchen cabinet 8. Within the plinth area 18 of the kitchen cabinet 8, the air duct 10 is connected to a recirculation unit 16, which filters the cooking fumes and expels them again in the plinth area 18. The V-shaped recirculation unit 16 is positioned with its pointed end near a removable area 20 of a plinth panel 12, and is also located between furniture feet 14 of the kitchen base cabinet.

[0021] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the flat, V-shaped recirculation unit 16, which has a height h of less than 10 cm. On the rear side of the recirculation unit 16, next to the central air inlet 36, are two air outlet areas 26a and 26b, each containing a filter element 28a and 28b. The filter elements 28a and 28b are inserted into corresponding filter holders 30a and 30b and can be pulled forward out of these holders for replacement. The filter holders 30a and 30b each have guide geometries 32a and 32b, which are mirror images of each other with respect to an upper housing wall 23 and a lower housing wall 24 of the sheet metal housing 22. The guide geometry 32a, located closer to the center of the housing, is formed as an elongated groove embossed into both housing walls 23 and 24 of the housing 22. A second guide geometry 32b is designed as a right-angled fold, orThe outer edge of the upper and lower housing walls 23 and 24 is bent over. The bent areas are designed to face each other. The filter elements 28a and 28b are guided laterally from the front, i.e., the tip of the V-shaped recirculation unit 16, by the guide geometries 32a and 32b, which are designed as grooves and folds, towards the rear, i.e., towards the air inlet 36. Shortly before reaching an end position in the filter receptacle 30a and 30b, another guide geometry 32c is present. Fig. 3) for the intervention, which laterally covers the filter element 28a, 28b, i.e., in a vertical direction h, in order to prevent the escape of cooking fumes or exhaust air. Preferably, silicone feet are attached to the lower housing wall 24 (not shown), which, in addition to noise decoupling, also prevent the recirculation unit 16 from slipping, which is particularly advantageous when changing the filter elements 28a, 28b.

[0022] Fig. Figure 3 shows the recirculation unit 16 in a top view. An angle α, resulting from the air flowing in through the air inlet 36 along a longitudinal axis a and the air flowing out of one of the two air outlet areas 26a, 26b, preferably has a value of 100°. The direction of the outflowing air is perpendicular to a filter surface of the filter element 28a, 28b forming the air outlet area 26a, 26b. This allows for good distribution of the outflowing air in a plinth area 18 of the kitchen base cabinet 8, despite the filter elements 28a, 28b being easy to change and requiring little space. The filter elements 28a, 28b can be pulled out along a removal direction 31a, 31b for replacement. The filter elements 28a, 28b are then inserted in the opposite direction to the removal direction 31a, 31b.In order for the recirculation unit 16 to be arranged between the furniture feet 14, its maximum width b, which is located in the rear area near the air inlet 36, is less than 28 cm.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a filter element 28a, 28b in the form of a cost-effective, pleated odor filter, which is formed from at least two layers of filter fleece with activated carbon granules embedded between them. Due to its soft and flexible structure, this seals relatively well against the housing 22 when inserted into the filter receptacle 30a, 30b, provided it is appropriately designed, since the flexible filter walls adapt to the housing geometry and thus slight irregularities do not necessarily lead to leakage. The filter element 28a; 28b preferably has a length lf of 25 to 45 cm, a width bf of between 5 and 10 cm, and a height hf of less than 10 cm. Furthermore, the use of regenerable filter elements (not shown) is possible, which consist, for example, of several ceramic honeycomb bodies having an activated carbon layer and are encased in a common metal housing. Such filter elements can, for example,They can be regenerated in an oven and reused accordingly. The regenerable filter elements have similar dimensions lf, hf, and bf to the pleated filter elements and can also be inserted into filter holders 30a and 30b.

[0024] Fig. Figure 5 shows a mounting location for the recirculation unit 16 in the plinth area 18 of the kitchen cabinet. The recirculation unit is positioned directly adjacent to the plinth panel 12 between the cabinet feet 14, so that the filter elements 28a, 28b can be removed from the front, towards a user standing in front of the base cabinet 8. For this purpose, a removable section 20 of the plinth panel 12 must first be removed.

[0025] The recirculation unit 16, arranged in the base area 18, with at least partially removed filter elements 28a, 28b and the removable area 20 removed from the base panel 12, is in Fig. 6 shown. Reference symbol list: 2 Downdraft extractor hoods 4 Worktop 6 cooking zones 8 Kitchen furniture; kitchen base cabinet 10 air duct 12 Baseboard 14 Furniture legs 16 Recirculation unit 18 Base area 20 removable area 22 cases 23 upper case wall 24 lower case wall 26a, 26b Air outlet area 28a, 28b Filter element 30a, 30b Filter holder 31a, 31b Direction of withdrawal 32a, 32b, 32c Guide geometry 36 Air intake α angle a longitudinal axis b width h height lf length filter element bf width filter element hf height filter element QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 598 006 B1

[0002]

Claims

Recirculation unit for a downdraft extractor hood (2) for arrangement in a plinth area (18) of a kitchen furniture (8), which has a housing (22) with an air inlet (36) and with at least two air outlet areas (26a, 26b) which are arranged substantially opposite each other, and on which a filter element (28a, 28b) for air purification is arranged in each, characterized in that the housing (22) has a filter receptacle (30a, 30b) on each air outlet area (26a, 26b) by means of which the filter elements (28a, 28b) can be changed without tools. Recirculation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter elements (28a, 28b) can be removed, in particular pulled out, from the respective filter receptacle (30a, 30b) on a side of the housing opposite the air inlet (36) towards the front. Recirculation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter holder (30a, 30b) has guide geometries (32a, 32b, 32c) projecting vertically towards the center of the housing, in particular guide webs, through which the filter elements (28a, 28b) can be inserted. Recirculating air unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the filter elements (28a, 28b) have raised or recessed contours on at least two opposite sides which interact with the guide geometries (32a, 32b, 32c) of the filter receptacle (30a, 30b). Recirculation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter receptacles (30a, 30b) of the housing (22) are designed to accommodate at least two different types of filter elements (28a, 28b). Recirculating air unit according to claim 5, characterized in that each filter holder (30a, 30b) has at least two different guide geometries (32a, 32b, 32c), which enables the intake of geometrically different filter elements (28a, 28b). Recirculating air unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one vibration-damping and / or anti-slip spacer element is arranged on a lower housing wall (24) of the housing (22). Recirculation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (22) has a V-shape in a top view, at whose edges arranged at an angle to each other the filter receptacles (30a, 30b) are arranged. Recirculation unit according to claim 8, characterized in that an angle (α) between the air inlet (36) and the air outlet areas (26a, 26b) is between 95° and 120°. Recirculation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (22) at its widest point, in particular with inserted filter elements (28a, 28b) has a width (b) of less than 35 cm, in particular less than 28 cm. Recirculation unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter elements (26a, 26b) are covered in a built-in position on at least two, in particular on three, side surfaces by the filter receptacle (30a, 30b) of the housing (22). Recirculating air unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (22) has a height (h) of less than 10 cm. System comprising a downdraft extractor (2), an air duct (10), a kitchen base cabinet (8) and a recirculation unit (16) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a separately removable area (20) of a plinth panel (12) of the kitchen base cabinet (8) is arranged in the area of ​​the recirculation unit (16).

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