Kitchen appliance with hob and extractor hood and method for operating an extractor hood

Abstract

Kitchen appliance (1) comprising a cooktop (10) with a ventilation device (11) with at least one fan, wherein the ventilation device (11) has at least one extraction element (110) that can be extended at least partially from the cooktop (10) and a control unit, and the extraction element (110) can be automatically moved into at least two extended positions via the control unit, characterized in that the kitchen appliance (1) has at least one sensor (13) for detecting an object in the vicinity of the extraction element (110), and the at least one sensor (13) is connected to the control unit for controlling a movement unit for moving the extraction element (110), wherein the at least one sensor (13) is a height sensor for detecting the height of an object located in the vicinity of the extraction element (110).

Description

The present invention relates to a kitchen appliance comprising a cooktop with a ventilation device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a ventilation device of such a kitchen appliance. In kitchens, it is common practice to use downdraft extractors instead of range hoods, which are typically mounted above a cooktop on the wall or ceiling, to extract cooking fumes and vapors. Such a downdraft extractor is described in DE 92 12 278 U1, for example. This system incorporates a removable and adjustable suction and cleaning unit within a cooktop. The suction port of this unit is connected to a fan located inside the kitchen cabinet. One disadvantage of this type of air extraction lies in the complex handling. The object of the present invention is therefore to create a solution that enables simple handling of the extractor hood device while maintaining a simple design. The invention is based on the realization that this problem can be solved by combining the extractor hood with a cooktop and by making the adjustment of the extractor hood at least partially automatic. US 2008 / 0029081A1 discloses a kitchen appliance according to the preamble of claim 1. DE 195 43 113 A1 discloses a cooker hood device comprising a proximity sensor. From US patent 2013 / 0213483A1, a range hood with an electronic control for adjusting the range hood is known, wherein a proximity sensor can detect changes in the distance from the range hood to a person or object. Furthermore, a cooker hood device is known from DE 10 2016 104 622 A1, wherein the extraction shaft is arranged in the center of the cooktop. The problem is therefore solved according to a first aspect by a kitchen appliance comprising a cooktop with a ventilation device with at least one fan, wherein the ventilation device has at least one extraction element that can be extended at least partially from the cooktop and a control unit, and the extraction element can be automatically moved into at least two extended positions via the control unit, wherein the kitchen appliance has at least one sensor for detecting an object in the vicinity of the extraction element, and the at least one sensor is connected to the control unit for controlling a movement unit for moving the extraction element, wherein the at least one sensor is a height sensor for detecting the height of an object located in the vicinity of the extraction element. According to the invention, a kitchen appliance is defined as a combination appliance comprising a cooktop and at least one extractor hood. The kitchen appliance may have a common control unit for both the extractor hood and the cooktop. In one embodiment, the kitchen appliance includes a control panel through which both the cooktop and the extractor hood can be controlled. Additionally or alternatively, a common display device may also be provided on the kitchen appliance, which can show the status of both the cooktop and the extractor hood. The cooktop cover, which forms the surface of the cooktop, is a cover plate that can be made of materials such as ceramic glass. The cooktop's heating elements can be electrically heated or induction-heated. According to the invention, the cooktop can form a continuous cooking zone. However, it is also possible for at least two, preferably at least four, cooking zones to be formed in the cooktop. The extractor hood is located at least partially in or below the cooktop. The extractor hood has at least one extraction element. The extraction element is the part of the extractor hood through which air enters the hood. Thus, the extraction element is the part of the extractor hood in which at least one extraction opening is provided. The extraction element is at least partially extendable from the cooktop. Extension is preferably motorized, for example, by an electric motor. Extending the extraction element from the cooktop is understood as a vertical movement of at least a portion of the extraction element beyond the top surface of the cooktop. According to one embodiment, the lower end of the extraction element, when fully extended, lies in the plane of the cooktop's top surface.Preferably, however, in the fully extended position of the extraction element, a lower area of ​​the extraction element is located in the cooktop. The extraction element can be automatically extended into at least two positions. An extended position is defined as a position in which the top of the extraction element is above the top of the cooktop, allowing it to be held in place and air to be drawn into the extractor hood. The different extension positions are distinguished by the different heights at which the top of the extraction element is positioned above the top of the cooktop. According to the invention, the extraction element can be moved into at least two extended positions. These extended positions are set automatically. Automatic setting here refers to controlling the extraction element via a control unit. This control can be triggered manually, for example, by the user selecting a predefined level, or by detected environmental conditions. In the first case, the control unit stores, for example, the corresponding heights to which the extraction element must extend from the cooktop for the different extension positions or stages. By selecting one of the stages, the user then automatically extends the extraction element to the desired height. According to the invention, in the second case, the extension to one of at least two positions occurs based on detected or recognized environmental conditions. These environmental conditions are detected by sensors, according to the invention. By allowing the extraction element to automatically extend to at least two positions, several advantages can be achieved. Firstly, the height of the extraction element above the cooktop – that is, the amount it extends upwards – can be precisely adjusted. This allows, for example, the selection of a higher extension position for a tall cooking vessel compared to a shallower one, such as a frying pan. Since the two extension positions are set automatically, the user does not need to make any complicated adjustments to the extractor hood or manually extend the extraction element. The extension positions, and in particular their heights, can be preset by the appliance manufacturer or set once by the user and then subsequently selected. According to the invention, the kitchen appliance has at least one sensor for detecting an object in the vicinity of the extraction element. This sensor is connected to the control unit for activating a movement unit to move the extraction element, extending or retracting it from the cooktop. Object detection is understood to mean the detection of the presence of an object, in particular a cooking vessel. The area around the extraction element in which the object(s) are detected is preferably the area of ​​the cooktop. According to the invention, one or more sensors can be provided. The following primarily refers to a kitchen appliance with one sensor. However, where applicable, the corresponding explanations also apply to a kitchen appliance with multiple sensors. According to the invention, the sensor(s) is / are connected to the control unit for controlling a movement unit for moving the extraction element to extend or retract it from the cooktop. The control unit for controlling a movement unit for moving the extraction element is the control unit via which the at least two extension positions can be set. The control unit can be used to control one or more motion units. The following discussion focuses primarily on controlling a single motion unit. The control unit for activating the movement unit for moving the extraction element can be the control unit of the extractor hood, which also controls the fan of the extractor hood. However, a separate control unit for activating the movement unit(s) is also within the scope of the invention. To move the extraction element. The motion unit can, for example, include an electric motor that extends or retracts the extraction element. Furthermore, the motion unit can include mechanical components such as gears and racks. The connection of the sensor or sensors to the control unit serves to transmit sensor signals, by means of which the control unit can generate and output corresponding control signals. The sensor(s) for detecting an object preferably serve at least to detect the top surface of an object. For example, a sensor can first detect the presence of an object. As the sensor moves along the height of the object, it can then detect when the top edge of the object is reached. Based on the presence of an object, particularly a cooking vessel, in the vicinity of the extraction element, and based on the height at which the top edge of the object is detected, the control unit can adjust the extraction element's extension position to suit the ambient conditions. By providing at least one sensor in the embodiment for detecting an object in the vicinity of an extendable extraction element of the extractor hood, and preferably connecting this sensor to the control unit for controlling a movement unit for moving the extraction element, in particular for extending or retracting the extraction element from the cooktop, a number of advantages can be achieved. In particular, the extractor fan, and especially the extraction element, can be set to a state required when a cooking vessel is present near the extraction element on the cooktop. This is achieved automatically via a control unit connected to a sensor for detecting objects. Therefore, the user of the kitchen appliance does not need to actively intervene to ensure reliable extraction of fumes or vapors, adapted to the ambient conditions. According to the invention, the at least one sensor for detecting an object is a height sensor for detecting the height of an object located in the vicinity of the extraction element. A height sensor is defined here as a sensor that serves to determine the height of an object. The height sensor can be a distance sensor, in which an object present in the vicinity of the sensor serves as a light barrier. However, it is also possible to provide one or more sensor elements in the sensor by means of which the height of an object is determined by triangulation. The object is preferably a cooking vessel, for example, a pan or a saucepan. In this embodiment, the height at which fumes and vapors typically arise and from which they are to be extracted by the extractor fan can thus be determined.Since the extraction element can be extended to the determined height depending on these sensor values, reliable extraction of fumes and vapors can be ensured. This design allows the extraction element of the extractor hood to be moved by a desired amount and, in particular, extended from the cooktop. This takes into account the fact that fumes and vapors are generated at a lower height with shallow cookware than with taller cookware. The extraction element can be moved into one of several predefined extension positions using the control unit. According to one embodiment, the control unit for moving the extraction element is designed for stepless movement of the extraction element. In this embodiment, the extension path of the extraction element can be precisely adjusted to the height of the cooking vessel. According to one embodiment, the kitchen appliance is provided with at least two sensors for detecting objects in the vicinity of the extraction element. Preferably, these at least two sensors are height sensors. The at least two sensors are connected to the control unit for controlling the movement unit for moving the at least one extraction element. By providing more than one sensor, in particular at least two sensors, different environmental conditions of the at least one extraction element can be taken into account when controlling the extraction element. For example, if there is a shallow and a tall cooking vessel on the cooktop, these different vessels can be detected when using at least two sensors. If only one extraction element is provided, it can be extended to the height of the taller cooking vessel to ensure that steam and vapors are also extracted from this taller vessel.If several extraction elements are provided, for example one extraction element can be extended to the height of the flat cooking vessel and another extraction element to the height of the tall cooking vessel. According to a preferred embodiment, in a kitchen appliance that has at least two sensors for detecting objects in the vicinity of the extraction element, each sensor is assigned to a cooking zone of the cooktop. A cooking zone is defined here as the area of ​​the cooktop in which a heating module is provided or where a heating module covering the entire cooktop has been activated. In the latter case, the cooktop can, for example, be an induction cooktop where the entire surface of the cooktop is equipped with induction modules that are activated locally in the area of ​​the cooking vessel when a cooking vessel is present. By assigning the sensors to the cooking zones, the presence and preferably also the height of the objects on the individual cooking zones can be monitored or detected, and the extraction element(s) can be extended to the corresponding height. According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor or sensors are provided on the extraction element. One advantage of this embodiment is the simplified design of the kitchen appliance, as no separate sensor mounts, for example on the cooktop, are required. Another advantage is that, in this embodiment, the sensor can be protected from contamination when the extraction element is at rest, i.e., in the retracted position. Furthermore, a simpler, particularly horizontally oriented, distance sensor can be used in this embodiment, which is provided, for example, in the upper area of ​​the extraction element. When the extraction element extends, the sensor, upon reaching the top edge of a cooking vessel, will detect a jump in the measured distance and thus recognize that the extraction element has extended to the height of the cooking vessel. According to a preferred embodiment, the extraction element is arranged centrally in the cooktop. A centrally arranged extraction element is defined as one located in the center of the cooktop's surface. This allows a single extraction element to draw out steam and vapors from various cooking vessels placed on the cooktop. Furthermore, with a central arrangement, the distance to the individual cooking vessels, and especially to the individual cooking zones, is essentially the same, ensuring consistent extraction at each cooking zone. This embodiment is therefore advantageous compared to embodiments in which the extraction element(s) are arranged, for example, at the sides or rear of the cooktop. The extraction element can be extended from the cooktop. In this case, the entire extraction element can be lifted. Alternatively, it is also possible that the extraction element is a telescopic element, in which only one or more parts of the extraction element are moved upwards relative to other parts of the extraction element. According to one embodiment, the extraction element has at least one extraction opening, preferably located in the upper region of a base body of the extraction element. By locating the at least one extraction opening, hereinafter also referred to as the intake opening, in the upper region of the extraction element, the extraction of fumes and steam from cooking vessels is achieved essentially horizontally. The base body can, for example, be a tube-shaped body made of airtight material. The at least one extraction opening can be located in the upper region of this base body. Alternatively, the extraction opening can also be formed by a gap between the upper edge of this base body and a cover of the extraction element. In its at least one extended position, the extraction opening is preferably located above the top of the cooktop.This easily prevents contaminants, such as overcooked food, from entering the extraction element through the extraction opening. The extraction element can have a cover on its upper side that seals it. Preferably, when the extraction element is in its resting position, the cover is flush with the top surface of the cooktop. The cover is preferably a closed component, meaning it has no openings. This prevents contaminants from entering the extraction element from above, even when it is retracted (i.e., in its resting position). According to a further embodiment, the extraction element has an extraction opening that extends at least partially around its circumference. An extraction opening that extends partially around its circumference is defined as one that is incorporated into the outer wall of a hollow base body of the extraction element and extends over at least a portion of the circumference of the hollow base body. In any case, the extraction opening extends through the entire wall thickness of the extraction element to allow the entry of vapors and fumes. Filter elements for filtering out impurities can be arranged at the extraction opening(s) or inside the extraction element. According to one embodiment, the extraction opening extends over the height of the extraction element and is covered by a filter element. In another embodiment, the extraction opening extends over the area of ​​the base body that, in the extended position, is at its greatest height, i.e., the highest extended position of the extraction element above the surface of the cooktop. In yet another embodiment, the entire base body of the extraction element consists of a filter element. In this case, the base body is, for example, a section of pipe whose outer surface is made of filter material. According to one embodiment, the extractor hood comprises a housing and a collection container that is vertically slidable within the housing. The housing is fixedly connected to the cooktop and, for example, attached to the underside of the cooktop's cover plate. The collection container is either part of the extension element or at least the base of the extension element is inserted into this collection container. In particular, in the embodiment where the suction element consists of a hollow filter body, for example a pipe section made of filter material, the suction element can be inserted into the collection container. The collection container, which is movable within the housing, can preferably be moved vertically upwards or downwards via a gear and rack. The rack can, for example, be located on the outside of the collection container and engage with a gear driven, for instance, by an electric motor. The engagement between the gear and the rack can be achieved through a corresponding recess in the side wall of the housing. In this embodiment of the extractor hood with housing and collection container, the collection container preferably has an air outlet opening in its base, to which a flexible exhaust air duct is connected. A corresponding opening for the passage of the flexible exhaust air duct is provided in the base of the housing. According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for operating a ventilation device of a kitchen appliance comprising a hob and a ventilation device, wherein an extraction element of the ventilation device is automatically moved by a control unit into one of at least two extension positions. Advantages and features described with regard to the kitchen appliance apply - insofar as applicable - accordingly to the method according to the invention and vice versa. According to the invention, the height of an object in the vicinity of an extraction element of the extractor hood is determined via at least one sensor, and at least one extraction element of the extractor hood is extended from the cooktop to one of at least two extension positions depending on the height of the object via a control unit. The at least two extension positions have different predefined or predefined heights. Determining the height and extending the extraction element can also occur simultaneously. For example, the extraction element can be extended until it is detected that its height is equal to or greater than the height of an object in the vicinity, particularly a cooking vessel on the cooktop. Alternatively, the height of the cooking vessel can be determined first, and the extraction element can then be moved into an extension position—that is, extended—where the top of the extraction element is at least at the same height as, or above, the top of the cooking vessel. According to an embodiment in which only one suction element is provided, when two objects of different heights are detected, the suction element can be extended to a height that corresponds at least to the height of the taller object. This ensures reliable extraction of fumes and vapors from all objects. The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the invention with the extraction element in a rest position; Fig. 2: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the invention with the extraction element in an extended position; Fig. 3: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the invention in the area of ​​the extraction element in the rest position; Fig. 4: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the invention in the area of ​​the extraction element in an extended position; Fig. 5: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the invention with an extraction element in a first extended position; Fig.Fig. 6: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance according to the invention with a suction element in a second extension position; Fig. 7: a schematic block view of an embodiment of the suction element; and Fig. 8: a schematic block view of a further embodiment of the suction element. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance 1 according to the invention, with the extraction element 110 in a rest position. The kitchen appliance 1 consists of a cooktop 10 and a range hood 11. The cooktop 10 is formed on the top by a ceramic cooktop or other cover plate. Heating modules (not visible) are arranged below the cover plate, defining cooking zones 101 within the cooktop 10. Four cooking zones 101 are indicated by way of example in Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooktop 10 has a frame 100 in its front area. A recess is provided in the metal frame 100, through which a control panel in the cooktop 10 is accessible. The cooktop 10 is installed in a worktop 30 of a kitchen cabinet 3. In Fig. 1, only the top of the extraction element 110 of the extractor hood 11 is visible. The extraction element 110 of the extractor hood 11 is centrally located in the cooktop 10. The extraction element 110 has a round cross-section. In Fig. 1, the extraction element 110 is in a rest position. In this rest position, the cover 1100 of the extraction element 110 is flush with the top of the cooktop 10 and, in particular, with the ceramic surface. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the kitchen appliance 1 according to the invention, as shown in Figure 1, with the extraction element 110 in an extended position. In this position, the extraction element 110 is extended upwards from the cooktop 10. The base body 1102 of the extraction element 110 is visible in this extended position. In the illustrated embodiment, the base body 1102 has a tubular shape. The base body 1102 is made of an airtight material. The extraction opening 1101 is formed between the upper edge of the base body and the underside of the cover 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the extraction opening 1101 extends over the entire circumference of the extraction element 110.In this embodiment, the lid 1100 is held by a lid support 1104, which extends downwards from the center of the underside of the lid 1100 and has a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the base body 1102 of the suction element 110. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the kitchen appliance 1 according to the invention in the area of ​​the extraction element 110 in its rest position. As can be seen from this view, in the illustrated embodiment, the extractor fan 11 has a housing 1105. The housing 1105 is fixedly connected to the cooktop 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 1105 is attached to the ceramic cooktop surface of the cooktop 10 from below. The housing 1105 has an upwardly open, trough-like shape. A passage opening is provided in the base of the housing 1105 through which an exhaust air duct 1110, which will be described in more detail later, can be routed. A collection container 1106 is integrated into the housing 1105. In the illustrated embodiment, the collection container 1106 also has an upwardly open, trough-like shape. The height of the collection container 1106 is less than the height of the housing 1105. In the figure shown.In the rest position shown in Figure 3, the collection container 1105 rests on the bottom of the housing 1105. The outer width or outer diameter of the collection container 1106 corresponds to the inner width or inner diameter of the housing 1105. The collection container 1106 is thus sealed against the inner wall of the housing 1105. In the illustrated embodiment, the base body 1102 of the extraction element is inserted into the collection container 1106. In the illustrated embodiment, the base body 1102 consists of filter material and has a tubular shape. In the lower region, the outer surface of the base body 1102 rests against the inside of the collection container 1106. The collection container serves to collect impurities that are filtered out of vapors and steam by the filter material. The lid 1100 is attached to the top of the base body 1102.In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 1100 rests on the top of the cooktop 10 in its rest position. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the top of the lid 1100 is flush with the top of the cooktop 10. An opening is provided in the underside of the collection container 1106, the position of which is aligned with the position of the through-hole in the housing 1105. In the illustrated embodiment, a pipe fitting 1107 is provided in the opening of the collection container 1106. In the illustrated embodiment, this pipe fitting 1107 extends upwards into the interior of the collection container 1106 and downwards beyond the underside of the collection container 1106. An exhaust duct 1110 is attached to and firmly connected with the lower projection of the pipe stub 1106. The exhaust duct 1110 is made of a flexible material and can, in particular, be a hose. The collection container 1006, and thus the extraction element 110 of the extractor hood, is connected to a blower (not shown) via the exhaust duct. The blower, which can also be called a fan, can be arranged below or adjacent to the housing 1105. In particular, the blower can be arranged in a housing (not shown) of the cooktop 10. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to arrange the blower below the cooktop 10, for example, in a kitchen cabinet 3 in which the kitchen appliance 1 is integrated into the worktop 30. A rack 1108 is attached to part of the outer surface of the collection container 1106. The rack 1108 protrudes through a recess on one side of the housing 1105. From the outside, a gear 1109, which can be driven by an electric motor (not shown), engages with the rack 1108. When the gear 1109 is actuated and rotated clockwise in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the rack 1108 is moved upwards. Since the rack 1108 is fixedly connected to the collection container 1106, this also moves the collection container 1106 upwards within the housing 1105. The movement of the collection container 1106 moves the extraction element 110 of the extractor hood 11 upwards, thereby extending it from the cooktop 10. This state, i.e., a first extended position of the extraction element 110, is shown in Fig. 4. Since the collection container 1105 is held by the gear 1109 and the rack 1108, the suction element 110 is held in this first extended position. Beyond this first extension position, the extraction element 110 can be extended further upwards and thus brought into at least a second extension position (not shown), in which an even larger part of the base body 1102 protrudes above the top of the hob 10. Thus, the extraction element 110, which can be extended at least partially from the hob 10, can be automatically moved into at least two extension positions. Figures 5 and 6 show two different extension positions of another embodiment of the extraction element 110. In these embodiments, the entire base body 1102 is not made of filter material; rather, an airtight base body 1102 is used, into which an air extraction opening 1101 is incorporated in the upper region. In the illustrated embodiment, the air extraction opening 1101 is offset downwards from the top of the extraction element and, in particular, from the cover 1100. However, as shown in Figure 2, the air extraction opening 1101 can also be formed between the upper edge of the base body 1102 and the underside of the cover 1100. In the extended position shown in Fig. 5, the extraction element 110 of the extractor hood 11 is extended so far beyond the top of the hob 10 that the extraction opening 1101 is at a height corresponding to the height of a cooking vessel 2, which represents a pan. If, however, a pot, i.e., a taller cooking vessel 2, is used, the extraction element 110 can be extended further upwards beyond the first extension position shown in Fig. 5 into a second extension position, as shown in Fig. 6. The extraction element 110 is extended until the extraction opening 1101 of the extraction element 110 is at a height corresponding to the height of the cooking vessel 2, i.e., the pot. The control unit (not shown) of the extractor hood is preferably designed for stepless movement of the extraction element 110. This means that the extraction element 110 can be extended to accommodate different heights of cooking vessels and does not necessarily have to be set to predetermined extension positions. Such predetermined extension positions can be selected by the user, for example, "extension position for pans," "extension position for pots," and the like. According to the invention, the extension of the extraction element 110 into the respective extension position is automatic. According to the invention, the extension of the extraction element 110 is sensor-controlled. In particular, the kitchen appliance 1 comprises at least one sensor 13 for detecting an object in the vicinity of the extraction element 110. The sensor 13 or sensors 13 are connected to a control unit (not shown) for controlling a movement unit, which can be implemented, for example, by a rack and pinion system. This allows the extraction element 110 to be moved, in particular extended or retracted, depending on the presence of objects, especially cooking vessels 2. Figures 7 and 8 schematically illustrate possible arrangements of sensors 13. Figure 7 shows two sensors 13 arranged diametrically opposite each other. These are embedded in or attached to the outer surface of an airtight base body 1102 in the upper region. The sensors 13 are thus located below the extraction opening 1101. When the sensors 13 detect the upper edge of an object, in particular a cooking vessel 2, the extension of the extraction element 110 is stopped, and the extraction element 110 is in an extended position. The sensor 13 can therefore also be referred to as a height sensor, since the detection of the upper edge of the cooking vessel 2 implicitly determines the height of the cooking vessel 2. The height does not need to be specified numerically. In the extended position, in the embodiment according to Fig. 7, the extraction opening 1101 is located above the upper edge of the cooking vessel 2, and vapors and steam can be reliably extracted. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the sensors 13 are integrated into or attached to the upper region of a base body 1102, which is formed by a filter element 1103. In this embodiment, the sensors 13 are arranged in the immediate vicinity of, or at a short distance from, the lid 1100 of the extraction element 110. When the sensors 13 detect the upper edge of a cooking vessel 2, i.e., when the sensors 13 are at the level of the upper edge of the cooking vessel 2, the extension of the extraction element 110 is stopped. The lid 1100 is then at the level of the upper edge of the cooking vessel 2 or slightly higher than it. The filter element 1103, which forms the base body 1102, then reliably extracts fumes and vapors from the cooking vessel. In a centrally located extraction element 110 within the cooktop 10, several sensors 13 are preferably arranged around the circumference of the extraction element 110. In particular, the sensors 13 can be arranged such that each sensor 13 faces a cooking zone 101 of the cooktop 10. If the sensors 13 thus arranged detect several cooking vessels 2 of different heights, the extraction element 110 is preferably extended until its projection above the cooktop corresponds at least to the height of the tallest cooking vessel 2 on the cooktop 10. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. For example, the movement unit, i.e., the extension mechanism, can have a different gear / rack shape than the one shown. The number or arrangement of the sensors can also differ from that shown. Furthermore, the shape of the extraction element, in particular its cross-section, can also differ from the round cross-section shown. The position of the extraction element in the cooktop can also be different from the central position shown. In addition, more than one extraction element can be used. For example, two extraction elements can be used, arranged laterally in the cooktop. According to one embodiment, the kitchen appliance consists of a ceramic glass cooktop with an induction unit, a touchscreen control panel, and a centrally located extractor fan, which can also be referred to as a suction unit. In particular, the extraction element of the extractor fan is located centrally within the cooktop. The extraction element can be extended at various stages by an electric motor and is automatically extended. According to the invention, a sensor detects the height of the cooking vessels. The cooktop can be operated with or without extraction. The present invention has several advantages. Firstly, the kitchen appliance can be designed in such a way that no liquid or food being prepared can enter the extraction system. This can be achieved, for example, by a collection container inside the housing of the extractor hood. Alternatively, the entry of liquids can also be prevented by arranging the extraction opening in the upper part of the extraction element. With a centrally located extraction system, almost the entire cooktop can be used. A control panel can be positioned within a frame, which can also be referred to as a metal application and may be made of stainless steel, for example, and allows the use of standard ceramic glass for the cooktop. A clear glass insert in a cutout in the ceramic glass allows the use of a touch display. Any transitions are concealed by the application. Since the kitchen appliance according to the invention combines two devices—the cooktop and the extraction system—into one, costs are reduced. Finally, the automatic adjustment of the extraction element's extension position simplifies the operation of the kitchen appliance. Reference symbol list 1 Kitchen appliance 10 Cooktop 100 Frame 101 Cooking zone 11 Extractor hood 110 Extraction element 1100 Cover 1101 Extraction opening 1102 Base body 1103 Filter element 1104 Cover holder 1105 Housing 1106 Collection container 1107 Pipe connection 1108 Rack and pinion 1109 Gear 1110 Exhaust duct 12 Control panel 13 Sensor 2 Cooking vessel 3 Kitchen cabinet 30 Worktop

Claims

Kitchen appliance (1) comprising a cooktop (10) with a range hood (11) with at least one fan, wherein the range hood (11) has at least one extraction element (110) that can be extended at least partially from the cooktop (10) and a control unit, and the extraction element (110) can be automatically moved into at least two extended positions via the control unit, characterized in that the kitchen appliance (1) has at least one sensor (13) for detecting an object in the vicinity of the extraction element (110), and the at least one sensor (13) is connected to the control unit for controlling a movement unit for moving the extraction element (110), wherein the at least one sensor (13) is a height sensor for detecting the height of an object located in the vicinity of the extraction element (110). Kitchen appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is designed for stepless movement of the extraction element (110). Kitchen appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two sensors (13) are provided for detecting objects in the vicinity of the extraction element (110). Kitchen appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each sensor (13) is assigned to a cooking zone (101) of the cooktop (10). Kitchen appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one sensor (13) is arranged on the extraction element (110). Kitchen appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the extraction element (110) is arranged centrally in the hob (10). Kitchen appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the extraction element (110) has at least one extraction opening (1101) and the extraction opening (1101) is preferably located in the upper area of ​​a base body (1102) or above the base body (1102) of the extraction element (110). Kitchen appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the extraction element (110) has an extraction opening (1101) that is at least partially circumferential and preferably that the extraction opening (1101) extends over the height of the base body (1102) of the extraction element (110) and is preferably covered by a filter element (1103). Kitchen appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the extractor fan (11) has a housing (1105) and a collection container (1106) which is vertically displaceable in the housing (1105) and in which the extraction element (110) is inserted, wherein the collection container (1106) can preferably be moved upwards and / or downwards in a vertical direction via a gear (1109) and a rack (1108). Method for operating a ventilation device (11) of a kitchen appliance (1) comprising a hob (10) and a ventilation device (11), wherein an extraction element (110) of the ventilation device (11) is automatically moved by a control unit into one of at least two extension positions, characterized in that the height of an object in the vicinity of the extraction element (110) of the ventilation device (11) is determined via at least one sensor (13) and the extraction element (110) of the ventilation device (11) is extended from the hob (10) into an extension position depending on the height of the object via a control unit. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that when detecting two objects of different heights, the extraction element (110) is extended into an extension position in which the height of the extraction element (110) above the cooktop (10) corresponds at least to the height of the taller object.

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