COMBINATION DEVICE WITH EXHAUST DEVICE FOR REMOVING AIR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination appliance comprising a cooking hob and an extraction device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] During the performance of cooking activities under use of a cooking hob, cooking vapours are generated, which are distributed over the cooking area. In order to avoid these cooking vapours to be spread throughout the entire kitchen space, an arrangement of an extraction device, particularly an extractor hood, is common. Said extraction device is operated in parallel to the cooking hob, thereby sucking in these cooking vapours in order to filter out particles and tiny droplets from the vapours and / or to blow the vapours to the outside of the building. While it has been common use to arrange such an extractor hood above the cooking area, in recent years downdraft extraction devices have been finding a growing market. Such kind of extraction device is usually arranged below a cooktop of the related cooking hob and it comprises at least one fan for sucking air from the cooking area through an opening or recess arranged in the cooktop. In such systems, the air is moved through a ventilation channel from the cooking zone to the bottom of a kitchen cabinet, where it is blown out and returned to the ambient air. Due to the provision of a ventilation channel inside of the related kitchen cabinet, storage space for e. g. cookware or other utensils is blocked. On the other hand, other systems are set up by dispensing said ventilation channel inside the cabinet and by directly blowing out the air through a cutout in a rear wall of the cabinet towards a kitchen wall. This, however, may cause mould formation as a result of humidity of the exhausted air, specifically when the kitchen wall is an outer wall. Moreover, the functionality of downdraft extraction devices is reduced, when high pots are used for the cooking process, because of the particular distance from the source of cooking vapours to the suction opening, which is on the same level as the worktop of the cooking hob. In order to overcome this drawback, DE 10 2018 220 681 A1 discloses an extraction device with a fan and a function unit having a suction opening and a filter unit, wherein the function unit is movably mounted at a non-moving part for being moved towards an elevated position above cooking zones on a related cooking hob. The embodiment disclosed in this document comprises swivel-mounted connecting arms arranged adjacent to the lateral edges of the cooking hob, which are configured to lift the function unit to said elevated position. In the position swivelled up, however, the connecting arm impede lateral access to the cooking zones, specifically a pulling away of cookware in sideways directions is hardly possible.

[0003] Both US 2003 / 226558 A1 and US 2003 / 226559 A1 disclose a kitchen island vent hood, which is moveable between an operative and a non-operative position and which telescopes upwardly to move into the operative position and downwardly to move into the non-operative position. In the non-operative position, the vent hood resides within a recessed area of the island at a level slightly above the countertop of the island. The lift column of the vent hood assembly extends in an inclined orientation so as to position the vent hood over the cooking surface.

[0004] US 2018 / 073745 A1 discloses a household appliance including a heating element at an upper surface of the appliance, and a variable height downdraft vent assembly moveable relative to the upper surface. The vent assembly includes a duct defining a flow passage between the upper end and the lower end thereof. The duct is moveable in a vertical direction relative to the upper surface of the appliance. A drive assembly is provided for engaging the duct to position the upper end of the duct at a user-selected variable height relative to the upper surface of the appliance.

[0005] FR 2 730 040 A1 discloses an extractor hood comprising a fixed chamber, an intermediate chamber and a collector hood. Intermediate chamber and collector hood are formed as flat units extending over the entire width of an allocated cooking hob and are configured to take on a horizontal position and a folded up position. In the horizontal position, the intermediate chamber and the collector hood act as a cover of the cooking hob. In the folded up position, the collector hood is configured to aspirate cooking fumes generated on the cooking hob during cooking processes.

[0006] KR 2019 0081498 A discloses an electric cooking device comprising an adjustable collection unit for aspirating particles and oil vapour generated during cooking on a single heating unit. In a similar manner as before, the adjustable collection unit is configured to be swivelled from a horizontal position with covering the heating unit to a folded up position for the aspiration of vapours.

[0007] WO 2020 / 155698 A1 discloses a range hood and a cooktop integrated in a kitchen cabinet. The range hood includes a smoking hood, a main body and a supporting member, which is connected to the smoking hood and to the main body and is configured to be supported by the cooktop on the kitchen cabinet. The smoking hood is pivotally supported and configured to take on a horizontal parking position entirely covering the cooktop, as well as an operating position inclined relative to the cooktop.

[0008] DE 101 12 802 A1 discloses a cooking hob and a separate fume extraction device arranged in a cooking area and allowing a direct extraction of cooking fumes. The fume extraction device comprises an extractor hood, which is adjustable both in its height in relation to the cooking hob and in a horizontal direction, as well as a suction duct, an extraction fan and an exhaust duct. The suction duct is supported on and penetrates a kitchen worktop between the cooking hob and a kitchen wall.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a combination appliance with an extraction device comprising means for changing the position of a suction opening, which is arranged for sucking in air from an area above a cooking hob, from a position at a height level of a cooktop of the cooking hob to an elevated position, wherein said means for changing the position of the suction opening shall be designed in a way allowing unimpeded lateral access to each one of the cooking zones at least from the closest side edge of the cooking hob, thereby enabling an arrangement of the suction opening at the most convenient location for an improved performance suction of cooking vapours.

[0010] The object is achieved for a combination appliance according to the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0011] A combination appliance comprising a cooking hob, which comprises a cooktop and at least two cooking zones, and an extraction device for removing air, which particularly contains cooking vapours, from an area above a cooking hob comprises a suction arm, a fan and an outlet opening. The suction arm includes a suction head, which comprises a suction opening, and a suction base, which comprises an air duct for conducting the air. Said air duct is arranged downstream of the suction opening. The fan is configured to suck in the air from the area above the cooking hob through the suction opening and, downstream thereof, through the air duct. The air is further conveyed in the interior of the extraction device and leaves it, in particular into the ambient air, through an outlet opening for air exhaustion. The extraction device particularly further comprises a filter element for removing particles and / or droplets and / or odours from the air sucked in through the suction opening. The filter element, which preferably includes a grease and / or odour filter function, is particularly arranged or arrangeable upstream of the fan. Further, the suction arm is centrally arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device, in relation to the cooking hob or is arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device, midway between the lateral edges of the cooking hob. Such arrangement in the inner zone of the cooking area and away from the lateral edges of the cooking hob notably increases the cooking comfort, specifically the handling of cookware, since a pulling away of cookware in sideways directions is possible in a simple way. One preferred arrangement is characterized in that both a centre or centreline of the suction arm and a centreline of the cooking hob lie in one plane, which is vertically oriented. According to a further feature, the position of the suction head and / or of the suction opening is changeable from a position within the boundary lines and at least approximately at the height level of the cooktop of the cooking hob to an elevated position above the height level of the cooktop, which elevated position may be a predefined one or may be variable. With such arrangement of the suction head in whichever height positioning an unimpeded access to each cooking zone from a lateral direction, e. g. from a kitchen worktop after finalizing preparational work, is enabled. According to the present invention, the suction base of the suction arm is arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device, in the inner zone of the cooking area, midway between and away from the lateral edges of the cooking hob. Moreover, the base or bottom of the suction base is arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device, at or close to a rear edge of the cooking hob, in particular in or close to a centre of the side edge, in a pivotable manner. In particular for moving into an operating position, the suction base is orientable in an inclined manner and particularly extendable in an inclined direction.

[0012] The suction opening may be arranged on a bottom side of the suction head. This positioning may be favourable in case of an arrangement of the suction head at a level notably above the level of emerging cooking vapours. Sucking upwards may be performed by a flat aspiration direction, so that the cooking vapours from several cooking zones that may be arranged around a centralized suction opening may be pooled in a funnel-shaped way. Advantageously, the suction head, in particular the suction opening, is designed to perform a bowl-shaped or a cone-shaped aspiration direction, which provides a preferred alignment towards the individual cooking zones. An alternative positioning of the suction opening may be at least one lateral surface of the suction head, which causes a suction in an at least approximately horizontal direction. Such positioning is effective also in the case of a level of vapour generation nearly equal to the height positioning of the suction opening, which is favourably characterized by a comparably short suction distance. In any case, independently from the design of the suction opening and / or of the aspiration direction, the suction structuring, in particular the suction opening, is configured to suck in air from a cooking hob section, particularly from all cooking hob sections, on which a cooking zone is accommodated.

[0013] The suction opening of the extraction device, which is arrangeable on different height positions, may be located on or just above a level of a rim of a pot or any other type of cookware, which is positioned or positionable on a cooking zone of the cooking hob. Preferably, the height position of the suction opening is adjusted to the highest one of a number of pots or cookware items. That way, cooking vapours from all operated cooking zones may almost entirely be captured.

[0014] Said capturing of the cooking vapours from all cooking zones may even be improved by providing a specifically designed shape of the suction head. For example, the suction head may be rectangular or quadratic, but connected to the suction base in a rhombic way, i. e. connected to the suction base with one corner of the rectangle or square. This leads to an orientation of the four lateral surfaces of the suction head towards the four cooking zones, which is particularly favourable when on each one of the lateral surfaces suction openings are arranged. That way, the cooking vapours generated on each one of these four cooking zones are directly sucked in by the suction opening directed towards the respective cooking zone. In fact, the shape of the suction head may not be limited to square or rectangle, also other shapes may be selected, e. g. a circle, an oval or a square or rectangle with rounded corners.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the suction arm is configured to be arranged at a height position on the level of a top surface of the cooktop. A particularly preferred solution provides for a configuration, in which the suction arm, notably an upper side thereof, is flush with the top surface of the cooktop. This height position on the level of a top surface of the cooktop may form an inactive state of the extraction device, e. g. a rest position. In this case, the suction arm preferably forms a section of the cooktop surface, particularly providing a continuous surface. Alternatively, the extraction device may be operable in this height positioning as a downdraft extraction device with a suction opening facing upwards. To this end, the suction head comprises either a suction opening on its top side or, alternatively, a suction opening on its bottom side, wherein the suction head is configured to be turned upside down. The optionally provided suction opening on the top side of the suction head may be arranged in addition to another suction opening or the other suction openings, which are arranged on the bottom side or on at least one lateral side of the suction head. There may also means for individual activation and / or deactivation of suction openings be provided.

[0016] Preferably, the top surface of the suction arm blends in nicely with the cooktop surface in its rest position. To this end, said top surface may be made of the same material as the surface of the cooktop. Optionally, a frame part surrounding the top surface of the suction arm may also cover the edges of the cutout, in which the suction arm sinks in when moving into the rest position. Said frame particularly covers the gap between the top surface of the suction arm and the surface of the cooktop.

[0017] The suction head in addition, or alternatively, may be configured to be horizontally shifted, particularly towards a position directly above one cooking zone of the cooking hob. By this means, a positioning of the suction opening directly above the cooking zone for a direct aspiration of the vapours generated on this cooking zone is achieved. Any swivelling means may be arranged at either end of the suction base and / or even at the connection point between suction base and suction head.

[0018] One specific embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the suction base is constructed in segments, which may allow an individual length adjustment by using a respective number of segments. An additional or alternative embodiment may be characterized by a permanent availability of length adjustability, so that an adjustment at any time is possible. Preferably, the suction base comprises a telescopic extension means, which allows a simple retraction and extracting between the telescope segments as needed.

[0019] The suction head may be movable from a first position to a second position by a mechanical actuation performed by the user of the extraction device. In order to facilitate the mechanical actuation, the user may be supported by a spring force, which may provide at least in an initial phase a spring-loaded lifting of the suction arm. In the other direction, for bringing the suction arm down to its resting position, e. g. flush with the upper surface of the cooktop, the user may be forced to act against said spring force and to engage a locking mechanism. A release of said locking mechanism for lifting again the suction arm is preferably performable by operating a push-push locking mechanism.

[0020] As an alternative, the suction arm may be moved by means of an automated, preferably electrically driven, adjustment device. This further simplifies the handling with the extraction device, in particular by provision of a servomotor that allows an easy move to position. Furthermore, such an automated positioning of the suction arm enables a direct positioning on a switch-on of the extraction device or of the cooking hob, e. g. to a standard operating position, so that the user just may finally adjust to an individual position, if needed or desired. On the other hand, upon switch off, the automated adjustment device may automatically move the suction arm to the rest position, i. e. notably flush with the cooktop surface. The automated adjustment device may be controlled by remote control means operated by the user or, alternatively, in a self-regulated manner, e. g. by a respective software input.

[0021] The suction arm, more specifically the suction head of the suction arm, may include a filter element for filtering out odours and / or pathogens, e. g. by using a photocatalytic system and / or an UV led system, and / or particles or droplets. Said filter element is particularly a releasable filter element, allowing servicing activities thereon. Moreover, the filter element is preferably arranged next to and / or accessible through the suction opening, so that there is no need for a disassembling of the suction arm. The suction arm may also include the previously mentioned fan for sucking in the air from the area above the cooking hob. That way, the stationary bottom unit of the extraction device may only comprise an exhaust outlet for an air exit into the atmosphere, i. e. into ambient air.

[0022] One particularly specific embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the suction arm comprises at least one of a sensor means, a device or component for an assisted cooking functionality, lighting means, a camera, acoustic input and / or output means and a user interface and / or control means. The sensor means may be configured to measure the temperature of a cookware placed on a cooking zone and / or food contained therein, e. g. by an infrared sensor means. There may also a humidity sensor be provided measuring the humidity rate, which may also be one basis for assisted cooking. Another sensor means for a detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) may be included as well. The humidity sensor and / or the VOC sensor is or are preferably provided for autoactivation and controlling the extraction device. A further specific sensor means that may be included, is a presence or proximity sensor, which may be used for identifying a user to move up to the cooking hob, so that in preparation of a beginning cooking process the extraction device may be made ready as well, what means that the suction arm is already automatically moved to an operating position. Said device or component for an assisted cooking functionality is particularly a stirring motor configured to be equipped with a stirring arm, and depending on the actual food preparation phase a stirring process of the food on the cooking zone may be automatically performed, e. g. following a respective advice in a cooking recipe. The lighting means may be designed to illuminate at least a section of the cooktop, preferably the entire cooktop. Said camera may be implemented for monitoring cookware or food contained therein, so that cooking parameters may be modified in dependence on the identified progress of the cooking process. Alternatively, the user may be guided during the cooking process after processing, specifically by means of a control unit of the extraction device, the information received from the camera and / or from any sensors. The camera may also be used for being linked with internet of things (IoT) or for an automatic positioning of the suction head, in particular by monitoring the cooktop surface and automatic identification that a specific cooking zone is activated, namely in that cookware is placed thereon. The acoustic input and / or output means are particularly provided for voice input and / or output for a hands-free operation of the extraction device and / or of the cooking hob, which appliances may be interconnected. Finally, the user interface may be provided for any control or information inputs by the user or for information output, e. g. of any food preparation state, to the user. Moreover, said control means may be configured to control or operate the extraction device.

[0023] One embodiment is characterized in that the suction arm includes at least one electric connection cable for electric supply and / or for signal transfer, which is preferably run in the interior of the suction base. That means that the suction arm, more specifically the suction base, not only provides an air duct for air conveyance, but also accommodates the wiring for any electric components arranged in the suction head.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the suction arm is removable from the extraction device supported by a pluggable air duct connection. This defines a modular for the suction arm.

[0025] In particular, said suction base is of a tube-like or channel-like configuration and includes a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the suction head, which connection particularly includes a mechanical connection as well as an airflow connection. The second end comprises a first connection piece, more specifically a first airflow connection piece, for a removable connection of the suction arm to a second connection piece, more specifically a second airflow connection piece, which is included in a stationary bottom unit of the extraction device. Said first and second connection pieces interact with each other.

[0026] One specific embodiment of the suction arm further comprises at least one electric connection cable for electric supply and / or for signal transfer. Said connection cable is preferably run in the interior of the suction base. Further, electrical connection means are included, which are preferably arranged at the second end of the suction base and configured to be coupled with related electric connection means of the stationary bottom unit.

[0027] Novel and inventive features of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0028] The present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which Fig. 1is a perspective view of a combination appliance comprising a cooking hob and a first embodiment of an extraction device; Fig. 2is a schematic side view of the combination appliance according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3ais a schematic side view of a combination appliance similar to Fig. 2, but with a second embodiment of the extraction device; Fig. 3billustrates the combination appliance according to Fig. 3a but with a suction arm of the extraction device in a rest position; Figs. 4a,b,cschematically illustrate a front, a top and a side view of the combination appliance according to Figs. 1 and 2, in a rest position of the extraction device; Figs. 5a,b,cschematically illustrate a front, a top and a side view of the combination appliance of Figs. 4a,b,c with a suction arm of the extraction device in an operating position; Figs. 6a,bare schematic illustrations of the combination appliance according to Fig. 5b, but with modified designs for the suction head of the extraction device; and Fig. 7schematically illustrates a combination appliance similar to Fig. 2, but with a third embodiment of the extraction device.

[0029] In all figures the same or equivalent part are marked with the same reference numbers.

[0030] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate schematically a combination appliance 10 comprising a cooking hob 12 and a first embodiment of an extraction device 14. The cooking hob 12 is designed to be installed in a cutout of a kitchen countertop. The extraction device 14 is configured to take away cooking vapours occurring during cooking processes, in particular when cooking with uncovered cookware takes place. The cooking hob 12 comprises four cooking zones 16 indicated by circles imprinted on a cooktop 18 of the cooking hob 12. Cookware is placeable on the cooking zones 16 for performing the cooking process, indicated by pot 20 in the figures.

[0031] The cooking zones 16 are heated by means of heating elements (not shown) arranged underneath and close to the cooktop 18. Said heating elements may be of electric nature, but other heating systems like gas cooking elements are considerable as well. One preferred cooking solution is induction cooking and, respectively, the heating elements are induction coils.

[0032] The cooking hob 12 is operable by a user of the combination appliance 10 by means of a user interface 22, which is arranged at a front edge of the cooktop 18, either laterally arranged as in Fig. 1 or centrally arranged. The user interface 22 may include any types of control units for providing control inputs to a control unit of the cooking hob 12. The present example is characterized by touch control elements and the control inputs are provided by the user on a touch surface of the user interface 22.

[0033] The extraction device 14 according to the first embodiment comprises a stationary bottom unit 24 arranged underneath the cooking hob 12 and a suction arm 26 arranged above the cooking hob 12 and coupled with the stationary bottom unit 24 through a cutout on the rear side of the cooking hob 12. The suction arm 26 is composed of a suction head 28 and a suction base 30. A first end of the suction base 30 is coupled with the suction head 28 and a second end is connected to the stationary bottom unit 24.

[0034] The entire extraction device 14 operates in that the suction head 28 sucks in the cooking vapours through a suction opening 32 located on a bottom side of the suction head 28. After having been sucked in, the air with the cooking vapours passes a filter unit (not shown) arranged in the interior of the suction head 28 and accessible through the suction opening 32 for servicing activities. The filter unit comprises a grease filter for filtering out grease particles and droplets. Optionally, also an odour filter is included for removing odours from the aspirated air. Alternatively, the odour filter may be arranged at another position of the air route inside of the extraction device 14, e. g. directly at the end of said air route, i. e. before the air is blown out as exhaust air into the atmosphere.

[0035] After having passed the filter unit, the air is conveyed through an air channel inside of the suction base 30 and, thereafter, through the interior of the stationary bottom unit 24 up to an outlet opening 34, through which the exhaust air escapes into ambient air.

[0036] As visualized by Figs. 1 and 2, the first embodiment of the extraction device 14 is designed like a hanging parasol with the suction base being arranged in an inclined orientation directed to a central axis (not illustrated) of the cooking hob 12. In the area of said central axis, but in a raised position above the cooktop 18, which position is located above a central area of the cooktop surface, the suction head 28 is arranged. Said central area of the cooktop 18 is also in the midst of and the closest position to all four cooking zones 16.

[0037] The airflow through the extraction device 14 is performed by an exhaust fan, which is included in the interior of the stationary bottom unit 24. The speed of the fan, which influences the flow rate of the airflow, is modifiable, in particular dependent on the number of activated cooking zones 16, which modification may be performed by a respective selection by the user or automatically based on any software input.

[0038] The arrangement of suction base 30 and suction head 28 may be a rigid and inflexible one as visualized by Fig. 1, so that the suction head 28 always stays at the same position. Alternatively, according to the illustration of Fig. 2, the position of the suction head 28 may be changed by respective adjusting means. Said adjusting means are configured to enable a displacement in different ways.

[0039] A first position change can be performed by a modification of the inclination of the suction base 30. To this end, the second end of the suction base 30 may be connected to the stationary bottom unit 24 by means of a hinge. In order to keep a parallel alignment of the suction head 28 with the surface of the cooktop 18 when modifying said inclination, the coupling between suction head 28 and suction base 30 may also be performed by means of a hinge.

[0040] A second position change concerns a horizontal displacement of the suction head 28, which is executable by a rotational movement of the second end of the suction base 30 around a vertical axis, which goes through the connection point between suction base 30 and stationary bottom unit 24. Such kind of displacement allows a movement towards a specific cooking zone 16, so that the suction head 28 is positioned directly above this cooking zone 16, e. g. if only this cooking zone 16 is operated.

[0041] Finally, a third position change is executable by a length adjustment of the suction base 30. For this purpose, the suction base 30 is telescopically extractable.

[0042] All three afore-described position change mechanisms allow a three-dimensionally displacement of the suction head in order to arrange it at the most convenient location for a best performance suction of cooking vapours, particularly providing an adjustability to the operated cooking zones 16 and the height of the used cookware 20.

[0043] Fig. 3a schematically shows a combination appliance similar to Figs. 1 and 2, but with a second embodiment of the extraction device 14. Similar to the first embodiment, the extraction device 14 of Fig. 3a comprises a stationary bottom unit 24 including the exhaust fan and arranged underneath the cooking hob 12, as well as a suction arm 26 arranged above the cooking hob 12 and coupled with the stationary bottom unit 24 through a cutout of the cooking hob 12. Said cutout, however, is arranged at a centre point of the cooking hob 12. Here as well, the suction arm 26 is composed of a suction head 28 and a suction base 30, wherein a first end of the suction base 30 is coupled with the suction head 28 and a second end is connected to the stationary bottom unit 24.

[0044] The second embodiment of the extraction device 14 is characterized by an only vertical changeability of the position of the suction head 28, realized by an upright and telescopically extractable suction base 30 for a height adjustment. As with the previously described first embodiment, the height position can be adapted e. g. to the height of the cookware used for the actual cooking process.

[0045] The suction arm 26 is designed to move to a rest position after finalizing the cooking process, which assumption of the rest position is visualized in Fig. 3b. The telescopically extractable suction base 30 has been retracted in that way that the top surface of the suction head 28 is flush (or nearly flush) with the surface of the cooktop 18. Of course, a respective space underneath the cooktop 18 is conceded for the accommodation of the retracted suction base 30. In this rest position, in which the extraction device 14 is inactive, the top surface of the suction arm 26 may blend in with the cooktop surface, which is realized in that said top surface is made of the same material as the surface of the cooktop 18, namely made of glass ceramics.

[0046] Naturally, the just described parking of the suction arm 26 in the rest position can be also implemented in the first embodiment according to Fig. 2. This specific feature is schematically illustrated by Figs. 4a,b,c and 5a,b,c, wherein both sets of figures show a front, a top and a side view of the combination appliance 10 either according to Fig. 1, but with the possibility to change the inclination of the suction base 30 of its extraction device 14 and to park it in a rest position, or according to Fig. 2. While the assumption of the rest position of the suction arm 26 is presented by Figs. 4a,b,c, the respective illustrations of Figs. 5a,b,c visualize the active, i. e. the operating position thereof.

[0047] When moving from the operating position, in which the suction head 28 is horizontally and the suction base 30 is diagonally arranged, so that these two elements include an obtuse angle, the rest position is characterized in that the top surfaces of the suction base 30 is flush with the top surface of the suction head 28. The respective change of the angle between suction base 30 and suction head 28 is enabled by means of a hinge. Alternatively, an outer shell of suction head 28 and suction base 30 may be made in one piece with elastic material, providing a flexible adaptation of said angle to the respective position the suction arm 26 is assuming.

[0048] Moreover, a front face 38 of the suction head 28 (alternatively its top side), which is specifically visible in Fig. 5a, may also include a user interface (not shown). This means, that this user interface comes towards the user, when the suction arm 26 moves from its rest position to its operating position, what may end up in a facilitated control input or improved perceptibility of display means on said user interface The user interface arranged at the suction head 28 may be a satellite user interface interacting with the user interface 22 on the cooking hob 12, or it may be a sole user interface for the entire combination appliance 10in that replacing the user interface 22 of the cooking hob 12.

[0049] Further, Fig. 5a also illustrates sensor means 36 on a bottom surface of the suction body, which bottom surface faces the user in diagonally direction. Said sensor means 36 may be configured to measure temperature of the cookware 20 or the food contained therein, and / or to measure humidity and / or to detect volatile organic compounds. All said measuring or detection incidents may be used for providing respective signals to control means of the extraction device, which information may be used for an assisted cooking functionality, the combination appliance 10 may provide.

[0050] One of the sensors 36 illustrated in Fig. 5a may also be a camera for monitoring the cooking process, which information also can be used as input for such assisted cooking. Moreover, said camera may also provide information about the number (and the respective positions) of operated cooking zones 16, resulting e. g. in the previously mentioned automatic fan speed adjustment.

[0051] Figs. 6a and 6b present two different designs for the shape of the suction head 28 compared to the shape illustrated in Figs. 4b and 5b. The suction head 28 may be designed as a circular disk (Fig. 6a) or quadratic, but connected to the suction base in a rhombic way, i. e. connected to the suction base with one corner of the square (Fig. 6b). Both design examples according to Figs. 6a and 6b may comprise a suction opening 32 on their bottom sides, either in a flat or bowl-shaped or cone-shaped form. However, the shape according to Fig. 6b is favourably combined with suction openings in lateral surfaces, which results in an orientation towards the four cooking zones. That way, the cooking vapours generated on each one of these four cooking zones are directly sucked in by the suction opening 32 directed towards the respective cooking zone 16.

[0052] Finally, Fig. 7 schematically shows a combination appliance 10 with a third embodiment of an extraction device 14, which is constructed modularly. This embodiment of the extraction device 14 includes all components for an air conveyance and filtering inside of the suction arm 26. Therefore, the stationary bottom unit is reduced to just a box with an inlet opening, which provides also the counterpart for a connection pipe 40 on the second end of the suction arm 26 and an internal air duct towards the outlet opening 34. The filter elements and / or the fan may be arranged in the suction head 28 and / or in the suction base 30. It is to be noted that the detachability of the suction arm 26 also may be provided in the embodiments according to Figs. 1 to 6b, particularly for service activities, e. g. for a cleaning of the suction arm 26. This means that the fan can stay arranged in the stationary bottom unit 24. If such structuring may be provided as a low-cost solution, being just a unit with air inlet, air conveyance and filtering, but without any electric or electronic components, this type of suction arm 26 can be designed as a solid block, containing a grease filter, which then provides an easy accessibility for cleaning activities.

[0053] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.List of reference numerals

[0054] 10combination appliance 12cooking hob 14extraction device 16cooking zones 18cooktop 20pot 22user interface 24stationary bottom unit 26suction arm 28suction head 30suction base 32suction opening 34outlet opening 36sensor 38front face 40connection pipe

Claims

1. A combination appliance (10) comprising a cooking hob (12), which comprises a cooktop (18) and at least two cooking zones (16), and an extraction device (14) for removing air, in particular air comprising cooking vapours, from an area above the cooking hob (12), the extraction device (14) comprising - a suction arm (26) including a suction head (28), which comprises a suction opening (32), and a suction base (30), which comprises an air duct for conducting the air, the air duct being arranged downstream of the suction opening (32), - a fan for sucking in the air from the area above the cooking hob (12) through the suction opening (32) and the air duct, - particularly a filter element, preferably including a grease and / or odour filter function, for removing particles and / or droplets and / or odours from the air sucked in, which filter element is particularly arranged or arrangeable upstream of the fan, and - an outlet opening (34) for exhausting air, in particular into the ambient air, wherein the suction arm (26) is centrally arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device (14), in relation to the cooking hob (12) or is arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device (14), midway between the lateral edges of the cooking hob (12), wherein preferably both a centre or centreline of the suction arm (26) and a centreline of the cooking hob (12) lie in one plane that is vertically oriented, and wherein the position of the suction head (28) and / or of the suction opening (32) is changeable from a position within the boundary lines and at least approximately at the height level of the cooktop (18) of the cooking hob (12) to an elevated position above the height level of the cooktop (18) characterized in that the suction base (30) of the suction arm (26) is arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device (14), in the inner zone of the cooking area, midway between and away from the lateral edges of the cooking hob, and the base or bottom of the suction base (30) is arranged, in particular arranged removable from the extraction device (14), at or close to a rear edge of the cooking hob (12) in a pivotable manner and is orientable in an inclined manner and particularly extendable in an inclined direction.

2. The combination appliance (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction opening (32) is arranged - on a bottom side of the suction head (28), particularly accomplishing a flat or a bowl-shaped or a cone-shaped aspiration direction, or - on at least one lateral surface of the suction head (28) for a suction in an at least approximately horizontal direction and is configured to suck in air from a cooking hob section, particularly all cooking hob sections, on which a cooking zone (16) is accommodated.

3. The combination appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the suction opening (32) of the extraction device (14) is arrangeable at different height positions, in particular at or just above a level of a rim of a pot (20), which is positioned or positionable on a cooking zone (16) of the cooking hob (12), preferably of the highest one of a number of pots (20).

4. The combination appliance (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the suction arm (26), particularly a top side thereof, is configured to be arranged at a height position at the level of a top surface of the cooktop (18), preferably flush with the top surface of the cooktop (18), which height position i. forms an inactive state of the extraction device (14), in which the suction arm (26) preferably forms a section of the cooktop surface, or ii. the extraction device (14) is operable as a downdraft extraction device with a suction opening (32) facing upwards, wherein the suction head (28) - comprises a suction opening (32) on its top side, or - comprises a suction opening (32) on its bottom side and is turnable upside down.

5. The combination appliance (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction head (28) is configured to be horizontally shifted, particularly towards a position directly above one cooking zone (16) of the cooking hob (12).

6. The combination appliance (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction base (30) is constructed in segments and / or is length adjustable, preferably comprising a telescopic extension means.

7. The combination appliance (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction head (28) is movable from a first position to a second position - by means of an automated, preferably electrically driven, adjustment device, or - by mechanical actuation, in particular supported by spring force and / or including a release of a locking mechanism, preferably a push-push locking mechanism.

8. The combination appliance (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction arm (26), in particular the suction head (28) of the suction arm (26), includes - a filter element for filtering out odours and / or pathogens and / or particles or droplets, in particular a releasable filter element, which is preferably arranged next to and / or accessible through the suction opening (32), - particularly the fan for sucking in the air from the area above the cooking hob (12).

9. The combination appliance (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction arm (26) comprises at least one of - a sensor means (36), in particular a sensor for measuring temperature and / or humidity or for detection of volatile organic compounds, - a presence or proximity sensor, - a device or component for an assisted cooking functionality, in particular a stirring motor configured to be equipped with a stirring arm, - lighting means for the illumination of at least a section of the cooktop (18), - a camera for monitoring cookware (20) or food contained therein, - acoustic input and / or output means, in particular for voice input and / or output, - a user interface for control or information input or for information output and / or control means for controlling or operating the extraction device (14).

10. The combination appliance (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the suction arm (26) includes at least one electric connection cable for electric supply and / or for signal transfer, which is preferably run in the interior of the suction base (30).

11. The combination appliance (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction arm (26) is removable from the extraction device (14) by means of a pluggable air duct connection.

12. The combination appliance (10) according to anyone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction base (30) is tube-like or channel-like and includes a first end connected to the suction head (28) and a second end comprising a first connection piece for a removable connection of the suction arm (26) to a second connection piece included in a stationary bottom unit(24) of the extraction device (14), the second connection piece interacting with the first connection piece.

13. The combination appliance (10) according to claim 12, when dependent on claim 10, further comprising electrical connection means, preferably arranged at the second end of the suction base (30) and configured to be coupled with related electric connection means of the stationary bottom unit (24).