Vapor capturing device for a cooking appliance and unit consisting of a cooking appliance and a vapor capturing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vapor detecting device for a cooking appliance and to a unit consisting of a cooking appliance and a vapor detecting device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a vapor capture device for a cooking appliance, comprising at least one first opening that can be connected to at least one cooking chamber of the cooking appliance via a ventilation system thereof for the flow of exhaust air from the cooking appliance into the vapor capture device, at least one second opening into which ambient air and, when the door of the cooking chamber is at least partially open, exhaust air from the cooking appliance can flow, a condensation device for at least partially removing aerosols and vapor from the exhaust air, and a treatment device for at least partially removing unwanted substances and / or odors from the exhaust air. The invention further relates to a unit comprising such a vapor capture device and a cooking appliance.

[0002] Numerous extractor hoods, which can also be referred to as fume extraction devices, are known in the prior art. These devices essentially clean the exhaust air from a cooking appliance by removing fumes and other unwanted substances and decomposing odor-carrying exhaust gases. The exhaust air can enter the extractor hood in two different ways: firstly, via a ventilation system for the cooking chamber and, if applicable, other interior spaces of the cooking appliance; and secondly, when the cooking chamber door is open, together with the atmosphere outside the cooking chamber, i.e., the ambient air.

[0003] It is also common to provide an activated carbon unit separately from a condensation unit in a cooker hood, with an arrangement in which the exhaust air first passes through the condensation unit and then the activated carbon unit being preferred, since conventional activated carbon units should not come into contact with moisture.

[0004] When operating cooking appliances, especially those where food can be cooked using either hot air and / or steam, the atmosphere within a kitchen where the appliances are located can be significantly affected by fumes, both in terms of odor and in terms of moisture and substances carried along, such as fats. Therefore, DE 10 2007 042 284 A1 proposes a combination of known devices in an extractor hood, in which the fumes first pass through a condensation section, then are redirected, and finally pass through an odor treatment section. In the condensation section, moisture from the fumes condenses, while in the odor treatment section, unpleasant odors are reduced before being released into the ambient air.The key aspect is to provide a functional separation within a cooker hood, whereby the redirection of the flow between the two functional units should lead to a compact design.

[0005] A cooker hood is also known from DE 20 2011 050 141 U1.

[0006] Further information on the state of the art can be found in WO 2007 / 042307 A1 and DE 10 2007 047356 A1.

[0007] Based on this prior art, the invention aims to improve a vapor capture device with regard to its design and / or its effect.

[0008] This problem is solved in a fume capture device according to the preamble of claim 1 by the characterizing features of claim 1. Further developments and advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0009] The invention relates to a vapor capture device for a cooking appliance, comprising at least a first opening which can be connected to at least one cooking chamber of a cooking appliance via a ventilation system of the same for the flow of exhaust air from the cooking appliance into the vapor capture device, at least a second opening into which the ambient air and, when the door of the cooking chamber is at least partially open, exhaust air from the cooking appliance can flow, a condensation device for at least partially removing aerosols, water droplets and steam from the exhaust air and a treatment device for at least partially removing unwanted substances and / or odors from the exhaust air, and with at least a third opening from which the treated exhaust air can flow out of the vapor capture device.

[0010] According to the invention, it is provided that the exhaust air flowing into the vapor capture device through the first opening and through the second opening flows through the following stations arranged successively within the vapor capture device, namely a coolable body as a station of the condensation device to clean the exhaust air of aerosols and water droplets and to condense at least a part of the water vapor and preferably to cool it partially, wherein the coolable body is a tube package comprising several spaced-apart tubes arranged one above the other and one behind the other, a grease separator filter as the first station of the treatment device, a sponge filter as the second station of the treatment device, a plasma as the third station of the treatment device for disinfection, ionization and / or dissociation, and an activated carbon filter as the fourth station of the treatment device.

[0011] The arrangement of condensation device and treatment device according to the invention, with the aforementioned stations, is also suitable for a vapor capture device that is arranged above a cooktop.

[0012] Accordingly, the invention also relates to a vapor capture device for a cooktop, comprising at least one opening into which ambient air and exhaust air from the cooktop can flow into the vapor capture device arranged at a distance from the cooktop, a condensation device for at least partially removing aerosols, water droplets, and steam from the exhaust air, and a treatment device for at least partially removing unwanted substances and / or odors from the exhaust air, and comprising at least one other opening from which the treated exhaust air can flow out of the vapor capture device, wherein the exhaust air flowing into the vapor capture device through one opening flows through the following successive stations arranged within the vapor capture device, namely a coolable body as a station of the condensation device to clean the exhaust air of aerosols and water droplets and to condense at least a part of the water vapor and preferably to cool it partially, wherein the coolable body is a tube package comprising several spaced-apart tubes arranged one above the other and one behind the other, a grease separator filter as the first station of the treatment device, a sponge filter as the second station of the treatment device, a plasma as the third station of the treatment device for disinfection, ionization and / or dissociation, and an activated carbon filter as the fourth station of the treatment device.

[0013] If the exhaust air stream splits into several exhaust air sub-streams, these sub-streams pass through the aforementioned stations of the treatment facility in parallel. Accordingly, the stations can also be divided; for example, one activated carbon filter of the fourth station may be for one exhaust air sub-stream, and another activated carbon filter of the fourth station, spaced apart, may be for a different exhaust air sub-stream.

[0014] The grease separator filter is preferably a metal mesh filter. Advantageously, such a filter can be cleaned or regenerated at any time by washing. Contaminants, especially grease particles, are separated by this type of filter.

[0015] The sponge filter, which is designed, for example, as a foam filter mat, filters larger particles, grease particles, and possibly also water from the exhaust air. Advantageously, such a filter can be cleaned or regenerated at any time by washing.

[0016] By generating a plasma as a third station of the treatment device during the operation of the fume capture device according to the invention, it is achieved that unwanted substances and odors are at least partially converted or neutralized from the exhaust air into harmless and odorless components.

[0017] According to the invention, a plasma is understood to be a gas whose components contain at least some ions and electrons and thus free charge carriers. A plasma thereby neutralizes unwanted particles, and unpleasant odors from the exhaust air can also be eliminated or reduced by the plasma formed. Among other things, ozone is produced by plasma formation or exhaust air ionization, which causes the breakdown of various molecules or molecular chains.

[0018] Exciting air or exhaust air to form a plasma leads to a plasma state in which the resulting ions, which form free radicals in the plasma, or in which the free electrons cause these to react with the molecules / chains, aerosol particles or unwanted substances contained in the air or plasma in order to reduce their undesirable effects on humans and the environment to a desired level.

[0019] The plasma has the property that, in an oxidation process, unwanted or unstable molecules / chains in the air or exhaust air are decomposed by the plasma or converted into stable compounds. Such an oxidation or decomposition process is often also referred to as cold combustion. The ozone produced during plasma formation contributes to this process and, within the context of the fume capture device according to the invention, has an odor-neutralizing effect. Odor nuisances, such as those typically produced when cooking food, are significantly reduced.

[0020] The stimulation of air or exhaust air to form plasma can be achieved in different ways.

[0021] A plasma generator is particularly suitable if it comprises a grid of voltage-sensitive electrodes, each with an electrically conductive core and an insulating sheath enclosing the core (preferably in the form of a glass tube), through which the exhaust air flows and which transversely crosses a flow channel. The grid also includes power electronics connected to the electrode grid for generating potential differences between the nearest adjacent electrodes by applying a corresponding voltage. The electrodes are rod-shaped, each extending across the flow channel, and are arranged parallel and equidistant from one another. The aforementioned electrode grid is preferably charged with 5–10 kilovolts, more preferably with 8 kilovolts.

[0022] To filter out the molecules / molecular chains converted / neutralized in the third station of the treatment device, which is configured as plasma, from the exhaust air after it has flowed through the third station during operation of one of the fume capture devices according to the invention, the treatment device is provided with an activated carbon filter located downstream of the third station in terms of airflow, in order to filter out residual particles contained in the exhaust air. The use of an activated carbon filter also serves to decompose any compounds not yet converted by the plasma within the activated carbon. The activated carbon thus does not serve as a storage medium, but rather as a catalyst and additional reaction platform. Furthermore, the activated carbon breaks down the ozone produced during plasma formation. This simultaneously leads to the regeneration of the activated carbon.

[0023] It can be advantageous to provide a blower, preferably a radial fan, between the condensing unit and the treatment unit. The blower accelerates the exhaust air flow, which then flows through the condensing unit and the treatment unit in a predetermined manner.

[0024] It can be advantageous if the blower is arranged in such a way that it deflects the exhaust airflow upwards, preferably by 90° upwards. This allows for a compact design of the fume capture device.

[0025] It can be advantageous if the exhaust air stream splits into two partial exhaust air streams downstream of the blower unit, with each partial exhaust air stream flowing through a treatment unit or the stations of the treatment unit. Splitting the exhaust air stream into two partial streams has the advantage of creating space between them for at least one transformer. Preferably, two transformers are provided in this space, each for generating one plasma per partial exhaust air stream. Each partial exhaust air stream preferably contains an electrode grid as previously described.

[0026] According to the invention, the coolable body is a tube assembly comprising several spaced-apart tubes arranged one above the other and one behind the other. Preferably, the tubes of the tube assembly are oriented transversely to the exhaust air flow, so that the exhaust air flows around the tubes and through the tube assembly itself. It can be advantageous if the coolable body is arranged directly behind the second opening in the flow path of the exhaust air flowing in through the second opening or through the single opening.

[0027] It can be advantageous if the grease separator filter, the sponge filter, and / or the activated carbon filter of the treatment unit are each designed in a plate-like form, preferably as an insert or slide-in that can be removed from the fume capture unit. If the exhaust air stream is divided into partial streams, preferably each partial stream has its own insert or slide-in of the grease separator filter, the sponge filter, and / or the activated carbon filter that can be removed from the fume capture unit. The inserts are preferably removable from the front of the fume capture unit.

[0028] It can be advantageous if a preferably plate-shaped grease separator filter is arranged upstream of or within the second opening or the first opening, positioned in the flow path of the exhaust air flowing in through the second opening or the first opening, upstream of the coolable body. This filter is preferably replaceable, particularly washable for cleaning, and serves to separate unwanted particles, especially grease particles, from the exhaust air before the exhaust air comes into contact with the coolable body of the condensing unit.

[0029] It can be advantageous to have a baffle plate positioned in front of the second or the first opening, in the flow path of the exhaust air entering through the second or first opening, and upstream of the grease separator filter located in the second or first opening. The baffle plate essentially serves to increase the air velocity and improve the flow of exhaust air into the fume capture device.

[0030] It may be advantageous if the third opening is provided with a preferably plate-shaped HEPA filter, which is arranged in the flow path of the exhaust air after the treatment device, or if the other opening is provided with a preferably plate-shaped electrostatic filter, which is arranged in the flow path of the exhaust air after the treatment device.

[0031] HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air filters) are fine filters used to remove particles such as dust, smoke particles, and aerosol particles from the exhaust air flowing through them. These filters are commercially available and therefore cost-effective for removing residual particles remaining in the exhaust air. The advantage of these filters is that additional particles, such as those that can enter the air through an activated carbon filter, are also filtered out as the air passes through the fine particle filter, thus improving air purity and filtering out unwanted components. This easily increases the reliability of the fume capture device according to the invention with regard to its filtering effect.

[0032] Preferably, the HEPA filter is arranged in a removable cover of the fume capture device. This cover also contains at least one third opening for the discharge of the treated exhaust air from the fume capture device.

[0033] It can be advantageous if the condensation device has a base equipped with a pipe-like drain to remove condensate and, if necessary, grease or other unwanted particles from the vapor capture device.

[0034] It may be advantageous if the blower device is arranged in a passageway of a trough located under the treatment device, the trough having a pipe-like drain in its bottom to direct condensate and / or grease particles or other unwanted particles into the pipe-like drain of the bottom of the condensation device and to discharge them from the fume collection device.

[0035] The ozone released during plasma formation is an aggressive medium that can attack and potentially decompose materials or components. Therefore, in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the existing wall is provided to consist of, or incorporate, a stainless steel material, at least in sections. This effectively prevents decomposition or damage by ozone to components or sections of a ventilation device according to the invention that are made of stainless steel.

[0036] Finally, the invention also relates to a unit comprising, on the one hand, a cooking appliance with a cooking chamber, at least one device for supplying hot air, steam and / or microwaves to food arranged in the cooking chamber and at least one device for cleaning at least the cooking chamber, and on the other hand, a vapor capture device according to the invention, wherein the first opening of the vapor capture device is connected to a ventilation system of the cooking appliance which is in operative communication with the cooking chamber.

[0037] The invention will now be explained with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. In this drawing, Fig. 1 a schematic exploded view of a fume capture device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic exploded view of the third station of the treatment device with two plasma substations including a blower device arranged below the treatment device, Fig. 3 a schematic exploded view of the condensation device, Fig. 4 a schematic exploded view of the third openings with HEPA filter in a cover of the fume capture device, Fig. 5 a schematic exploded view of the fourth station of the treatment device in the form of an insert, which has an activated carbon filter, and Fig. 6 a schematic exploded view of the second station of the treatment device in the form of an insert, which has a sponge filter.

[0038] The drawing illustrates and explains the features essential for understanding the invention. Reference numerals used in the figures always denote identical parts.

[0039] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a schematic exploded view of a fume capture device 10 according to the invention for a cooking appliance (not shown here), comprising at least a first opening 12, which can be connected to at least one cooking chamber of the cooking appliance via a ventilation system of the same for the flow of exhaust air from the cooking appliance into the fume capture device, and at least a second opening 14, into which the ambient air and, when the door of the cooking chamber is at least partially open, exhaust air from the cooking appliance can flow. The fume capture device 10 has a condensation device 16 for at least partially removing aerosols, water droplets, and steam from the exhaust air and a treatment device 18 for at least partially removing unwanted substances and / or odors from the exhaust air. Furthermore, the fume capture device comprises at least a third opening 20, from which the treated exhaust air can flow out of the fume capture device 10.

[0040] According to the invention, it is provided that the first opening 12, which is in Fig. 3 as can be clearly seen, and the exhaust air flowing into the vapor capture device 10 through the second opening 14 passes through the following stations arranged successively within the vapor capture device 10, namely a coolable body 22 as a station of the condensation device 16, in order to clean the exhaust air of aerosols and water droplets and to condense at least part of the water vapor and preferably partially cool it, a grease separator filter 24 as the first station of the treatment device 18, a sponge filter 26 as the second station of the treatment device 18, a plasma 28 as the third station of the treatment device 18 for disinfection, ionization and / or dissociation and an activated carbon filter 30 as the fourth station of the treatment device 18.

[0041] Furthermore, a blower unit 32, in this case a radial fan, is provided between the condensation unit 16 and the treatment unit 18. The blower unit 32 is well integrated into Fig. 2 to recognize.

[0042] The blower unit 32 is arranged in such a way that it deflects the exhaust air flow upwards.

[0043] In this case, the exhaust air stream splits into two exhaust air partial streams downstream of the blower unit 32, with each exhaust air partial stream flowing through a treatment unit 18. The partial streams are separated from each other by a chamber 54 containing two transformers 56 for generating a volume plasma for each exhaust air partial stream. According to the invention, each exhaust air partial stream flows through the treatment unit 18. The individual stations 24, 26, and 30 are connected to this treatment unit as described in the figure. Fig. 1As shown, each partial flow is provided, meaning it is essentially present twice. To generate the plasma provided for each partial flow, grids 58 made of voltage-sensitive electrodes, each with an electrically conductive core and an insulating sheath enclosing the core, are provided. These grids are permeable to the exhaust air and transversely traverse a flow channel. Power electronics, comprising the aforementioned transformers 56, are connected to the electrode grid 58 to establish potential differences between the nearest adjacent electrodes by applying a corresponding voltage. The electrodes are rod-shaped, each traverses the flow channel, and are arranged parallel and equidistant from one another. Preferably, the electrode grids are charged with 5–10 kilovolts, preferably with 8 kilovolts.

[0044] The coolable body 22 is - as in Fig. 3The illustration shows a pipe assembly comprising several spaced-apart pipes 34 arranged one above the other and one behind the other. In this case, 6x6, i.e., 24 pipes, are provided, with the individual rows being arranged alternately offset from each other.

[0045] As in Fig. 1 As can be clearly seen, the coolable body 22 is located directly behind the second opening 14 in the flow path of the exhaust air flowing in through the second opening 14.

[0046] The grease separator filter 24, the sponge filter 26 and / or the activated carbon filter 28 of the treatment unit 18 are each designed as a plate in the form of a removable insert or slide 36 for each partial flow. In the Figs. 5 and 6 The inserts 36, which contain the activated carbon filter 28 and the sponge filter 26, are shown in detail.

[0047] How good in Fig. 1As can be seen, a preferably plate-shaped grease separator filter 38 is arranged in front of or within the second opening 14, which is positioned in the flow path of the exhaust air flowing in through the second opening 14, in front of the coolable body 22. As shown in Fig. 1 Also visible is a baffle plate 39 arranged in front of the second opening 14, which is located in the flow path of the exhaust air flowing in through the second opening 14 in front of the grease separator filter 38 arranged in the second opening 14.

[0048] The third opening 20, which is well in Fig. 4 As can be seen, it has a plate-shaped HEPA filter 40, which is arranged in the flow path of the exhaust air after the treatment unit 18.

[0049] The condensation device 16 has a base 42 which is provided with a pipe-like drain 44 to remove condensate and any other separated unwanted particles, for example grease particles, from the vapor capture device 10.

[0050] The blower device 32 is arranged in a passage 46 of a trough 48 arranged under the treatment device 16, the trough 48 having a pipe-like drain 52 in its bottom 50 to direct condensate and any other separated unwanted particles, for example grease particles, into the pipe-like drain 44 of the bottom 42 of the condensation device 16 and to discharge them from the vapor capture device 10. Reference symbol list (is part of the description)

[0051] 10 Fume capture device 12 1st opening 14 2nd opening 16 Condensation device 18 Treatment device 20 Opening 22 Coolable body 24 Grease separator filter 26 Sponge filter 28 Plasma 30 Activated carbon filter 32 Blower device 34 Pipe 36 Insert 38 Grease separator filter 39 Baffle plate 40 HEPA filter 42 Base 44 Tubular drain 46 Feedthrough 48 Tray 50 Base 52 Tubular drain 54 Room 56 Transformer 58 Electrode grid

Claims

1. Vapour capturing device (10) for a cooking appliance, having at least one first opening (12), which can be connected to at least one cooking space of a cooking appliance by way of a venting system of the appliance, to allow outgoing air from the cooking appliance to flow into the vapour capturing device (10), having at least one second opening (14), into which ambient air and, if the door of the cooking space is at least partially open, outgoing air from the cooking appliance can flow in, having a condensation device (16) for the at least partial removal of aerosols, water droplets and steam from the outgoing air, and having a treatment device (18) for the at least partial removal of undesirable substances and / or odours from outgoing air, and having at least one third opening (20), from which the treated outgoing air can flow out of the vapour capturing device (10), characterized in that the outgoing air that flows into the vapour capturing device (10) through the first opening (12) and through the second opening (14) flows through the following stations arranged within the vapour capturing device (10) one after the other, specifically • a coolable body (22) as a station of the condensation device (16), so as to clean the outgoing air of aerosols and water droplets and to condense out at least part of the steam and preferably partially cool it, wherein the coolable body (22) is an assembly of tubes comprising a number of tubes (34) that are spaced apart from one another, arranged one above the other and one behind the other, • a grease separator filter (24) as the first station of the treatment device (18), • a sponge filter (26) as the second station of the treatment device (18), • a plasma (28) as the third station of the treatment device (18), for sterilization, ionization and / or dissociation, and • an activated charcoal filter (30) as the fourth station of the treatment device (18).

2. Vapour capturing device (10) for a hob, having at least one opening (12), into which ambient air and outgoing air can flow from the hob into the vapour capturing device arranged at a distance from the hob, having a condensation device (16) for the at least partial removal of aerosols, water droplets and steam from the outgoing air, and having a treatment device (18) for the at least partial removal of undesirable substances and / or odours from outgoing air, and having at least one other opening (14), from which the treated outgoing air can flow out of the vapour capturing device, characterized in that the outgoing air that flows into the vapour capturing device through the one opening (12) flows through the following stations arranged within the vapour capturing device one after the other, specifically • a coolable body (22) as a station of the condensation device (16), so as to clean the outgoing air of aerosols and water droplets and to condense out at least part of the steam and preferably partially cool it, wherein the coolable body (22) is an assembly of tubes comprising a number of tubes (34) that are spaced apart from one another, arranged one above the other and one behind the other, • a grease separator filter (24) as the first station of the treatment device (18), • a sponge filter (26) as the second station of the treatment device (18), • a plasma (28) as the third station of the treatment device (18), for sterilization, ionization and / or dissociation, and • an activated charcoal filter (30) as the fourth station of the treatment device (18).

3. Vapour capturing device (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a blower device (32), preferably a radial fan, is provided between the condensation device (16) and the treatment device (18).

4. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blower device (32) is arranged in such a way that it deflects the outgoing air stream upwards, preferably upwards by 90°.

5. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the blower device (32) the outgoing air stream divides into two partial outgoing air streams, wherein each partial outgoing air stream flows through a treatment device (18).

6. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the flow path of the outgoing air that flows in through the second opening (14) or through the one opening the coolable body (22) is arranged directly after the second opening (14).

7. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grease separator filter (24), the sponge filter (26) and / or the activated charcoal filter (28) of the treatment device (18) are each formed as plate-shaped, in the form of a removable insert or slide-in module (36).

8. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that arranged ahead of or in the second opening (14) or one opening is a preferably plate-shaped grease separator filter (38), which in the flow path of the outgoing air that flows in through the second opening (14) is arranged ahead of the coolable body (22).

9. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that arranged ahead of the second opening or the one opening is a baffle plate (39), which in the flow path of the outgoing air that flows in through the second opening (14) is arranged ahead of the grease separator filter (38) arranged in the second opening (14).

10. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third opening (20) is provided with a preferably plate-shaped HEPA filter (40), which in the flow path of the outgoing air is arranged after the treatment device (18) or in that the other opening is provided with a preferably plate-shaped electrostatic filter, which in the flow path of the outgoing air is arranged after the treatment device.

11. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the condensation apparatus (16) has a bottom (42) which is provided with a pipe-like drain (44), so as to remove condensate from the vapour capturing device (10).

12. Vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blower device (32) is arranged in a through-hole (46) of a tray (48) arranged under the treatment device (16), wherein the tray (48) has a pipe-like drain (52) in its bottom (50), so as to conduct condensate into the pipe-like drain (44) of the bottom (42) of the condensation apparatus (16) and remove it from the vapour capturing device (10).

13. Unit comprising a cooking appliance having a cooking space, at least one device for applying hot air, steam and or microwaves to food to be cooked that is arranged in the cooking space and at least one device for cleaning at least the cooking space and a vapour capturing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening (12) of the vapour capturing device (10) is connected to a venting system of the cooking appliance that is in operative connection with the cooking space.

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