Downdraft fan, cooking system and method for installing

Abstract

A downdraft fan (1) and a cooking system (200) comprising a worktop (100), a furniture carcass (150), a cooktop assembly (50), and such a downdraft fan (1). The downdraft fan (1) comprises a housing assembly (2) for installation in the furniture carcass (150), a vapor screen assembly (3) with an intake opening (4) for vapors, wherein the vapor screen assembly (3), in the installed state, extends section by section through an opening (101) in a worktop (100), and at least one mounting frame (5) for insertion into an opening (100) of the worktop, wherein the mounting frame (5) includes a recess for the vapor screen assembly. The downdraft fan comprises a support assembly (6) with a support element (7).The worktop (100) has a common opening (100) for the vapor shield (3) of the downdraft extractor (1) and for the cooktop assembly (50), and the mounting frame (5) of the downdraft extractor and / or the cooktop assembly (50) rest section by section on the support element (7) of the support device (6). In the method for installing such a cooking system (200), a common opening (101) for the vapor shield (3) of the downdraft extractor (1) and for the cooktop assembly (50) is created in the worktop (100). The housing assembly (2) of the downdraft extractor (1) is installed in the furniture carcass (150), and the support device (6) is attached to or installed on the housing assembly (2) of the downdraft extractor (1). The mounting frame (5) of the downdraft extractor (1) and the cooktop assembly (50) are then installed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an extractor hood or a downdraft fan comprising at least one housing device, at least one vapor shield device and at least one installation frame. The housing device is intended for installation in at least one furniture body beneath at least one worktop, and the vapor shield device has at least one intake opening for vapors, wherein the vapor shield device, when installed, extends at least partially through at least one opening in a worktop. The installation frame is inserted into an opening in the worktop and has at least one recess for the vapor shield device. The present invention also relates to a cooking system comprising at least one worktop, at least one furniture body, at least one cooking surface device and at least one such downdraft fan.The present invention further relates to a method for installing such a cooking system.

[0002] Extractor hoods or downdraft fans are often installed above or around a hob to extract the greasy vapors that rise during cooking, thus preventing soiling of the kitchen units and unpleasant odors. Downdraft fans, which are usually integrated flush with a worktop and / or hob, typically draw the greasy vapors rising above the hob into an intake opening, remove grease and odors, and expel them downwards, particularly beneath the worktop or hob, using a fan.

[0003] The functional components of a downdraft fan, such as the filter units, the fan unit, and / or the housing, are typically at least partially housed or integrated into an installation space below the worktop, particularly in a piece of kitchen furniture or the like. Therefore, unlike traditional extractor hoods, downdraft fans largely require no installation space above the cooktop, thus enabling a kitchen design that is often perceived as particularly visually appealing.

[0004] If a downdraft fan is integrated into a worktop next to or behind a cooktop, the current technology involves creating two cutouts or openings in the worktop, each adapted to the size of the downdraft fan and the cooktop. Since all-round support for the downdraft fan or the installation frame of the downdraft fan and the cooktop is desired or necessary, two separate cutouts are created in the worktop, separated from each other by a remaining worktop web. To ensure sufficient stability and to avoid defects during the cutouts' manufacture, such webs are generally at least 30 mm thick.

[0005] This bridge then serves as a support for the downdraft fan installation frame and the cooktop on the adjacent side. Without such a bridge, the cooktop and the downdraft fan installation frame could give way under load, causing a defect. Especially with very wide cooktops, a wider bridge can be advantageous or even necessary to ensure sufficient stability.

[0006] The disadvantage of the need for a bridge, however, is that the cutouts must be made very carefully to ensure the bridge stays in place and doesn't break. In that case, the worktop would have to be replaced.

[0007] Furthermore, the bridge prevents flush installation of the downdraft fan and the cooktop, as the bridge remains visually visible. However, customers often request a direct installation of the downdraft fan and the cooktop. Furthermore, with a flush, i.e. directly adjacent, installation of the downdraft fan and the cooktop, the steam intake opening is positioned closer to the cooktop, which offers advantages.

[0008] US 2014 / 034040 A1 describes a downdraft device for ventilating a cooktop, which comprises a housing with a frame, a fluid box and a movement assembly with a lifting mechanism.

[0009] EP 4 036 480 A2 relates to a cooking system comprising at least one furniture body, at least one downdraft fan module and at least one installation device arranged on the furniture body, wherein the downdraft fan module comprises at least one vapor shield device.

[0010] EP 3 677 843 A1 discloses a hob system comprising a hob device and an extractor hood.

[0011] US 4 945 891 A describes a drive mechanism for a motor-driven, retractable downdraft ventilation system.

[0012] It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a possibility to install a downdraft fan flush, i.e. adjacent to a hob in a worktop without any gap.

[0013] This object is achieved by a downdraft fan having the features of claim 1, by a cooking system having the features of claim 7 and by a method for installing a cooking system having the features of claim 9.

[0014] Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0015] The downdraft fan according to the invention comprises at least one housing device, at least one vapor shield device, and at least one installation frame. The housing device is intended for installation in at least one furniture body beneath at least one worktop. The vapor shield device has at least one intake opening for vapors, wherein the vapor shield device, in the installed state, extends at least partially through at least one opening in a worktop. The installation frame is intended for insertion into an opening in the worktop, wherein the installation frame comprises at least one recess for the vapor shield device. Furthermore, at least one support device with at least one support element is provided, wherein the support device is received on the housing device.The support element provides support for the installation frame and / or an adjacent hob device, at least in sections.

[0016] In particular, the support element supports the installation frame of the downdraft fan and the hob unit.

[0017] The housing device serves in particular for installing the downdraft fan in a furniture body below a worktop, wherein in particular at least one blower device and / or at least one air duct is arranged in the housing device. The housing device is preferably designed to be relatively flat, so that sufficient storage space and / or installation space is still available in the front area of ​​the furniture body.

[0018] Depending on the design, a support device may be provided, which, for example, supports at least one side of a mounting frame of the downdraft fan and / or one side of the cooktop device in sections. Depending on the design, however, multiple support devices may also be provided on one side. Furthermore, depending on the design, it is possible for support devices to be provided on different sides in order to provide support on other sides as well, using at least one support element.

[0019] The downdraft fan according to the invention offers many advantages. For example, the inventive design with a support device mounted on the housing allows for flush installation of the cooktop and downdraft fan. This is achieved by eliminating the otherwise necessary bridge in the worktop, as a support device can be provided on the adjacent sides of the downdraft fan and cooktop by the support element of the support device, with the support element or support device being supported on the housing of the downdraft fan.

[0020] Since the support device can be easily attached to the cabinet or pre-installed without major assembly effort, installation is particularly straightforward. In particular, a single cutout in the countertop can be provided, which greatly simplifies installation.

[0021] In the state of the art, built-in strips have become known for other applications, but these sometimes also require complex installation work, as they are at least screwed to the built-in cabinet.

[0022] Preferably, the vapor shield device is designed to be movable at least in sections. In particular, the vapor shield device moves upwards out of the worktop through the recess in the installation frame in order to bring the intake opening of the vapor shield device closer to the vapors rising from the cooktop device during operation of the downdraft fan.

[0023] According to the invention, the support device comprises at least one height adjustment device. A height adjustment device makes it possible, in particular, to optimally adapt or adjust the support element to the support height of the installation frame and / or the hob device. A height adjustment device can be provided, for example, by at least two mutually displaceable metal sheets.

[0024] In advantageous embodiments, the height adjustment device comprises at least one adjusting screw, at least one elongated hole and / or at least one eccentric disc. For example, by using at least one adjusting screw, preferably at least two adjusting screws, the height of the support element can be optimally adapted to the support height of the installation frame and / or the hob device on the worktop or in a circumferential milled recess or groove in the opening of the worktop. The use of elongated holes can also be expediently employed here in order to provide the support element at an optimal height. The same applies to the use of an eccentric disc. Preferably, the individual variants can also be combined; for example, the height can be adjusted using one or more adjusting screws, with the support element being moved in an elongated hole.

[0025] One aspect is that the support element is perforated and / or has predetermined breaking points. This makes it possible to adjust the length of the support element by cutting off sections, particularly manually.

[0026] In preferred embodiments, the length of the support element is adjustable. Depending on the design, it is possible to provide the support element in an extra-long length to ensure use regardless of the width of the cutout in a worktop. Depending on the configuration, the support element can also be telescopic or multi-part, allowing, for example, extensions to be provided that can be attached to the support element or connected to it in other ways as needed.

[0027] Preferably, the support element is provided by at least one sheet metal element. This allows a stable and functional support device to be provided using simple components.

[0028] Preferably, the support element comprises at least one support section, which is at least partially substantially L-shaped and / or T-shaped. Such a configuration of the support section of the support element can provide a sufficiently large support surface for a mounting frame of the downdraft fan and / or a cooktop device.

[0029] The cooking system according to the invention comprises at least one worktop, at least one furniture body, at least one cooktop device, and at least one downdraft fan, as described above. At least the housing device of the downdraft fan is arranged in the furniture body. Furthermore, a common opening for the vapor shield device of the downdraft fan and for the cooktop device is provided in the worktop. The installation frame of the downdraft fan and / or the cooktop device rest at least partially on the support element of the support device.

[0030] In particular, the support element supports the installation frame of the downdraft fan and the hob unit.

[0031] Depending on whether a flush installation of the installation frame and hob unit is intended, the opening can have a circumferential milling, groove or rebate, whereby the height of the support element can then be optimally adjusted to the corresponding support height, for example the top side of the worktop or support on the circumferential milling.

[0032] The furniture body is arranged in particular below the worktop, wherein the opening is provided in particular in the area of ​​the furniture body in such a way that there is sufficient installation space for the hob device and for the vapor shield device to be able to reach through or move through.

[0033] The cooking system according to the invention also offers the advantages already described for the downdraft fan according to the invention.

[0034] Preferably, the installation frame and the cooktop unit are arranged flush with each other. This is a significant advantage, as no rib is required in the worktop to support or support the installation frame of the downdraft fan and the cooktop unit. Since this otherwise usual rib can be eliminated by providing the support device mounted on the housing unit, the downdraft fan and the case unit can be installed flush with each other, creating a particularly attractive appearance and offering other advantages.

[0035] The method according to the invention is suitable for installing a cooking system as described above. A common opening is created in a worktop for the vapor shield device of the downdraft fan and for the cooktop device. The housing device of the downdraft fan is installed in the furniture body, and the support device is arranged or attached to the housing device. This is followed by the installation of the installation frame of the downdraft fan and the cooktop device, with all of the aforementioned steps being carried out in the appropriate order.

[0036] For example, the support device can be installed before the housing is installed in the furniture body. Depending on the design and space available during installation, a suitable variant can be selected.

[0037] Preferably, the downdraft fan installation frame and the cooktop unit are arranged flush with each other. This creates a particularly attractive, flush and seamless appearance, especially for the cooktop unit and downdraft fan.

[0038] According to the invention, the height of the support element is adjusted using the height adjustment device. This allows the height to be adjusted, in particular, to the remaining support surface of the installation frame and hob unit, e.g., the top of the worktop or, in the case of flush-mounted installations, to the support height of the milled recess surrounding the opening in the worktop.

[0039] In expedient further developments, the length of the support element is adjusted, particularly before the installation frame of the downdraft fan and / or the cooktop unit is installed. It is preferred that the installation frame and cooktop unit be supported as completely as possible, so that the support element is provided with the maximum possible length.

[0040] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0041] The figures show: Figure 1 shows a purely schematic representation of a cooking system with a downdraft fan and a cooking surface device in a worktop according to the prior art in two views from above; Figure 2 shows a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooking system according to the invention with a downdraft fan according to the invention and a cooking surface device in a perspective view; Figure 3 shows a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a cooking system according to the invention in two views from above; Figure 4 shows a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a cooking system according to the invention with a downdraft fan according to the invention in a perspective view; Figure 5 shows a purely schematic side view of the upper section of the downdraft fan according to Figure 4in a side view; Figure 6 shows a purely schematic representation of a next embodiment of a cooking system according to the invention with a downdraft fan according to the invention in a perspective view; and Figure 7 shows a purely schematic side view of the upper section of the downdraft fan according to Figure 4 in a side view.

[0042] In Figure 1 is a purely schematic illustration in two plan views of the installation of a cooking system 200 comprising a cooking hob device 50 and a downdraft fan 1, which are integrated side by side into a worktop 100, according to the prior art.

[0043] The left-hand figure shows purely schematically that, in the prior art, two separate recesses or openings 101 are made in the worktop 100, in which the downdraft fan 1 and the hob device 50 are subsequently installed.

[0044] It is important that the downdraft fan 1 or an installation frame and the hob device 50 are supported all around. In order to provide support on all sides, the prior art provides a web 102 between the two openings 101 in the worktop 100, which web generally has a thickness of at least 30 mm, so that sufficient stability is ensured for supporting the hob device 50 and the downdraft fan 1 or components thereof.

[0045] As can be seen in the right-hand illustration, this makes it impossible to install downdraft fan 1 and cooktop unit 50 flush or without gaps. The bar 102 in the worktop between downdraft fan 1 and cooktop unit 50 is always visible.

[0046] Apart from the fact that some users prefer a flush or directly adjacent installation of the downdraft fan and the hob device, a direct installation of the downdraft fan 1 next to the hob device 50 is also technically advantageous, since the extraction opening 4 of a vapor shield device 3 of the downdraft fan 1 can be arranged closer to the rising vapor.

[0047] In addition, the introduction of two cutouts or openings 101 into the worktop 100 is technically more complex, since the necessity of the relatively narrow web 102 requires very precise work, so that a visually appealing result and sufficient stability of the web 102 is ensured.

[0048] In Figure 21 shows a purely schematic perspective view of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention in a cooking system 200 according to the invention. The cooking system 200 according to the invention comprises a worktop 100, which in the exemplary embodiment shown here rests on a furniture body 150. Furthermore, a common opening 101 is provided in the worktop 100, in which the downdraft fan 1 according to the invention, the vapor shield device 3, or the installation frame 5, and the cooking surface device 50 are arranged flush next to one another.

[0049] The cooking system 200 according to the invention or the downdraft fan 1 according to the invention enables the direct or flush installation of the downdraft fan 1 and the cooking surface device 50 in a worktop 100. Furthermore, a common opening 101, which is shown in more detail in the following figures, facilitates installation, since it is not necessary to laboriously create two cutouts or openings 101 with a cleanly machined web 102 remaining between them.

[0050] In Figure 3The assembly of a cooktop system 200 according to the invention is shown purely schematically from above in two views. The left-hand view shows purely schematically that a common opening 101 is made in the worktop 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a milled recess or groove or rebate is provided surrounding the opening 101, which is machined in such a way that the installation frame 5 of the downdraft fan 1 and the cooktop device 50 are flush with the top side of the worktop 100.

[0051] In the right figure in Figure 3 It is shown purely schematically that the downdraft fan 1 or the housing device 2 of the downdraft fan 1 is set into the furniture body 150 and that the vapor shield device 3 engages into the opening 101.

[0052] It can also be seen that a support device 6 with a support element 7 is provided to support the installation frame 5 of the downdraft fan 1 and the cooking surface device, which support device is received on the housing device 2 of the downdraft fan 1.

[0053] This support device 6 or the support element 7 ensure that, despite a common opening 101 in the worktop 100 for the downdraft fan 1 and the hob device 50, a circumferential support of the hob device 50 and the downdraft fan 1 or the installation frame 5 of the downdraft fan 1 is ensured.

[0054] In Figure 41 shows a purely schematic, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cooking system 200 according to the invention with a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the cooking system 200 comprises, as previously described, a worktop 100 on a furniture body 150, wherein a common opening 101 for the downdraft fan 1 and a cooking surface device 50 is provided in the worktop 100. To better illustrate the functioning of the invention, the cooking surface device 50 is not shown in the view shown here.

[0055] In the view shown, the downdraft fan 1 or the housing assembly 2 of the downdraft fan 1 is arranged in the furniture body 150 near or on the rear wall. Depending on the design, the housing assembly 2 can also be screwed or otherwise attached to the rear wall of the furniture body 150 for stable installation.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the downdraft fan 1 comprises a movable vapor shield device 3, wherein the vapor shield device 3, in a rest position, is flush with the installation frame 5 of the downdraft fan 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the installation frame, and after installation also the hob device 50, is also flush with the surface of the worktop 100.

[0057] During operation of the downdraft fan 1, the vapor shield device 3 extends upwards through a recess 15 in the installation frame 5, so that the intake opening 4 of the vapor shield device 3 is arranged at a suitable height for sucking in vapors rising from the hob device 50.

[0058] In order to ensure essentially circumferential support of the installation frame 5 of the downdraft fan 1 and the cooktop device 50, even though only one common opening 101 is provided for the downdraft fan 1 and the cooktop device 50 without a web 102, a support device 6 with a support element 7 is provided on the housing device 2 of the downdraft fan 1. This support element 7 supplements the support for the installation frame 5 of the downdraft fan and the cooktop device 50 in the area of ​​the opening 101, where a web 102 is otherwise provided in the worktop 100. The support element 7 can be perforated or have predetermined breaking points in order to achieve different lengths by separating sections, in particular manually.

[0059] To ensure appropriate support, the length 14 of the support element 7 can be adjustable. Depending on whether a standard opening with a standard width is provided or not, length adjustment can be useful and practical. For example, the support element 7 can be telescopic. However, plug-in elements or extensions of different lengths can also be provided, which can be attached as needed.

[0060] In Figure 5 is purely schematically the downdraft fan 1 Figure 4 shown in a schematic side view. Here, the housing assembly 2 of the downdraft fan 1 is known, which is arranged in the furniture body 51. The vapor shield assembly 3, which is movable here, protrudes from the housing assembly 2 and includes an intake opening 4 in the direction of the cooktop assembly 50.

[0061] In the view shown, it can be seen that the support device 6 in the exemplary embodiment shown is made of a sheet metal 11, with the support section 12 in the exemplary embodiment shown here being bent into a substantially L-shaped configuration. Depending on the design, a T-shaped support section 12 may also be provided, for example. Such a design of the support section 12 makes it possible for the support element 7 to jointly support the installation frame 5 of the downdraft fan 1 and the cooktop device 50.

[0062] To ensure that the height 13 of the support element 7 or the receiving section 12 can be optimally adjusted to the remaining support height, the support device 6 or the support element 7 is provided with a height-adjustable design in the embodiment shown here. For this purpose, the support device 6 in the embodiment shown here comprises a height adjustment device 8, wherein the adjustment of the height 13 in the embodiment shown here is achieved via adjusting screws 9.

[0063] In the Figures 6 and 7 a further embodiment of a cooking system 200 according to the invention is shown, this embodiment being essentially the previously shown embodiment according to the Figures 4 and 5 corresponds.

[0064] In contrast to the previously shown embodiment, the height adjustment device 8 in the embodiment shown here comprises two mutually displaceable plates 11, wherein the height compensation for optimal adjustment of the height 13 of the support element 7 or the support section 11 is provided by elongated holes 10. Thus, the height 13 of the support element 7 or the support section can be optimally adjusted.

[0065] Depending on the configuration, other height adjustment devices 8 can also be used, such as at least one eccentric disc. It is also possible to combine components from individual embodiments. Thus, it is particularly possible that, even when adjusting screws 9 are used for the height adjustment device 8, the support device 6 is attached to the housing device 2 via a slotted guide, so that when the adjusting screws 9 are actuated, the support device 6 or the support element 7 is guided upwards or downwards. List of reference symbols

[0066] 1Downdraft fan 2Housing assembly 3Vapor canopy assembly 4Intake opening 5Installation frame 6Support assembly 7Support element 8Height adjustment assembly 9Adjusting screw 10Elongated hole 11Sheet 12Support section 13Height 14Length 15Recess 50Cooktop assembly 100Worktop 101Opening 102Bar 150Furniture body 200Cooking system

Claims

1. Downdraft fan (1) comprising at least one housing device (2) for installation in at least one furniture body (150) below at least one worktop (100), at least one vapour screen device (3) having at least one suction opening (4) for vapours, the vapour screen device (3) in the installed state extending at least partially through at least one opening (101) in a worktop (100), and at least one installation frame (5) for insertion into the at least one opening (101) of the worktop, the installation frame (5) comprising at least one recess (15) for the vapour screen device (3), characterised in that at least one support device (6) having at least one support element (7) is provided, the support device (6) being received on the housing device (2) and the support element (7) at least partially supporting the installation frame (5) and / or an adjacently arranged hob device (50), the support device (6) comprising at least one height adjustment device (8).

2. Downdraft fan (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the vapour screen device (3) is designed to be at least partially movable.

3. Downdraft fan (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the height adjustment device comprises at least one adjusting screw (9), at least one elongate hole (10) and / or at least one eccentric sheave.

4. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the length of the support element is adjustable.

5. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support element (7) is provided by at least one metal sheet (11).

6. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support element (7) comprises a supporting portion (12) which is at least partially substantially L-shaped and / or T-shaped.

7. Cooking system (200) comprising at least one worktop (100), at least one furniture body (150), at least one hob device (50) and at least one downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, at least the housing device (2) of the downdraft fan (1) being arranged in the furniture body (150), characterised in that the worktop (100) has a common opening (101) for the vapour screen device (3) of the downdraft fan (1) and for the hob device (50), and in that the installation frame (5) of the downdraft fan and / or the hob device (50) rest at least partially on the support element (7) of the support device (6).

8. Hob system (200) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the installation frame (5) and the hob device (50) are arranged flush with one another.

9. Method for installing a cooking system (200) according to claim 8, characterised by the following steps in a suitable sequence: - producing a common opening (101) for the vapour screen device (3) of the downdraft fan (1) and for the hob device (50) in the worktop (100); - installing the housing device (2) of the downdraft fan (1) in the furniture body (150); - installing the support device (6) on the housing device (2) of the downdraft fan (1); - installing the installation frame (5) of the downdraft fan (1) and the hob device (50), the height (13) of the support element (7) being adjusted by means of the height adjustment device (8).

10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the installation frame (5) and the hob device (50) are arranged flush with one another.

11. Method according to any of the three preceding claims, characterised in that the length (14) of the support element (7) is adjusted.

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