Downdraft fan and assembly method

Abstract

The invention relates to a downdraft fan (1) comprising a frame device (2) and a functional device (3) with a housing device (4). The frame device (2) comprises a front wall element (5) and a rear wall element (6), wherein the front wall element (5) overlaps with a front wall (7) of the housing device (4) to form a front connection section (8), and wherein the rear wall element (6) overlaps with a rear wall of the housing device (4) to form a rear connection section. A clamping device is operatively connected to the front connection section (8) and the rear connection section in order to connect the frame device (2) and the housing device (4) together in an assembled state of the downdraft fan (1). In the method for assembling a downdraft fan (1) according to the invention, the following steps are carried out in a suitable order: inserting the frame device (2) into a recess in a support surface; introducing the functional device (3) into an installation volume below the recess; aligning the frame device (2) and the housing device (4) such that the front connection section (8) and the rear connection section are formed; and establishing an operative connection between the front connection section (8) and the rear connection section using the clamping device, whereby the frame device (2) and the housing device (4) are connected.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a downdraft fan comprising at least one frame device and at least one functional device with at least one housing device. The frame device comprises at least one front wall element and at least one rear wall element, wherein the front wall element forms at least one front connection section, overlapping at least partially with at least one front wall of the housing device, and wherein the rear wall element forms a rear connection section, overlapping at least partially with at least one rear wall of the housing device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a downdraft fan. Extractor extraction devices can generally be divided into two categories.On the one hand, those that are arranged above the hob and capture the rising vapors and, on the other hand, those that are arranged in, on or below the hob and discharge the vapors in a direction below the hob.

[0002] DE 19 2013 213 810 A1 discloses an extractor hood in which the vapors are captured above the cooktop. This extractor hood has a central frame with two interfaces for connecting to various fan modules on the one hand and various airflow modules on the other.

[0003] An intake housing for a downdraft extractor for installation in a kitchen worktop is known from the documents DE 10 2013 206 748 A1 and EP 3 614 053 A1.

[0004] Further prior art is known from the documents EP 3 789 678 A1, EP 2 827 067 A2, US 4 945 891 A and CN 110 345 532 A.

[0005] Extractor hoods or downdraft fans are often installed around a cooktop 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 cooktop, typically draw the greasy vapors rising above the cooktop into an intake opening, remove grease and odors, and expel them downwards, particularly beneath the worktop or cooktop, using a fan.

[0006] 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 similar. 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.

[0007] The disadvantage, however, is that the installation of a downdraft fan is often difficult due to the very limited installation space below a worktop and especially due to the cramped conditions in a kitchen unit.

[0008] Although known downdraft fans can often be assembled or mounted in the installation room from several smaller individual parts or assemblies and / or individual, more easily manageable functional components, even with such a design, the assembly of known downdraft fans is often difficult and only possible with considerable, often time-consuming effort due to the very limited installation space below a worktop and in particular due to the cramped conditions in a kitchen unit.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a downdraft fan which enables simple and reliable assembly, in particular into a furniture body.

[0010] This object is achieved by a downdraft fan having the features of claim 1 and a method for assembling a downdraft fan having the features of claim 10.

[0011] 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.

[0012] The downdraft fan according to the invention comprises at least one frame device and at least one functional device with at least one housing device, wherein the frame device comprises at least one front wall element and at least one rear wall element, wherein the front wall element forms at least one front connection section, overlapping at least partially with at least one front wall of the housing device, and wherein the rear wall element forms a rear connection section, overlapping at least partially with at least one rear wall of the housing device. At least one bracing device is operatively connected to the front connection section and the rear connection section in order to connect the frame device and the housing device to one another in an assembled state of the downdraft fan.

[0013] In this context, connecting to one another is understood to mean connecting to one another in an essentially airtight manner or contacting the surfaces in a way that provides sufficient tightness.

[0014] According to the invention, at least one clamping device is operatively connected to the front connection section and the rear connection section in order to fasten the frame device and the housing device to one another in an assembled state or installed state of the downdraft fan.

[0015] In advantageous further developments, the bracing device is operatively connected to the front and rear contact sections in such a way that, in an assembled state, in particular at least the front connection section and at least the rear connection section are sealed substantially airtight.

[0016] In expedient further developments, the bracing device is operatively connected to the front and rear connecting sections in such a way that, in an assembled state, the frame device and the housing device are preferably fastened to one another and, in particular, are held together by means of the bracing device.

[0017] Preferably, the front connection section is formed by an at least partial or partial overlap of at least one, in particular lower, section of the front wall element with a, in particular upper, section of a front wall of the housing device. In particular, a lower section of the front wall element and an upper section of a front wall of the housing device abut one another.

[0018] Preferably, the rear contact section is formed by an overlap of at least one, in particular lower, section of the rear wall element with, in particular, an upper section of a rear wall of the housing device. In particular, a lower section of the rear wall element and an upper section of a rear wall of the housing device abut one another.

[0019] In an assembled state, the front wall element and in particular a front wall of the housing device faces a user of the downdraft fan.

[0020] In advantageous further developments, the downdraft fan is suitable and designed to extract or extract vapors and / or greasy steam above and / or from a mounting device, in particular a worktop of a kitchen unit or cooking island, through the frame device and at least a portion of the housing device to a fan device. Preferably, the downdraft fan is suitable and designed to extract vapors and / or greasy steam downwards, in particular below a mounting surface.

[0021] In expedient further developments, the functional device comprises, in addition to the housing device, at least one vapor shield device and / or at least one blower device. Preferably, the vapor shield device and / or the blower device is at least partially integrated into the functional device, in particular into the housing device. In particular, the vapor shield device and / or the blower device is accommodated in and / or on the functional device, in particular in and / or on the housing device, and / or fastened thereto. Depending on the task and design, however, a vapor shield device can also preferably be at least partially accommodated on the frame device and / or fastened thereto. Preferably, the blower device is operatively connected to at least one section of the housing device.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the housing device comprises a rear wall and a front wall, which are preferably connected via at least two side walls and / or at least one bottom wall. Depending on the design and configuration, the housing device can also comprise a top wall. The housing device is preferably configured largely cuboidally. The housing device preferably provides an air duct for conducting or forwarding air.

[0023] The frame device preferably comprises at least one front wall element and at least one rear wall element, which are connected in particular via at least two side wall elements. The front wall element and the rear wall element preferably provide at least one side wall element of the frame device.

[0024] In advantageous further developments, the frame device comprises a cover device at an upper section, in particular a cover device that surrounds the upper section of the frame device. Preferably, at least in an assembled state of the downdraft fan module, the cover device rests at least partially on a support device, in particular a worktop. The cover device preferably prevents or reduces the penetration of dirt, in particular liquids, into a recess in the support device.

[0025] The downdraft fan according to the invention has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the connection of the frame assembly and the functional assembly using a clamping device allows for particularly simple installation.

[0026] Because the bracing device extending from the front to the rear exerts an active connection, in particular a force, on both the front connecting section and the rear connecting section, the front wall element is connected at least in sections to the front wall and the rear wall element is connected at least in sections to the rear wall.

[0027] This makes the downdraft fan according to the invention particularly easy to assemble, because the front and rear sections of the frame device and the housing device do not have to be connected to one another separately or individually. The at least one bracing device connects the frame device and the housing device at both a front and a rear section. Only one-sided access is required for assembly. The downdraft fan according to the invention can therefore be assembled particularly easily and, in particular, in a time-saving and reliable manner, particularly in very spatially restricted or cramped conditions, such as in a furniture carcass. For example, the bracing device can be connected from the front ora front side of the downdraft fan such that, in an assembled state of the downdraft fan, it is operatively connected to the front connection section and the rear connection section in order to connect the frame device and the housing device.

[0028] Such a design of a downdraft fan enables a particularly reliable assembly, because the frame device and the housing device can be connected particularly easily and in particular essentially airtight and the downdraft fan according to the invention can be operated particularly effectively.

[0029] According to the invention, the bracing device clamps the front connection section and the rear connection section together to connect the frame device and the housing device to one another in an assembled state of the downdraft fan. Clamping the front and rear connection sections by means of the bracing device enables, in particular, a particularly reliable connection of the frame device to the housing device.

[0030] Preferably, the bracing device braces the front connection section and the rear connection section, in particular via a tensile stress with each other and / or against each other.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the bracing device clamps the front connection section and the rear connection section together to seal at least the front and rear connection sections in a substantially airtight manner. This prevents the intake of false air from the surroundings of a downdraft fan into the housing device and / or the frame device, thus achieving, in particular, particularly efficient operation of a downdraft fan, in particular, particularly effective intake of vapors from a cooktop to a fan device. In this case, substantially airtight is understood to mean as tightly as possible.

[0032] In advantageous further developments, the housing device is encompassed at least in sections by at least the front wall element and the rear wall element. Such a design or arrangement can be implemented particularly simply and reliably, especially under confined conditions.

[0033] In particular, at least the front wall element and the rear wall element enclose the housing device at least in sections.

[0034] Preferably, the housing device is encompassed at least in sections by at least the front wall element and the rear wall element such that the front wall element and the rear wall element each overlap or abut against at least one wall of the housing device.

[0035] Preferably, the bracing device is operatively connected to at least the front wall element and the rear wall element in order to connect the frame device and the housing device to one another in an assembled state of the downdraft fan. Such a design or arrangement allows the connection of the frame device and the housing device to be carried out particularly easily and, in particular, in a very short time, particularly under confined conditions.

[0036] The effective connection is achieved in particular by a tensile stress between the front wall element and the rear wall element.

[0037] According to the invention, the front wall element has at least one opening, at least in the front connecting section, for at least partially passing through the bracing device. This enables a particularly advantageous, particularly user-friendly and quick insertion and / or fastening of the bracing device to the front wall element in the front connecting section. The opening is provided, in particular, by a recess, bore, and / or punched-out portion.

[0038] According to the invention, the rear wall element in the rear connection section comprises at least one retaining element for fastening the bracing device, opposite the opening in the front connection section. This enables a particularly advantageous, in particular user-friendly, and rapid fastening or receiving of the bracing device to the rear wall element in the rear connection section. Opposite is preferably understood to mean orthogonally opposite, in particular orthogonally opposite to the front wall element.

[0039] Preferably, the retaining element is provided by the rear wall element, in particular through a threaded hole. However, the retaining element can also preferably be formed by a threaded nut and / or a similarly suitable element. Depending on the design, the retaining element can also be provided by the wall of the rear wall element itself, e.g., if a thread of a correspondingly designed clamping device is screwed directly into the wall.

[0040] Preferably, the housing device has at least one through-opening in each of the rear and front connection sections for passing through the at least one clamping device, wherein the through-openings are at least congruent with the opening and with the retaining element. The through-opening is provided in particular by a recess, bore, and / or punched-out portion.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the clamping device is a threaded screw or a threaded bolt. This enables a particularly advantageous, particularly simple and rapid formation or establishment of an operative connection, in particular a clamping connection between the front connection section and the rear connection section, in order to connect the frame device and the housing device to one another in an assembled state of the downdraft fan. Preferably, the clamping device comprises a threaded screw and / or is designed as such.

[0042] In advantageous further developments, the threaded screw or the threaded bolt has a length in the range of preferably 30 mm to 200 mm, preferably from 70 mm to 130 mm and particularly preferably from 95 mm to 105 mm.

[0043] In expedient further developments, the front wall element is attached to at least the front wall of the housing by means of at least one fastening device. This allows a particularly airtight and / or reliable connection between the frame device and the housing device, particularly in the front connection section, to be achieved when the downdraft fan is assembled.

[0044] Preferably, at least the front wall element and a front wall of the housing device are fastened to one another by means of at least one fastening device, in particular in the connection section.

[0045] In advantageous further developments, the fastening device supports a substantially airtight sealing of the front connection section.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the frame device and / or the housing device comprise at least one sealing device. This enables a particularly airtight and reliable sealing of the connection between the frame device and the housing device when the downdraft fan is assembled.

[0047] The sealing device is or comprises in particular an elastically and / or plastically deformable element such as a rubber strip, a foam strip or foam band and / or a similarly suitable device, which in particular seals the front and / or rear contact section in an airtight manner.

[0048] Preferably, the frame device and / or the housing device provides at least one sealing device at least in the front and rear connection sections.

[0049] In expedient further developments, the sealing device seals at least the connection between the frame device and the housing device in the front and / or rear connection section when the downdraft fan module is in the assembled state.

[0050] In advantageous further developments, the sealing device is deformed by the operative connection between the front wall element and the rear wall element in such a way that the front and / or the rear connection section is sealed essentially airtight.

[0051] Preferably, the frame device can be integrated at least in sections into a recess of a mounting device.

[0052] Preferably, the frame device can be integrated from above into at least one mounting device.

[0053] A support structure is, in particular, a worktop of a kitchen unit or cooking island. However, it can also preferably be provided by a cooktop unit.

[0054] In expedient further developments, the frame device can be integrated at least in sections into installation devices of different thicknesses, in particular worktops with a thickness or strength in the range of 4 mm to 40 mm.

[0055] Particularly preferably, the housing device can be integrated at least in sections into an installation volume, in particular below the installation surface.

[0056] In advantageous further developments, the installation volume is provided by a furniture body.

[0057] In this case, a furniture body is, in particular, a piece of fitted kitchen furniture or a kitchen cabinet. Preferably, at least one support device provides a top wall of the furniture body.

[0058] Preferably, the housing device can be integrated into a furniture body with a height of 700 mm to 790 mm. In particular, the housing device can be integrated into an installation volume with a height of 700 mm to 790 mm, which is preferably provided by a furniture body.

[0059] In appropriate further developments, the installation volume is dimensioned such that it can accommodate additional equipment such as built-in drawers and / or other installation devices in addition to the housing device.

[0060] In the method according to the invention for assembling a downdraft fan as described above, the following steps are carried out: inserting or integrating the frame device into the at least one recess of a mounting surface; introducing the functional device into at least one installation volume below the recess; aligning the frame device and the housing device so that at least the front connection section and the rear connection section are formed and establishing an operative connection between the front connection section and the rear connection section by means of the clamping device, whereby the frame device and the housing device are connected.

[0061] It is irrelevant whether the frame device or the functional device is inserted first or whether the insertion and insertion are carried out at the same time.

[0062] One aspect is that the frame device and the housing device are aligned with each other optionally, i.e. if necessary, upon insertion and fitting.

[0063] One aspect is that after insertion and introduction or after insertion and introduction and alignment by means of the clamping device, the operative connection between the front connection section and the rear connection section is established.

[0064] The method according to the invention also offers the advantages of the downdraft fan according to the invention. In particular, the method according to the invention enables particularly simple and reliable assembly of a downdraft fan, especially a two-part one, under confined spaces. This makes it possible, in particular, to quickly integrate a downdraft fan into a furniture body, especially a kitchen unit with a worktop.

[0065] Preferably, in the method for assembling a downdraft fan, to establish the operative connection between the front connection section and the rear connection section, at least the front wall element and the rear wall element are clamped against one another by means of the clamping device in order to connect the frame device and the housing device to one another.

[0066] Particularly preferably, in the method for assembling a downdraft fan, the front wall element is fastened to the front wall of the housing device by means of at least one fastening element. This fastening step can be performed as a first step after insertion and introduction, or after insertion and introduction and alignment and before establishing the operative connection. However, it has proven particularly expedient for this fastening step to be performed after establishing the operative connection.

[0067] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0068] The figures show: Figure 1 shows a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a downdraft fan according to the invention in a perspective view; Figure 2 shows a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a downdraft fan according to the invention in a side view; Figure 3 shows a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a downdraft fan according to the invention in a sectional view from the side; Figure 4 shows a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a downdraft fan according to the invention in a sectional view from the side; Figure 5 shows a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a downdraft fan in a view from above; Figure 6 shows a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a downdraft fan in a view from above;Figure 7 shows a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a downdraft fan according to the invention in a sectional side view; and Figure 8 shows a purely schematic representation of another embodiment of a downdraft fan according to the invention in a sectional side view. ;

[0069] In Figure 1 An embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a perspective view.

[0070] The downdraft fan 1 here comprises a frame device 2 and a functional device 3 with a housing device 4.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the frame device 2 has a front wall element 5 and a rear wall element 6, which here merge into two side wall elements 21 of the frame device 2. Furthermore, the frame device 2 here comprises a cover device 20 surrounding the upper section of the frame device 2, which can be placed, for example, on a stand and / or a worktop and can thus prevent the penetration of dirt and / or liquids into a recess in the stand.

[0072] The frame device 2 can be integrated into a recess (not shown in detail) of a mounting device, such as a recess in a worktop and / or a hob.

[0073] The housing device 4 is essentially cuboid-shaped and, in the illustrated embodiment, has a rear wall 9 and a front wall 7, which are connected here via two side walls 19, only one of which is visible here. The housing device 4 thus provides an air duct for conducting or forwarding air. Depending on the design and configuration, a fan device and / or vapor shield device included in the functional device 3 can be accommodated on the housing device 2 and / or integrated into it.

[0074] The housing device 4 can be integrated into a receiving volume (not shown in detail) of a furniture body, such as a built-in kitchen furniture.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, a lower section of the front wall element 5 overlaps with an upper section of the front wall 7 of the housing device 4, thereby forming a front connection section 8, and a lower section of the rear wall element 6 overlaps with an upper section of the rear wall 9 of the housing device 4, thereby forming a rear connection section 10. Thus, the housing device 4 is partially encompassed or encompassed by the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6.

[0076] The housing device 4 here has two through-openings 14, 15 in each of the front and rear connection sections 8, 10. In this case, a pair of opposite through-openings 14, 15 is in register with an opening 12 of the front wall element 5 in the front connection section 8 and with a holding element 13 of the rear wall element 6 in the rear connection section 10. Thus, according to the method according to the invention, a bracing device 11 can be guided in sections through the opening 12 of the front wall element 5 and the through-openings 14, 15 of the housing device 4 and fastened to the holding element 13 of the rear wall element 6, such that the bracing device 11 is operatively connected to the front connection section 8 and the rear connection section 10 in order to connect the frame device 2 and the housing device 4 to one another when the downdraft fan 1 is in the assembled state.

[0077] In a central section of the front connection section 8, two recesses are provided in the front wall element 5, through each of which a fastening device 17 can be guided in sections and fastened to the front wall 7 of the housing device 4, so that the fastening device 17 supports a largely airtight or sufficient sealing of the front connection section 8.

[0078] In Figure 2 An embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a side view.

[0079] As in Figure 1 Here, the downdraft fan 1 comprises a functional device 3 with a housing device 4 and a frame device 2 with a front wall element 5, with a rear wall element 6 and with a cover device 20.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the housing device 4 is also partially encompassed or encompassed by the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6, so that the front wall element 5 forms at least one front connection section 8 overlapping with the front wall 7 of the housing device 4 and the rear wall element 6 forms a rear connection section 10 overlapping with the rear wall 9 of the housing device 4.

[0081] Depending on the task and design, the front and rear walls 7, 9 can also encompass the frame device 2 in sections, so that the front wall element 5 overlaps with the front wall 7 of the housing device 4 to form at least one front connection section 8, and the rear wall element 6 overlaps with the rear wall 9 of the housing device 4 to form a rear connection section 10. Depending on the task and design, the front wall 7 can also overlap an outer surface section of the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6 can overlap an outer surface section of the rear wall 9, so that a front and a rear connection section 8, 10 are formed. This can also be achieved by exactly opposite or reversed overlaps of sections of the frame device 2 and the housing device 4.

[0082] The front wall element 5 here has an opening 12 in the front connection section 8 and the rear wall element 6 here comprises a holding element 13 opposite the opening 12, which is provided here by a threaded bore in the rear wall element 6.

[0083] The housing device 2 here has a through-opening 14 in the front and rear connection sections 8, 10 in each case, in registration with the opening 12 and with the holding element 13.

[0084] In Figure 3 An embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a sectional view from the side.

[0085] As in the Figures 1 and 2 Here, the downdraft fan 1 comprises a functional device 3 with a housing device 4 and a frame device 2 with a front wall element 5, with a rear wall element 6 and with a cover device 20.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the housing device 2 is also partially encompassed or encompassed by the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6 and a front and a rear connection section 8, 10 are formed.

[0087] As in Figure 2 Here, too, the front wall element 5 has an opening 12 in the front connection section 8, and the rear wall element 6 has a holding element 13 opposite the opening 12, which here is provided by a threaded bore in the rear wall element 6. The housing device 4 also has a through-opening 14, 15 in the front and rear connection sections 8, 10, which here are aligned with the opening 12 and with the holding element 13.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, a bracing device 11, embodied here as a threaded screw 16, is guided in sections through the opening 12 of the front wall element 5 and the through-openings 14, 15 of the housing device 4 and fastened to the holding element 13 of the rear wall element 6, so that the bracing device 11 is operatively connected to the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6 in order to connect the frame device 2 and the housing device 4 to one another in the assembled state of the downdraft fan 1 illustrated here. The bracing device 11 braces the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6 to one another by means of tensile stress.

[0089] In Figure 4 is purely schematically an embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention in a view from the side in a different sectional plane than in Figure 3 shown.

[0090] As in the Figures 1, 2 and3 Here, the downdraft fan 1 comprises a functional device 3 with a housing device 4 and a frame device 2 with a front wall element 5, with a rear wall element 6 and with a cover device 20.

[0091] Here too, the housing device 4 is partially encompassed or encompassed by the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6 and a front and a rear connection section 8, 10 are formed.

[0092] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the front wall element 5 is fastened to the front wall 7 of the housing device 4 by means of a fastening device 17, designed here as a sheet metal screw, in the front connection section 8, so that the fastening device 17 supports a largely airtight sealing of the front connection section 8. Depending on the task and design, the fastening device 17 can also be designed as a short-thread screw, which can be guided sectionally through a recess or through-opening of the front wall element 5 and fastened to a threaded bore provided by the front wall 7.

[0093] In Figure 5A further embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a top view. In this illustration, the contours of the cover device 20 of the frame device 2 can be seen, and possible positions of the bracing device 11 and the fastening device 17 are schematically indicated by dashed lines.

[0094] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, two fastening devices 17, indicated by short dashed lines, are arranged in a central section of the downdraft fan 1. Furthermore, a bracing device 11, indicated by a long dashed line, is arranged in each of the outer right and outer left sections of the downdraft fan 1. The two bracing devices 11 are arranged such that they are accommodated in sections between the side wall elements 21 of the frame device 2.

[0095] In Figure 6A further embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a view from above. As in Figure 5 In this illustration, the contours of the covering device 20 of the frame device 2 can be seen and possible positions of the bracing device 11 and the fastening device 17 are indicated schematically by dashed lines.

[0096] As in Figure 5 Here, too, two fastening devices 17, indicated by short dashed lines, are arranged in a central section of the downdraft fan 1. A bracing device 11, indicated by a long dashed line, is accommodated in each of the outer right and outer left sections of the downdraft fan. Here, the two bracing devices 11 are arranged such that the side wall elements 21 of the frame device 2 lie between the two bracing devices 11.

[0097] In Figure 7Another embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a sectional view from the side.

[0098] In the embodiment schematically illustrated here, the frame device 2 comprises a sealing device 18, which is designed here as a deformable foam strip and is received here on an upper inner section of the front wall element 5 and an upper inner section of the rear wall element 6. The housing device 4 is enclosed in sections by the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6, so that the sealing device 18 essentially seals the front and rear connection sections 8, 10 in an airtight manner.

[0099] In Figure 8 A further embodiment of a downdraft fan 1 according to the invention is shown purely schematically in a sectional view from the side.

[0100] As in Figure 3Here, the downdraft fan 1 comprises a functional device 3 with a housing device 4 and a frame device 2 with a front wall element 5, with a rear wall element 6 and with a cover device 20.

[0101] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the housing device 4 is also partially encompassed or encompassed by the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6 and a front and a rear connection section 8, 10 are formed.

[0102] As in Figure 3 Here too, a clamping device 11 designed as a threaded screw 16 is guided in sections through the opening 12 of the front wall element 5 and the through-openings 14, 15 of the housing device 4 and fastened to the holding element 13 of the rear wall element 6, so that here the clamping device 11 is in operative connection with the front wall element 5 and the rear wall element 6 in order to connect the frame device 2 and the housing device 4 to one another. List of reference symbols

[0103] 1 Downdraft fan 2 Frame device 3 Functional device 4 Housing device 5 Front wall element 6 Rear wall element 7 Front wall 8 Front connection section 9 Rear wall 10 Rear connection section 11 Bracing device 12 Opening 13 Holding element 14 Through opening 15 Through opening 16 Threaded screw 17 Fastening device 18 Sealing device 19 Side wall 20 Cover device 21 Side wall element

Claims

1. Downdraft fan (1) comprising at least one frame device (2) and at least one functional device (3) having at least one housing device (4), the frame device (2) comprising at least one front wall element (5) and at least one rear wall element (6), the front wall element (5) forming at least one front connection portion (8) which overlaps with at least one front wall (7) of the housing device (4) at least in portions, and the rear wall element (6) forming a rear connection portion (10) which overlaps with at least one rear wall (9) of the housing device (4) at least in portions, at least one clamping device (11) being operatively connected to the front connection portion (8) and the rear connection portion (10) in order to connect the frame device (2) and the housing device (4) to one another in an assembled state of the downdraft fan (1), characterised in that the front wall element (5), at least in the front connection portion (8), has at least one opening (12) for passage of the clamping device (11) at least in portions, and the rear wall element (6) in the rear connection portion (10) comprising at least one retaining element (13) opposite the opening (12) for fastening the clamping device (11), and the housing device (4) having at least one through-opening (14, 15) in each of the rear and the front connection portion (8, 10), for passage of the at least one clamping device (11), the through-openings (14, 15) being at least in alignment with the opening (12) and with the holding element (13).

2. Downdraft fan (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the clamping device (11) clamps the front connection portion (8) and the rear connection portion (10) together in order to connect the frame device (2) and the housing device (4) to one another in an assembled state of the downdraft fan (1).

3. Downdraft fan (1) according to either of the two preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping device (11) clamps the front connection portion (8) and the rear connection portion (10) together in order to seal at least the front and the rear connection portion (8, 10) in an airtight manner.

4. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing device (4) is encompassed at least in portions by at least the front wall element (5) and the rear wall element (6).

5. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping device (11) is operatively connected to at least the front wall element (5) and the rear wall element (6) in order to connect the frame device (2) and the housing device (4) to one another in an assembled state of the downdraft fan (1).

6. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping device (11) is a threaded bolt (16).

7. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least the front wall element (5) is fastened to the front wall (7) of the housing device (4) by means of at least one fastening device (17).

8. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame device (2) and / or the housing device (4) comprises at least one sealing device (18).

9. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame device (2) can be integrated at least in portions in a recess in a placement device.

10. Downdraft fan (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the housing device (4) can be integrated at least in portions in an installation volume.

11. Method for assembling a downdraft fan (1) according to claims 9 and 10, characterised by the steps of: - inserting the frame device (2) into the at least one recess in a placement surface; - introducing the functional device (3) into at least one installation volume below the recess; - optionally aligning the frame device (2) and the housing device (4), so that at least the front connection portion (8) and the rear connection portion (10) are formed; - establishing an operative connection between the front connection portion (8) and the rear connection portion (10) by means of the clamping device (11), as a result of which the frame device (2) and the housing device (4) are connected.

12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that, in order to establish the operative connection between the front connection portion (8) and the rear connection portion (10), at least the front wall element (5) and the rear wall element (6) are clamped against one another by means of the clamping device (11) in order to connect the frame device (2) and the housing device (4).

13. Method according to either of the two preceding claims, characterised by the following step at a temporally and / or spatially suitable point: - fastening the front wall element (5) to the front wall (7) of the housing device (4) by means of at least one fastening element (17).

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