Vapour extraction device, hob with vapour extraction device and odour filter unit for vapour extraction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooktop extractor (1) comprising a ventilation inlet (22), a fan (20) arranged below the ventilation inlet (22), and an odor filter unit (3) with at least one odor filter element (30). The cooktop extractor (2) is characterized in that the odor filter unit (3) is arranged offset outwards from the ventilation inlet (22) and that the odor filter unit (3) is positioned in the direction of airflow between the ventilation inlet (22) and the fan (20) such that the intake side (301) of the odor filter element (30) faces upwards and the clean air side (302) of the odor filter element (30) faces downwards. The invention also relates to a cooktop (1) and an odor filter element (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation device, a cooktop with a ventilation device and an odor filter unit for a ventilation device.

[0002] Besides extractor hoods mounted above a cooktop, cooktop extractors are a known type of ventilation device for cleaning cooking air, which includes fumes and vapors. A cooktop extractor is mounted in or adjacent to the cooktop and draws air from the space above the cooktop downwards. It can also be called a downdraft extractor. Cooktop extractors can be designed for ducted and / or recirculating operation. In ducted operation, the air drawn in by the ventilation device, preferably cleaned of impurities by a grease filter unit, is released to the outside environment via an exhaust duct. In recirculating operation, the air is returned to the kitchen by the ventilation device. Therefore, a recirculating ventilation device has at least one odor filter element to remove odors from the air.

[0003] In known extractor hoods, the odor filter elements are positioned downwards and outwards from the ventilation inlet of the extractor hood, such that their intake side is vertical and faces the ventilation inlet. This arrangement of the odor filter can also be described as an upright arrangement. Air is thus drawn horizontally through the odor filter element and then to a fan located below, before being released into the kitchen. To replace the odor filter elements, the user can reach through the ventilation inlet and directly access the filter element(s). Tabs may be provided on the side walls of the odor filter element, allowing the user to pull the filter elements towards the ventilation inlet. Such an extractor hood is described, for example, in DE102020210564A1.

[0004] One disadvantage of this extractor hood is that the size of the odor filter's intake area is limited by the maximum height of the cooktop with the integrated extractor hood. Particularly with cooktops that have a low profile, this results in a lower efficiency in filtering out odors.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution that eliminates at least this disadvantage of the prior art in a simple manner.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cooktop extractor fan comprising a ventilation inlet, a fan arranged below the ventilation inlet, and an odor filter unit with at least one odor filter element. The extractor fan is characterized in that the odor filter unit is arranged offset outwards from the ventilation inlet and that, in the direction of airflow, the odor filter unit is positioned between the ventilation inlet and the fan such that the intake side of the odor filter element faces upwards and the clean air side of the odor filter element faces downwards.

[0007] A range hood is a device used to extract and purify air from the area above a cooktop. The range hood can be integrated into the cooktop or arranged adjacent to it. According to the invention, the range hood comprises a ventilation inlet, a fan arranged below the ventilation inlet, and an odor filter unit with at least one odor filter element. The ventilation inlet can be provided in a housing of the range hood or formed by a recess in the cooktop, particularly a cover plate of the cooktop. The fan of the range hood, which can also be called a ventilator, is preferably a radial fan with a fan housing, the fan housing preferably having a spiral shape.The blower preferably has an air inlet opening located in the top of the blower, particularly the blower housing. According to the invention, the blower is located below the ventilation inlet. In one embodiment, the blower is positioned centrally below the ventilation inlet. Furthermore, the exhaust system includes an odor filter unit. The odor filter unit comprises at least one odor filter element. The odor filter element can also be referred to as an odor filter, recirculation filter element, or recirculation filter. The odor filter element can, for example, be an activated carbon filter.

[0008] In the extractor hood according to the invention, the odor filter unit is arranged in the direction of airflow between the ventilation inlet and the fan. Thus, the odor filter unit is preferably positioned above the fan but below the ventilation inlet. Because the odor filter unit is located above the fan, it can be easily accessed by the user through the ventilation inlet.

[0009] The odor filter unit is arranged offset to the outside of the ventilation inlet. An odor filter unit is described as being offset to the outside if, in a top view of the ventilation inlet, it lies outside the surface of the ventilation inlet. Preferably, the ventilation inlet is an elongated recess in the cooktop, particularly a cooktop cover plate. The ventilation inlet has a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges that are longer than the front and rear edges. Preferably, the odor filter unit is positioned offset to the outside of the ventilation inlet such that it is offset to one of the side edges of the ventilation inlet. By offsetting the odor filter unit to the outside of the ventilation inlet, the area below the ventilation inlet is available for a grease filter unit. According to a preferred embodiment, the extractor hood includes a grease filter unit.

[0010] The odor filter unit is arranged so that the intake side of the odor filter element faces upwards and the clean air side of the odor filter element faces downwards. The intake side can therefore be formed by the top of the odor filter element and referred to as such. Additionally, the intake side can extend over at least part of a side surface of the odor filter element facing the ventilation outlet. The clean air side can be formed by the underside of the odor filter element and referred to as such. The intake side is the side of the odor filter element through which air enters the odor filter element during operation of the extractor fan. The clean air side is the side of the odor filter element through which air exits during operation of the extractor fan. This means that the air flows through the odor filter element from top to bottom.

[0011] Directional terms such as top, bottom, front, back, and side refer—unless otherwise specified—to the extractor hood and its components when mounted in or adjacent to a cooktop. Depth is defined as the dimension extending between the front and back of the extractor hood or its components. Width is defined as the horizontal dimension perpendicular to depth. Height is defined as the vertical dimension. According to the invention, the width and depth of the odor filter element are preferably each less than the height of the odor filter element. The odor filter element is particularly preferably cuboid in shape.

[0012] Due to the orientation of the odor filter unit, the main airflow direction through the odor filter element is vertical. The main airflow direction through the odor filter element is defined as the direction in which the majority of the air flows through it. Preferably, all the air flows through the odor filter element in the main airflow direction. Within the odor filter element, the airflow can be deflected, at least partially, by the odor filter material. Preferably, the odor filter unit is arranged in the exhaust system such that the intake side of the odor filter element is at the top and the clean air side is at the bottom. The orientation of the odor filter element in the exhaust system can therefore also be described as horizontal.

[0013] According to the invention, by arranging the odor filter unit in the direction of airflow between the ventilation inlet and the blower such that the intake side of the odor filter element faces upwards and the clean air side of the odor filter element faces downwards, the installation space in a range hood installed in or next to a cooktop can be optimally utilized. Due to the potentially large width and depth, the height of the odor filter element can be low, yet efficient purification of the air from odorous substances can still be ensured.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the extractor hood has two odor filter units, each offset to one side of the ventilation inlet. This embodiment is particularly preferred for an extractor hood where the ventilation inlet is located in the center of the cooktop. The ventilation inlet extends in the depth direction of the cooktop. In this embodiment, the odor filter units allow a portion of the space beneath the cooktop's cooking modules to be utilized.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the odor filter unit comprises, in addition to the at least one odor filter element, a filter holder. The odor filter unit can consist of the at least one odor filter element and the filter holder. A filter holder is defined as a component that supports the odor filter element, at least partially. In particular, the filter holder can support the odor filter element when it is inserted into the exhaust system, when it is removed from the exhaust system, and / or in the state when inserted into the exhaust system.

[0016] The filter holder preferably has a handle that extends beyond a side wall of the odor filter element. In one embodiment, the filter holder consists solely of the handle. Preferably, the handle extends beyond the side wall of the odor filter element that, when inserted into the extractor hood, faces the ventilation inlet. By providing the odor filter unit with a filter holder that includes a handle extending beyond a side wall of the odor filter element, handling of the odor filter element is simplified. In particular, the user can insert and remove the odor filter unit from the extractor hood without having to touch the odor filter element itself. In the embodiment where the handle extends beyond the side wall of the odor filter element, access to the odor filter unit is also simplified.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the handle is airtight. In this embodiment, the handle can contribute to the airflow in the extractor hood. In particular, openings that lead to the fan during exhaust operation, i.e., after the removal of the odor filter unit, can be covered by the handle. These openings can, for example, be formed by a grille.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the handle extends over the entire depth of the odor filter unit. This embodiment improves the handling of the odor filter unit because the gripping surface is larger. Furthermore, particularly if the handle is airtight, it prevents air from flowing past the odor filter element through openings to the blower via the handle.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the odor filter element is detachably connected to the filter holder. The odor filter element can, for example, rest on the filter holder or be partially embedded within the filter holder. Additionally or alternatively, the filter holder can engage with the odor filter element. Particularly in the case of a filter holder consisting of a handle, projections can be provided at one end of the handle that engage in recesses of the odor filter element and thus hold it in place.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the filter holder is provided on the clean air side of the odor filter element, and the handle extends parallel to the surface of the clean air side. The odor filter unit is preferably arranged adjacent to a grease filter unit. The handle can cover the gap between the lower edge of the grease filter unit and the odor filter element.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the filter holder has a handle and a frame adjoining the handle, and the odor filter element rests on the frame. An upward-facing rim can be provided on the top of the frame, which holds the odor filter element in position on the frame. By holding the odor filter element on a frame, air can continue to flow through the odor filter element in a vertical direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the odor filter element has a rim that extends along three side walls of the odor filter element over its entire height and along the fourth side wall to a height less than the height of the odor filter element. In this embodiment, preferably the upper portion of the side surface, where the rim is shorter, is not covered by the rim. The rim can serve to maintain the shape of the filter material of the odor filter element. Furthermore, the rim can be airtight or have a lower air permeability than the filter material. Thus, the rim also serves to guide air. By leaving a gap in the rim at the top of one side wall, a certain amount of air can enter the odor filter element through the side wall.This is advantageous when the distance between the odor filter element and a grease filter element inserted into the ventilation inlet is small. In particular, it can prevent or reduce air stagnation or turbulence at the side wall of the odor filter element.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the odor filter unit has at least two odor filter elements positioned on the filter holder. The odor filter elements can abut each other on the filter holder.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the filter holder can have struts within the frame. These struts can serve to support the odor filter element(s) in addition to the frame itself. If more than one odor filter element is provided, the distance between the struts or the frame and an adjacent strut corresponds to a dimension of the respective odor filter element. This allows the edges of the individual odor filter elements to rest on the frame or the strut.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the exhaust ventilation device comprises a protective device which is arranged in the direction of flow between the ventilation inlet and the blower and part of the protective device forms a support area for the at least one odor filter unit.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the protective device has a cover for concealing the blower, in particular the blower's air inlet opening, and at least one protective grille adjacent to the cover. The cover can form the base of a grease filter unit, or the base of a grease filter unit can be mounted on the cover. The cover thus prevents contaminants from entering the blower. Furthermore, the cover prevents air exiting the grease filters from reaching the blower without first passing through the odor filter element. The protective grille adjacent to the cover can serve as the support area for the at least one odor filter unit. Alternatively, the protective grille can be located between the cover and a support area for the odor filter element.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a cooktop. The cooktop is characterized in that a ventilation device according to the invention is integrated into the cooktop. The cooktop, which generally comprises a cover plate and at least one heating element, can be referred to together with the ventilation device as a device or combination device.

[0028] Advantages and features described with regard to the extractor hood apply - as far as applicable - accordingly to the cooktop and the odor filter unit according to the invention, and vice versa, and are described only once if necessary.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the cooktop has a cover plate and the ventilation inlet of the extractor fan is formed by a recess in the cover plate.

[0030] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an odor filter unit for a range hood according to the invention. Advantages and features described with respect to the odor filter element apply – where applicable – accordingly to the range hood and the cooktop according to the invention, and vice versa, and are described only once, if necessary.

[0031] Preferably, the odor filter unit comprises an odor filter element with an intake side and a clean air side and a filter holder that is partially connected to the odor filter element and has a handle that extends beyond a side wall of the odor filter element.

[0032] The invention is described again below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Figure 1: a schematic top view of an embodiment of a cooktop with a ventilation system according to the invention; Figure 2: a schematic perspective sectional view of an embodiment of the cooktop with a ventilation system according to the invention; Figures 3a and 3b: schematic sectional views of embodiments of the cooktop with a ventilation system according to the invention; Figure 4: a perspective top view of an embodiment of the odor filter unit according to the invention; Figure 5: a perspective top view of an embodiment of a filter holder of an odor filter unit according to the invention; Figure 6: a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a cooktop with a ventilation system without odor filter units according to the prior art; and Figure 7: a schematic perspective top view of a cooktop according to the prior art.

[0033] In Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a cooktop 1 according to the invention with an integrated extractor hood 2. The cooktop 1 has a cover plate 10, below which heating modules (not shown) of the cooktop 1 are arranged. A recess 100 is provided in the cover plate 10. The recess 100 forms the ventilation inlet 22 of the extractor hood 2. The recess 100 is located in the middle of the width of the cover plate 10 and extends in the depth direction of the cover plate 10 of the cooktop 1, that is, from the front towards the back of the cooktop 1. A grease filter unit 4 is accommodated in the recess 100.

[0034] The extractor fan 2 has a blower 20. The blower 20 is arranged below the cover plate 10. The blower 20 has an air inlet opening 200 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is arranged below the recess 100. Above the blower 20, but below the cover plate 10, two odor filter units 3 are arranged in the illustrated embodiment. The odor filter units 3 are arranged adjacent to the grease filter unit 4. In particular, the odor filter units 3 are arranged offset outwards from the recess 100 and thus from the ventilation inlet 22. Each of the odor filter units 3 consists of a filter holder, of which in the Figure 1only the handle 310 is visible and an odor filter element 30. The odor filter unit 3 is inserted into the extractor hood 2 in such a way that the side of the odor filter unit 3 on which the handle 310 is arranged faces the recess 100 and, in the embodiment shown, also the grease filter unit 4.

[0035] The odor filter unit 3 is described with reference to the Figures 4 and 5The odor filter unit 3, in the illustrated embodiment, consists of a filter holder 3 and an odor filter element 30. The odor filter element 30 has a cuboid shape. The filter material can, for example, be a pleated activated carbon layer encased in nonwoven fabric. The odor filter element 30 has an intake side 301, which forms the top of the odor filter element 30. The clean air side of the odor filter element 30 is formed on the underside (not visible). The odor filter element 30 has a surround 300 that covers the side walls of the odor filter element 30. The surround 300 can, for example, be made of an airtight material.

[0036] The filter holder 31, which is in Figure 5The odor filter unit 3, as shown, has a handle 310 and a frame 311 adjoining the handle 310. The handle 310 is in the form of a strip of material and has a length corresponding to the length of the frame 311. An upward-projecting projection is formed on the edge of the handle 310 facing away from the frame 311. The frame 311 contains struts 311 that extend perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the handle 310 and thus subdivide the frame 310. In the illustrated embodiment of the odor filter unit 3, the frame 310 with the struts 311 serves as a support area for the odor filter element 30. Additionally, the frame 310 can have an upward-projecting rim that holds the odor filter element in position. The handle 310 projects beyond a side wall of the odor filter element 30 and lies parallel to the underside of the odor filter element 30.

[0037] The position of the odor filter units 3 in the extractor hood 2 of the hob 1 is determined with reference to Figure 2 A protective device 21 is arranged between the cover plate 10 of the cooktop 1 and the fan 20. The protective device 21 has a cover 210 in its center. The cover 210 lies below the recess 100 and thus also below a grease filter unit (not shown) inserted into the recess 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 210 has the shape of a channel. The cover 210 prevents contaminants, in particular grease from the grease filter unit or liquids that run into the recess 100, from entering the fan 20. For this reason, the cover 210 preferably has a width that corresponds to or is greater than the width of the recess 100.

[0038] Adjacent to the cover 210, the protective device 21 has two protective grilles 211. In the Figure 2 Only the left safety grille 211 is visible. The right safety grille 211 is in the Figure 2 The filter holder 31 conceals the protective grille and is therefore not visible. A support area 212 adjoins each of the protective grilles 211 on the outside. In the illustrated embodiment, the support area 212 is formed by rods that extend in the width direction and thus perpendicular to the cover 210, which extends in the depth direction of the protective device 21. However, it is also within the scope of the invention for the support area 212 to consist only of an open frame.

[0039] As can be seen from Figure 2 The odor filter unit 3 is positioned so that the frame 310 of the filter holder 31 lies on the support area 212 and the handle 310 of the filter holder 31 covers the protective grille 211.

[0040] In the Figures 3a and 3bSectional views of embodiments of a cooktop 1 with a range hood 2 are shown. The embodiment of Figure 3a corresponds to the embodiment according to Figure 2 The embodiment of the Figure 3b differs from the embodiment according to Figure 3a by the fact that the odor filter element 30 is located closer to the edge of the recess 100. In addition, the width of the protective grille 211 and the handle 310 of the filter holder 31 is smaller than in the embodiment according to Figure 2 .

[0041] As can be seen from the in the Figures 3a and 3b The indicated currents of the drawn-in air can be deduced, and in the embodiment according to Figure 3bThe airflow is blocked by the odor filter element 30. Air can only flow through the upper area of ​​the grease filter unit 4, as the lower area is prevented from entering the odor filter element 30 by the rim 300.

[0042] The distance between the odor filter element 30 and the recess, and thus the width of the handle 310, is therefore preferably chosen to be larger than in Figure 3b shown. Alternatively, the rim 300 on the side wall of the odor filter element 30, which faces the handle 310, can have a lower height and thus only cover the lower area of ​​the odor filter element 30. In this embodiment, air can enter the upper area of ​​the side wall of the odor filter element 30, thus preventing blockage.

[0043] In Figure 6A schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a cooktop with a ventilation system according to the prior art, without odor filter units, is shown. As can be seen from Figure 6 This results in a protective device being provided, comprising a cover 210 and protective plates adjoining it to the left and right. The protective plates can be accessed as described in Figure 7 An odor filter GF is shown, through which air flows horizontally. The size of the GF is therefore limited by the distance between the protective plate and the underside of the cover plate 10 or the heating modules located below it. Furthermore, a disadvantage of the cooktop, according to the current state of the art, is that the airflow is not efficient in exhaust air operation. The airflow in exhaust air operation without an odor filter GF is in Figure 6 schematically indicated.

[0044] In contrast, with the present invention, when the odor filter units for exhaust air operation are removed, the air can be passed through the Figure 2 Air flows through the protective grille 210 shown and the support area 212, making the airflow more efficient.

[0045] The present invention provides a solution by which a horizontally arranged odor filter unit can be used in a cooktop extractor, particularly in an extractor integrated into the cooktop, while still ensuring accessibility for placing and removing the odor filter unit. Accessibility is preferably achieved by a handle on the odor filter unit. In one embodiment, the handle can additionally ensure targeted airflow within the extractor to the odor filter element. The invention allows the odor filter element to be positioned at a greater distance from the ventilation inlet in the appliance, thus preventing airflow obstruction at the side wall of the odor filter element. The filter holder, and in particular the handle, preferably serves as an insertion and positioning aid.The filter holder can be pulled out by the user towards the ventilation inlet, like a drawer. The odor filter element(s) can then be positioned on the filter holder, which is then reinserted into the unit. The filter holder may also feature visual user instructions, such as arrows. The filter holder is preferably dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. To hold the odor filter element in place, the filter holder may have an upward-facing rim on the frame, which, when sufficiently overlapped by the odor filter element, also helps to seal around the filter. The edge of the frame may have beveled edges to facilitate the insertion of the odor filter element into the frame.Since the odor filter element and thus the filter holder are not required when the extractor hood is operating in exhaust air mode, they can be removed, eliminating the need for a long, outward-directed airflow. After removing the filter holder, the air can flow, for example, after passing through the grease filter, directly into the blower (also known as a fan) via a protective grille. Therefore, the unit can have additional openings for exhaust air operation through the protective grille, which are closed for recirculation mode by the filter holder and, in particular, the handle, thus altering the airflow pattern. According to one embodiment, small thresholds or other mechanical features are provided on the unit to give the user feedback when positioning the odor filter unit.

[0046] The present invention has several advantages. In particular, it provides easy access to the odor filter unit for the user. Furthermore, the drawer-like operation is intuitive for the user. In addition, the use of a horizontal odor filter element allows for the use of larger odor filter elements. These larger odor filter elements enable increased device performance or reduced noise levels, despite a reduced overall height of the unit. During exhaust air operation, a maximum open inlet area to the fan is available, as the filter holder, which can close the openings during recirculation, can be removed for exhaust air operation. Reference symbol list

[0047] 1 Cooktop 10 Cover plate 100 Recess (ventilation inlet) 2 Extractor hood 20 Blower 200 Air inlet opening 21 Protective device 210 Cover 211 Protective grille 212 Support area 22 Ventilation inlet 3 Odor filter unit 30 Odor filter element 300 Surround 301 Intake side 302 Clean air side 31 Filter holder 310 Handle 311 Frame 3110 Struts 4 Grease filter GF Odor filter - State of the art

Claims

1. Extractor hood for a cooktop (1) comprising a ventilation inlet (22), a fan (20) arranged below the ventilation inlet (22) and an odor filter unit (3) with at least one odor filter element (30), characterized by the fact that the odor filter unit (3) is arranged offset to the outside from the ventilation inlet (22) and the odor filter unit (3) is arranged in the direction of flow between the ventilation inlet (22) and the blower (20) such that the intake side (301) of the odor filter element (30) is directed upwards and the clean air side (302) of the odor filter element (30) is directed downwards.

2. Extraction device according to claim 1, wherein the extraction device (2) has two odor filter units (3) which are each arranged offset to the outside on one side of the ventilation inlet (22).

3. Extractor fan according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the odor filter unit (3) comprises, in addition to the at least one odor filter element (30), a filter holder (31) having a handle (310) which extends beyond a side wall of the odor filter element (30).

4. Extractor fan according to claim 3, wherein the handle (310) is airtight and preferably extends over the entire depth of the odor filter unit (3).

5. Extraction device according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the extraction device (2) comprises a protective device (21) which is arranged in the direction of flow between the ventilation inlet (22) and the blower (20) and a part of the protective device (21) forms a support area (212) for the at least one odor filter unit (3).

6. Extractor hood according to claim 5, wherein the protective device (21) has a cover (210) for covering the blower (2) upwards and at least one protective grille (211) adjacent to the cover (210).

7. Hob, characterized by the fact that a ventilation device according to one of claims 1 to 6 is integrated into the cooktop (1).

8. Hob according to claim 7, wherein the hob (1) has a cover plate (10) and the ventilation inlet (22) is formed by a cutout (100) in the cover plate (10).

9. Odor filter unit for extractor hood (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the odor filter unit (3) comprises an odor filter element (30) with an intake side (301) and a clean air side (302) and a filter holder (31) which is partially connected to the odor filter element (30) and has a handle (310) which extends beyond a side wall of the odor filter element (30).

10. Odor filter unit according to claim 9, wherein the odor filter element (30) is detachably connected to the filter holder (31).

11. Odor filter unit according to one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the filter holder (31) is provided on the clean air side (301) of the odor filter element (30) and the handle (310) extends parallel to the surface of the clean air side (301).

12. Odor filter unit according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the filter holder (31) has a handle (310) and a frame (311) adjoining the handle (310) and the odor filter element (30) is arranged on the frame.

13. Odor filter unit according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the odor filter unit (3) has at least two odor filter elements (30) positioned on the filter holder (31).

Images