Method for operating a vapour extractor of a hob with integrated vapour extractor and hob with integrated vapour extractor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a cooktop extractor (2) with an integrated extractor fan (2) for extracting fumes from above the cooktop (1) downwards. The method is characterized in that, when extracting fumes from above the cooktop (1), a vortex (W) is generated at least above the intake opening (21) of an extraction duct (20) of the extractor fan (2). Furthermore, a cooktop (1) with an integrated extractor fan (2) for carrying out the method is described.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating the extractor fan of a cooktop with integrated extractor fan and a cooktop with integrated extractor fan.

[0002] For cooktops with integrated extractor hoods, the extraction performance depends on the extractor's airflow and the position and shape of the cookware. While a high airflow can achieve good extraction results, it also leads to high operating noise. Extraction is particularly problematic with tall pots, as the increased distance between the extraction point and the pot's edge requires a higher extraction volume.

[0003] With gas hobs, the influence of the extractor hood on the combustion at the gas burner must also be taken into account, which contradicts the use of high volume flows.

[0004] With induction cooktops, the capture of steam can be improved by the position of the pots and a higher airflow from the extractor fan, although the high operating noise is still perceived as a drawback. Additionally, it is known to direct the steam towards the extractor fan using the pot lid, either by partially opening it with a wooden spoon wedged in it or by using a special, partially open lid.

[0005] For gas cooktops, for example, WO 19202423 A1 describes a grid with a partition that separates the burner from the extractor and thus protects the burner flame from the extractor's influence. A disadvantage of this is that reliable extraction with tall pots is still not possible or can only be achieved by increasing the airflow, which results in higher operating noise.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a solution by means of which targeted extraction of fumes can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0007] According to a first aspect, this problem is solved by a method for operating a cooktop extractor with an integrated extractor fan to extract fumes from above the cooktop downwards. The method is characterized in that, when extracting fumes from above the cooktop, a vortex is generated at least above the intake opening of an extraction duct of the extractor fan.

[0008] A cooktop with integrated ventilation is defined as a cooktop in which at least one intake opening for the ventilation system is located within or adjacent to the cooktop surface. This intake opening is formed at the upper end of the ventilation system's extraction duct or constitutes the upper end of the duct itself. The lower end of the extraction duct is connected to the ventilation system's fan, which may also be called a ventilator or fan. The ventilation system and the cooktop may be housed in a single unit. A cooktop with integrated ventilation may also be referred to as a cooking extractor or cooking extraction system.

[0009] The cooktop preferably has a cover plate. The cover plate preferably has at least one recess. The recess can represent the intake opening for the extractor hood. Alternatively, the intake opening of the extractor hood can be located in or below the recess. The cooktop preferably has at least one cooking zone. Each cooking zone, in turn, has at least one heating module. According to one embodiment, the heating module is an induction module arranged below a cover plate of the cooktop. According to another embodiment, the heating module is a gas burner. The gas burner can extend through the cover plate of the cooktop, and its burner head, from which the combusted gas exits, can be located above the cover plate.

[0010] The extractor hood, which can also be called an extractor fan, preferably has a fan and a downward-facing extraction duct. The fan is located below the cooktop. Viewed from above, the fan can be positioned within the cooktop surface or offset towards the outside of the cooktop surface.

[0011] Directional terms such as "top" and "bottom" refer – unless otherwise specified – to a cooktop with integrated extractor hood in its installed state, where the cooktop is horizontal. In particular, the cooktop is preferably installed in a worktop.

[0012] The downward-directed extraction duct can have a constant cross-section along its length. The cross-section of the extraction duct can be, for example, rectangular or round. However, it is also within the scope of the invention for the extraction duct to have different cross-sections along its length. For example, the diameter of the extraction duct can vary along its length. Additionally or alternatively, the extraction duct can, for example, have a rectangular cross-section in its upper region, followed by a region with a round cross-section at the bottom.

[0013] According to the invention, when extracting fumes from above the cooktop, a vortex is generated at least above the intake opening of the extraction duct of the extractor hood.

[0014] Cooking fumes are the air that is drawn in and cleaned by the extractor hood. Specifically, cooking fumes refer to the mixture of air, water vapor, and possibly grease and other particles produced during cooking. The cooking fumes are drawn in by the extractor hood and cleaned by filters preferably integrated into the hood. A vortex is a circular or spiral flow of a fluid. The vortex tapers downwards.

[0015] By creating a vortex at least above the intake opening of the extractor hood's exhaust duct, the intake of air or gas from the sides can be minimized, and the intake can be concentrated in the area above the upper end of the vortex. In the lower part of the vortex, particularly at the sides of a pot, the air is generally not contaminated by particles and liquid and therefore does not require cleaning. The vortex created according to the invention reduces the volume of air drawn in through the extractor hood, while maintaining or even increasing its effectiveness, since no air requiring cleaning is drawn in.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the vortex is directed downwards and is formed from steam. A vortex is described as directed downwards when the fluid moves downwards in a spiral motion. In this embodiment, the vortex is formed by the steam drawn in through the extractor hood. In particular, the steam is preferably generated by a vortex generator arranged in the extractor hood.

[0017] The advantage of generating the vortex from the cooking fumes lies in the simple design of the extractor hood, which nevertheless allows for targeted extraction of the fumes. Furthermore, the direction of the fume flow corresponds to the extraction direction of the extractor hood, meaning it is also directed downwards.

[0018] In the embodiment where the vortex of vapors is directed downwards, a vortex generator can be arranged in or on the extraction duct. This embodiment, where the vortex of vapors is directed downwards, can also be referred to as a passive embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0019] The vortex generator can, for example, be a paddle wheel or a grid. The paddles of the paddle wheel or the struts of the grid can be referred to as air guide elements. In particular, the paddles or struts can be angled, that is, arranged at an inclination to the horizontal. The vortex generator preferably has a circular cross-section, and the air guide elements preferably extend radially from the vortex generator. The radial path can be curved. The paddle wheel or grid can be arranged in the extraction duct at a distance from its upper end, particularly from the intake opening, or it can be placed on the extraction duct, particularly the intake opening.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment, to generate the downward-directed vortex of fumes below the intake opening of the extractor hood, air is drawn tangentially from inside the extraction duct. For this purpose, one or more air channels can be provided on an extraction duct with a round cross-section or on a cylinder within a rectangular extraction duct, extending tangentially outwards from the extraction duct or cylinder. The air channels can extend horizontally or run downwards at an angle from the extraction duct or cylinder. The air channel(s) can be connected to the extractor hood's fan or an auxiliary fan to extract the fumes through the air channels. It is also within the scope of the invention that a filter element is provided on the extractor hood upstream of the air channel(s) in the direction of airflow, through which the extracted fumes are cleaned.In this embodiment, the purified vapor, which consists in particular of air, can be guided through the air channels.

[0021] Generating the downward-directed vortex of steam by tangentially drawing air from inside the extraction duct below the intake opening offers the particular advantage that the height of the vortex can be adjusted by the volume flow being drawn in tangentially. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intake opening remains unobstructed, and a filter element can be positioned within or above it. Additionally, the tangential extraction can be carried out via the extractor fan, thus simplifying the extractor fan's design.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment, the vortex is directed upwards and is formed by an airflow supplied by the extractor hood. An upward-directed vortex is defined as one in which the fluid moves upwards in a spiral motion. In this embodiment, the vortex preferably surrounds the downward-directed stream of fumes. The downward-directed stream of fumes is generated by the extractor hood's fan and drawn downwards into the extractor hood through the central portion of the intake opening of the extraction duct. The embodiment in which the upward-directed vortex is formed by an airflow is also referred to as the active embodiment of the method.

[0023] The term "supply air" refers to a separate airflow from the steam and cooking fumes drawn in by the extractor hood. This supply airflow can consist, for example, of cleaned or uncleaned steam and cooking fumes that have been drawn in through the extractor hood.

[0024] By creating an upward-directed vortex that surrounds the downward-directed stream of fumes flowing towards the intake opening, the lateral intake of air into the intake opening can be prevented. This allows the extraction area of ​​the extractor hood to be limited laterally above the intake opening. For example, the intake of gas from a gas burner or the drawing of the gas burner flame towards the intake opening can be prevented. At a distance from the intake opening corresponding to the height of the vortex, the extraction area is no longer limited laterally, and fumes can thus be extracted, for example, from pots. Therefore, even with the active design, targeted extraction of fumes is possible.

[0025] To generate the upward vortex created by the supply airflow, a vortex generator can be arranged in or on the extraction duct. The vortex generator can include an impeller comprising one or more air guide elements inclined to the horizontal. Additionally or alternatively, the vortex generator can include an inner cylinder inserted into the extraction duct. This creates an annular gap between the inner cylinder and the extraction duct, through which supply air can be discharged upwards. In addition to the inner cylinder, an outer cylinder can also be inserted into the extraction duct. In this embodiment, an annular gap is formed between the inner and outer cylinders. Each annular gap can have at least one discharge nozzle on its upper surface, inclined to the vertical.According to one embodiment, the vortex generator can have at least one air channel that extends tangentially or radially outwards to the extraction channel or to an outer cylinder arranged in the extraction channel.

[0026] According to one embodiment, a vortex generator arranged in the extractor hood is at least partially rotated to create the vortex. In particular, an impeller or an outer cylinder can be rotated. The impeller and / or the outer cylinder is arranged coaxially to the axis of the extraction duct. The rotation of the impeller and / or the outer cylinder generates a rotating airflow in the extraction duct, which can exit upwards through the intake opening and form a vortex there.

[0027] In another embodiment, to generate the vortex below the extractor hood's intake opening, supply air can be blown tangentially or radially into the interior of the extraction duct. For this purpose, a vortex generator can be used, which has air channels extending radially and / or tangentially outwards to the extraction duct and / or an outer cylinder. In this embodiment, an inner cylinder is preferably provided that limits the central region of the extraction duct's cross-section to the outside. This prevents any interference with the flow of fumes drawn in by the extractor hood within the extraction duct. The air channels can be connected to the extractor hood's fan or an auxiliary fan to generate the supply air flow.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the height of the vortex above the cooktop is adjusted by the direction and / or volume flow of the supply air. A larger volume flow, in particular, increases the height of the vortex. This also ensures the reliable extraction of steam from tall pots.

[0029] If the vortex generator is arranged in or on the extraction duct in the active or passive embodiment, the vortex generated by this vortex generator can extend into the extraction duct. If, however, the vortex generator is arranged on the extraction duct, the vortex is generated above the intake opening.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a cooktop with integrated extractor hood, which is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0031] Advantages and features described with regard to the method according to the invention apply - insofar as applicable - accordingly to the cooking extraction system according to the invention and vice versa.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the extractor hood has a fan, a downward-directed extraction duct and a vortex generator for generating the vortex at least above the hob.

[0033] A vortex generator is a device by means of which a vortex can be generated at least above the intake opening. Although the extractor hood used according to the invention can have several vortex generators, the invention is described below primarily with regard to an extractor hood with one vortex generator. These descriptions apply accordingly to embodiments with several vortex generators.

[0034] According to the invention, by incorporating a vortex generator in the extractor hood, the airflow can be influenced, at least above the cooktop. By creating a vortex above the cooktop, cross-currents can be prevented, and the effectiveness of the extraction can be increased while maintaining a constant fan speed.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the vortex generator is arranged at least partially within the extraction duct. The vortex generator can be located in the upper region of the extraction duct. In particular, the vortex generator can extend below the intake opening of the extraction duct and / or project upwards beyond it, at least partially. If the vortex generator projects beyond the intake opening, the projection is preferably limited to the distance between the intake opening and the surface of the cooktop, especially the cooktop's cover plate. Alternatively or additionally, the vortex generator can extend outwards, at least partially, beyond the side wall of the extraction duct. In particular, one or more air channels can be arranged on the extraction duct, extending radially or tangentially along the extraction duct.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the vortex generator has at least one radial air guide element. In this embodiment, the at least one air guide element can, for example, be a blade of an impeller or a lamella of a grille. This embodiment of the vortex generator, i.e., the impeller or the grille, can be placed on the upper end of the extraction duct or inserted into the extraction duct. The air guide elements are angled to the horizontal and extend at least partially in the radial direction of the extraction duct. The air guide element(s) can change the flow direction of the air drawn into the extractor hood. In particular, the air guide element(s) can cause the drawn-in air in the extraction duct to rotate, thereby forming a vortex upwards, i.e., especially above the extraction duct and the surface of the cooktop.

[0037] The impeller and / or grid can constitute a stationary vortex generator. In this embodiment, the impeller or grid can be rigidly connected to the extraction duct. A rigid connection is defined in particular as a connection that, when fixed, does not permit any movement of the impeller or grid relative to the extraction duct. In this embodiment, the rotation of the fumes, which generates the vortex, is effected solely by the alignment of the air guide elements of the vortex generator.

[0038] According to an alternative embodiment, the vortex generator can be at least partially rotatably mounted. In one embodiment, the vortex generator, which has at least one air guide element, can be an impeller with at least one blade, rotatably mounted in the extractor hood. For example, the impeller can be rotatably attached to the extraction duct. The rotation of the impeller can further increase the rotation of the drawn-in air, thereby further intensifying the vortex formation above the cooktop.

[0039] In addition to or as an alternative to at least one air guide element, the vortex generator can have at least one cylinder and at least one air duct oriented tangentially or radially to the cylinder. The cylinder can represent the outer surface of an extraction duct with a circular cross-section or an outer cylinder inserted into the extraction duct. The air duct can also be referred to as an air pipe.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the air duct constitutes an extraction duct. In this embodiment, the air duct is connected to a blower in such a way that air can be extracted from the interior of the extraction duct. The air duct is preferably arranged tangentially to a round extraction duct and extends through the wall of the extraction duct. By tangentially extracting air from the extraction duct, a rotation of the vapor drawn into the extraction duct can be effected. Preferably, several air ducts are provided around the circumference of the extraction duct for this purpose.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the at least one air duct constitutes a supply air duct. In this embodiment, the air duct is connected to a fan such that air is drawn into the interior of the extraction duct via the supply air duct. In this embodiment, the supply air duct can be arranged tangentially or radially to the extraction duct. By adjusting the volume flow through tangentially arranged supply air ducts relative to the volume flow through radially arranged supply air ducts, the height of the vortex generated above the cooktop can be easily and precisely controlled.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the vortex generator comprises an inner cylinder arranged in the extraction duct. In another embodiment, the vortex generator comprises an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder coaxially surrounding it. In the case of a round extraction duct, the inner cylinder is preferably arranged coaxially with the axis of the extraction duct. An annular gap is thus formed between the inner cylinder and the extraction duct or an additional outer cylinder inserted into the extraction duct. Air can be discharged upwards from the extraction duct through this annular gap. This air is preferably discharged from the annular gap in a rotating manner.

[0043] To enhance the rotating airflow from the annular gap, inclined outlet nozzles can be provided on the upper surface of the annular gap. The air to be discharged can be introduced into the annular gap through an air supply duct. This air supply duct can be arranged radially or tangentially to the inner cylinder. Particularly with one or more tangentially arranged air supply ducts, the annular gap can be open at the top and, in particular, may not have inclined outlet nozzles. Alternatively, the airflow to be discharged from the annular gap can be generated by rotating an outer cylinder arranged coaxially around the inner cylinder. Furthermore, at least one air guide element in the form of a vane can be arranged on the outside of the inner cylinder or on the inside of the outer cylinder.

[0044] This creates an impeller using either the inner or outer cylinder.

[0045] According to one embodiment, therefore, either the inner cylinder on which the blades are arranged, or the outer cylinder on which the blades are arranged, is rotatably mounted.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the upper end of the extraction duct has a rectangular cross-section and is covered by a baffle with at least two round openings. Each opening in the baffle thus forms an intake opening. A vortex generator can be arranged in or below each of these intake openings. This embodiment allows multiple vortices to be generated above the cooktop along an elongated recess in the cooktop's surface. The direction of rotation of the vortices above the individual intake openings can be opposite.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the cooktop includes at least one gas burner. In this embodiment, the cooktop can also be referred to as a gas cooktop. In this embodiment, the generated vortex or vortices prevent the gas escaping from the gas burner from being drawn in by the extractor fan or the flame of the gas burner from being tilted towards the extractor fan's intake opening.

[0048] The invention is described again below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Figure 1: a schematic representation of the method according to the invention; Figure 2: a schematic representation of the flow of a cooktop with integrated extractor hood according to the prior art; Figure 3: a schematic top view of a first embodiment of the cooktop with integrated extractor hood according to the invention with a first embodiment of a vortex generator; Figure 4: a schematic sectional view of the first embodiment according to Figure 3Figure 5: a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the cooktop according to the invention with integrated extractor hood and a second embodiment of the vortex generator; Figure 6: a schematic perspective view of the second embodiment of the vortex generator; Figure 7: a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the vortex generator; Figure 8: a schematic perspective top view of a fourth embodiment of the vortex generator; Figure 9: a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the vortex generator; and Figure 10: a schematic perspective top view of a sixth embodiment of the vortex generator.

[0049] The same reference symbols are used for identical parts in the figures. These are only described once, if necessary.

[0050] In Figure 1The inventive method is shown schematically. The cooktop 1 with integrated extractor hood 2, which is also referred to below as a cooking-extraction system, comprises a cooktop 1 and an extractor hood 2. The cooktop 1 has a cover plate 11 and several cooking zones 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooking zones 10 consist of gas burners, which are referred to as burners 100.

[0051] A recess 110 is provided in the center of the cover plate 11. A range hood 2 is provided below the cover plate 11 of the cooktop 1. Figure 1 Of the extractor hood 2, only the extraction duct 20 is visible, which extends below the recess 110 in the cover plate 11. In addition, the cooking extraction system has a vortex generator 3.

[0052] When the extractor hood 2 is operated, the vortex generator 3 creates a vortex W above the extraction duct 20, in particular the intake opening 21 of the extraction duct 20. Steam generated by cooking food, for example, water in pots, on the cooking zones 10 is extracted downwards by the extractor hood 2. The vortex W limits the extraction area laterally and ensures that steam is drawn into the extraction duct 20 primarily from the height of the upper edge of the pots. The vortex W prevents the intake of gas escaping from the burner 100 or any interference with the flame generated by the gas.

[0053] In Figure 2In comparison, the airflow of a cooktop 1 with an integrated extractor hood 2 is shown. The cooking extraction system does not have a vortex generator. Since there is no vortex, the extractor hood 2 primarily draws air near the top of the cooktop 1. This primarily draws gas from the burners 100 of the cooktop 1 or directs the flame of the burner 100 towards the intake opening 21 of the extractor hood. Air is also drawn from the area above the cooktop 1, specifically below the top edge of the pots placed on the burners 100. Therefore, steam rising from the pots is not extracted, or not sufficiently extracted, by the extractor hood 2.

[0054] In Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a first embodiment of the cooktop 1 according to the invention with an integrated extractor hood 2 and a first embodiment of a vortex generator 3. The cooktop 1 has four cooking zones 10 in the form of burners 100. A circular recess 110 is provided in the center of the cover plate 11 of the cooktop 1, through which air can enter the extraction duct 20 arranged below. In the embodiment shown, the recess 110 forms the intake opening 21 of the extraction duct 20.

[0055] In this embodiment, the vortex generator has 3 tangential air channels 34 extending outwards from the extraction channel 20. In the illustrated embodiment, four tangential air channels 34 are arranged. However, the number can also be less than or greater than four. As can be seen from the sectional view of the first embodiment in Figure 4As a result, the air channels 34 are arranged inclined downwards from the extraction channel 20. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the air channels 34 extend horizontally outwards from the extraction channel 20 perpendicular to the axis of the extraction channel 20.

[0056] The air ducts 34 are connected to a blower (not shown), which can be the blower of the extractor hood 2 or an additional blower (not shown), such that air can be drawn out of the extraction duct 20 via the air ducts 34. Due to the tangential arrangement of the air ducts 34, this extraction causes the vapors drawn into the extraction duct 20 to rotate, thereby generating a vortex W of vapors above the cooktop 1, which extends upwards beyond the intake opening 21 of the extraction duct 20. This embodiment of the method can also be referred to as a passive embodiment.

[0057] In Figure 5Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the cooktop 1 according to the invention with an integrated extractor hood 2 and a second embodiment of the vortex generator 3. In this embodiment, the cooktop 1 has a rectangular recess 110 in the cover plate 11, located in the middle of the cooktop's width. The recess 110 extends in the depth direction of the cooktop. The recess 110 is covered by a panel 111, into which two circular openings 1110 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the extraction duct 2 located below the cooktop 1 can have a rectangular cross-section corresponding to the shape of the recess 110, at least in its upper region. In the illustrated embodiment, two vortex generators 3 are arranged in the extraction duct 20. One vortex generator 3 is arranged below each of the openings 1110 in the panel 111.

[0058] The second embodiment of the vortex generator 3 consists of an outer cylinder 30 and an inner cylinder 31. The outer cylinder 30 is rotatably mounted about its axis, while the inner cylinder 31 is fixed. The rotation of the outer cylinder 30 is controlled by Figure 5 indicated by a block arrow. An annular gap 35 is formed between the outer cylinder 30 and the inner cylinder 31. Due to the rotation of the outer cylinder 30 relative to the inner cylinder 31, air introduced from below into the annular gap 35 can be expelled upwards as a vortex. The fumes are drawn into the extractor hood 2 via the inner cylinder. This is shown schematically in Figure 6The air can be introduced into the annular gap 35 from below via the fan (not shown) of the extractor hood 2 or by an additional fan (not shown). The direction of rotation of the vortices generated by the two vortex generators 3 is preferably opposite to each other. The second embodiment of the method can also be referred to as the active embodiment.

[0059] In Figure 7Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a third embodiment of the vortex generator 3. In this embodiment, the vortex generator 3 consists of an outer cylinder 30, an inner cylinder 31, and several tangential air channels 34 and radial air channels 33. The air channels 33, 34 extend outwards from the outer cylinder 30. The air channels 33, 34 can extend perpendicular to the axis of the outer cylinder 30 and thus run horizontally, or they can be arranged inclined downwards from the outer cylinder 30. Air can be introduced into the annular gap 35 formed between the inner cylinder 31 and the outer cylinder 30 via the air channels 33, 34. The air can be introduced into the air channels 33, 34 via the fan (not shown) of the extractor hood 2 or via an auxiliary fan (not shown). The supplied air can cause a vortex to be emitted upwards from the annular gap 35.The height of the vortex emitted upwards through the annular gap 35 can be adjusted by selectively supplying radial and / or tangential air to it. The third embodiment can be referred to as the active embodiment.

[0060] In Figure 8Figure 1 shows a schematic, perspective top view of a fourth embodiment of the vortex generator 3. This fourth embodiment has an outer cylinder 30 and an inner cylinder 31, between which an annular gap 35 is formed. In this embodiment, the inner cylinder 31 is rotatably mounted. Air guide elements 32 in the form of blades are arranged on the outer surface of the inner cylinder 31. By rotating the inner cylinder 31, air introduced from below through the annular gap 35 is set into rotation, thereby generating an upward-directed vortex above the vortex generator 3. Furthermore, fumes are drawn downwards through the interior of the inner cylinder 31 via the fan (not shown) of the extractor hood 2.

[0061] In Figure 9Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the vortex generator 3. This differs from the fourth embodiment in that the inner and outer cylinders 31, 30 have a greater length than the air guide elements 32, which are designed as blades. In the fifth embodiment of the vortex generator 3, the air guide elements 32 are spaced apart from the axial ends of the inner and outer cylinders 31, 30 in the annular gap 35.

[0062] In Figure 10Figure 1 shows a schematic, perspective top view of a sixth embodiment of the vortex generator 3. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the inner cylinder 31 is covered at the top by an air guide element 32 in the form of a lid, the inner cylinder 31 is fixed in place, and the vortex generator 3 does not have an outer cylinder. Instead, in this embodiment, an annular gap 35 is formed between the inner cylinder 31 and the inner surface of the extraction duct 20. The fumes, which are drawn into the extraction duct 20 through the intake opening 21 via the fan (not shown) of the extractor hood 2, are set into a rotary motion by the air guide elements 32, which are designed as vanes, thereby generating a vortex of fumes above the intake opening 21. In this embodiment, unlike the fourth embodiment, the fumes are thus drawn in via the annular gap 35.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. For example, individual components of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment.

[0064] The present invention utilizes vortex generation to influence the extraction of air by the extractor hood. Preferably, a flow rotation is induced within and / or above the intake opening of the extractor hood.

[0065] According to the invention, there are two ways to generate the vortex, which differ in their mode of operation. Firstly, passive embodiments can be used, in which the vortex generator is preferably arranged in the downward-leading extraction duct of the extractor hood. Secondly, active embodiments can be used, in which a second airflow is directed against the extraction direction and transfers its rotation to the extracted fumes, which can also be referred to as the extraction airflow.

[0066] Passive designs can, for example, include integrated air guide geometries in the form of angled struts or an angled grid. Alternatively or additionally, tangential extraction from the extraction duct can also be used as a passive design.

[0067] The active embodiments can be implemented, for example, by tangential blowing through angled blow-out openings or blow-out nozzles and / or by a large radial fan arranged coaxially around the extraction system.

[0068] The vortex is preferably positioned in the center of the cooktop. There is minimal extraction from the sides within the vortex area. Extraction is concentrated at the top of the vortex, which is preferably at the height of the rim of a pot being used. The vortex height is preferably adjustable to adapt to different cookware.

[0069] The invention improves the extraction performance of cooktops with integrated extractor hoods. The design according to the invention allows for a reduction in the extraction volume of the hood while maintaining the same extraction efficiency. Particularly in the inventive combination of a cooktop hood with a gas cooktop, the gas flame is protected against cross-drafts, resulting in improved flame formation compared to cooktop extractors with conventional extraction methods. The invention improves extraction performance, especially with tall pots. With gas cooktops, the influence of the extraction on combustion is also minimized. Thus, the invention enables an intuitive cooking experience with good extraction and a discreet appearance. The invention allows for the same or better extraction performance with a low airflow from the extractor hood. Reference symbol list

[0070] 1 Hob 10 Cooking zone 100 Burner 11 Cover plate 110 Recess 111 Panel 1110 Opening 2 Extractor hood 20 Extraction duct 21 Intake opening 3 Vortex generator 30 Outer cylinder 31 Inner cylinder 32 Air guide element 33 Radial air duct 34 Tangential air duct 35 Annular gap W-Whirlpool

Claims

1. Method for operating a cooktop extractor (2) with integrated extractor (2) for extracting vapors from above the cooktop (1) downwards, characterized by the fact that When extracting vapors from above the cooktop (1), a vortex (W) is generated at least above the intake opening (21) of an extraction duct (20) of the extractor hood (2).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the vortex (W) is directed downwards and is formed from the vapor.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein air is extracted tangentially from the interior of the extraction duct (20) to generate the vortex (W) below the intake opening (21) of the extractor hood (2).

4. Method according to claim 1, wherein the vortex (W) is directed upwards, is formed by an air supply flow which is emitted from the extractor hood (2) and surrounds the downward directed vapor flow.

5. Method according to claim 1 or 4, wherein a vortex generator (3) arranged in the extractor hood (2) is at least partially rotated to generate the vortex (W).

6. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein, to generate the vortex (W) below the intake opening (21) of the extractor hood (2), supply air is blown tangentially or radially into the interior of the extraction duct (20).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the height of the vortex (W) above the cooktop (1) is adjusted via the direction of the supply air and / or the volume flow of the supply air.

8. Hob with integrated extractor hood, characterized by the fact that this is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Cooktop according to claim 8, wherein the extractor hood (2) has a fan and a downwardly directed extraction duct (20), characterized by the fact thatthe extractor hood (2) has a vortex generator (3) for generating a vortex (W) at least above the hob (1).

10. Cooking surface according to claim 9, wherein the vortex generator (3) is arranged at least partially in the extraction duct (20).

11. Cooking surface according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the vortex generator (3) has at least one radial air guide element (32) which is inclined to the horizontal.

12. Cooking surface according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the vortex generator (3) is a stationary device.

13. Cooking surface according to one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the vortex generator (3) is at least partially rotatably mounted.

14. Cooking surface according to one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the vortex generator (3) has at least one cylinder (30) and at least one air channel (33, 34) which is oriented tangentially or radially to the cylinder (30).

15. Cooking surface according to one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the vortex generator (3) comprises an inner cylinder (31) and an outer cylinder (30) coaxially surrounding it.

16. Hob according to claim 15, wherein the inner cylinder (31) and / or the outer cylinder (30) is rotatably mounted.

17. Hob according to one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the hob (1) comprises at least one gas burner (100).

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