COMBINATION APPARATUS WITH ACTUATABLE COVER ELEMENT

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a combination apparatus (1) comprising a hob (20) and at least one fume extraction device (30), wherein the hob (20) comprises a cooktop plate (21) with least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4) and a recess (23) with a recess cross-section (23A) being formed in the cooktop plate (21), wherein the at least one fume extraction device (30) comprises a blower unit (31) and a flow channel (32) for guiding, preferably extracting, fumes from a cooking side (CS) of the hob (20) through the recess (23) in the direction (X) of the blower unit (31), wherein an inlet shaft (33) is arranged at the recess (23) on an apparatus side (AS) being opposite to the cooking side (CS) with reference to the cooktop plate (21), wherein the inlet shaft (33) is in flow connection or flow communication with the flow channel (32) and comprises a drive unit (34) and a cover element (35), wherein the cover element (35) is configured for actuation by the drive unit (34) for at least partially covering and/or roofing the recess cross-section (23A), wherein the combination apparatus (1) is configured for actuating the cover element (35), in particular dependent on at least one parameter relating at least to the at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4). The present invention relates further to a method for operating a combination apparatus (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination apparatus comprising a hob and at least one fume extraction device. The hob comprises a cooktop plate with at least one cooking unit and a recess with a recess cross-section being formed in the cooktop plate. An inlet shaft is arranged at the recess and in flow connection with a flow channel of the at least one fume extraction device. The inlet shaft comprises a drive unit and a cover element wherein the cover element is configured for actuation by the drive unit for at least partially covering the recess cross-section. The combination apparatus is configured for actuating the cover element dependent on at least one parameter relating at least to the at least one cooking unit.

[0002] Combination apparatuses with a hob and a fume extraction device are increasingly used for the preparation of food. In a large number of such combination apparatuses, the fume extraction device is integrated at least partially into the hob in order to suck fumes generated at the cooking side of the hob downwards through a recess in the cooktop plate of the hob.

[0003] Known solutions of combination apparatuses comprise a recess in the cooktop plate which can be opened or closed by a cover element such as a lid. Further, it is known that filter units with grease filters and/or odor filters, for example, can be inserted into the combination apparatus via the recess and can take part in the process of extracting and cleaning fumes.

[0004] However, the cover element of such combination apparatuses is a passive element that does not contribute, for example, to a guidance of fumes to be extracted.

[0005] Therefore, further combination apparatuses are known in which manually adjustable baffles are used outside the combination apparatus to guide fumes.

[0006] For example, United States Patent No. US 5,279,279 describes a hob with a cooktop plate and several heating elements, a grill portion and an exhaust means. The exhaust means is configured as a downdraft fume extraction device and is arranged in a recess of the cooktop plate between the heating elements and the grill portion. A manually adjustable deflector in the form of a shield is provided that can be selectively positioned and/or oriented over the recess in height and with regard to an angle of attack. The operation of the adjustment of the shield must be done manually by the user.

[0007] German Utility Model No. DE 20 2018 105 372 U1 describes a device for trough suction of exhaust air generated on a hob, comprising an exhaust air inlet opening arranged in a central recess of the hob. The device further comprising a manually operable slidable closing device arranged in the exhaust air inlet opening of the exhaust air conveying channel. The closing device either completely releases one of the two conveyor channel halves or only one half of each of the two conveyor channel halves. Two second opposite side walls of the separation cartridge on their respective upper edges support the closure device slidably.

[0008] The combination apparatuses known from the prior art have the disadvantage, for example, with regard to influencing the suction process of fumes that they have to be operated manually.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a combination apparatus and a method for operating a combination apparatus with an improved functionality relating to the extraction of fumes.

[0010] The object is achieved by the combination apparatus according to independent claim 1 and by the method for operating a combination apparatus according to claim 14.

[0011] A first general aspect of the present invention relates to a combination apparatus comprising a hob and at least one fume extraction device, wherein the hob comprises a cooktop plate with at least one cooking unit and a recess with a recess cross-section being formed in the cooktop plate, wherein the at least one fume extraction device comprises a blower unit and a flow channel for guiding, preferably extracting, fumes from a cooking side of the hob through the recess in the direction of the blower unit, wherein an inlet shaft is arranged at the recess on an apparatus side being opposite to the cooking side with reference to the cooktop plate, wherein the inlet shaft is in flow connection or in flow communication with the flow channel and comprises a drive unit and a cover element, wherein the cover element is configured for actuation by the drive unit for at least partially covering and/or roofing the recess cross-section, wherein the combination apparatus is configured for actuating the cover element, which actuation of the cover element may be dependent on at least one parameter relating at least to the at least one cooking unit.

[0012] The present invention provides, for example, a combination apparatus that provides optimized extraction effect relating to fumes. A flexible and/or dynamic cover element can be provided by the combination apparatus, for example, that can be actuated accordingly dependent on a cooking process with at least one cooking unit.

[0013] The present invention allows, for example, a more or less automatic adjustment of the cover element without manual operation. The region of extraction may be adjusted accordingly by actuating the cover element in relation to and/or on the basis of at least one parameter.

[0014] It is possible that the cover element may be pivotally mounted and/or may be configured to be actuated translationally and/or rotationally, preferably essentially in parallel to a reference plane of the cooktop plate and/or on a top surface of the cooktop plate, more preferably essentially flush with the top surface of the cooktop plate, and/or that the drive unit can be configured to actuate the cover element translationally and/or rotationally, preferably essentially in parallel to a reference plane of the cooktop plate and/or on a top surface of the cooktop plate, more preferably essentially flush with the top surface of the cooktop plate.

[0015] According to one example, the cover element can be designed in a way, so as to perform a pivoting movement. Another example provides for a cover element, which performs a translational movement within a plane of the cooktop plate of the hob. However, the cover element can also perform additionally or alternatively a rotational movement in order to guide fumes to be extracted from the hob. The cover element can then extend out of a plane of the cooktop plate and/or out of the cooktop plate.

[0016] The at last one parameter may comprise information relating to: selection of the at least one cooking unit for a cooking process to be started, preferably by a user interface unit of the combination apparatus; and/or operating condition of the at least one cooking unit, preferably during a cooking process; and/or operating condition of the blower unit; and/or detection of a cooking vessel on the at least one cooking unit; and/or detection of air quality at least in the region between the recess and the at least one cooking unit.

[0017] This allows, for example, that several different parameters can be used or form the basis for actuation the cover element via the drive unit of the combination apparatus.

[0018] The at least one parameter can be a detected at least one parameter and/or a calculated at least one parameter on the basis of a detected at least one parameter.

[0019] It is possible that the combination apparatus can comprise at least one sensor unit, wherein the at least one sensor unit may be configured for detecting and/or measuring the at least one parameter.

[0020] For example, the at least one sensor unit may detect a temperature values, an air quality factor, and/or a humidity value which may represent or be the basis for the at least one parameter.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the combination apparatus may comprise a control unit, wherein the control unit can be configured for controlling at least the drive unit dependent on the at least one parameter, preferably detected by at least one sensor unit of the combination apparatus.

[0022] The control unit may be preferably an electronic control unit with a processing element, storage element, I/O interfaces and the like.

[0023] It is possible that the combination apparatus can comprise at least in sections at least one guidance element for guiding, preferably translationally and/or rotationally guiding, the cover element, the at least one guidance element may be preferably arranged on the cooktop plate or in the inlet shaft in the region of the recess.

[0024] This allows, for example, a safe actuation and above all a defined actuation of the cover element.

[0025] Hence, the at least one guidance element may, for example, comprise a guide rail formed as a slide rail or formed as a ball bearing rail.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the drive unit can comprise an actuator unit, preferably an electromechanical actuator unit, wherein the actuator unit may be operatively coupled to the cover element for at least translational actuating the cover element in at least one direction, preferably essentially parallel to a reference plane of the cooktop plate and/or essentially perpendicular to a reference plane of the cooktop plate and/or in an angular or oblique orientation with reference to a reference plane of the cooktop plate.

[0027] The actuator unit can provide, for example, fast and/or accurate or precise actuation of the cover element.

[0028] The actuator unit may comprise a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly can be driven by at least one motor, preferably by at least one electric motor. The use of a linkage assembly is more robust and/or allows a simplified mounting.

[0029] Further, it may still be possible that the actuator unit is configured to be operated manually, preferably via a lever arrangement being operatively coupled to the actuator unit for driving the actuator unit and thus the cover element.

[0030] In addition to the more or less automatic actuation by the combination apparatus, this allows, for example, manual intervention and adjustment of the cover element, for example in the event of a defect.

[0031] The drive unit may comprise at least one motor, preferably at least one electric motor, with a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor is operatively coupled to the cover element for translational and/or rotational actuating the cover element.

[0032] Further, in a view, preferably in a top view, the cover element can comprise a contour which is essentially identical or at least similar to the contour of the recess, and/or the cover element may be configured essentially plate-shaped at least in sections.

[0033] This allows, for example, the cover element to be used as a fumes deflector, preferably when the cover element is actuated outside the cooktop plate.

[0034] It is possible that the cover element and/or the recess may comprise an essentially rectangular or an essentially round or an oval contour in a view, preferably in a top view.

[0035] This ensures, for example, a simple but effective design of the recess and/or the cover element with regard to the extraction effect.

[0036] A second general aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a combination apparatus as disclosed herein, comprising: detecting at least one parameter relating to the at least one cooking unit, preferably by at least one sensor unit; actuating the cover element dependent on the detected at least one parameter by the drive unit.

[0037] In order to avoid repetition, features which are directed to the method according to the present invention and/or disclosed in connection therewith should also be considered as disclosed according to the combination apparatus and be claimable and vice versa.

[0038] The previously described examples and features of the present invention can be combined with each other in any way.

[0039] Further or other details and advantageous effects of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures:

Fig. 1

illustrates schematically a first example of a combination apparatus according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 2

illustrates schematically in a top view the region of a recess in the cooktop plate of the combination apparatus as illustrated in figure 1;

Fig. 3

illustrates schematically in a top view the region of a recess in the cooktop plate of a second example of the combination apparatus according to the present invention;

Fig. 4

illustrates schematically in a cross-sectional view the region of a recess in the cooktop plate of a third example of the combination apparatus according to the present invention.

[0040] Identical or functionally equivalent components or elements are marked or labeled in the figures with the same reference signs. For their explanation, reference is also made to the description of other examples and/or figures in order to avoid repetition.

[0041] The following detailed description of the examples shown in the figures serves as a closer illustration or exemplification and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a first example of a combination apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0043] The combination apparatus 1 comprises a hob 20 and a fume extraction device 30. The hob 20 comprises a cooktop plate 21 and on a cooking side CS cooking units 22.1 to 22.4. The cooktop plate 21 is preferably configured essentially plate-shaped and/or essentially flat. The cooktop plate 21 can be made, for example, from a glass-ceramic material. The orientation of the cooktop plate 21 can be described by a plane P21. The plane P21 can be preferably a definable or determinable mid-plane or a reference plane of the cooktop plate 21. In the operating status or in an installed status of the combination apparatus 1, the cooktop plate 21 can be arranged substantially horizontally.

[0044] The cooking units 22.1 to 22.4 are preferably induction cooking units 22.1 to 22.4 each comprising at least an induction coil and a power board (not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity). Alternatively, the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4 can be configured differently with regard to the principle of generating heat, for example, as heating coils, gas burners or the like.

[0045] The cooking units 22.1 to 22.4 are at least partially integrated and/or mounted into the cooktop plate 21. In other words, the cooktop plate 21 comprises recesses (not identified in figure 1) in which the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4 are accommodated or arranged at least in sections.

[0046] A cooking vessel 50 is placed on cooking unit 22.1 in figure 1 and cooking unit 22.1 is activated for food preparation thus generating fumes by heating the content of the cooking vessel 50. Fumes can be, for example, comprise at least grease and/or odors.

[0047] The cooktop plate 21 further comprises a recess 23 with a recess cross-section 23A or defining a recess cross-section 23A. The recess 23 is formed in the cooktop plate 21 of the hob 20.

[0048] The recess cross-section 23A comprises an essentially rectangular contour in a view, preferably in a top view. However, it is alternatively possible that the recess cross-section 23A comprises an essentially round or an oval contour in a view, preferably in a top view.

[0049] In other words, the recess cross-section 23A forms at least partially or at least in sections the flow cross-section of the fumes at the entrance into fume extraction device 30 which will be described in further detail in the following.

[0050] The fume extraction device 30 comprises a flow channel 32 for guiding, preferably extracting, fumes from the cooking side CS of the hob 20 through the recess 23 in the direction X of the blower unit 31.

[0051] The fume extraction device 30 further comprises a blower unit 31 consisting of a propeller and a drive element such as an electric motor for driving the propeller in order to generate an extraction effect. The blower unit 31 is arranged below the cooktop plate 21 on the apparatus side AS which is opposite to the cooking side CS with reference to the cooktop plate 21, preferably the plane P21 related to the cooktop plate 21.

[0052] An inlet shaft 33 is arranged in or formed at the recess 23, preferably at the apparatus side AS. The inlet shaft 33 can be preferably configured at least box-shaped. The inlet shaft 33 is in flow connection with the flow channel 32. The inlet shaft 33 comprises or is connected to a cover element 35 for covering at least partially the recess 23 and preferably at least partially the recess cross-section 23A thus influencing a (resulting) flow cross-section of the fumes to be extracted from the hob 20.

[0053] The inlet shaft 33 further comprises a drive unit 34. The drive unit 34 can be configured as an electromechanical drive unit or as a pneumatic drive unit or as a hydraulic drive unit or a combination thereof which will be described in further detail below.

[0054] The cover element 35 is configured for actuation by the drive unit 34 in order to at least partially cover the recess cross-section 23A dependent on and/or on the basis of at least one parameter relating to at least one of the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4. In other words, the cover element 35 is a movable and/or dynamic element being driven, i.e. actuated by the drive unit 34 in order to further optimize the extraction effect of the combination apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0055] Hence, according to the present invention, the combination apparatus 1 is configured for actuation the cover element 35 dependent on and/or on the basis of at least one parameter relating to the at least one cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4 which will be described in further detail below and in the course of further figures.

[0056] The cover element 35 can be configured preferably essentially plate-shaped and/or essentially flat. In other words, the cover element 35 can be formed as an essentially flat shield or an essentially flat lid.

[0057] The combination apparatus 1 further comprises several or a plurality of sensor units 60.1 to 60.4. At least one sensor unit 60.1, 60.2 is preferably arranged and/or integrated in the cooktop plate 21. It is possible that a further at least one sensor unit 60.3, 60.4 is arranged in the flow channel 32 upstream and thus still before the blower unit 31. It is possible that a filter unit 80 of the combination apparatus 1, i.e. the fume extraction device 30, comprising at least one grease filter element and/or at least one odor filter element, is arranged in the flow channel 32 between a third sensor unit 60.3 and a fourth sensor unit 60.4.

[0058] A sensor unit 60.1 to 60.4 may preferably comprise at least one of the following: temperature sensor, humidity sensor and/or TVOC/VOC sensor (TVOC is an abbreviation for "Total Volatile Organic Compounds"; VOC is an abbreviation for "Volatile Organic Compounds").

[0059] For example, sensor units 60.1 and 60.2 comprise a TVOC/VOC sensor in order to detect air quality at least in the region between the recess 23 and thus the inlet shaft 33 and the first cooking unit 22.1 and/or second cooking unit 22.2.

[0060] In other words, at least one sensor unit 60.1 to 60.4 may be preferably configured for detection of at least one parameter such as air quality and/or temperature of a cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4. The at least one parameter may preferably relate to at least one of the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4.

[0061] With regard to the cover element 35 as illustrated in figure 1, it is configured to be actuated translationally by the drive unit 34. In addition, or alternatively, the drive unit 34 may be configured to actuate the cover element 35 rotationally.

[0062] The translational movement options, i.e. in this case directions of possible displacement of the cover element 35, are indicated in figure 1 in the area of the cover element 35 by the double arrow.

[0063] The cover element 35 can be actuated by the drive unit 34 either in the direction of the cooking units 22.1 and 22.2 or in the direction of the cooking units 22.3 and 22.4 and thus changing the size of the recess cross-section 23A and/or the position or location of the (effective) flow cross-section of the fumes to be extracted from the hob 20.

[0064] The combination apparatus 1 further comprises a user interface unit 40 for a user of the combination apparatus 1 to operate at least one of the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4 and/or the blower unit 31 of the fume extraction device 30.

[0065] In addition, the combination apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 70 that may be preferably an electronic control unit 70. The control unit 70 may be a separate component of the combination apparatus 1 or may be integrated, for example, in the user interface unit 40. The control unit 70 can control at least one of the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4, i.e. preferably power boards of the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4 in the present example of the combination apparatus 1 and/or the blower unit 31 of the fume extraction device 30 of the combination apparatus 1.

[0066] The control unit 70 may preferably be configured for controlling the drive unit 34 dependent on the at least one parameter, inter alia preferably detected by at least one sensor unit 60.1 to 60.4 of the combination apparatus 1.

[0067] The control unit 70 may be connected at least to the cooking units 22.1 to 22.4, the sensor units 60.1 to 60.4, the blower unit 31 and the drive unit 34 via a data bus system (not shown in the figures for reasons of clarity) for signal communication and may control these components in a closed loop configuration. In other words, the control unit 70 may control the blower unit 31 and/or the drive unit 34 dependent on the operating status of the cooking unit 22.1 and/or a parameter being in relation to the cooking unit 22.1 such as temperature of the cooking unit 22.1 and/or temperature of the content of the cooking vessel 50, air quality and/or air composition at least between the recess 23 and the cooking unit 22.1. Controlling the blower unit 31 may comprise adjusting the rotational speed of the propeller of the blower unit 31 via the drive element of the propeller, i.e. the electric motor driving the propeller.

[0068] Further, controlling the drive unit 34 may comprise or result in actuating the cover element 35 translationally in direction towards the cooking unit 22.1 (and the cooking unit 22.2) or in a direction away from the cooking unit 22.1 (and the cooking unit 22.2) which leads to an adjustment (increase or decrease) of the accessible recess cross-section 23A of the recess 23 and thus the (resulting) flow cross-section of the fumes to be extracted from the hob 20.

[0069] This allows more or less an automatic and, in particular, optimized adjustment of the suction effect to the respective cooking conditions or cooking processes.

[0070] As already described above in the course of the sensor units 60.1 to 60.4, at least one parameter may preferably comprise information relating to detection of air quality, preferably at least in the region between the recess 23 and at least one cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4.

[0071] As regards the at least one parameter, it may comprise information relating to at least selection of at least one cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4 for a cooking process to be started, preferably by the user interface unit 40 of the combination apparatus 1. Additionally, or alternatively, the at least one parameter may comprise information relating to operating condition of at least one cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4, preferably during a cooking process and/or operating condition of the blower unit 31.

[0072] It is possible that at least one parameter may further comprise information relating to detection of a cooking vessel 50 on at least one cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4.

[0073] The relation between the drive unit 34 and the cover element 35 and their configuration is described exemplary in further detail in the following.

[0074] Figure 2 illustrates schematically in a top view the region of the recess 23 in the cooktop plate 21 of the combination apparatus 1 as illustrated in figure 1.

[0075] The recess 23 in the cooktop plate 21 comprises a recess cross-section 23A of essentially rectangular shape or contour. The inlet shaft 33 can be configured at least in sections channel-like or tub-shaped and comprises corresponding walls and/or wall sections of corresponding thicknesses (not explicitly labelled in the figures for reasons of clarity). The inlet shaft 33 can be configured as a separate part and inserted into the recess 23 at least in sections. It is also possible that the inlet shaft 33 is part of the flow channel 32, being preferably formed integrally with at least a channel section of the flow channel 32.

[0076] The drive unit 34 preferably comprises an actuator unit 34A in the sense of an electromechanical actuator unit 34A that is operatively coupled to the cover element 35 for translational actuating the cover element 35 in at least one direction as illustrated graphically in figure 2 by the double arrow. The actuator unit 34A comprises a linkage assembly 34L. The drive unit 34 further comprises a motor 34M with a rotor and a stator. The cover element 35 is connected to the motor 34M, preferably the rotor of the motor 34M, via the linkage assembly 34L such that the motor 34M can actuate the cover element 35 correspondingly via the linkage assembly 34L and dependent on and/or on the basis of at least one parameter as described above. The linkage assembly 34L can comprise a plurality of links being connected to each other at least partially via joint connections.

[0077] In order to realize the movement of the cover element 35, the combination apparatus 1 comprises a first guidance element 36.1 and a second guidance element 36.2. The first and the second guidance elements 36.1, 36.2 can be preferably arranged in the inlet shaft 33 of the fume extraction device 30.

[0078] The first guidance element 36.1 and the second guidance element 36.2 allows a translational guidance of the cover element 35 that is mounted into or onto the guidance elements 36.1, 36.2 via, for example, a sled section of the cover element 35 (not explicitly labelled in figure 2 for the sake of clarity). The guidance elements 36.1, 36.2 can comprises a guide rail formed as a slide rail or formed as a ball bearing rail.

[0079] Hence, the cover element 35 can be actuated accordingly and thus automatically dependent on the cooking process and in particular dependent on the amount of generated fumes.

[0080] Figure 3 illustrates schematically in a top view the region of the recess 23 in the cooktop plate 21 of a second example of the combination apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0081] The second example of the combination apparatus 1 may comprise components and elements as described in the course of the first example of the combination apparatus 1.

[0082] In the view of figure 3, preferably a top view, the recess 23 comprises an essentially round contour 23C. Further, the cover element 35 comprises an essentially round contour 35C being mounted movable in the region of the recess 23 via drive unit 34. The drive unit 34 comprises an actuator unit 34A and is configured to actuate translationally the cover element 35 dependent on at least one parameter as described above.

[0083] In other words, the cover element 35 can be inter alia pivoted by the drive unit 34 with the actuator unit 34A to different positions within the recess 23, thereby changing the size and position of the accessible recess cross-section 23A according to or dependent on a cooking process.

[0084] It is alternatively possible, that the recess 23 and the cover element 35 can comprise an oval contour in a view, preferably in a top view.

[0085] Figure 4 illustrates schematically in a cross-sectional view the region of the recess 23 in the cooktop plate 21 of a third example of the combination apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0086] The third example of the combination apparatus 1 may comprise components and elements as described in the course of the first example of the combination apparatus 1.

[0087] As it can be retrieved from figure 4, the drive unit 34 for actuating an essentially plate-shaped and/or an essentially flat cover element 35 comprises an actuator unit 34A. The actuator unit 34A is preferably an electromechanical actuator unit 34A and comprises preferably a linkage assembly 34L. The cover element 35 is connected to the linkage assembly 34L and not further guided via guidance elements. The drive unit 34 further comprises at least one motor 34M for operating the linkage assembly 34L and thus actuating the cover element 35 accordingly. It is possible that the linkage assembly 34L comprises at least one lifting cylinder that can be operated pneumatically or hydraulically additionally.

[0088] The configuration as illustrated in figure 4 allows to actuate the cover element 35 translationally and/or rotationally and/or in an angular or oblique orientation with reference to the plane P21 being a reference plane of the cooktop plate 21. In other words, the cover element 35 comprises six degrees of freedom with regard to its possibilities of movement.

[0089] A control unit 70 as illustrated in figure 1 can control the drive unit 34 accordingly dependent on at least one parameter relating to a cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4 in order to actuate the cover element 35 accordingly.

[0090] The present invention provides a combination apparatus 1 with a cover element 35 that can be controlled flexible on the basis of parameters relating to at least one cooking unit 22.1 to 22.4 in order to optimize the extraction effect accordingly.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the examples described above. Rather, a large number of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive idea and therefore fall within the scope of protection.

List of reference signs

[0092] 

1

combination apparatus

20

hob

21

cooktop plate

22.1

cooking unit

22.2

cooking unit

22.3

cooking unit

22.4

cooking unit

23

recess

23A

recess cross-section

23C

contour

30

fume extraction device

31

blower unit

32

flow channel

33

inlet shaft

34

drive unit

34A

actuator unit

34L

linkage assembly

34M

motor

35

cover element

36.1

guidance element

36.2

guidance element

40

user interface unit

50

cooking vessel

60.1

sensor unit

60.2

sensor unit

60.3

sensor unit

60.4

sensor unit

70

control unit

80

filter unit

AS

apparatus side

CS

cooking side

P21

plane related to the cooktop plate

X

direction to blower unit

Claims

1. A combination apparatus (1) comprising a hob (20) and at least one fume extraction device (30),

wherein the hob (20) comprises a cooktop plate (21) with at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4) and a recess (23) with a recess cross-section (23A) being formed in the cooktop plate (21),

wherein the at least one fume extraction device (30) comprises a blower unit (31) and a flow channel (32) for guiding, preferably extracting, fumes from a cooking side (CS) of the hob (20) through the recess (23) in the direction (X) of the blower unit (31),

wherein an inlet shaft (33) is arranged at the recess (23) on an apparatus side (AS) being opposite to the cooking side (CS) with reference to the cooktop plate (21),

wherein the inlet shaft (33) is in flow connection or in flow communication with the flow channel (32) and comprises a drive unit (34) and a cover element (35),

wherein the cover element (35) is configured for actuation by the drive unit (34) for at least partially covering and/or roofing the recess cross-section (23A),

wherein the combination apparatus (1) is configured for actuating the cover element (35), in particular dependent on at least one parameter relating at least to the at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4).

2. The combination apparatus (1) according to claim 1,
wherein the cover element (35) is pivotally mounted and/or is configured to be actuated translationally and/or rotationally, preferably in parallel to a reference plane (P21) of the cooktop plate (21) and/or on a top surface of the cooktop plate (21), more preferably flush with the top surface of the cooktop plate (21), and/or wherein the drive unit (34) is configured to pivot the cover element (35) and/or to actuate the cover element (35) translationally and/or rotationally, preferably parallel to a reference plane (P21) of the cooktop plate (21) and/or on a top surface of the cooktop plate (21), more preferably flush with the top surface of the cooktop plate (21).

3. The combination apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at last one parameter comprises information relating to at least one of:

• selection of the at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4) for a cooking process to be started, preferably by a user interface unit (40) of the combination apparatus (1);

• operating condition of the at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4), preferably during a cooking process;

• operating condition of the blower unit (31);

• detection of a cooking vessel (50) on the at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4); and/or

• detection of air quality at least in the region between the recess (23) and the at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4).

4. The combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the combination apparatus (1) comprises at least one sensor unit (60.1, 60.2, 60.3, 60.4), wherein the at least one sensor unit (60.1, 60.2, 60.3, 60.4) is configured for detecting and/or measuring the at least one parameter.

5. The combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the combination apparatus (1) comprises a control unit (70), wherein the control unit (70) is configured for controlling at least the drive unit (34) dependent on the at least one parameter, preferably detected by at least one sensor unit (60.1, 60.2, 60.3, 60.4) of the combination apparatus (1).

6. The combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the combination apparatus (1) comprises at least in sections at least one guidance element (36.1, 36.2) for guiding, preferably translationally and/or rotationally guiding, the cover element (35), the at least one guidance element (36.1, 36.2) being preferably arranged on the cooktop plate (21) or in the inlet shaft (33) in the region of the recess (23).

7. The combination apparatus (1) according to claim 6,
wherein the at least one guidance element (36.1, 36.2) comprises a guide rail formed as a slide rail or formed as a ball bearing rail.

8. The combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the drive unit (34) comprises an actuator unit (34A), preferably an electromechanical actuator unit (34A), wherein the actuator unit (34A) is operatively coupled to the cover element (35) for at least translational actuating the cover element (35) in at least one direction, preferably parallel to a reference plane (P21) of the cooktop plate (21) and/or perpendicular to a reference plane (P21) of the cooktop plate (21) and/or in an angular orientation with reference to a reference plane (P21) of the cooktop plate (21).

9. The combination apparatus (1) according to claim 8,
wherein the actuator unit (34A) comprises a linkage assembly (34L), the linkage assembly (34L) being driven by at least one motor (34M), preferably by at least one electric motor (34M).

10. The combination apparatus (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the actuator unit (34A) is configured to be operated manually, preferably via a lever arrangement being operatively coupled to the actuator unit (34A) for driving the actuator unit (34A).

11. The combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the drive unit (34) comprises at least one motor (34M), preferably at least one electric motor (34M), with a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor is operatively coupled to the cover element (35) for translational and/or rotational actuating the cover element (35).

12. The combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein in a view, preferably in a top view, the cover element (35) comprises a contour (35C) which is identical or at least similar to the contour (23C) of the recess (23), and/or wherein the cover element (35) is configured plate-shaped at least in sections.

13. The combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the cover element (35) and/or the recess (23) comprises a rectangular or a round or an oval contour (35C) in a view, preferably in a top view.

14. A method for operating a combination apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

• detecting at least one parameter relating to the at least one cooking unit (22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4), preferably by at least one sensor unit (60.1, 60.2, 60.3, 60.4) ;

• actuating the cover element (35) dependent on the detected at least one parameter by the drive unit (34).

Drawing