EP3440407B1 - Fume extraction device comprising a control device - Google Patents

Description

The present patent application takes priority over the German patent application DE 10 2016 205 911.4 in claim.

The invention relates to an extractor device in the form of a downdraft fan. The invention also relates to a modular hob system with an extractor device of this type.

For example from the DE 10 2009 025 038 A1 a cooktop system with cooktops and an extractor device is known. In this system, each of the hobs has its own separate control device. From the DE 10 2009 055 147 A1 a system with several hotplates and a display unit is known.

Hob systems with an extractor device in the form of a downdraft fan are known from US Pat U.S. 5,190,026 A , the U.S. 4,042,806 A and U.S. 3,797,375 A . Hob systems are also known from DE 10 327 273 A1 and the DE 10 2014 220 273 A1 . A household appliance with a control device is known from WO 2015/075 126 A1 .

It is an object of the invention to improve an extractor hood device. This object is achieved by an extractor device in the form of a downdraft fan which has a control device integrated in a housing of the extractor device for a modular hob system with at least two interfaces for connecting modularly designed Has hobs and at least one signal connection for controlling the extractor device.

Another object of the invention is to improve a modular hob system.

This object is achieved by a modular hob system with at least one extractor device according to the above description and at least one hob.

The integrated control device has at least two interfaces for connecting modular hobs, and at least one signal connection for controlling at least one extractor device.

The essence of the invention is to design the integrated control device with at least two interfaces for connecting modular hobs. This makes it possible to control the cooktop, in particular a plurality of cooktops, as well as the extractor device, in particular a hollow fan, by means of the control device.

The control device can thus be a central control device for the hob system. It can have a modular design.

The hob system comprises in particular at least one hob and at least one extractor device. It can happen with the hob a glass ceramic hob, an induction hob, a tepan field (teppan-jaki hob), a gas hob, in particular an electric gas hob, a grill, a griddle, a deep fryer, act as a sous vide hob or other hob. The hob is in particular an electric hob. In particular, the hob converts electrical energy directly or indirectly into heat. For this purpose, the hob comprises electrical components, in particular heating coils, halogen lamps, induction coils, micanite heating surfaces, surface heating elements or other heat-generating elements.

The fume extractor device is in particular a hollow fan, that is to say a fume hood which draws off the cooking vapors in the direction below a hob level. Such extractor devices are also referred to as downdraft systems.

The control device is designed, in particular, to be independent of the hobs that are actually connected. This should be understood in particular to mean that one and the same control device is equally suitable for controlling different hobs. The hobs that can be controlled by means of the control device can be selected from the selection mentioned above. The functionality of the control device can automatically adapt to the actually connected hobs. For this purpose, provision is made in particular to provide the control device with suitable interfaces for connecting the hobs.

The interfaces can in particular have sockets for receiving connecting plugs or be designed as sockets. This can in particular be RJ sockets, in particular RJ22, RJ45 or RJ50 sockets.

The interfaces can also have plugs for receiving connection sockets. In particular, the hobs can each be connected to the control device by means of a connecting cable. The connecting cables can have connecting plugs and / or connecting sockets at their ends. They can each be firmly connected to the hob at the opposite end.

The control device can in particular be arranged in a protective housing. The housing can in particular be liquid-tight and / or dust-tight, preferably at least splash-proof. It can be designed with or without a membrane, in particular with or without a liquid- and / or gas-tight membrane. It can also be provided with insulation. In this way, undesired heating, in particular of the electronic components of the control device, in particular due to radiant heat emanating from the hobs, can be avoided. The control device can in particular be arranged in a separate housing. The housing can in particular be made of metal or plastic.

According to the present invention, the control device of the extractor device comprises at least two, in particular three, four, five, six or more interfaces for connecting hobs, in particular for connecting different hobs. The hobs differ in particular with regard to their energy transfer mechanisms. This improves the flexibility of the control device. On the one hand, the hobs can be controlled via the interfaces. On the other hand, it is possible with the aid of the interfaces to transmit information about the operating status of the individual hobs to the control device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the control device serves to control two or more hobs with their own energy supply, in particular two or more hobs with a separate power cable.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device is used to connect at least two hobs which do not have an external power supply.

According to a further aspect, the control device serves to control at least two hobs, at least one hob having its own mains connection and at least one hob being supplied with energy via an interface of the control device.

The control device can in particular be designed as a bus system or comprise such a bus system. In particular, it can comprise a so-called LIN bus (Local Interconnect Network Bus, locally connected network) or an EGO bus. It can also comprise a CAN bus (Controller Area Network Bus). Modified bus variants are also possible.

The bus can in particular be designed as a multi-master bus or a master-slave bus.

The bus technology can also include adapters, in particular for connection to higher-order or lower-order bus systems.

The hobs can in particular each have connections which correspond to the respective bus standard of the interfaces.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device has at least one user interface with one or more touch-sensitive sensors, in particular a touch-sensitive screen, and / or a removable control knob. The user interface can in particular comprise a combination of an input element, in particular in the form of a touch-sensitive screen, and an output unit, in particular in the form of a screen. The user interface is a means of exchanging information, in particular control information, with the user. The user interface is in particular an operating unit. The user interface allows inputs, in particular control inputs, by the user and / or represents a means for transferring information, in particular control information, to the user. For input by the user, the user interface can, for example, have buttons, switches and / or touch-sensitive elements. The user interface can comprise tactile and / or optical means for outputting information to the user. For example, the user interface can have lighting means, in particular LEDs, in particular incandescent lamps, and / or a screen, in particular a TFT screen. The screen can in particular be designed as an LED, LCD, OLED or as a projection screen.

The removable control knob can have different functionalities depending on its position relative to the control device. The control device can in particular be a touch-sensitive TFT display (TFT touch display, thin-film transistor, thin-film transistor display) exhibit. This enables particularly convenient control of the cooktops and the extractor device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the touch-sensitive screen has redundant hardware components in the form of multiple existing touch-sensitive sensors and / or in the form of multiple existing evaluation devices. In this way it can be achieved that the touch-sensitive screen is designed to be particularly robust and reliable. Control inputs can thus be recognized particularly reliably, especially when the touch-sensitive screen is soiled. The touch-sensitive sensor system can be designed as an optical, resistive, capacitive and / or inductive sensor. The touch-sensitive sensor can be designed as an area sensor, for example. The touch-sensitive sensor can also be a film sensor or a glass sensor. The touch-sensitive sensor system is preferably integrated in a TFT screen. The sensor system and the display unit can also be designed separately from one another. In particular, they can be designed as separate units which are optically connected to one another, in particular bonded. In particular, it is possible to bond a touch-sensitive sensor to a display unit by means of an optical binding agent. This leads to particularly advantageous optical properties. In addition, this can lead to a particularly robust training. The evaluation device is arranged in the signal line between the control device and the sensor system. The evaluation device is used to directly record the information received at the sensor. The evaluation device records the position at which the touch-sensitive screen is operated. The evaluation device is connected to the control device to pass on this information. The touch-sensitive sensors and / or the evaluation device are in the touch-sensitive Umbrella formed several times. For example, the touch-sensitive sensor system can be designed two or more times. The evaluation device can also be present two or more times. If the touch-sensitive sensor system and / or the evaluation device are redundant, the redundant elements are each able to fulfill their function independently. The different evaluation devices can in particular carry out a plausibility check of the recorded input in order to guarantee a functionally reliable detection of the input signal.

Several entries can preferably be read out at the same time. In particular, a clear identification is guaranteed here.

The sensor system can in particular be a multi-touch sensor.

The control device can also have a 7-segment display.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device can be operated by means of the operating knob. This also improves the operability of the control device. In particular, the control knob enables the control device to be operated independently of the operation via the touch-sensitive screen. This is preferred by some users. The control device can in particular be actuated both via the touch-sensitive screen and - as an alternative to this - by means of one or more control knobs.

Alternatives that only include one of these two options are also possible.

The control knob has different functionalities depending on its position relative to the control device, in particular depending on its positioning on a control panel, in particular on the touch-sensitive screen. This also further improves the operation of the control device.

It is possible, for example, that the control knob is used in different positions on the one hand to control different hobs and on the other hand to control the extractor device. To choose between these functions, it is sufficient to move the control knob accordingly on the screen.

By placing the toggle, the surface and sensors adapt automatically to the options available in each case.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control knob can have display elements which appear differently depending on its position relative to the control device. This also further improves the operation of the control device.

The control knob can, in particular, depending on its position relative to the control device, automatically recognize which components of the hob system can be controlled in the respective position by means of the control knob and, depending on this, display different information about the operating status of these components.

According to a further alternative, the control device can additionally or alternatively to the touch-sensitive screen and / or the control knob by means of a remote control, in particular a wireless remote control, to be served. For this purpose, it can be provided with a corresponding receiver module. In particular, it is possible to control the functions of the control device by means of a mobile radio device, in particular by means of suitable application software, and / or with the help of a sensor. In particular, a radio, Bluetooth, WLAN or IR sensor can serve as the sensor.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device is designed in such a way that it automatically adapts to the components actually connected to it. In particular, the user interface is designed in such a way that it automatically adapts to the components actually connected to the control device. The control device has different hardware modules for automatic adaptation to the components connected to it. The hardware modules are specially designed for connection and communication with the connected components. The control device has different software modules. These software modules are preconfigured according to the potentially connected components. The software modules can be used to control these components in accordance with the components actually connected. The control device comprises software for the automatic selection of the hardware components and / or the software modules. This makes the assembly and installation process of the control device simpler and more efficient.

Different functionalities of the control device can also be made available or hidden via user inputs, in particular in an installation or settings menu. In particular, it is possible to provide connection information for the control of the different components the respective mains supply conditions, for example the maximum available power for the different components, to be taken into account.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device has a plurality of user interfaces which can be designed independently of one another to control all or a defined part of the components connected to the control device. The control device can thus be operated by a user from several positions. In particular, operation by several users, especially at the same time, is possible.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device is designed as an encapsulated module. In particular, it can have its own housing. This facilitates the assembly of the control device. In addition, this leads to a particularly robust design of the control device. According to the invention, the control device is integrated into the extractor device. In particular, it can be integrated into a built-in frame of the extractor hood device. This facilitates the arrangement of the extractor device and the hobs relative to the control device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device comprises internal sensors and / or interfaces for connecting external sensors. The sensors can be based on a thermoelectric, resistive, piezoelectric, capacitive, inductive, optical and / or magnetic operating principle. The sensors can be used to detect the position of the grease filter insert, as a window contact switch, as a temperature sensor, in particular for the cooktops, in particular for the control device, in particular be designed for the pots or pans located on the hobs and / or for the detection of pots located on the hobs. The sensors can also detect an obstruction of the extractor device, in particular of the inflow opening of the same. The internal sensors are designed in particular to detect the position of a grease filter of the extractor device. The control device can thus automatically react to the conditions monitored by a sensor. For example, the components connected to the control device can be regulated. The control device can, for example, react to a missing or incorrectly installed grease filter in such a way that the functionality of the hob system is restricted or the user is made aware of this with warning notices. The control device can contribute to safe and reliable operation of the hob.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the control device can detect a signal-based coding for the automatic detection of the components connected to the interfaces. The interfaces can be designed to be identical in terms of construction. Alternatively, the control device has interfaces with structurally individual connection geometries. For example, the interfaces can be designed as asymmetrical sockets or plugs. The sockets or plugs of the interfaces or the surrounding areas of the housing of the control device can have grooves or ribs in order to prevent incorrect connection of the different components.

The components can be connected to the interfaces in particular via connecting levers with asymmetrical plugs, in particular with angled plugs. Here are the connectors in particular designed in such a way that they can only be plugged into the interface provided for this purpose in a single, predetermined position and / or orientation. In this way, an inadvertently incorrect connection of components can be prevented in a simple manner. The control device can thus be configured in a particularly simple manner when connecting the components.

The result is that a control-free hob, that is to say a hob without an integrated control, in particular without control electronics, can be implemented. This considerably simplifies the construction of the hob. In addition, this simplifies the arrangement of cooking zones on the hob. The hob can in particular be input field-free, i. H. be designed without control surface. It can in particular be designed without separate operating elements. The hob can only be operated via the connection cable to the control device.

The control-free or operator-free hobs can be radiation-based or inductive hobs or based on heat transfer. These are in particular electric hobs or electrically controllable hobs. In particular, it can also be a grill or a griddle. The power output via the control-free hobs is variable and can be adjusted via a hob control. A hob without such a hob control is particularly compact in terms of its dimensions. The hob control can in particular be in a separate control unit be arranged outside the hob. For example, this hob control is integrated into the control device. The control-free hob can include an actuator for switching the power output via the hob. This actuator can be controlled via the control device or a separate hob control. For example, the control-free hob is an induction hob and the actuator is power electronics, which are controlled by the control device to output a defined power via the hob. Alternatively, the hob is a gas hob and the actuator is a gas valve controlled by the control device.

The cooking zones can in particular occupy a total area which is at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, in particular at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, in particular at least 95%, in particular at least 97%, in particular at least 99% of the total area of the The hob.

By removing the control elements from the hob, it is possible, in particular, to prevent them from being influenced by the heat and / or moisture and / or electromagnetic fields generated by the hob, in particular interference.

In addition, the free space for the design of the hob is increased by the control-free design of the hob.

For its automatic detection by the control device, the hob can have an electronic component for signal-based coding or a structurally individual connection geometry, in particular a specially designed connection plug exhibit. The connector can in particular be designed asymmetrically. In particular, it can be angled. The hob can thus be easily identified by the control device.

The extractor device can in particular control different cooktops of a cooktop system. This can in particular be a decentralized control.

The extractor device is in particular an extractor device for kitchen stoves. In particular, it is a so-called downdraft fan, which is also referred to as a downdraft system.

The extractor device can be designed as an assembly unit, in particular as a fully assembled assembly unit which can be placed in a kitchen worktop. This makes it easier to install the extractor hood.

The extractor device is designed, in particular, in such a way that it can be inserted flush into the worktop. It can be designed in such a way that it does not have any components which protrude upwards above the level of the worktop.

The advantages of the modular hob system result from those of the control device.

The hob system comprises at least one hob. It preferably comprises at least two hobs. It can also include three, four, five, six or more hobs. The hobs can be selected from a selection of different hobs. In particular, the number of hobs can be selected to be variable. The control device is designed in particular in such a way that it is suitable for controlling a different number of cooktops and / or extractor devices.

With regard to the possible alternatives of the hobs, reference is made to the preceding description.

Correspondingly, reference is made to the preceding description with regard to the at least one extractor device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one hob is controlled by means of the control device. In particular, it is controlled exclusively and / or completely by means of the control device. The hob or hobs can therefore be free of control panels and / or control devices, in particular electronic controls. This makes it possible to increase the area of the hob that is provided with heating elements. In addition, this avoids temperature influences on the control panels. Finally, the elimination of the control panels enables greater freedom for the design of the cooktops. In addition, the elimination of the control panels simplifies the construction of the hobs. As a result, they can be constructed in a particularly space-saving manner. In particular, they can be designed with a lower overall height. The overall height of the hob can in particular be less than 10 cm, in particular less than 5 cm, in particular less than 3 cm, in particular less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm.

The control device can be suitable for controlling all components of the hob system. It is used in particular to control all hobs and / or extractor devices of the hob system. The control device can also be provided for controlling further components. In particular, it can have interfaces for connecting further devices.

The control device is in particular in signal-transmitting connection with all of the cooktops and / or extractor devices of the cooktop system.

It forms a central control device for all hobs.

The cooktops and the extractor device can be coupled to one another via the central control device. This makes it possible to automatically couple the extractor hood to the operating state of the hob or hobs.

Further advantageous details emerge from the optional features described in key words below. These features can be combined as desired with the features of the invention already mentioned. Any combination of the features with one another is also possible.

The modular hob system can have a particularly compact design. The extractor device is designed as a downdraft fan and the extractor opening of the extractor device is arranged in particular between two cooktops. The opening of the extractor hood is flush with the hob level. In particular, it has a vertical distance from the hob plane that is less than 20 mm, in particular less than 10 mm, in particular less than 5 mm, in particular less than 2 mm. The motor of the extractor device can be arranged directly below one of the cooktops. The motor can also be arranged as a separate fan module at a distance from the hob system, in particular in the base area of a kitchen cabinet.

A duct for guiding the exhaust air can be arranged directly under the hobs. At least in sections, the channel runs essentially in a horizontal direction. The duct for guiding the exhaust air can be designed to accommodate a filter unit. The duct for guiding the exhaust air has an opening which can be closed by means of a flap for introducing and removing the filter unit. The presence of the filter unit, in particular its correct position, can be detected by means of one or more sensors. A partially closed solution with inflow grilles is also possible for the duct to the exhaust air.

By using the filter unit, the extractor device can be operated as a circulating air system. The air that has been cleaned from cooking vapors is returned to the interior. The cleaned air is returned to the living area via an exhaust opening. This blow-out opening can be oriented in the direction of the user forwards or backwards, or to the left or to the right side, or upwards or downwards. The control device is integrated in the housing of the extractor device. The control device can be arranged on a support frame of the exhaust opening of the extractor hood device, in particular fastened to it.

The filter unit can be exchangeable. It can in particular be designed as a cassette system.

The total height of the compact hob system is less than 300 mm, in particular less than 250 mm, in particular less than 200 mm, in particular less than 150 mm, in particular less than 100 mm. Thanks to the particularly space-saving design of the compact hob system the available storage space below the kitchen worktop can be increased.

The duct of the exhaust guide can also be arranged on the back of the hob and guide the exhaust air vertically downwards. The exhaust air can also be guided to one of the sides of a hob, to the left or to the right.

The cooktop system can comprise more than two cooktops, in particular more than two separate cooktop modules. The hob modules can in particular be different. At least two of the hobs connected to the hob system are preferably different. The hob system can also have several hobs of the same type. The cooktop system can also have more than one extractor device. The exhaust opening of the extractor device can be arranged on the edge of the hob system. For example, the extraction opening can also be arranged between a plurality of hobs. The extraction opening can in particular be formed between two hobs and have the same edge length as the hobs. The exhaust opening can also be arranged centrally or eccentrically between more than two hobs. The extraction opening can be round, in particular circular, oval or rectangular, in particular not square, in particular square.

The control device for the modular hob system is operated in the low voltage range, in particular with voltages of less than 50 V, in particular less than 30 V, in particular less than 20 V. The control device is supplied with energy via a separate power supply unit.

The control device has several connections. For the energy supply, the control device is connected to the power supply unit via a power line. To connect the components, in particular the hobs, to the control device, the control device comprises a plurality of wired interfaces. Wireless interfaces can also be provided for connecting the components, in particular the hobs, to the control device. The components can be connected to the control device via control lines. For example, the components include a selection of cooktops, extractor devices, exhaust air valves, lighting devices, multimedia systems and other consumers.

The interfaces are designed in such a way that different hobs can be connected to them. The hobs differ in particular with regard to their energy transfer mechanisms.

The control device can have additional interfaces for connecting external sensors. The operating principle of the sensors connected to the control device can be thermoelectric, resistive, piezoelectric, capacitive, inductive, optical or magnetic. The sensors can be designed to detect the position of the grease filter insert, as window contact switches, as temperature sensors, in particular for the hobs, pots and pans on them and / or for the control device, or to detect pots on the hobs.

The control device also includes a user interface for exchanging control information with the user. The control device can, in addition to the wired connections, additional have wireless interfaces. The control device has, for example, a radio module, a radio frequency module, a Bluetooth module and / or a WLAN module.

For example, the user interface can be connected to the control device via a wireless interface. Communication via the interfaces can take place by means of a bus system, in particular a Lin bus system or a multi-master bus system.

The control device is preferably decoupled from a power circuit by galvanic isolation. The galvanic separation can be capacitive, inductive or by means of optocouplers. The control circuit of the control device is thus safely decoupled from the power circuit.

The control device can comprise interfaces for exchanging service, maintenance information and / or software updates. The wireless interfaces in particular can be used for this purpose. The control device can also have a separate USB connection for this purpose. Software updates can preferably be called up online via the Internet and transmitted to the control device.

The control device for a modular hob system can automatically configure itself according to the connected components. The automatic configuration of the control device takes place in particular without user input. The type, number, position and / or orientation of the connected components is automatically recognized.

The components can, for example, be arranged at different positions of the modular hob system and / or be oriented differently rotated about a vertical axis. Hobs with more than one hotplate can thus be oriented according to the customer's ideas in such a way that a certain hotplate is arranged, for example, on the front of the worktop.

The automatic detection of the components connected to the control device can take place via hardware and software coding or constructively via the connection geometry of the wired interfaces.

Components connected wirelessly to the control device can be automatically recognized by means of a software-based coding.

The components connected to the control device can also include flap motors and / or roof flap motors in addition to hobs and extractor devices.

The control device can only be used to control hobs. Alternatively, the control device can also be used to control only extraction devices.

The control device can automatically combine functions of different components connected to it with one another, as a result of which the operation of the modular hob system is improved.

When hobs are activated, the extractor hood can be activated automatically.

The performance of the extractor device can be automatically adjusted according to the number and performance of the activated cooktops.

Flap motors and / or roof flap motors and / or other devices that have to be switched can be switched when the hob is activated.

Sensor information can be used to decide on the automatic activation of the trigger device or other components by the control device.

It is also possible for components to be switched off by the control device. Hobs can be switched off if a certain temperature value is exceeded. A pot that has been removed from a hob can be recognized by a pot recognition system. In this case too, the control device can provide a signal to switch off the hob.

The control can also de-energize components, in particular hobs, which are not supplied by the same power source.

For example, the control device can also switch off the extractor device when all the hobs are deactivated or a certain period of time has passed after all hobs have been deactivated.

The control device has a user interface for exchanging information with the user. The control device can comprise a TFT screen. The User performance information of the connected components, temperature information, maintenance information, configuration information, sensor information and / or service information can be made accessible. For inputs by the user, the screen can have a touch-sensitive layer and thus be designed in the form of a touch screen. The touch-sensitive layer can be designed as a resistive, capacitive, inductive or optical sensor. A TFT screen with a touch-sensitive layer allows the user to input control commands in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

For efficient operation by the user, the control device can be designed to show different display variants on the TFT screen. The components connected to the control device can be represented symbolically. In a first display variant, a swipe or swipe over the symbol of a connected component is sufficient for quick operation in order to control it. For example, the power of a hob can be controlled by swiping or swiping across the TFT screen. The brushing or wiping can be straight, curved or circular. A combined swipe / swipe and tap can also be used. In a second display variant, the components connected to the control device can be controlled in detail. To control the components connected to the control device, plus / minus buttons, for example, are displayed which can be actuated by tapping. The first display variant is characterized in that, compared with the second display variant, it only provides a real subset of the possible control options. Another The (non-empty) subset of the possible tax option is not made available in the first display variant.

The automatic configuration of the control device includes the automatic configuration of the user interface. Depending on the components connected to the control device, different display variants can be shown on the TFT screen. The symbols corresponding to the connected components are automatically arranged on the TFT screen. The user can be provided with individual control options for the connected components. The display variants shown on the TFT screen can be configured automatically or individually.

The TFT screen of the control device can be attached to the underside of a glass plate in such a way that it is essentially invisible from the top of the glass plate when it is switched off. For this purpose, the glass plate is less than 90%, in particular less than 80%, in particular less than 70%, in particular less than 50%, translucent. The glass plate can be tinted or coated with an only partially translucent film.

A display with Naturally Black pixels is used for the TFT screen.

The TFT screen advantageously has particularly strong background lighting. The background lighting preferably has a strength of at least 600 cd / m ² , in particular at least 900 cd / m ² , in particular at least 1000 cd / m ² .

The TFT screen is glued to the glass plate in particular in a liquid manner, in particular in a bubble-free manner (optical bonding).

The touch-sensitive TFT screen can be designed redundantly. For the redundant design of the touch-sensitive TFT screen, the touch-sensitive sensor and / or the evaluation device connected to it are designed redundantly. In an advantageous embodiment variant, the evaluation device is designed twice and the touch-sensitive sensor is designed simply. The doubly redundant design of the evaluation device allows a plausibility comparison of the sensed inputs. The redundant design of the touch-sensitive TFT screen allows the reliable recognition of user inputs even if the TFT screen is soiled by, for example, splashes of fat.

The control device can be configured for dual operation. The control device can have two or more user interfaces. All components connected to the control device can be controlled via each user interface. The control device can also be configured in such a way that only some of the components connected to the control device can be controlled via the respective user interface.

The control device can be designed as an encapsulated module and comprise its own housing. The housing can be fluid-tight, in particular liquid-tight. The control device can be arranged outside the hobs, in particular on the kitchen worktop, or integrated into them. The control device can also be integrated into a hob. Alternatively, the control device can be between the hobs be arranged. The control device can be integrated into the extractor device. In particular, the user interface of the control device can be integrated into the extractor device. The control device can be attached to the support frame of the exhaust opening of the extractor hood device. In an advantageous embodiment, the TFT screen of the control device and the support frame of the extraction opening are attached together to a glass plate, in particular glued to it. The control device can also be screwed to the support frame. In particular, it can be detachably connected to the support frame. According to an alternative, the control device is permanently connected to the support frame.

The modular cooktop system comprises two circuits, a control circuit and a power circuit (or load circuit). The power circuit is used to supply the electrical consumers with energy. Electrical consumers are the components connected to the control device, such as hobs and extractor hoods. The power circuit is connected to the power grid. The control circuit is decoupled from the power circuit, in particular through the galvanic separation. The control device is part of the control circuit. By separating the control and power circuits, damage to the control device is reliably avoided.

The components connected to the control device can be connected to different types of energy sources for energy supply.

The control device can in particular be connected to a power supply system with 50 Hz or 60 Hz. It can be used with either one operating voltage operated by 230 V, 240 V or 110 V. It can be connected to a one-phase, two-phase, three-phase, four-phase or five-phase network.

The components can have a gas connection, a hot water connection or a steam connection.

The control device can also completely control the components connected to it while providing the energy supply. A separate connection of the components to an energy supply device is therefore not necessary.

Fig. 1

schematisch die Bestandteile eines modularen Kochfeldsystems mit einer zentralen Steuereinrichtung,

Fig. 2

schematisch eine Ansicht von oben eines modularen Kochfeldsystems mit zwei Kochfeld-Einheiten, einer Dunstabzugsvorrichtung und einer Steuereinrichtung,

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht gemäß Fig. 2 mit drei Kochfeld-Einheiten, zwei Dunstabzugsvorrichtungen und einer Steuereinrichtung,

Fig. 4

schematisch eine perspektivische Ansicht eines in ein Möbel integrierten Kochfeldsystems mit zwei Kochfeld-Einheiten, einer Dunstabzugsvorrichtung und einer separaten Steuereinrichtung, und

Fig. 5

schematisch die Bestandteile eines modularen Kochfeldsystems mit einer zentralen Steuereinrichtung gemäß einer Alternative.

Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the description of exemplary embodiments on the basis of the figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematically the components of a modular hob system with a central control device,

Fig. 2

schematically a view from above of a modular hob system with two hob units, an extractor device and a control device,

Fig. 3

a view according to Fig. 2 with three hob units, two extractor devices and a control device,

Fig. 4

schematically a perspective view of a cooktop system integrated in a piece of furniture with two cooktop units, an extractor device and a separate control device, and

Fig. 5

schematically the components of a modular hob system with a central control device according to an alternative.

In the following, different details of a cooktop system 1 are described with reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 shows the basic structure of the hob system 1 very schematically. The hob system 1 comprises a central control device 2. The control device 2 has a large number of interfaces 3. It is connected to other components, in particular hobs 5, in a signal-transmitting manner by means of control lines 4.

The hob system 1 comprises in particular a plurality of hobs 5. The hobs 5 can be glass ceramic hobs, radiant heater hobs, induction hobs, Tepan hobs, gas hobs, in particular electric gas hobs, grill hobs, Act on a griddle or other hobs. It can also be a deep fryer or a sous vide device. The hobs 5 are preferably electric hobs, i. H. Hobs that convert electrical energy directly or indirectly into heat.

In addition, the cooktop system 1 comprises an extractor device 6. The extractor device 6 is, in particular, a downdraft fan.

In principle, the hob system 1 can also comprise further elements or devices. In principle, for example, it is possible to use an oven and / or to connect a steam cooker and / or a microwave device and / or a coffee machine and / or further electrical devices, for example a refrigerator, a freezer, a kettle or lighting, to the control device 2.

The control device 2 comprises, in particular, sensors by means of which it is possible to detect whether or to which interfaces 3 hobs 5 or extractor devices 6 or other devices are connected. By means of the sensors, it is possible in particular to detect what type of hob 5 is involved.

An operating unit 7 is provided for operating the control device 2. The operating unit 7 is connected to the control device 2 in a data-transferring manner.

The operating unit 7 can comprise one or more touch-sensitive sensors, in particular one or more touch-sensitive screens 9, in particular thin-film transistor displays (TFT displays).

The display of the touch-sensitive screen 9 can be designed as a function of the cooktops 5 and / or extractor devices 6 connected to the control device 2. The control device 2 is preferably designed in such a way that the touch-sensitive screen 9, that is to say its display, automatically adapts to the devices actually connected to the control device 2.

The touch-sensitive screen 9 can also be used to display further information and / or signals. For example, it is possible to use the touch-sensitive screen 9 as a display for entertainment electronics devices, for example for the display of films, in particular as a TV screen. The devices provided for this purpose can also be connected to the control device 2. Alternatively, they can be connected directly to the touch-sensitive screen 9.

The operating unit 7 can also be operated by means of one or more operating knobs 8. The control knobs 8 can in particular be removable. The control knob 8 can have different functionalities, in particular depending on its position relative to the control device 2.

As in the Fig. 2 and 3 is shown schematically, the hob system 1 can comprise different hobs 5. The hob system 1 can also comprise several identical hobs 5.

The cooktop system 1 can also comprise several extractor devices 6. These too can all be controllable by means of the control device 2. Like in the Fig. 3 (right) is shown schematically, the control device 2 can be integrated into one of the extractor devices 6. It is also possible to design the extractor device 6 to be control-free and to connect it to the control device 2 by means of a control line 4 in a signal-transmitting manner for control purposes ( Fig. 3 , Left).

By jointly controlling the extractor device 6 and the hobs 5 by means of the control device 2, it is possible to couple the control of the extractor device 6 to that of the hobs 5.

The hobs 5 can in particular each be designed without their own separate control device, in particular without control electronics. The hobs 5 are in particular designed to be free of control. In particular, they can be non-self-sufficient, non-self-employed. In this case they have to be connected to the control device 2 for operation, i. H. be connected to the control device 2 in a signal-transmitting manner.

The control-free design of the hobs 5 avoids the influence of temperature on the operation of the same. In addition, adverse effects from moisture and / or electromagnetic interference can be avoided as a result.

The hobs 5 can in particular be free of control panels. This increases the flexibility of the arrangement of cooking zones 10 on the hobs 5. The cooking zones 10 can in particular be arranged essentially in the entire area of the hobs 5. In particular, it is possible to design the hobs 5 with cooking zones 10 essentially over the entire surface. The cooking zones 10 can in particular occupy an area of more than 50%, in particular more than 60%, in particular more than 70%, in particular more than 80%, in particular more than 90%, in particular more than 95% of the total area of one of the hobs 5.

The cooktop system 1, in particular the cooktops 5, are, in particular, of modular design.

The hobs 5 are in particular controlled exclusively and / or completely by means of the control device 2. You can do this by means of the Control lines 4 in a signal-transmitting manner with the control device 2 in connection.

The control lines 4 can also be used to supply power to the hobs 5 at the same time. As an alternative to this, the hobs 5 can have separate power lines, in particular connection plugs.

As in the Fig. 2 and 3 is shown schematically, the control device 2 can be integrated into the module of the extractor device 6. The control device 2 and the extractor device 6 can in particular be integrated in a common assembly unit. In this case, a separate interface 3, in particular a separate control line 4, between the control device 2 and the extractor device 6 can be dispensed with.

As an alternative to this, the control device 2 can be designed as a separate module. This is schematically and exemplarily in the Fig. 4 shown.

Designing the control device 2 as a separate module makes it possible to arrange the control device 2, in particular the operating unit 7, at a distance from the cooktops 5 and / or the extractor device 6.

As in the Fig. 4 is shown, the control knob 8 can be removable.

In the Fig. 4 an arrangement of the hob system 1 in a worktop 11 on a kitchen cabinet 12 is shown as an example. Not shown in detail in the Fig. 4 Ventilation channels for the removal of cooking vapors. For details and other features of the extractor hood 6 is particularly to the DE 10 2009 025 038 A1 as well as the DE 10 2007 002 241 A1 referenced.

The controlless design of the hobs 5 in particular enables them to be constructed with an extremely low overall height. The overall height or installation depth of the hob 5 can in particular be less than 10 cm, in particular less than 5 cm, in particular less than 3 cm, in particular less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm.

Fig. 5 shows schematically the basic structure of the hob system 1 according to an alternative. The control device 2 is connected to a power supply unit 13 via low voltage lines 14. The power supply unit 13 is connected to the power grid 16 by a power supply line 15 and supplies the control device 2 with power, in particular in the low voltage range. The power supply unit 13 thus decouples the power circuit from the control circuit. The control device 2 is connected to external sensors 17 via control lines. External sensors 17 can be used, for example, to monitor the temperatures of the cooktops 5, to detect the pan or to detect a window position. As an alternative or in addition, the control device 2 has internal sensors 18. Internal sensors 18 are used, among other things, to detect the position of the grease filter.

The internal sensors 18 can also be used for temperature monitoring. This can reliably prevent overheating of the hob system.

Another consumer 19 is connected to the control device 2 and is connected to the power grid 16. The consumer 19 can be lighting. The control device 2 furthermore comprises a user interface 20 in the form of a touch-sensitive TFT screen. Consumers 19 and hobs 5 are connected to the control device 2 via a control connection 21 and to the power supply 16 via a network connection 22. Consumers 19 and hobs 5 can alternatively be connected to further energy sources 23 via energy lines 24 and an energy connection 25. For example, the hob 5 is a gas hob and the energy source 23 is a gas connection.

Claims (14)

1. Fume extraction device (6) in the form of a downdraft ventilation, comprising
   1.1. a control device (2) for a modular hob system (1) integrated in a housing of the fume extraction device (6), with

   1.1.1. at least two interfaces (3) for connecting modularly construed hobs (5), and

   1.1.2. at least one signal connection (4) for controlling the fume extraction device (6).
2. Fume extraction device (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two interfaces (3) are suitable for connecting hobs (5) which differ, in particular with regard to their mechanisms for energy transmission.
3. Fume extraction device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2) comprises at least one user interface (20) with a touch-sensitive screen (9) and/or a removable operating toggle (8), which has different functionalities depending on its relative position to the control device (2).
4. Fume extraction device (6) according to claim 3, characterized in that the touch-sensitive screen (9) comprises redundant hardware components in the form of multiply present touch-sensitive sensor technology (17, 18) and/or in the form of multiply present evaluation devices in order to reliably recognize control inputs.
5. Fume extraction device (6) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by an automatic adaptation of the control device (2), in particular the user interface (20), to the components (5, 6) actually connected thereto.
6. Fume extraction device (6) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the control device (2) comprises a plurality of user interfaces (20) which are designed independently of one another for controlling all or a reduced portion, compared to the total number, of the components (5, 6) connected to the control device (2).
7. Fume extraction device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2) is designed as an encapsulated module with its own housing.
8. Fume extraction device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2) comprises internal sensors (18), in particular for detecting the position of a grease filter, and/or has interfaces (3) for connecting external sensors (17).
9. Fume extraction device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device (2) can detect a signal-based coding for automatic recognition of the components (5, 6) connected to the interfaces (3) or has constructively individual connection geometries of the interfaces (3).
10. Fume extraction device (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is designed to be splash-proof, in particular liquid-proof, and/or dust-proof.
11. Modular hob system (1) comprising

    11.1. at least one fume extraction device (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and

    11.2 at least one hob (5).
12. Modular hob system (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the at least one control device (2) is suitable for controlling all components (5, 6) of the hob system (1).
13. Modular hob system (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by a control-free design of the at least one hob (5).
14. Modular hob system (1) according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the at least one hob (5) has an electronic component for signal-based coding or a constructively individual connection geometry for its automatic recognition by the control device (2).

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