COOKING DEVICE, BUILT-IN COOKING APPLIANCE SYSTEM, HOUSEHOLD SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application is a U.S. National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2023/061705, filed on May 3, 2023, and claims benefit to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2022 112 198.4, filed on May 16, 2022 and to Belgian Patent Application No. BE 2022/5372, filed on May 17, 2022. The International Application was published in German on Nov. 23, 2023 as WO/2023/222387 A1 under PCT Article 21(2).

FIELD

The present invention relates to a cooking device including, in particular, at least one furniture front element for integration in a furniture front. The cooking device is configured in particular as a steam cooking device and includes at least one main body including at least one top side, at least one cooking chamber, and at least one air outlet opening for discharging air and/or cooking vapors from the main body, the air outlet opening having at least one guiding device associated therewith, and the guiding device being displaceable between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position. The present invention also relates to a built-in cooking appliance system and a household system.

BACKGROUND

The prior art has described a variety of different cooking devices, such as baking ovens, microwave appliances, and/or steam cooking devices which have a cooking chamber for cooking foods and/or foodstuffs and which, in particular, can be integrated into a furniture front, e.g., of a kitchen or a run of kitchen units and/or the like.

Known cooking devices often have an air outlet for discharging air and/or cooking vapors into the environment of the cooking device before, during and/or after the operation of the cooking device. Frequently, known cooking devices additionally have at least one air outlet geometry for controlling the flow of air or cooking vapors emerging from the air outlet opening, thereby, for example, protecting the environment of the cooking device from being soiled and/or damaged by emerging air and/or emerging cooking vapors. Such known cooking devices are substantially reliable in operation.

However, the disadvantage of such known cooking devices is that they often do not allow for a visually appealing design. For example, in the case of a cooking device suitable for integration into a furniture front, the front of the cooking device should be flat so as to give the cooking device and/or the furniture front an appearance that is often perceived as particularly appealing and aesthetic by users.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention provides a cooking device, comprising: at least one furniture front element configured to integrate into a furniture front: at least one main body including at least one top side: at least one cooking chamber: and at least one air outlet opening configured to discharge air and/or cooking vapors from the at least one main body, the at least one air outlet opening having at least one guiding device associated therewith, the guiding device being displaceable between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position, wherein the at least one air outlet opening is disposed at the at least one top side of the at least one main body, and wherein the at least one guiding device is configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the at least one air outlet opening to be guided substantially forwardly when in the open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:

FIG. 1 is a purely schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention:

FIG. 2 is a purely schematic sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention:

FIG. 3 is a purely schematic sectional side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention:

FIG. 4 is a purely schematic perspective side view of another exemplary embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention:

FIG. 5 is purely schematic perspective view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a cooking device according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a purely schematic sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a built-in cooking appliance system according to the invention: and

FIG. 7 is a purely schematic sectional side view of an exemplary embodiment of a household system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention in an embodiment the present invention provides a cooking device that allows for a visually appealing design, especially when integrated into a furniture front, and preferably reliably controls a flow of air or cooking vapors emerging from the air outlet opening.

In an embodiment the invention provides a cooking device having the features described herein, a built-in cooking appliance system having the features described herein, and by a household system having the features described herein.

The inventive cooking device, in particular with at least one furniture front element for integration into a furniture front, is configured in particular as a steam cooking device and includes at least one main body including at least one top side, at least one cooking chamber, and at least one air outlet opening for discharging air and/or cooking vapors from the main body. The air outlet opening has at least one guiding device associated therewith, and the guiding device being displaceable between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position. The air outlet opening is disposed at the top side of the main body, and the guiding device is suitable and configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided substantially forwardly when in the open position.

Preferably, the guiding device is suitable and adapted to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided substantially forwardly, in particular substantially in a direction perpendicular to the furniture front and/or out of the furniture front, when in the open position.

In this context, “forwardly” is understood to mean in particular toward a user standing in front of the cooking device and/or directed toward the user. Preferably, a front side of the main body faces a user. In a typical situation of use of the cooking device, a user is located in front of cooking device and faces in particular the front side.

The top side is in particular a surface and/or wall that bounds the main body upwardly. Preferably, the main body is at least partially bounded and/or provided by a housing device. In suitable embodiments, the top side is at least partially provided by a top wall or upper wall of the housing device.

In particular, the top side is provided by a water tank receptacle and/or a water tank. The guiding device may also be connected to the water tank receptacle and/or to the water tank. The guiding device is provided in particular by a flap device and/or a similarly suitable device.

In suitable embodiments, the guiding device is suitable and configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided forwardly in a controlled and/or directed manner when in the open position.

The cooking chamber is suitable and configured in particular for cooking foods or foodstuffs. Preferably, the cooking chamber is suitable and configured to receive a cooking vessel and/or a drip pan or the like. In advantageous embodiments, the main body has at least one opening for loading the cooking chamber.

Preferably, the cooking device has at least one door device for closing the opening.

Preferably, the opening and/or the door device is/are disposed and/or received at the top side of the main body.

In suitable embodiments, the main body includes at least one fan device. In particular, the fan device, the cooking chamber, and the air outlet opening are in operative connection and/or fluid communication or flow connection with each other.

In suitable embodiments, the main body includes an air outlet portion, which is associated in particular with the air outlet opening. Preferably, the air outlet portion includes at least one air mixing portion and/or provides a venturi nozzle element at least in a portion thereof. Depending on the function and configuration, the main body may include the venturi nozzle element as a separate unit.

In suitable embodiments, a normal of the outlet opening or a normal of a plane or area of the outlet opening is substantially perpendicular to the furniture front.

Preferably, the main body includes a guide duct system for guiding at least one fluid, such as air, cooking vapors, and/or a liquid.

In particularly advantageous embodiments, when the guiding device is in the open position, the angle between at least a portion of the guiding device and at least a portion of the top side, in particular a portion of the top side adjacent the air outlet opening, is in the range from 5° to 90°, preferably in the range from 5° to 70°, more preferably in the range from 5° to 45°, and especially preferably in the range from 30° to 45°. Depending on the function and configuration, in the open position, the angle between at least a portion of the guiding device and at least a portion of the top side may also be in a different range.

Preferably, when the guiding device is in the open position, the air outlet opening is substantially cleared, so that air and/or cooking vapors can exit or flow out of the air outlet opening.

In suitable embodiments, when the guiding device is in the closed position, the air outlet opening is at least partially and in particular completely covered or closed, so that air and/or cooking vapors cannot exit or flow out of the air outlet opening in an unhindered manner. Depending on the function and design, when in the closed position, the guiding device may cover and/or close the air outlet opening in such a way that air and/or cooking vapors substantially cannot exit or flow out of the air outlet opening.

The cooking device according to the invention has many advantages. One significant advantage is that the air outlet opening is disposed at the top side of the main body, and that the guiding device is suitable and configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided substantially forwardly when in the open position.

Because the air outlet opening is disposed at the top side of the main body, a particularly appealing visual appearance can be achieved for a cooking device according to the invention. For example, the top side, and thus an air outlet opening disposed at the top side, are generally not visible to a user. In particular in the case of a cooking device for integration into a furniture front, the disposition of the outlet opening at the top side of the main body makes it possible to achieve a particularly appealing visual design for the furniture front. For example, an air outlet opening disposed at the top side allows for a flat or flush furniture front design, which is generally perceived as visually appealing.

Because the guiding device is suitable and configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided substantially forwardly when in the open position, soiling of and/or damage to the built-in furniture, building components, and/or the like disposed above the cooking device is/are reduced or ideally prevented, depending on the design. Especially in the case of a cooking device for integration into a furniture front or in the case of a cooking device that is integrated into a furniture front, a guiding device that allows air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided substantially forwardly is particularly advantageous. Thus, the guiding device enables air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be transferred to an area in front of the furniture front in a satisfactory and preferably optimal manner.

Furthermore, the displaceability of the guiding device makes it possible for air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided forwardly by the guiding device when in the open position, and for the air outlet opening to be substantially covered and/or closed when the guiding device is in the closed position, so that ingress of dirt and/or dust into the air outlet opening can be largely prevented. This also makes it possible to prevent and/or avoid objects from falling into the air outlet opening and/or users from accidentally reaching into the air outlet opening.

Preferably, when in the closed position, the guiding device is substantially flush with at least a portion of the top side. Preferably, when in the closed position, the guiding device covers the air outlet opening to a substantial extent and in particular completely. In this context, “cover” is understood to mean in particular “conceal” and/or “close.”

This largely prevents ingress of dirt, dust, and/or objects into the air outlet opening. Furthermore, the substantially flush arrangement of guiding device in the closed position gives the cooking device, in particular a drawer-type cooking device, an even more appealing visual appearance.

Preferably, when in the closed position, the guiding device is substantially flush and/or even with at least a portion of the top side, in particular a portion of the top side adjacent the air outlet opening.

In suitable embodiments, when in the closed position, the guiding device is substantially disposed in the same plane as at least a portion of the top wall and/or top side, in particular a portion of the top wall and/or top side adjacent the air outlet opening.

In suitable embodiments, the guiding device is suitable and configured to cover and/or close the air outlet opening when in the closed position.

In advantageous embodiments, in the closed position, the angle between at least a portion of the guiding device and at least a portion of the top side, in particular a portion of the top side adjacent the air outlet opening, is in the range from −10° to +10°, from −5° to +5°, in particular 0°.

Particularly preferably, the air outlet opening is disposed on and/or in a front portion of the top side. This allows air and/or cooking vapors to be guided forwardly to an area in front of the cooking device in an even more advantageous, in particular more reliable manner.

The top side is provided in particular by a top wall or upper wall of a housing device.

A front portion of the top side is understood to be in particular the front half, preferably the front third, more preferably the front quarter, particularly preferably the front fifth of the top side of the main body. Depending on the function and configuration, the air outlet opening may also be disposed on the frontmost portion of the top side of the main body. It is also possible that the air outlet opening may be disposed on and/or in a different portion of the top side.

Preferably, the air outlet opening is disposed on a lateral, in particular front portion of the top side.

In advantageous embodiments, the guiding device is pivotably mounted at the top side.

In this context, “pivotably” is understood to mean in particular “foldably” and/or the like. Advantageously, the guiding device is pivotably mounted by means of a pivot on at least one portion of the top side and/or top wall.

In particular, the pivot is disposed at a rear portion of the air outlet opening or on a side opposite the front portion of the air outlet opening.

Preferably, when the guiding device is in the open position, a front portion thereof is spaced apart from the top side of the main body, so that preferably the guiding device causes air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening to be guided substantially forwardly.

Particularly preferably, the guiding device is displaceable from the closed position to the open position by a pressure provided by the air and/or cooking vapors at the air outlet opening. Alternatively or additionally, depending on the design, provision may also be made for active opening of the guiding device, for example by means of a motor.

Preferably, the guiding device is suitable and configured to be displaced from the closed position to the open position by a pressure provided by the air and/or the cooking vapors at the air outlet opening. In particular, the guiding device is displaced from the closed position to the open position by a pressure provided by the air and/or the cooking vapors at the air outlet opening. In this context, “displaceable” is understood to mean in particular “pivotable” and/or “foldable.”

In suitable embodiments, the main body includes a biasing device, by means of which the guiding device can be displaced between the closed position and the open position.

Preferably, the biasing device is provided by a spring device and/or a similarly suitable device.

In advantageous embodiments, the guiding device is displaceable from the closed position to the open position by means of the biasing device and, in particular, is also displaced from the closed position to the open position by means of the biasing device. This allows the guiding device to be displaced in a particularly reliable manner.

Preferably, the guiding device is displaceable from the open position to the closed position by means of the biasing device.

Particularly preferably, the guiding device is displaceable from the open position to the closed position by means of its own weight.

In particular, the guiding device is displaceable by its own weight from the open position to the closed position when no pressure is exerted on the flap by outflowing air and/or outflowing cooking vapors.

Preferably, the guiding device is suitable and configured to be displaced from the open position to the closed position by means of its own weight. In particular, the guiding device is displaced by its own weight from the open position to the closed position and/or from the closed position to the open position.

Alternatively, the guiding device may be suitable and configured to interact with a drive, in particular a motor or an expansion element, which displaces the guiding device in a motor-driven manner from the open position to the closed position and/or from the closed position to the open position.

In advantageous embodiments, there is provided at least one door device for closing the cooking chamber, in particular an opening for loading the cooking chamber.

Preferably, the door device is disposed at the top side of the main body and/or the top wall or upper wall of the housing device.

Preferably, the cooking device is designed as a drawer-type cooking device with at least one furniture front element. A drawer-type cooking device preferably provides a drawer-type steam cooking device. Preferably, a drawer-type cooking device can be moved out of the furniture front toward the user to permit loading of the cooking chamber.

A cooking device designed as a drawer-type cooking device, in particular as a drawer-type steam cooking device, preferably includes a displacement device, which is preferably mounted on the main body and which allows the main body to be moved, preferably on and/or in a frame device, between at least one retracted position or stored position and at least one extended position or position of use or loading/unloading position. In the retracted position, the furniture front element is substantially flush with the furniture front. In the extended position, the furniture front element is located substantially in front of the furniture front.

Preferably, the drawer-type cooking device is movable to at least one intermediate position.

In suitable embodiments, when in the retracted position, the main body is substantially located behind at least one plane of the furniture front.

In suitable embodiments, when in the extended position, the main body is at least partially located in front of the furniture front.

The built-in cooking appliance system according to the invention includes at least one furniture front and at least one cooking device with at least one furniture front element as described hereinabove. The furniture front is disposed above the furniture front element such that it is at least partially substantially flush therewith. The furniture front and the furniture front element are at least partially horizontally spaced apart, so that at least air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening can be guided by the guiding device to an area in front of the furniture front.

Preferably, the furniture front and the furniture front element are at least partially horizontally spaced apart in such a way that at least in the open position, air and/or outflowing cooking vapors can be guided to an area in front of the furniture front and/or the furniture front element.

The built-in cooking appliance system according to the invention also has the advantages of the cooking device according to the invention. In particular, it is made possible to guide air and/or cooking vapors forwardly or to an area in front of the furniture front.

The inventive household system for integration into a furniture front includes at least two built-in furniture elements which are disposed at least partially above each other as at least one lower built-in furniture element having at least one lower main body and as at least one upper built-in furniture element having at least one upper main body. At least the lower built-in furniture element is provided by a household appliance in the form of a cooking device as described hereinabove.

In accordance with one aspect, the household system includes at least one furniture front and at least one furniture assembly composed of at least two built-in furniture elements, in particular with furniture front elements.

In accordance with an embodiment, the furniture front elements are all disposed in one plane of the furniture front.

Preferably, the two built-in furniture elements are disposed at least partially above each other in such a manner that at least one upper built-in furniture element and at least one lower built-in furniture element are provided.

The household system according to the invention also has the advantages of the inventive cooking device and of the inventive built-in cooking appliance system.

Preferably, the at least two built-in furniture elements each include at least one furniture front element, the furniture front elements being at least partially horizontally spaced apart in an in particular substantially vertical plane, so that at least air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening can be guided by the guiding device to an area in front of the furniture front.

Preferably, the furniture front elements of the at least two built-in furniture elements are at least temporarily located in a substantially vertical plane, in particular in the retracted position.

In suitable embodiments, at least one built-in furniture element is embodied as a household appliance, in particular as a movable drawer-type cooking device, with at least one furniture front element. At least one other built-in furniture element is embodied as a drawer or a cabinet compartment.

In particular, at least air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of the air outlet opening can be passed through between the at least two furniture front elements and guided to an area in front of the at least two built-in furniture elements by means of the guiding device.

Preferably, the furniture front elements are horizontally spaced apart, so that air and/or cooking vapors can be passed through between the furniture front elements and in particular guided to an area in front of the at least two built-in furniture elements by means of the guiding device.

In suitable embodiments, the furniture front elements are horizontally spaced apart, so that when the guiding device is in the open position, air and/or cooking vapors from the air outlet opening can be passed through between the furniture front elements and in particular guided to an area in front of the at least two built-in furniture elements, preferably at least to an area in front of the lower built-in furniture element.

Particularly preferably, at least one pivotable door device is disposed at at least one front side of the upper main body, the door device in particular of the upper built-in furniture element being suitable and configured to transfer the guiding device at least temporarily to the closed position in response to pivoting of the door device in particular of the upper built-in furniture element. This provides effective collision protection.

Preferably, the guiding device is suitable and configured to be at least temporarily transferred to the closed position in response to pivoting of the door device in particular of the upper built-in furniture element.

In advantageous embodiments, the upper main body includes at least one auxiliary element which is suitable and configured to transfer the guiding device at least temporarily to the closed position in response to displacement of the lower built-in furniture element, in particular a built-in furniture element embodied as a drawer-type steam cooking device.

Preferably, the auxiliary element is received and/or disposed at a bottom side of the main body and/or a bottom wall of a housing device of the upper household appliance. Thus, the upper built-in furniture element or its main body or its auxiliary element is used as an auxiliary geometry. In particular, the auxiliary element has no active function, but is merely a passive element.

FIG. 1 shows, in a purely schematic perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a cooking device 1 according to the invention.

Cooking device 1 is designed as a steam cooking device 100 and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, has a main body 2 with a top side 3 and a front side 12. In the typical installed position of use of cooking device I shown here, front side 12 faces a user, and top side 3 is provided by an upper wall 15 of housing device 13.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, main body 2 includes a cooking chamber 4, which can be loaded with foods through an opening 14, as well as an air outlet opening 5 for discharging air and/or cooking vapors from main body 2.

Air outlet opening 5 is disposed in a front portion 9, i.e., a portion of top side 3 of main body 12 that is substantially adjacent and/or close to front side 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, air outlet opening 5 is disposed laterally of opening 14. Depending on the function and design, air outlet opening 5 may also be disposed in a different portion and/or at a different position of top side 3.

Air outlet opening 5 has a guiding device 6 associated therewith, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is displaceable between an open position 7 and a closed position 8. Here, guiding device 6 is in open position 7.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, guiding device 6 is suitable and configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 to be guided substantially forwardly when in open position 7. Thus, guiding device 6 guides air and/or cooking vapors substantially toward a user standing in front of cooking device 1.

Moreover, guiding device 6 causes air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 to be partially guided in a direction perpendicular to the normal of top side 3. Guiding device 6 causes air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 to be partially guided in a direction oriented parallel to the normal of front side 12. Depending on the function and design, the guiding device may also cause a major portion of the air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 to be guided in a direction that is oriented perpendicular to the normal of top side 3 and parallel to the normal of front side 12.

FIG. 2 shows, in a purely schematic sectional side view, an exemplary embodiment of an inventive cooking device 1 with a guiding device 1 in an open position 7.

As in FIG. 1, cooking device 1 is designed as a steam cooking device 100 and has a main body 2 with a top side 3 and a front side 12.

In this case too, main body 2 includes a cooking chamber 4 (not specifically shown here) and an air outlet opening 5 which serves to discharge air and/or cooking vapors from main body 2 and which is disposed on a front portion 9 of top side 3.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, air outlet opening 5 has a displaceable guiding device 6 associated therewith. Guiding device 6 is pivotably mounted at top side 3, the guiding device 6 being disposed about a pivot located substantially behind air outlet opening 5. Guiding device 6 is displaceable between an open position 7 and a closed position 8.

Here, guiding device 6 is in an open position 7, in which a portion of guiding device 6 and a portion of top side 3 adjacent air outlet opening 5 form an angle in the range from 20° to 35°. Depending on the function and design, in open position 7, guiding device 6 and a portion of top side 3 adjacent air outlet opening 5 may also form a different angle, for example in the range from 5° to 80° or in the range from 5° to 45°. In the open position 7 schematically shown here, a front portion of guiding device 6 protrudes from top side 3 to a greater extent than the rear portion of guiding device 6, so that the front portion of guiding device 6 is higher than the rear portion of the guiding device.

Thus, in the open position 7 schematically shown here, air outlet opening 5 is cleared, so that air and/or cooking vapors can exit air outlet opening 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown, guiding device 6 is suitable and configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 to be guided substantially forwardly, i.e., to an area in front of front side 12.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, main body 2 has a biasing device 10, by means of which guiding device 6 can be displaced between open position 7 and closed position 8. In this case, biasing device 10 takes the form of a spring element. Biasing device 10 exerts a force on the guiding device. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this force is directed such that guiding device 6 is transferred from an open position 7 to a closed position 8 in the absence of a counteracting force, for example, a pressure provided by the air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5. Depending on the function and design, the guiding device may also be transferred or displaced from an open position 7 to a closed position 8 by its own weight: i.e., the force provided by its weight.

FIG. 3 shows, in a purely schematic sectional side view, an exemplary embodiment of an inventive cooking device with a guiding device 1 in a closed position 8.

As in FIG. 2, cooking device 1 is designed as a steam cooking device 100 and has a main body 2 with a top side 3 and a front side 12.

In this case too, main body 2 includes a cooking chamber 4 (not specifically shown here) and an air outlet opening 5 which serves to discharge air and/or cooking vapors from main body 2 and which is disposed on a front portion 9 of top side 3.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, air outlet opening 5 has a displaceable guiding device 6 associated therewith.

Here, guiding device 6 is in a closed position 8, in which a portion of guiding device 6 and a portion of top side 3 adjacent air outlet opening 5 form an angle of 0°. Depending on the function and design, in closed position 8, guiding device 6 and a portion of top side 3 adjacent air outlet opening 5 may also form a different angle, for example in the range from −5° to +5°. In the closed position 8 schematically shown here, the guiding device is substantially flush with an adjacent portion of top side 3. Thus, guiding device 6 covers air outlet opening 5, so that air and/or cooking vapors cannot exit or flow out of air outlet opening 5 in an unhindered manner. Depending on the function and design, when in the closed position, the guiding device may also cover and/or close the air outlet opening in such a way that air and/or cooking vapors substantially cannot exit or flow out of the air outlet opening.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, guiding device 6 can be displaced from the closed position 8 shown here to the open position 7 schematically shown in FIG. 2 by a pressure provided by the air and/or the cooking vapors at air outlet opening 5. When this occurs, the pressure provided by the air and/or the cooking vapors at air outlet opening 5 exerts a force on guiding device 6 which is directed such that it counteracts a force of a biasing device 10 forming part of the main body.

Depending on the function and design, guiding device 6 may also be transferred or displaced additionally or solely by its own weight, i.e., the force provided by its weight, from an open position 7 to the closed position 8 schematically shown here. It is also possible that a biasing device 10 forming part of main body 2 may provide a force that transfers guiding device 6 from a closed position 8 to an open position 7.

FIG. 4 shows, in a purely schematic perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of another cooking device 1 according to the invention.

In this case, cooking device 1 is designed as a drawer-type cooking device 200 with a furniture front element 201 for integration into a furniture front 50. Drawer-type cooking device 200 provides a steam cooking device 100.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, drawer-type cooking device 200 has a door device 11 and a main body 2 with a top side 3 and a front side 12. Furniture front element 201 is disposed at front side 12, which faces a user when cooking device 1 is in the typical installed position of use shown here.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, main body 2 includes a cooking chamber 4 (not specifically shown) having an opening 14 closed by door device 11 and an air outlet opening 5 for discharging air and/or cooking vapors from main body 2.

Air outlet opening 5 is disposed in a front portion 9, i.e., a portion of top side 3 of main body 12 that is substantially adjacent and/or close to front side 12.

Air outlet opening 5 has a guiding device 6 associated therewith, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is displaceable between an open position 7 and a closed position 8.

Here, guiding device 6 is in open position 7 and is suitable and configured to cause air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 to be guided substantially forwardly when in open position 7. Thus, guiding device 6 guides air and/or cooking vapors substantially toward a user.

In this case, moreover, the cooking device 1 designed as a drawer-type cooking device 200 includes a displacement device 202. Displacement device 202 allows main body 2 to be moved, on and/or in a frame device, between a retracted position, an extended position, and a plurality of intermediate positions.

FIG. 5 shows, in a purely schematic perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of another cooking device 1 according to the invention.

As in FIG. 4, cooking device 1 is designed as a drawer-type cooking device 200 with a furniture front element 201 for integration into a furniture front 50. Drawer-type cooking device 200 provides a steam cooking device 100.

Also, as in FIG. 4, drawer-type cooking device 200 has a door device 11 for closing a cooking chamber 4, a displacement device 202 for displacement of drawer-type cooking device 200, and a main body 2 with a top side 3 and a front side 12, the furniture front element 201 being disposed at front side 12.

Main body 2 includes a cooking chamber 4 (not specifically shown here) and an air outlet opening 5 for discharging air and/or cooking vapors from main body 2.

Air outlet opening 5 has a guiding device 6 associated therewith, which is displaceable between an open position 7 and a closed position 8. Here, guiding device 6 is in a closed position 8, so that guiding device 6 covers air outlet opening 5. Thus, for example, ingress of dirt and/or dust into air outlet opening 5 can be substantially prevented by guiding device 6 when in closed position 8. Also, a here in closed position 8, prevent or avoid objects from falling into air outlet opening 5 and/or users from accidentally reaching into air outlet opening 5.

FIG. 6 shows, in a purely schematic sectional side view, an exemplary embodiment of a built-in cooking appliance system 300 according to the invention.

Built-in cooking appliance system 300 includes a furniture front 50 and a cooking device 1 having a main body 2 with a furniture front element 201 disposed at a front side 12 of main body 2.

Cooking device 1 is designed as a drawer-type cooking device 200 and provides a steam cooking device 100. Main body 2 has a cooking chamber 4 (not specifically shown) and an air outlet opening 5 for discharging air and/or cooking vapors from main body 2. Air outlet opening 5 is disposed in a front portion 9 of top side 3 of main body 12 and has a displaceable guiding device 6 associated therewith, which here is in an open position 7.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, furniture front 50 is disposed above furniture front element 201 such that it is at least partially substantially flush therewith. Furniture front 50 and furniture front element 201 are horizontally spaced apart in such a way that outflowing air and/or cooking vapors can be guided by guiding device 6 to an area in front of furniture front 50 and furniture front element 201. This allows air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 to be guided to an area in front of furniture front 50 and furniture front element 201 in a particularly reliable manner, making it possible to reduce or even substantially prevent damage to and/or soiling of, for example, built-in furniture and/or assemblies thereof.

FIG. 7 shows, in a purely schematic sectional side view, an exemplary embodiment of a household system 400 according to the invention.

Household system 400 is suitable and configured to be integrated into a furniture front 50. In the exemplary embodiment shown, household system 400 includes at least two built-in furniture elements 410, 420 which are disposed above each other as a lower built-in furniture element 410 having a lower main body 412 and as an upper built-in furniture element 420 having an upper main body 422.

In this case, lower built-in furniture element 410 is provided by a household appliance, in particular a cooking device I according to the invention, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, is designed as a drawer-type cooking device 200 and provides a steam cooking device 100. Thus, lower built-in furniture element 410 includes a cooking chamber 4 and an air outlet opening 5, which is disposed at top side 3 of main body 2, 412. Lower built-in furniture element 410 further includes a guiding device 6 associated with air outlet opening 5 and displaceable to an open position 7 and a closed position 8.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the two built-in furniture elements 410, 420) each have a furniture front element 201, each furniture front element 201 being disposed at a front side 12 of a respective one of main bodies 412, 422. Upper furniture front element 201 may be a real furniture front element, but may also be the door of a household appliance. Furniture front elements 201 are horizontally spaced apart in a vertical plane in such a way that when guiding device 6 is in the open position 7 schematically shown here, air and/or cooking vapors flowing out of air outlet opening 5 can be guided by guiding device 6 to an area in front of furniture front 50 and/or furniture front elements 201.

Guiding device 6 is displaced from a closed position 8 to an open position 7 purely schematically shown here by a pressure provided by the air and/or the cooking vapors at air outlet opening 5. When this occurs, the pressure provided by the air and/or the cooking vapors at air outlet opening 5 exerts a force on guiding device 6 which counteracts the force provided by the weight of guiding device 6 and can even overcome this force, so that the guiding device is displaced from a closed position 8 to an open position 7 purely schematically shown here. When no force is exerted on guiding device 6 by air and/or cooking vapors, guiding device 6 is transferred or displaced from the open position 7 schematically shown here to a closed position 8 by its own weight; i.e., the force provided by its weight.

It is also possible and advantageous for guiding device 6 to be transferred from an open position 7 to a closed position 9 by a pivotable door device 424 optionally mounted at front side 423 of upper main body 422. To this end, door device 424, when pivoted, exerts a force on guiding device 6, so that guiding device 6 is displaced from the open position to the closed position.

It is also possible and advantageous for guiding device 6 to be transferred from an open position 7 to a closed position 9 by an auxiliary element 425 optionally disposed on upper main body 422. To this end, auxiliary element 425 exerts a force on guiding device 6 in response to movement of the built-in furniture element 410 embodied as a drawer-type cooking device 200, so that guiding device 6 is transferred from the open position to the closed position. This can occur, for example, when drawer-type cooking device 200 is moved from the extended position to the retracted position or vice versa.

Optional auxiliary device 425 and optional pivotable door device 424 are suitable and configured to displace guiding device 6 temporarily to a closed position 8, so that a pressure provided by the air and/or cooking vapors at air outlet opening 5 or a pressure acting on guiding device 6 does not exceed a predetermined value.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.

The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article “a” or “the” in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of “or” should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of “A or B” is not exclusive of “A and B,” unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of “at least one of A, B and C” should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of “A, B and/or C” or “at least one of A, B or C” should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 1 cooking device
  • 2 main body
  • 3 top side
  • 4 cooking chamber
  • 5 air outlet opening
  • 6 guiding device
  • 7 open position
  • 8 closed position
  • 9 front portion
  • 10 biasing device
  • 11 door device
  • 12 front side
  • 13 housing device
  • 14 opening
  • 15 upper wall
  • 50 furniture front
  • 100 steam cooking device
  • 200 drawer-type cooking device
  • 201 furniture front element
  • 300 built-in cooking appliance system
  • 400 household system
  • 410 built-in furniture element
  • 412 main body
  • 420 built-in furniture element
  • 422 main body
  • 423 front side
  • 424 door device
  • 425 auxiliary element