COMPACT COOKING TABLE AND COMPACT COOKING TABLE WITH A VAPOR EXTRACTOR

A cooking table is provided with a table frame that has a grid frame supported by table legs. The grid frame forms at least two grid positions that are designed to receive a functional module. A central strut is formed in one piece with the grid frame and delimits the at least two of the grid positions.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2025 104 071.0, filed Feb. 4, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a compact cooking table for event catering and to a cooking table with a vapor extractor.

BACKGROUND

Cooking tables are known for use in the field of event catering in order to quickly set up a professional cooking area in mobile applications, on which a cooker can then cook at a cooking station and can prepare meals live for the event audience.

A cooking table must therefore be as flexible as possible and can be adapted accordingly to the meals to be prepared in each case and to the available spatial dimensions and to the design of the event.

Furthermore, a cooking table must be able to be set up and dismantled quickly and easily and must provide a high level of mobility in order for an event organizer to be able to operate different events efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved mobile cooking table for event catering.

The object is achieved by a cooking table for event catering having the features of the independent claim.

Advantageous refinements of the cooking table emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

Accordingly, a cooking table with a table frame is proposed, wherein the table frame has a grid frame supported by table legs and wherein the grid frame forms at least two grid positions which are designed to receive a functional module, wherein a central strut which is formed in one piece with the grid frame and delimits at least two of the grid positions is provided.

In this way, a particularly compact and at the same time modular cooking table can be provided which can be adapted flexibly to the respective requirements during event catering.

Furthermore, as a result of the one-piece design of the central strut with the grid frame, the grid frame can be designed to be particularly compact and narrow in its profile design and at the same time the grid frame obtains the necessary structural integrity as a result of the central strut, which is required both for transport and also allows low-vibration and stable cooking.

The central strut can be provided to provide a particularly stable and torsion-resistant design in the form of a closed profile, for example a box-shaped profile. The grid frame can be provided to provide a slender appearance as a particularly narrow profile. The combination of the slender profile of the grid frame with the torsion-resistant profile of the central strut can thus achieve a particularly stable cooking table.

In an environment such as in the area of event catering, it is important to be able to react particularly flexibly to the respective requirements of the event. With such an arrangement of a modular cooking table, it can therefore be achieved that a large number of different events can be covered with a limited selection of different functional modules.

The grid frame can have a rectangular outer contour and the central strut can extend in the longitudinal direction of the grid frame. This makes it possible for the grid positions to likewise extend in the longitudinal direction, whereby a particularly preferred alignment of functional modules can be achieved. For example, cooking areas can be aligned in this way such that two cooking appliances can be arranged next to one another for the cooker, which contributes to ergonomic working.

The grid frame and the central strut can delimit exactly four grid positions, so that a functionally sufficient but very compact construction is possible.

A removable transverse web can be arranged between the grid frame and the central strut for delimiting a grid position. In this case, a transverse web receptacle can be arranged in the grid frame and an opposite transverse web receptacle can be arranged in the central strut and the transverse web can be received in the two transverse web receptacles.

A simple and quick definition of the respective grid positions can thus be achieved and a flexible definition of the positions of the functional modules in the work surface of the mobile cooking table can thus also be achieved.

At least two, preferably three, transverse web receptacles can be arranged along the longitudinal extent of the grid frame and correspondingly opposite transverse web receptacles can be arranged in the central strut, wherein all transverse web receptacles lying opposite one another can be configured to receive in each case one transverse web, and wherein optionally a grid position can be formed on its two transverse sides by in each case one transverse web.

The requirements of the respective event can be addressed particularly flexibly by the options for providing different transverse web receptacles.

The grid frame can be rectangular with a longer longitudinal side and a shorter transverse side and at least one grid position delimited by the grid frame and the central strut can likewise be rectangular, wherein the longer longitudinal side of the grid position can extend in the direction of the longitudinal side of the grid frame.

In other words, the grid positions are then provided in the same alignment of their rectangular shape as the grid frame.

A functional module can be removably received in each grid position, wherein a functional module is a table top, a cooking position or a vapor extractor. Preferably exactly one cooking position, exactly one vapor extractor and two or four table tops are removably received in the grid positions, wherein the table tops are optionally dimensioned to be received in half a grid position.

A fully functional cooking table can thus be provided in a very compact manner.

The grid positions defined by the central strut can be rectangular and their longitudinal sides can be oriented in the longitudinal direction of the grid frame.

A vapor extractor can be inserted into a grid position and has a housing with at least one suction opening for sucking in cooking vapors and an exhaust air opening for discharging the sucked-in air, wherein the housing has an upper part and a lower part and the at least one suction opening is arranged in the upper part and the exhaust air opening is arranged in the lower part, wherein the vapor extractor has a horizontally circumferential flange which is fixedly arranged on the housing between the upper part and the lower part and which is received in the grid position.

The circumferential flange of the mobile vapor extractor makes it possible to be able to insert the mobile vapor extractor into the cooking table in a correspondingly flexible and modular manner.

The circumferential flange furthermore has the function of physically and/or fluidically separating the upper part of the mobile vapor extractor from the lower part of the mobile vapor extractor. It can thus be achieved that the upper part of the mobile vapor extractor, in which the suction opening for sucking in the cooking vapors is provided, is fluidically separated from the lower part of the mobile vapor extractor, in which the exhaust air opening is provided. When the mobile vapor extractor is inserted into the cooking table in such a manner that the circumferential flange is received in a grid position of the mobile cooking table, it is correspondingly achieved that the upper part of the mobile vapor extractor lies above a formed work surface, whereas the lower part of the mobile vapor extractor is arranged below this work surface.

By forming the work surface in the mobile cooking table, a very extensive physical or fluidic separation of the upper part from the lower part of the mobile vapor extractor can then be achieved and it can thus be avoided that there is a fluidic short circuit between the suction opening and the exhaust air opening, although the mobile vapor extractor can be formed in a very compact manner.

In other words, by providing the circumferential flange, a physical separation or a fluidic separation between suction opening and exhaust air opening can be achieved, substantially independently of the further dimensions of the mobile vapor extractor. A very efficient, very compact and mobile configuration of the mobile vapor extractor which is well suited for event catering can thus be achieved.

At the same time, by this fluidic separation of suction opening and exhaust air opening, it can be achieved that the vapor extractor can be operated in an energy-efficient manner and operation with low noise development can be achieved.

The flange can be designed to seal the housing in an air-tight and/or liquid-tight manner in the grid position.

In other words, the flange can comprise a seal which is designed to prevent or to reduce the passage of a liquid and/or a gas upon contact with a corresponding receptacle, in particular the table frame of the cooking table at its grid position. This results in the advantage that a part of the housing is protected from external contamination by the cooking on a cooking position standing next to the vapor extractor when the vapor extractor is inserted into the table frame and/or the cooking table. Cleaning after cooking is thereby facilitated. Furthermore, the fluidic separation between upper part and lower part is improved in this way.

Furthermore, the flange can have an engagement strip which allows the housing to be lifted out of the grid position, wherein the engagement strip is optionally covered during operation by a cover, preferably by a spring-biased cover.

The grid position into which the vapor extractor is inserted can be formed by the insertion of at least one transverse web into transverse web receptacles in the grid frame and the central strut.

The invention can also comprise any desired combination of the features of the embodiments described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. In the figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a compact modular cooking table which is suitable in particular for event catering and which provides grid positions in which functional modules can be inserted in order to enable an application-related construction of the cooking table;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a compact modular cooking table which is equipped with table tops as functional modules;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of the compact modular cooking table from FIG. 1, wherein a cooking position, a vapor extractor and two table tops are inserted into the grid positions as functional modules;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of the compact modular cooking table from FIG. 1, wherein transverse webs are inserted in a different configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of the cooking table in the configuration shown in FIG. 4, wherein a cooking position and a vapor extractor are arranged in the grid positions and four table tops occupy the remaining half grid positions;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a mobile vapor extractor which is designed to be received in the compact cooking table from the preceding figures; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic, perspective sectional view of the mobile vapor extractor from FIG. 6.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. In this case, identical, similar or identically acting elements are provided with identical reference signs in the different figures, and repeated description of these elements is partly dispensed with in order to avoid redundancies.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic, perspective illustration of a mobile cooking table 1 which has a table frame 2 into which functional modules (not yet shown in this figure) can be inserted in order to provide a work surface for a cooker.

The fact that the cooking table 1 is mobile is understood here to mean that the cooking table 1 can be put together and/or dismantled in such a way that it can be transported easily and can then be set up again at a different location. As a result, the cooking table 1 is particularly well suited for use in the area of event catering and can be transported easily from one event location to another event location. For example, it can be used at a wedding in the evening, dismantled again at night and then set up on a fair in the coming morning.

The table frame 2 comprises a grid frame 282 formed by a grid profile 280 which, in the embodiment shown, forms a substantially rectangular frame which forms a longer longitudinal direction and a shorter transverse direction.

The grid frame 282 forms the outer contour of the cooking table 1 at its outer edge when looking at the cooking table 1 in a plan view. In other words, a cooking table 1 with a rectangular work surface is provided by the rectangular frame.

The table frame 2 furthermore comprises table legs 24 which support the grid frame 282 in a known manner.

Depending on the application, different table legs 24 can be attached to the grid frame 282. For example, different heights of the table legs 24 can be provided in order to arrange the grid frame 282 at different heights during the event—for example in order to provide a cooking table in the form of a side table or else in order to adapt the height of the cooking table to already existing objects in the surroundings.

Different table legs 24 can also be formed with different colors, designs and/or materials, such as, for example, black-painted table legs or table legs made of stainless steel, wood or other materials. The table legs can also have different cross sections, such as square, rectangular or round—depending on the desired application.

The grid frame 282 provides a horizontally aligned support region 28 which serves as a support rail on which the respective functional modules can be placed.

A central strut 284 which is formed in one piece with the grid frame 282 is inserted into the grid frame 282. In other words, the outer grid frame 282 and the central strut 284 are fixedly connected to one another, for example welded to one another, formed jointly or fixedly screwed to one another. The grid frame 282 therefore forms a cohesive component together with the central strut 284.

The central strut 284 can be provided in the form of a closed profile, for example a box profile, whereby a particularly torsion-resistant construction is achieved. The grid frame 282 can then be provided with a particularly narrow profile, in particular an open profile, which leads to a slender appearance of the cooking table, wherein at the same time a stable and torsion-resistant design is achieved.

The central strut 284 extends in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular grid frame 282. Grid positions 20 which are likewise rectangular are thus delimited by the central strut 284 and the grid frame 282, wherein the longer longitudinal sides of the grid positions 20 then extend in the direction of the longer longitudinal side of the grid frame 282. In other words, the grid positions 20 extend in the longitudinal direction of the cooking table 1.

Transverse webs 26 which extend in the transverse direction of the cooking table 1 and which are correspondingly removably inserted into two opposite transverse web receptacles 260 are inserted between the grid frame 282 and the central strut 284. Opposite transverse web receptacles 260 are provided in each case in the grid frame 282 and in the central strut 284. In other words, each transverse web 26 lies on its one side in a transverse web receptacle 260 in the grid frame 282 and on its other side in a transverse web receptacle 260 in the central strut 284.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, three transverse web receptacles 260 are arranged along the longitudinal extent of the grid frame 282 and the longitudinal extent of the central strut 284, so that a transverse web 26 can be arranged either as shown in FIG. 1 or two transverse webs 26 can be arranged as shown below in FIG. 4.

A functional module can be inserted into each grid position 20. In the illustration shown in FIG. 1, however, initially only empty spaces can be seen here into which a functional module has not yet been inserted.

Each transverse web 26 has a support region 28 which, in the suspended state of the respective transverse web 26, adjoins the support region 28 of the grid frame 282 and the support region 28 of the central strut 284. In other words, the support region 28 of the grid frame 282 together with the support regions 28 of the transverse webs 26 and the support regions 28 of the central strut 284 forms in each case per grid position 20 a continuous support plane on which the corresponding functional modules can be placed.

The transverse webs 26 furthermore each have a separating plate 262 which divides the support regions 28 of the transverse webs 26. Each transverse web 26 can thus receive a first functional module in a first support region 28 and a second functional module in a second support region 28 on its respective transverse side. Two functional modules placed in this way on a transverse web 26 do not come into contact with one another directly, however, but rather are separated from one another via the separating plate 262.

The central strut 284 likewise has a separating plate 262 which divides the support regions 28 of the central strut 284. The central strut 284 can thus receive a first functional module in a first support region 28 and a second functional module in a second support region 28 on its respective longitudinal side. Two functional modules placed in this way on the central strut 284 do not come into contact with one another directly, however, but rather are separated from one another via the separating plate 262.

FIG. 2 shows a cooking table 1 with the configuration of the grid frame 282 and the transverse webs from FIG. 1, but table tops 40 are inserted as functional modules into the respective grid positions 20, with the result that a work surface 3 in the form of a substantially continuous table top is provided.

Such a table top 40 can be provided with different surfaces, for example a stone surface, a wood surface, a stainless steel surface or a plastic surface. The selection of the respective table top 40 can have both visual reasons and functional reasons in the construction of the cooking table 1. For example, a wood surface or a plastic surface can be provided in order to provide the function of a cutting board with a cutting surface in a functional module 4. Other surfaces, such as stone surfaces, for example, are particularly suitable for preparing specific meals, for example fish meals or sushi. Stainless steel surfaces are multifunctional. It is thus possible in a particularly simple manner to combine surfaces which are required for the respective occasion or the function with one another.

Further functional modules 4 can be used for keeping meals warm or kept cold, such as, for example, providing a heating plate or a cooling plate on which meals can be prepared, for example in the case of a buffet. Such a heating plate or cooling plate can either be filled with a heating medium or cooling medium or can be operated actively, for example via an electric heater or electric cooler.

Further functional modules 4 can be designed in the form of cooking areas 5, for example in the form of an induction plate or a cooking plate on which a cooker can then work with corresponding cooking appliances such as pots or pans.

Further functional modules 4 can be provided in the form of preparation dishes or preparation trays in which meals can likewise be prepared, such as salads or casseroles, for example.

FIG. 3 shows a cooking table 1 with the configuration of the grid frame 282 and the transverse webs from FIG. 1, wherein a cooking position 5, for example an induction cooking position, and a vapor extractor 6 are inserted as functional modules 4 into two grid positions which are located one behind the other in the transverse direction of the cooking table. Table tops are inserted as functional modules into the two other grid positions.

In this way, a particularly compact mobile cooking table 1 can be provided which both provides the function of cooking with simultaneous suction of the cooking vapors and also provides a sufficiently large cutting and preparation surface on which the cooker can work.

FIG. 4 shows a cooking table 1 in which the grid frame 282 and the central strut 284 are provided as in FIG. 1, but transverse struts 26 are now provided on the two outer transverse strut receptacles 260, with the result that a different subdivision of the grid positions 20 is achieved. In particular, two grid positions 20 are now provided in the central region along the longitudinal extent of the grid frame 282, wherein the longitudinal extent of the grid positions 20 likewise extends in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the rectangular grid frame 282.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of the configuration of the cooking table 1 shown in FIG. 4, wherein a cooking position 5 and a vapor extractor 6 are again received here as functional modules 4 in the two rectangular grid positions 20. Four table tops 40 are now arranged in the outer half grid positions.

A very flexible and compact arrangement for the cooking table 1 is produced in this way.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the mobile vapor extractor 6 already described above as functional module 4. It is described below.

The mobile vapor extractor 6 has a housing 12 which is divided by a circumferential and horizontally extending flange 9 into an upper part 7 and a lower part 8. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 to 6, the subdivision is firstly an outer and visual subdivision to the effect that the housing 12 is optically subdivided in its height extent by the circumferential flange 9 into an upper part 7 and a lower part 8.

However, the subdivision into upper part 7 and lower part 8 also provides a technical subdivision to the effect that, in the state of the mobile vapor extractor 6 inserted in the mobile cooking table 1, the housing parts of the upper part 7 are arranged on and above the work surface 3, whereas the housing parts of the lower part 8 are arranged below the work surface 3.

It can thus be achieved that a suction opening 10 of the mobile vapor extractor 6 can be arranged above the work surface 3 and can correspondingly suck out cooking vapors arising in the region of the cooking areas 5. An exhaust air opening 80 of the mobile vapor extractor 6 provided in the lower part 8 can then, after a corresponding filtering within the mobile vapor extractor 6, output the extracted air again in cleaned form below the work surface 3.

In this way, a clear separation between the sucking in via the suction opening 10 and the discharging of the sucked-out and cleaned air after passing through the mobile vapor extractor 6 can be achieved, wherein the closed work surface 3 ensures that no fluidic short circuit arises in the air flow.

In other words, the closed work surface 3 physically divides the region in which suction occurs from the region in which discharging of the sucked-out air takes place. In this way, a particularly efficient operation of the mobile vapor extractor 6 can be achieved, since a circulation of the sucked-out cooking vapors through the mobile vapor extractor 6 can thus be reduced or prevented, although the mobile vapor extractor 6 can at the same time be formed in a very compact manner.

Accordingly, by inserting the mobile vapor extractor 6 into the mobile cooking table 1 or into the grid position 20 of the table frame 2 for forming the mobile cooking table 1 for forming the work surface 3, it can be achieved that the mobile vapor extractor, despite its compact dimensions and in particular despite its compact height dimensions, achieves an efficient extraction and processing of the sucked-out cooking vapors by the additional provision of the further functional modules which are inserted in the adjacent grid positions 20.

This would not be possible to this extent for the mobile vapor extractor 6 if it were to be operated without the further functional modules 4 and in particular without the directly adjacent functional modules 4 of the mobile cooking table 1. Accordingly, the insertion of the mobile vapor extractor 6 into a grid position 20 of the table frame 2 in combination with the provision of further functional modules 4 adjacent to the mobile vapor extractor 6 is conducive to the efficiency of the suction process.

The circumferential flange 9 is fixedly connected to the lower part 8 and ensures a stable and sealing seat of the mobile vapor extractor in the respective grid position 20 in the table frame 2.

The flange 9 runs around the housing 12 at the just-described interface between upper part 7 and lower part 8 and projects horizontally beyond the volume defined by the upper part 7 and the lower part 8 when the vapor extractor 6 is in its predefined operating position, that is to say in its position inserted into the respective grid position.

The dimensions of the housing 12 of the mobile vapor extractor 6 are thus determined to the effect that the circumferential flange 9 has outer dimensions in its horizontal extent which fit exactly into a grid position of the grid 20 of the table frame 2. The horizontal extent of the circumferential flange 9 is likewise defined in such a manner that, when the mobile vapor extractor 6 is received in a grid position 20 of the table frame 2, a just-adjacent work surface 3 can be provided which adjoins the other functional modules 4 which are introduced into adjacent grid positions 20.

The dimensions of the lower part 8 are also predefined by the dimensioning of the table frame 2 in such a manner that the lower part 8 can be received by the mobile vapor extractor 6 being inserted from above into the respective grid position 20 and, in the process, the lower part 8 being located below the work surface 3 formed in this manner. In other words, the horizontal extent of the lower part 8 is delimited by the horizontal dimensioning of the grid positions 20 and must in particular be smaller in width and length in order to be able to be guided through the corresponding opening in the grid position 20. This is also the reason why the flange 9 must project horizontally beyond the dimensions of the lower part 8.

In the vertical extent, the lower part 8 is furthermore delimited by the height of the table frame 2. In other words, the lower part 8 must have a vertical extent which makes it possible for the mobile vapor extractor 6 to be able to be suspended in the respective grid position 20 of the table frame 2 and the lower part 8 then does not touch the underlying floor at its lowermost position. Or in other words, the mobile vapor extractor 6 is intended to be supported completely by the mobile cooking table 1 and not to stand independently on the floor.

The upper part 7 has a horizontal extent or horizontal extension which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, substantially corresponds to the horizontal extent of the lower part 8. However, since it does not have to be guided through the grid position of the grid 20, the upper part 7 can also be dimensioned differently and in particular completely fill the grid 20 or even go beyond it. In the exemplary embodiment shown, however, the horizontal dimensions of the lower part 8 and of the upper part 7 are substantially identical.

The circumferential flange 9 serves to receive the mobile vapor extractor 6 in a corresponding grid position 20 of the table frame 2 and in this way to integrate the mobile vapor extractor 6 into the work surface 3 of the cooking table 1 in a modular manner.

In addition, the flange 9 can be designed to seal the mobile vapor extractor 6 with respect to the work surface 3, so that the lower part 8 or the floor is not soiled during cooking and no liquids can drip onto the floor.

As a result of the extent of the upper part 7 above the flange 9, it is achieved that the upper part 7 projects beyond the plane of the work surface 3. The upper part 7 thus also projects upward beyond other functional modules 4 defining the work surface 3, in particular beyond a cooking area 5 which is preferably arranged in a grid position in the table frame 2 directly next to the grid position in which the mobile vapor extractor 6 is inserted into the grid 20. In other words, the mobile vapor extractor 6 is preferably inserted directly next to a cooking area 5 or between two cooking areas 5 which are then located in the respectively adjacent grid positions of the table frame 2.

In this way, the mobile vapor extractor 6 can suck out the resulting cooking vapors efficiently and directly from the corresponding cooking areas 5.

The housing 12 has at least one suction opening 10 for sucking out the cooking vapors in the upper part 7 on a side wall 15. As a result of the arrangement of the suction opening 10 in the side wall 15 and as a result of a positioning of the vapor extractor 6 next to the cooking area 5, cooking vapors can thus be sucked out laterally in an effective manner with a reduced fan power, with the result that a reduced fan power of the vapor extractor 6 is required, which results in a reduced noise load and a reduced energy consumption.

The suction opening 10 has a movable flap 11 of which the suction opening 10 can be at least partially opened and/or closed. This makes it possible to adjust the size of the suction opening 10 as required to a cooking arrangement on the cooking area 5, with the result that a fan power of a suction unit can be adapted to the cooking arrangement. Less noise is thereby caused and less electrical energy is required overall.

Furthermore, an air guiding function can also be achieved by the movable flap 11, with the result that the suction air flow can be adapted optimally to the respective circumstances. This adaptation can also be achieved with a completely opened suction opening 10, for example by the movable flap 11 being adjusted in accordance with the height of the cooking appliance arranged in each case next to the suction opening 10—for example in accordance with the height of a pan or a pot. The movable flap 11 can also be adjusted in an optimized manner for a grill plate or cooking plate. As a result of the adjustment of the movable flap 11 in accordance with the respective application scenario, an improved power provision of the vapor extractor 6 can thus be achieved and the noise development and the energy consumption can thus also be reduced at the same time.

The upper part 7 can be configured such that it can be separated from the lower part 8, with the result that only the upper part 7 has to be cleaned after a cooking operation. For this purpose, the housing 12 can be designed such that, when inserted into the table frame 2, the lower part 8 is concealed by the upper part 7 and/or the flange 9, in particular is shielded from external contamination by the cooking. Furthermore, the upper part 7 can be designed such that it is resistant to dishwashers, in order to further reduce the cleaning outlay.

In a refinement, the individual components of the upper part 7 can be separated from one another in order to allow a particularly simple introduction into a conventional dishwasher. In other words, the upper part 7 is designed such that the individual parts have dimensions which allow an introduction into a dishwasher.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the vapor extractor 6 which comprises the housing 12. The housing 12 has an upper side 13 and, opposite the upper side 13, a lower side 14. An exhaust air opening 80 (not shown here) which allows the sucked-out and cleaned air to be discharged is provided on the lower side.

Furthermore, the housing comprises an outer side wall 15 which is substantially orthogonal to a plane of the upper side 13 and/or of the lower side 14 and comprises the suction opening 10 for the cooking vapors. The side wall 15 thus comprises the suction opening 10. The circumferential flange 9 is furthermore arranged on the outer side wall 15 between the suction opening 10 and the lower side 14. However, alternative forms of the flange which allow the housing 12 to be supported and/or held in a grid position 20 in a table frame 2 can also be used.

The flange has an engagement strip 90 which allows engagement through when the mobile vapor extractor is inserted into the mobile cooking table 1 in the grid position 20. In this way, the mobile vapor extractor 6 can be lifted out of the grid position 20 again after use in order to allow efficient transport. The engagement strip 90 can have, for example, a spring-biased cover which covers the engagement strip 90 during cooking operation.

The housing 12 can be formed separably into the upper part 7 and the lower part 8 at the level of the circumferential flange 9 on the side wall 15, wherein, in particular, the lower part 8 comprises the flange 9. The upper part 7 and the lower part 8 can be mechanically connected to one another by a releasable mechanical connection. The releasable mechanical connection can be, for example, a joint connection, in particular a plug-in connection.

In addition, the upper part 7 can be designed such that it is dishwasher-safe, with the result that it can be cleaned more easily after cooking. In this case, the lower part 8 can comprise a suction unit and/or a filter element (not illustrated), with the result that the upper part 7 merely forms a flow channel for the cooking vapors. This allows a simple cleaning of the upper part 7 in a dishwasher.

In addition, the upper side 13 of the upper part 7 can be designed as a placement surface and, in particular, as a cutting surface. Furthermore, the upper side 13 of the upper part 7 can be designed such that it can be heated. For example, the upper side 13 can be heated by the cooking vapors flowing through the suction opening 10. However, the upper side 13 can also be formed by an active heating plate or cooling plate in order to allow presentation of meals on the upper side of the mobile vapor extractor 6 in this way.

In addition or alternatively, the upper side 13 can be heated by a heating element. For this purpose, the housing 12, in particular the upper part 7, can comprise the heating element. The heating element can comprise, for example, a cooking position.

In addition or alternatively, the housing 12 can be designed to heat the upper side 13 by exhaust air from the cooking vapors which flows through an outlet opening (not illustrated) of the housing 12. For this purpose, the outlet opening can be arranged on a second side wall (not illustrated) and/or on the lower side 14 of the housing 12. For this purpose, the housing 12 can have a corresponding flow channel from the suction opening 10 to the outlet opening, which flow channel runs along the upper side 13 and is designed to guide the cooking vapors and/or the exhaust air along an inner side of the upper side 13 of the housing 12. For this purpose, the second side wall with the outlet opening can be arranged next to the side wall 15 with the suction opening 10.

For as simple a handling as possible, the suction unit and/or the filter element are arranged in the lower part 8, with the result that the upper part 7 only forms the flow channel for the cooking vapors flowing through the suction opening 10. This allows a simple dishwasher cleaning of the upper part 7 after cooking.

In addition, the housing 12 is designed such that a size of the suction opening 10 can be adjusted by the flap 11. For example, the housing 12 has a movable flap 11 of which the suction opening 10 can be at least partially opened and/or closed.

The suction opening 10 can also be closed or opened by two or more separate flaps, with the result that the suction output can be provided at the desired location.

In all the embodiments described herein, suction openings 10 can be arranged on each side wall of the upper part 7 of the housing 12. In the illustration of FIG. 4, it can be seen, for example, that an opened flap 11 is also arranged on the opposite longitudinal side of the housing 12 of the described suction opening 10 and flap 11. Here, suction openings are correspondingly provided on both longitudinal sides.

In a further or additional embodiment, the suction opening 10 has at least two separate channels 16, wherein the respective channel 16 is designed to be at least partially opened and/or closed by a separate flap 11. For this purpose, the respective channels can be insulated from one another in an air-tight manner. The suction opening 10 can thereby be adjusted to a cooking arrangement located on the cooking area 5, whereby a fan power of the suction unit can be adapted to the cooking arrangement, which fan power reduces noise generation and the energy requirement.

In addition, the respective channel 16 can have a separate filter element 18, whereby only the filter element of a channel 16 used during cooking is consumed. The filter element 18 can therefore be of segmented design, wherein each segment forms a separate filter element 18 of the respective channel 16. A service life of the filter element 18 can thereby be increased, with the result that it is not necessary for the entire filter element 18 to be exchanged by the entire suction opening 10, but rather only individual consumed segments of the filter element 18.

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of the vapor extractor 6 which likewise shows the features from FIG. 6.

The sectional view illustrates an exemplary arrangement of two suction units 17 in the housing 12, in particular in the lower part 8 of the housing 12. Each suction unit 17 comprises a fan 18 which has a fan motor 180 and a propeller 182 driven by the fan motor 180. The air sucked in by the suction units 17 is discharged downwards through the exhaust air opening 80 provided in the lower side 14 and thus out of the housing 12.

To form the exhaust air opening 80, the lower side 14 of the housing has a perforation through which the air flow sucked in by the suction units 17 can be output from the housing 12.

The upper part 7 comprises the movable flap 11 and is designed to form a flow channel for the cooking vapors from the suction opening 10 to the suction unit 17. The lower part 8 and/or optionally the upper part 7 can be designed to form a flow channel for the sucked-in exhaust air to the exhaust air opening 80.

The air sucked in by the suction units 17 can be filtered by filters before it is output again via the exhaust air opening 80.

For example, a grease separator 19, which is configured here in the form of simple baffle plates, is provided, wherein the grease separator can be separated from the lower part 8 and is designed such that it is dishwasher-safe both in terms of material and in terms of its dimensions.

As a second filter stage, it is possible to provide an activated carbon filter (not illustrated here) which is arranged in the air flow between the grease separator 19 and the suction unit 17, for example as an activated carbon filter mat which is arranged above the propeller 182 of the fan 18.

A further filter stage can be arranged directly on the inner side of the lower side 14 and can be provided in the form of an activated carbon filter mat 140. This filter stage is therefore provided directly on the exhaust air opening 80 and can be placed, for example, on the perforated lower side 14 of the housing 12.

A further filter stage can be arranged in the air flow between the grease separator 19 and the exhaust air opening 80 by at least one plasma electrode (not shown here). The plasma electrode can be provided, for example, in the air flow between the grease separator 19 and the fan 18, or in the air flow downstream of the fan 18 and upstream of the exhaust air opening 80.

For a simple and mobile positioning of the vapor extractor 6 in the table frame 2, the housing 12 is furthermore divided with respect to the side wall 15 at a level of the flange 9 into the upper part 7 and the lower part 8, wherein the side wall 15 of the lower part 8 comprises the flange 9.

In addition, the upper part 7 can be designed to enclose the lower part 8, with the result that the lower part 8 is concealed by the upper part 7 at a contact point of the upper part 7 with the lower part 8. The lower part 8 is thereby protected from external contamination by the cooking by the flange 9 and the upper part 8. This allows a reduction of a cleaning outlay of the housing 12 after cooking.

It is therefore proposed to attach the suction device next to the hob or between two hob modules and in this case furthermore to control the air flow individually by at least two flaps. As a result of the selective opening or closing of the flaps, the suction output can be provided at the location where it is required. The fan rotational speed can thereby be significantly reduced, which reduces noise level and energy consumption or significantly increases the effect of the suction.

To the extent applicable, all individual features which are illustrated in the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another and/or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

    • 1 Cooking table
    • 10 suction opening
    • 11 flap
    • 12 housing
    • 13 upper side
    • 14 lower side
    • 140 activated carbon filter mat
    • 15 side wall
    • 16 channel
    • 17 suction unit
    • 18 fan
    • 180 fan motor
    • 182 propeller
    • 19 grease separator
    • 100 transport roller
    • 2 table frame
    • 20 grid position
    • 24 table leg
    • 26 transverse web
    • 260 transverse web receptacle
    • 262 separating plate
    • 28 support region
    • 280 grid profile
    • 282 grid frame
    • 284 central strut
    • 3 work surface
    • 4 functional module
    • 40 table top
    • 5 cooking position
    • 6 vapor extractor
    • 7 upper part
    • 8 lower part
    • 80 exhaust air opening
    • 9 flange
    • 90 engagement strip

Claims

1. A cooking table comprising:

a table frame that includes a grid frame supported by table legs, the grid frame forming at least two grid positions that are configured to receive a functional module; and
a central strut that is integrally formed in one piece with the grid frame and delimits the at least two of the grid positions.

2. The cooking table according to claim 1, wherein the grid frame has a rectangular outer contour and the central strut extends in a longitudinal direction of the grid frame.

3. The cooking table according to claim 1, wherein the grid frame and the central strut delimit exactly four grid positions.

4. The cooking table according to claim 1, further comprising a removable transverse web for delimiting a grid position that is arranged between the grid frame and the central strut.

5. The cooking table according to claim 4, further comprising:

a transverse web receptacle that is arranged in the grid frame; and
an opposite transverse web receptacle that is arranged in the central strut,
wherein the transverse web is received in the respective transverse web receptacles.

6. The cooking table according to claim 4, further comprising at least two transverse web receptacles that are arranged along a longitudinal extent of the grid frame and correspondingly opposite transverse web receptacles are arranged in the central strut.

7. The cooking table according to claim 6, wherein all transverse web receptacles lying opposite one another are configured to receive in each case one transverse web, and wherein a grid position is formed on its two transverse sides by in each case one transverse web.

8. The cooking table according to claim 1, wherein the grid frame is rectangular with a longer longitudinal side and a shorter transverse side and at least one grid position delimited by the grid frame, and the central strut is rectangular, and wherein the longer longitudinal side of the grid position extends in the direction of the longitudinal side of the grid frame.

9. The cooking table according to claim 1, further comprising a functional module that is removably received in each grid position, wherein the functional module is at least one of a table top, a cooking position or a vapor extractor.

10. The cooking table according to claim 9, wherein exactly one cooking position, exactly one vapor extractor and two or four table tops are removably received in the grid positions.

11. The cooking table according to claim 10, wherein the respective table tops are dimensioned to be received in half a grid position.

12. The cooking table according to claim 1, wherein the grid positions defined by the central strut are rectangular and respective longitudinal sides are oriented in a longitudinal direction of the grid frame.

13. The cooking table according to claim 1, further comprising a vapor extractor that is inserted into the grid position and has a housing with at least one suction opening configured to suck in cooking vapors and an exhaust air opening configured to discharge the sucked-in air.

14. The cooking table according to claim 13, wherein the housing has an upper part and a lower part and the at least one suction opening is arranged in the upper part and the exhaust air opening is arranged in the lower part.

15. The cooking table according to claim 14, wherein the vapor extractor has a horizontally circumferential flange that is fixedly arranged on the housing between the upper part and the lower part and that is received in the grid position.

16. The cooking table according to claim 15, wherein the horizontally circumferential flange is configured to seal the housing in at least one of an air-tight manner and a liquid-tight manner in the grid position.

17. The cooking table according to claim 15, wherein the horizontally circumferential flange has an engagement strip that allows the housing to be lifted out of the grid position, and wherein the engagement strip is covered during operation by a spring-biased cover.

18. The cooking table according to claim 17, wherein the grid position into which the vapor extractor is inserted is formed by an insertion of at least one transverse web into transverse web receptacles in the grid frame and the central strut.

19. The cooking table according to claim 1, wherein the central strut has a stable profile and the grid frame has a narrow profile.

20. The cooking table according to claim 19, wherein the central strut has one of a closed profile or a box profile, and the grid frame has an open profile.

Patent History
Publication number: 20260224024
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 4, 2026
Publication Date: Aug 6, 2026
Inventors: Lutz SAUVANT (Eltville am Rhein), Lutz HORBACH (Eltville am Rhein)
Application Number: 19/529,584
Classifications
International Classification: A47B 31/02 (20060101);