EP3922914A1

EP3922914A1 - Range hood with covering panel

Info

Publication number: EP3922914A1
Application number: EP21176845.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mirko Paterniani; Matteo BELLAGAMBA; Fabrizio CRISA'
Original assignee: Elica SpA
Current assignee: Elica SpA
Priority date: 2020-06-09
Filing date: 2021-05-31
Publication date: 2021-12-15

Abstract

A hood (1) for the suction of cooking fumes, comprises:
- a box-like body (2) having a frontal opening (3) for the suction of cooking fumes;
- suction means associated with the box-like body (2) for conveying the cooking fumes through the frontal opening (3);
- a panel (5) connected to the box-like body (2) and positioned to cover the frontal opening (3) so as to allow an air flow through the frontal opening (3);
- opening/closing means (6) positioned between the panel (5) and the box-like body (2) to allow a rotation of the panel (5) with respect to the box-like body (2), the panel (5) being switchable between a closed configuration in which it precludes access inside the box-like body (2), and an open configuration in which the inside of the box-like body (2) is accessible by means of the frontal opening (3); the opening/closing means (6) comprising a support element (7) configured to keep the panel (5) raised in the open configuration; the support element (7) being arranged to push the panel (5) against the box-like body (2) when the panel (5) is in the closed configuration.

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a vertical hood for the suction of cooking fumes having an openable cover panel. The hood according to the present invention finds valuable use in kitchens of domestic environments but also canteens, restaurants, and more.

Description of the technical background

A vertical hood for the suction of cooking fumes is known in the state of the art. "Vertical hood" means a hood provided with a box-like body having a bottom wall arranged to be fixed to a wall, and having a frontal opening for the suction of fumes which is opposite with respect to the bottom wall. A filter for grease is positioned at the frontal opening.
The hood comprises an openable panel connected to the box-like body placed to cover the frontal opening. In particular, in use, such a panel is closed on the frontal opening, i.e., it is interposed between the box-like body and the environment facing the hood so as to preclude access inside the box-like body. To access inside the box-like body, for example to clean and/or replace the filter, the panel can be opened by rotating it with respect to the box-like body by virtue of the presence of opening/closing means. In particular, when it is open, the panel is supported by a piston, connected to the panel and to the box-like body.
To keep the panel closed, the hood includes the presence of magnetic elements or mechanical interlocking elements placed both on the box-like body and on the panel. In particular, the magnetic elements or the mechanical interlocking elements are coupled together and interact, keeping the panel against the box-like body when the panel is closed.

Problems of the background art

Disadvantageously, the magnetic elements or the mechanical interlocking elements are damaged over time, partially or totally detaching from the hood body and/or from the panel. As a result, over time, the panel loses the ability to adhere to the box-like body, causing dust to enter the box-like body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a hood for the suction of cooking fumes which overcomes the drawbacks of the above-mentioned prior art.
In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a hood for the suction of cooking fumes having a panel which maintains the functionality thereof over time, and in which such a panel can be easily detached from the hood body by a user.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hood for the suction of cooking fumes in which the mechanism which allows the movement of the panel is simple and inexpensive.
The mentioned technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a hood for the suction of cooking fumes comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

Advantages of the invention

In particular, the hood according to the present invention solves the technical problem in that it comprises opening/closing means placed between the panel and the box-like body which allow the panel to be rotated with respect to the box-like body. Such opening/closing means comprise a support element which is configured to keep the panel raised when it is open. In particular, such a support element is further arranged to push the panel against the box-like body when the panel is closed, so as to keep it adherent to the hood body.
Therefore, the opening/closing means provide for both the movement of the panel and to keep the panel adherent to the box-like body when it is closed. As a result, the magnetic elements are not necessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hood for the suction of cooking fumes according to the present invention in a first operating configuration;
figure 2 shows a perspective view of the hood in figure 1 in a second operating configuration;
figures 3, 4 and 5 show a sectional side view of the hood in figures 1 and 2 in respective operating configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual features described with reference to the specific embodiments shall be understood as accessory and/or interchangeable with other features, described with reference to other embodiments.
With reference to the accompanying figures, the present invention relates to a hood 1 for the suction of cooking fumes according to the present invention.
The hood 1 comprises a box-like body 2, arranged to be fixed on a kitchen wall. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, not illustrated, the box-like body 2 of the hood 1 can be recessed or partially recessed inside a wall or a ceiling. In the continuation of the present disclosure, reference will be made to installation on a vertical wall, without however losing generality.
In greater detail, the box-like body 2 has a frontal opening 3 for the suction of cooking fumes.
The box-like body 2 also comprises a bottom wall 23, opposite the frontal opening 3, and two side walls 25.
The bottom wall 23 indicates the wall arranged to be fixed to the wall for the installation of the hood 1. Therefore, in use, the bottom wall 23 is contiguous to the wall. The frontal opening 3, on the other hand, faces the environment to which the hood 1 faces.
The box-like body 2 further comprises an upper wall 21 and a lower wall 22. In the context of the present disclosure, the terms "upper" and "lower", "above" and "below" are to be understood as once the hood 1 is installed. The upper wall 21 is therefore the one facing the ceiling while the bottom wall 22 is facing a hob. Optionally, the bottom wall 22 can comprise lighting means (not shown in the accompanying figures).
In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the frontal opening 3 can be tilted downwards to face the cooking fumes.
The hood 1 comprises suction means (not shown in the accompanying figures) associated with the box-like body 2. Preferably, the suction means are placed inside the box-like body 2. The suction means are configured to convey the cooking fumes through the frontal opening 3. Such cooking fumes are then expelled through a flue pipe (not shown in the accompanying figures) located downstream of the suction means, behind or above the box-like body 2.
The hood 1 comprises a filter 4, in particular for grease, placed on the box-like body 2 in particular at the frontal opening 3 separating the box-like body 2 from the environment to which the hood 1 faces.
The operation mechanism of the suction means and the inner structure of the hood 1 will not be further described, as they are known to a person skilled in the art.
In accordance with the present invention, the hood 1 comprises a panel 5 connected to the box-like body 2. Such a panel 5 is in particular placed outside the box-like body 2, in front of the frontal opening 3. In particular, the panel 5 is placed in front of the filter 4.
The panel 5 can be semi-transparent or opaque and for example can be made of glass and/or metal. For example, the panel 5 can be made by gluing a glass sheet onto a metal sheet or profile.
The panel 5 has an inner surface 51 and an outer surface 52. The inner surface 51 can face the frontal opening 3.
Such a panel 5 is arranged so as to allow an air flow through the frontal opening 3.
According to a preferred embodiment, the air inlet in the box-like body 2 occurs peripherally with respect to the box-like body 2 and the panel 5. In particular, the panel 5, placed to cover the frontal opening 3, comprises a plate 53. Such a plate 53, defined by the two inner 51 and outer 52 surfaces, is spaced from the frontal opening 3 to define a peripheral opening 31.
The panel 5 further comprises spacer elements 54. In particular, the spacer elements 54 are placed on the inner surface 51 of the panel 5 and are configured to come into contact with the box-like body 2, spacing the plate 53 of the panel 5 from the box-like body 2 and defining the peripheral opening 31.
Preferably, the box-like body 2 comprises a frame 24 facing the inner surface 51 of the panel 5 and placed at the frontal opening 3. Such a frame 24 defines the frontal opening 3 and surrounds the filter 4. In accordance, the spacer elements 54 are configured to abut the frame 24.
It should be noted that on some occasions, for example to clean the inside of the box-like body 2, or to remove the filter 4 in order to clean or replace it, it is necessary to access the frontal opening 3. In accordance, the panel 5 is configured to switch between a closed configuration in which it precludes access inside the box-like body 2, and an open configuration in which the inside of the box-like body 2 is accessible through the frontal opening 3.
The panel 5 can be switched between one configuration and another by a user, by pulling or pushing the panel 5.
The hood 1 comprises opening/closing means 6 positioned between the panel 5 and the box-like body 2 which allow the movement of the panel 5.
The opening/closing means 6 allow the panel 5 to be rotated with respect to the box-like body 2. Preferably, the rotation of the panel 5 occurs along a rotation axis R which is substantially parallel to one side of the panel 5, preferably at the upper side.
In particular, the opening/closing means 6 comprise a connecting element 8 fixed to the panel 5 and connected to the box-like body 2 to allow the panel 5 to rotate with respect to the box-like body 2.
More in detail, the opening/closing means 6 further comprise a support element 7 configured to keep the panel 5 raised in the open configuration. Such a support element 7 is connected to the connecting element 8.
The support element 7 is further arranged to push the panel 5 against the box-like body 2 when the panel 5 is in the closed configuration. In other words, the support element 7 is arranged to apply a force on the panel 5 so as to keep it against the box-like body 2 when the panel 5 is in the closed configuration. According to the embodiment which includes the spacer elements 54, the support element 7 is configured to keep the spacer elements 54 abutted against the box-like body 2 when the panel 5 is in the closed configuration.
In accordance with the present invention, the opening/closing means 6 comprise a first fixed hinge 9 connecting the connecting element 8 to the box-like body 2. In particular, the rotation axis R is passing through the first fixed hinge 9.
The opening/closing means 6 further comprise a second fixed hinge 10 connecting the support element 7 to the box-like body 2.
Preferably, the first fixed hinge 9 is placed at the upper wall 21 of the box-like body 2. Preferably, the second fixed hinge 10 is placed at the bottom wall 23 of the box-like body 2.
Such opening/closing means 6 further comprise a movable hinge 11. Such a movable hinge 11 connects the connecting element 8 and the support element 7. Thereby, the connecting element 8 and the support element 7 are movable with respect to one another.
It should be noted that the hood 1 comprises two support elements 7, two connecting elements 8, two first fixed hinges 9, two second fixed hinges 10 and two movable hinges 11, placed on respective opposite sides of the hood 1. In accordance, the rotation axis R is passing through both the first fixed hinges 9.
When the panel 5 is in the closed configuration, the movable hinge 11 is positioned above a line J joining the fixed hinges 9, 10.
In other words, when the panel 5 is in the closed configuration, the support element 7 approaches the bottom wall 23 of the box-like body 2 with respect to the line J and is arranged to pull the panel 5 closer to the box-like body 2.
When the panel 5 is in the open configuration, the movable hinge 11 is positioned below a line J joining the fixed hinges 9, 10.
In other words, when the panel 5 is in the open configuration, the support element 7 is close to the frontal opening 3 of the box-like body 2 with respect to the line J and is arranged to push the panel 5 away from the box-like body 2.
According to a preferred embodiment, the panel 5 is further switchable in an intermediate configuration in which it is brought closer to the box-like body 2. In particular, the intermediate configuration is a passage configuration in which the panel 5 is positioned to switch between the closed configuration and the open configuration and vice versa.
In the intermediate configuration, the panel 5 is alongside the frontal opening 3 but does not abut the box-like body 2. When the panel 5 is in the intermediate configuration, the movable hinge 11 is aligned with the line J connecting the fixed hinges 9, 10. When the panel 5 is in the intermediate configuration, the three hinges are aligned. Therefore, the support element 7 is arranged not to apply any force to the panel 5 in the intermediate configuration.
In greater detail, preferably, the support element 7 comprises a piston 12. Such a piston 12 extends along a longitudinal direction between a first end 121 constrained to the box-like body 2 by the second fixed hinge 10 and a second end 122 constrained to the connecting element 8 by the movable hinge 11.
Preferably, the connecting element 8 comprises an arm 13. Such an arm 13 extends away from the first fixed hinge 9 and is connected to the movable hinge 11. The arm 13 is connected to the support element 7. Furthermore, the arm 13 is rigidly constrained to the panel 5, as the connecting element 8 is fixed to the panel 5.
It should be noted that the arm 13 is configured to interact with the piston 12. In particular, the arm 13 is configured to rotate with respect to the first fixed hinge 9 when the panel 5 is switched between said configurations. In other words, the arm 13 rotates when the panel 5 rotates.
In more detail, the arm 13 is placed in connection with the second end 122 of the piston 12.
According to a preferred embodiment, said arm 13 has a mushroom or "T" shape. Specifically, in accordance with such an embodiment, the arm 13 comprises a head 131 extending along a main extension direction X. Furthermore, the head 131 is substantially symmetrical with respect to a central axis Y perpendicular to the main extension direction X.
The arm 13 further comprises a base 132 connected to the head 131 in a central position. The base 132 is also symmetrical with respect to the central axis Y. In accordance, the entire arm 13 is substantially symmetrical with respect to the central axis Y.
Preferably, the movable hinge 11 is placed at the base 132. The connecting element 8 is then connected to the support element 7 at the base 132. It should be noted that, in accordance with such an embodiment, the head 131 is opposite the support element 7 with respect to the movable hinge 11 in the closed configuration. More in detail, the head 131 is opposite the piston 12 with respect to the movable hinge 11 in the closed configuration.
Still in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the head 131 has a first protruding portion 133. The head 131 further has a second intermediate portion 134. The first protruding portion 133 and the second intermediate portion 134 are opposite each other with respect to the central axis Y. In particular, the first protruding portion 133 is opposite the first fixed hinge 9 while the second intermediate portion 134 faces the first fixed hinge 9.
More specifically, the first protruding portion 133 is configured to move closer to or away from the support element 7. In particular, when the arm 13 rotates with respect to the first hinge 9, the first protruding portion 133 moves with respect to the piston 12. In particular, the first protruding portion 133 moves closer with respect to the second end 122 when the panel 5 switches to the open configuration. The first protruding portion 133 moves away from the second end 122 when the panel 5 switches to the closed configuration.
In particular, preferably the head 131 is arranged above the line J in the closed configuration. On the other hand, preferably the head 131 is arranged substantially below the line J in the open configuration. Still preferably, the head 131 is arranged above the line J in the intermediate configuration.
The rotation of the arm 13 with respect to the first hinge 9 in turn moves the piston 12 by means of the movable hinge 11.
In more detail, when the panel 5 is in the closed configuration and a user pulls it to open it, the piston 12 aligns with the line J in the intermediate configuration and it therefore moves below the line J towards the frontal opening 3. When the movable hinge 11 is positioned below the line J, the piston 12 applies a thrust force on the panel 5. In other words, the piston 12, together with the arm 13, exerts a force which keeps the panel 5 away from the box-like body 2. The panel 5 is therefore in the open configuration.
When the panel 5 is in the open configuration and a user pushes it to close it, the piston 12 aligns with the line J in the intermediate configuration and thus moves above the line J towards the bottom wall 24. When the movable hinge 11 is positioned above the line J, the piston 12 pulls the panel 5. In other words, the piston 12, together with the arm 13, exerts a force which keeps the panel 5 close to the box-like body 2. More in particular, the piston 12 exerts a force which keeps the panel 5 against the box-like body 2. The panel 5 is therefore in the closed configuration.
The piston 12 then pushes the panel 5 against the box-like body 2 in the closed configuration or keeps it away from the box-like body 2 when the panel 5 is in the open configuration.
The connecting element 8 further comprises a guide 14, interposed between the first fixed hinge 9 and the arm 13. Such a guide 14 preferably extends away from the head 131. Preferably, the guide 14 extends along a curved direction. In accordance, the guide 14 has a shape, for example semicircular.
The box-like body 2 comprises a pin 15 at the guide 14 and inserted into the guide 14.
The guide 14 is configured to slide with respect to the pin 15. In particular, the guide 14 slides with respect to the pin 15 when the panel 5 switches between said configurations.
Even more preferably, beyond the arm 13 and the guide 14, the connecting element 8 comprises a spacer portion 81, connecting the arm 13 and the guide 14. The spacer portion 81 extends from the first fixed hinge 9 along the main extension direction X. The arm 13 and the guide 14 depart from the spacer portion 81. More in detail, the second intermediate portion 134 of the head 131 is contiguous to the spacer portion 81. In other words, the head 131 extends seamlessly with respect to the spacer portion 81, at the second intermediate portion 134. The guide 14 also extends seamlessly from the spacer portion 81. With respect to the main extension direction X, the guide 14 extends from the same part of the base 132.

Claims

Hood (1) for the suction of cooking fumes, comprising
- a box-like body (2) having a frontal opening (3) for the suction of cooking fumes;

- suction means associated with said box-like body (2) for conveying the cooking fumes through said frontal opening (3);

- a panel (5) connected to the box-like body (2) and positioned to cover said frontal opening (3) so as to allow an air flow through said frontal opening (3);

- opening/closing means (6) positioned between the panel (5) and the box-like body (2) to allow a rotation of the panel (5) with respect to the box-like body (2), said panel (5) being switchable between a closed configuration in which it precludes access inside the box-like body (2), and an open configuration in which the inside of the box-like body (2) is accessible through said frontal opening (3); said opening/closing means (6) comprising a support element (7) configured to keep the panel (5) raised in the open configuration; said support element (7) being arranged to push said panel (5) against the box-like body (2) when the panel (5) is in the closed configuration; characterized in that
the opening/closing means (6) comprise:

- a connecting element (8) fixed to the panel (5) and connected to the box-like body (2) to allow the rotation of the panel (5) with respect to the box-like body (2); said connecting element (8) being connected to the support element (7);

- a first fixed hinge (9) connecting the connecting element (8) to the box-like body (2);

- a second fixed hinge (10) connecting the support element (7) to the box-like body (2);

- a movable hinge (11) connecting the connecting element (8) and the support element (7), said connecting element (8) and support element (7) being movable with respect to each other.
Hood (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting element (8) comprises an arm (13) connected to the support element (7), said arm (13) comprising a head (131) extending along a main extension direction (X), said arm (13) comprising a base (132) connected to the head (131) in a central position and positioned at the movable hinge (11).
Hood (1) according to claim 2, wherein the connecting element (8) comprises a guide (14), interposed between the first fixed hinge (9) and said arm (13), the box-like body (2) comprising a pin (15) at the guide (14) and inserted in the guide (14), said guide (14) being configured to slide with respect to said pin (15) when the panel (5) switches between said configurations.
Hood (1) according to claim 3, wherein the connecting element (8) comprises a spacer portion (81), connecting between the arm (13) and the guide (14), said spacer portion (81) extending starting from the first fixed hinge (9) along the main extension direction (X).
Hood (1) according to claim 4, wherein the guide (14) extends seamlessly from the spacer portion (81) along a curved direction away from the head (131).
Hood (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element (7) comprises a piston (12) extending along a longitudinal direction between a first end (121) constrained to the box-like body (2) by the second fixed hinge (10) and a second end (122) constrained to the connecting element (8) by the movable hinge (11).
Hood (1) according to claim 6, wherein the arm (13) extends away from said first fixed hinge (9) and is connected to the movable hinge (11), said arm (13) being configured to rotate with respect to the first fixed hinge (9) when the panel (5) is switched between said configurations by moving said piston (12) by means of the movable hinge (11) to push the panel (5) against the box-like body (2) in the closed configuration or to keep it away from the box-like body (2) when the panel (5) is in the open configuration.
Hood (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable hinge (11) is positioned above a line (J) connecting the fixed hinges (9, 10) when the panel (5) is in the closed configuration.
Hood (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable hinge (11) is positioned below a line (J) connecting the fixed hinges (9, 10) when the panel (5) is in the open configuration.
Hood (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel (5) is further switchable in an intermediate configuration in which it is closer to the box-like body (2), the movable hinge (11) being aligned with the line (J) connecting the fixed hinges (9, 10) when the panel (5) is in the intermediate configuration.