EP2159492A2 - Locking device for a planar element of a vapour extractor hood - Google Patents

Abstract

The hood has a planar element (2) e.g. fat filter and steam guide plate, arranged in a suction opening of a housing (3). A locking device (8) i.e. push-push device, fixes the planar element at the housing in an operating position. The locking device includes a catch element (17) inserted into a closure (16), and a guide extension (18) inserted into a guide opening (19). The guide extension extends in a direction of the guide opening as the catch element in a direction of the closure. The locking device is arranged at a distance to a bearing surface for the planar element. The catch element and the guide extension are made of plastic.

Description

The invention relates to an extractor hood having a housing having a suction opening and at least one arranged in the suction surface element, in particular a grease filter and / or Wrasenleitblech, wherein at least one locking device is provided for the surface element, with which the surface element on the housing in an operating position is determinable.

Cooker hoods are used in kitchens in the home to capture the fumes produced at a cooking place and either filtered back into the room air or remove it from the room to the outside. As extractor hoods in the context of the present invention, both such hoods are referred to, which are mounted on or in a wall unit of a chewing furniture, as well as food, which are fixed independently of the kitchen furniture on a wall or on the ceiling.

Extractor hoods have a housing in which inter alia, a fan is arranged, with which the vapor is sucked through a suction port. In the suction opening is a grease filter and / or a Wrasenleitblech, collectively referred to as surface element. The task of the grease filter is to remove as completely as possible the fat components contained in the vapor. The size of the grease filter corresponds to the size of the intake, so that all sucked-in steam flows through the grease filter. A Wrasenleitblech is used in an extractor hood with Randabsaugung. Here, the Wrasenleitblech is slightly smaller than the suction port of the housing, so that between the housing and Wrasenleitblech a gap is present, through which the vapor is sucked. As a rule, a grease filter is arranged behind the Wrasenleitblech. It is also known to combine a Wrasenleitblech with a grease filter to a common area unit. The Wrasenleitblech and the grease filter thereby form a structural unit and are mounted together on the housing or dismantled again.

In order to facilitate cleaning of the surface element, and to allow access into the interior of the housing, the surface element is releasably attached to the Housing attached. For this purpose, a bearing point is provided which fixes the surface element relative to the housing at least in the vertical direction. Usually, the bearing allows pivotal movement of the surface element relative to the housing. The bearing can for this purpose include, for example, a hook or a hinge. In addition to the bearing usually a locking device is provided, with which the surface element can be locked to the housing. The locking device is spaced from a pivot axis of the surface element defined by the bearing. To remove the surface element, the locking device is first released, then the surface element is pivoted about the pivot axis formed in the bearing point down and finally solved the surface element at the bearing point of the housing.

Known locking devices often consist of a biased with a spring in a locking position bolt, which can be moved against the spring force by an operator in an open position. The bolt is for this purpose connected to a handle which is integrated in the surface element.

The operation of these known locking devices proves to be ergonomically disadvantageous. In particular, when the surface element is particularly difficult - for example, when the surface element is constructed of a combination Wrasenleitblech and grease filter - it proves difficult to position the surface element so accurately that a secure engagement of the locking device is guaranteed. This can lead to unintentional loosening and thus to falling of the surface element, which entails the risk of damage to the surface element or other objects located in the area of the extractor hood.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an extractor hood with an ergonomically favorable locking device for the surface element available, in which the risk of falling of the surface element is minimized.

This object is achieved in that the locking device is a closure, a locking element, which is insertable into the closure, as well as at least one guide extension, which is insertable into an insertion, has, wherein the at least one guide extension further in the direction of the insertion extends as the locking element in the direction of the closure. The closure, the latching element, the guide extension and the insertion opening are all part of the locking device. The object of the guide extension and the insertion opening is to position the surface element exactly in the housing, so that the locking element is arranged exactly in front of the closure. When the surface element is pivoted downward from the housing, the distance between the guide extension and the insertion opening is less than the distance between the locking element and the closure. Upon an upward pivoting of the surface element, therefore, first the guide extension comes into contact with the insertion opening and aligns the surface element before the locking element is inserted into the closure.

The at least one guide extension is arranged adjacent to the latching element. Guide extension and locking element are located on the same component, in close proximity to each other. Nevertheless, the guide extension and the locking element are each formed by their own bodies, which protrude from a common base plate.

Preferably, the latching element and the at least one guide extension are arranged on the surface element. It follows that the closure is arranged on the housing. The insertion opening is also located on the housing, in close proximity to the closure.

With particular advantage, the locking device is designed as a push-push element. Push-push elements are those locking elements which are locked in a certain direction when pressed for the first time and are released in the same direction when pressed again. In the case of the surface element, this means that the surface element is pressed to lock the surface element in the direction of the housing. Pressing the surface element again in the direction of the housing unlocks the locking element, so that the surface element is movable downwards.

Particularly preferably, the surface element is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis on the housing. In this case, the surface element can be pivoted out of the operating position about the pivot axis downwards. This is done, for example, when the surface element is to be separated from the housing or to make the interior of the housing of the hood accessible.

It is provided a bearing for the surface element in which the pivot axis is defined. In the bearing, the surface element is pivotally supported about the pivot axis. In addition, the bearing is designed so that the surface element can be released from the bearing and thus completely removed from the hood. The bearing can limit a possible pivoting movement of the surface element down to prevent uncontrolled downward pivoting of the surface element. In addition, the bearing ensures that the surface element does not accidentally come off the bearing, which in particular a fall of the surface element is prevented.

The torques to be absorbed by the locking device and the bearing can be minimized by arranging the locking device at a distance from the bearing.

According to a preferred structural design, the at least one guide extension has at least one first insertion bevel, with which an offset of the locking element relative to the closure in a first direction, in particular in the direction perpendicular to the pivot axis, can be compensated. The task of the insertion bevel is to allow insertion of the guide extension into the insertion opening despite an offset of the surface element. In the further course of the insertion movement, the insertion bevel causes an alignment of the surface element. This alignment process is completed before the locking element comes into contact with the closure.

The guide extension has at least one second insertion bevel, with which an offset of the locking element relative to the closure in a second direction, in particular in the direction parallel to the pivot axis, can be compensated. The two chamfers are at the same height on the guide extension, so that the surface element during a pivoting upward is aligned simultaneously in the first direction and in the second direction.

With particular advantage, the latching element and the guide extension are formed by a common component, which is preferably made of plastic or aluminum. The latching element and the at least one guide extension stand separately from each other from a common base. The execution of plastic or aluminum allows a particularly simple production, for example as a spray or diecasting.

The closure and the insertion opening are formed by separate components, which are preferably connected to each other. This construction makes it possible to use a standardized purchased part as a closure, while the insertion opening is provided in a housing part of the extractor hood. A connection of the components of the insertion opening and the closure ensures that the insertion opening and closure are accurately positioned relative to each other.

The closure is essentially made of plastic. The insertion opening is essentially made of metal, preferably made of sheet metal.

Fig. 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Dunstabzugshaube in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Fig. 2

ein Gehäuse der Dunstabzugshaube, bei dem eines von zwei Flächenelementen entfernt ist,

Fig. 3

das Gehäuse der Dunstabzugshaube bei dem das Flächenelement nach unten in eine Endstellung geschwenkt ist,

Fig.4

die Verriegelungsvorrichtung bei nach unten geschwenktem Flächenelement,

Fig. 5

einen Ausschnitt des Flächenelements mit dem Rastelement und zwei Führungsfortsätzen,

Fig. 6

einen Ausschnitt eines Gehäuses der Dunstabzugshaube mit dem Verschluss und zwei Einführöffnungen,

Fig. 7

die Verriegelungsvorrichtung unter Weglassung des Verschlusses,

Fig. 8

die Verriegelungsvorrichtung einschließlich Verschluss.

Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the schematic figures. It shows

Fig. 1

an extractor hood according to the invention in a perspective view,

Fig. 2

a housing of the extractor hood, in which one of two surface elements is removed,

Fig. 3

the housing of the extractor hood in which the surface element is pivoted down into an end position,

Figure 4

the locking device with downwardly pivoted surface element,

Fig. 5

a detail of the surface element with the latching element and two guide extensions,

Fig. 6

a detail of a housing of the hood with the closure and two insertion openings,

Fig. 7

the locking device with omission of the closure,

Fig. 8

the locking device including closure.

In FIG. 1 is shown in perspective view designed as an Eszah extractor hood 1. The extractor hood 1 comprises a housing 3, the underside of which has a large intake opening, in which two surface elements 2 are arranged. In the present exemplary embodiment, the surface elements 2 are each formed by a Wrasenleitblech, which is combined with a arranged on the back of the Wrasenleitblechs grease filter. The vapor is sucked through openings at the edge of the Wrasenleitblechs and then flows through the grease filter.

Wrasenleitblech and grease filter form a structural unit, which is referred to here as surface element 2.

At the top of the housing 3, a chimney 4 is arranged, in which there are a fan and channels for draining the filtered vapor. Integrated into the housing 3 are lighting elements 5 with which a cooking point located below the extractor hood 1 can be illuminated. A generic extractor hood 1, in particular with a built-up of a Wrasenleitblech and a grease filter surface element 2 is in the post-published patent application DE 10 2008 020 149.9 described.

The present patent application relates to the type of attachment and storage of the surface elements 2 on the housing 3. Due to the high weight of the constructed of a Wrasenleitblech and a grease filter surface element 2 are at its attachment and storage special requirements.

In FIG. 2 the housing 3 is shown with only one surface element 2. The second surface element is omitted in the figure, so that the interior of the housing is partially visible.

In the case of the surface element 2, the intake openings 6 circulating on the edge can be seen in the present illustration, through which the vapor rising from a cooking location is sucked. Behind the intake openings is a grease filter, with which the fat particles contained in the Wrasenstrom are deposited.

At the rear end of the housing 3 (left in the drawing) are three bearings 7 for the surface elements 2, wherein each surface element 2 is held with its two rear corners in each case a bearing 7. The front side of each surface element 2 is fastened to the housing 3 with a respective locking device 8. The locking devices 8 are designed as push-push elements. A release of the locking device 8 takes place in that the surface element 2 is pressed in the region of the locking device 8 upwards. Subsequently, the surface element 2 can be pivoted downwards, wherein the pivot axis of the surface element 2 is in the region of the bearing points 7 and is defined by this. In order then to lock the surface element 2 again, the surface element 2 is pressed in the region of the locking device 8 back up. When the surface element 2 is then released, the surface element 2 is locked in the housing 3.

In the picture according to FIG. 3 the locking device 8 is unlocked and the surface element 2 is pivoted to an end position down. The bearing 7 is designed such that it allows a pivoting movement of the surface element 2 about an axis formed in the bearing 7 pivot axis. In addition, the bearing 7 defines an end position for the pivotal movement of the surface element 2 down. This prevents the panel 2 from swinging down uncontrollably after it has been unlocked by an operator and then released. Further, the bearing 7 is formed such that the surface located in the end position element 2 is fixed to the housing 3, that a drop of the surface element 2, after it was released by the operator, is reliably prevented. To remove the surface element 2 from the bearing 7, it must rather, they are pivoted slightly upward by the operator before it can be removed substantially forward.

FIG. 4 shows the locking device 8 at slightly open surface element 2. To recognize a latching element 17 and two guide extensions 18, which are all attached to the surface element 2. On the housing 3 of the hood 1, a closure 16 and a guide member 20 are arranged. The guide component 20 is part of the housing 3 of the extractor hood 1 and defines an insertion opening 19 for each guide extension 18.

FIG. 5 shows in detail the attached to the surface element 2 elements of the locking device 8. The locking element 17 and the two guide extensions 18 are designed as a common component, in the present embodiment as a plastic injection molded part. The locking element 17 projects from the surface element 2 upwards and is angled at the upper end. The two guide extensions 18 are higher than the locking element 17. They have at their upper end two first insertion bevels 21 and a second insertion bevel 22. The first insertion bevels serve to center the surface element 2 in the direction A, while the second insertion bevels 22 serve to center the surface element 2 in the direction B.

FIG. 6 shows a section of the housing 3, in which the fixed to the housing 3 elements of the locking device 8 are located. The closure 16 contains the mechanism of the push-push function. This push-push function causes the locking element 17, after it has been inserted into an insertion opening 23 of the closure 16, is first locked there. If the latching element 17 is then pressed again in the direction of the closure 16, it is released again and can be removed again from the insertion opening 23. The structure and the exact operation of a suitable closure 16 with push-push function is in the document US 4655489 described. The correct position of the surface element is ensured by means of the insertion openings 19, which receive the guide extensions 18. Location and size of the insertion openings 19 are defined by the guide member 20, which is part of the housing 3.

FIG. 7 shows the locking device 8 obliquely in a viewing direction from above, from the interior of the housing 3. The surface element 2 is in its upper end position and is located on the housing 3 at. It is particularly easy to see how the guide extensions 18 are guided by the guide member 20 in both horizontal directions. The guide extensions 18 protrude through the insertion openings 19 upwards. The locking element 17 projects through a central opening of the guide member 20 also upwards in the area where normally the shutter 16 is located.

FIG. 8 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 7 including the closure 16.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Hood

2

surface element

3

casing

4

fireplace

5

lighting elements

6

suction

7

depository

8th

locking device

16

shutter

17

locking element

18

Guide extensions

19

insertion

20

guiding member

21

first insertion bevel

22

second insertion bevel

23

insertion

Claims (14)

Extractor hood (1) having a housing (3) having an intake opening and at least one surface element (2) arranged in the intake opening, in particular a grease filter and / or a Wrasenleitblech, wherein at least one locking device (8) for the surface element (2) is provided with which the surface element (2) on the housing (3) in an operating position can be fixed, characterized in that the locking device (8) has a closure (16), a latching element (17) which is insertable into the closure (16), and at least one guide extension (18), which is insertable into an insertion opening (19), wherein the at least one guide extension (18) extends further in the direction of the insertion opening (19) than the latching element (17) in the direction of the closure (16 ). Extractor hood (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one guide extension (18) is arranged adjacent to the latching element (17). Extractor hood (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the latching element (17) and the at least one guide extension (18) are arranged on the surface element (2). Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the closure (16) on the housing (3) is arranged. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking device (8) is designed as a push-push element. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the surface element (2) is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis on the housing (3). Extractor hood (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a bearing point (7) for the surface element (2) is provided, in which the pivot axis is defined. Extractor hood (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking device (8) from the bearing point (7) is arranged at a distance. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one guide extension (18) has at least one first insertion bevel (21) with which an offset of the locking element (17) relative to the closure (16) in a first Direction (A), in particular in the direction (A) perpendicular to the pivot axis, can be compensated. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the guide extension (18) has at least one second insertion bevel (22) with which an offset of the locking element (17) relative to the closure (16) in a second direction ( B), in particular in the direction (B) parallel to the pivot axis, can be compensated. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the latching element (17) and the guide extension (18) are formed by a common component, which is preferably made of plastic or aluminum. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the closure (16) and the insertion opening (19) are formed by separate components, which are preferably interconnected. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the closure (16) is made substantially of plastic. Extractor hood (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the insertion opening (19) in a guide member (20) made of metal, preferably made of sheet metal.

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