WO2013156898A1

WO2013156898A1 - Grease filter for a range hood

Info

Publication number: WO2013156898A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/052823
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mauro SANTUCCI; Cristina VIOZZI
Original assignee: Indesit Company S.P.A.
Priority date: 2012-04-17
Filing date: 2013-04-09
Publication date: 2013-10-24
Also published as: ITTO20120333A1; EA201491885A1; EP2839218A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filter (103) configured for use in a hood (101), comprising a hollow box-like body (301) that comprises a plurality of longitudinal apertures (201, 401) on two opposite faces, and a respective plurality of shaped portions (502, 503) internal to said box-like body (301) and adapted to cooperate, respectively, with the longitudinal apertures (201, 401) to define a labyrinthic path (501) through which fumes can flow; the filter (103) further comprises at least one mesh filtering element (302) coupled to the box-like body (301) on one of the two opposite faces. The present invention also relates to a hood, preferably a range hood.

Description

"GREASE FILTER FOR A RANGE HOOD"

DESCRIPTION

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

The present invention relates to the field of extraction or recirculating hoods, in particular for treating fumes and odours in household environments, e.g. a range hood.

The invention relates in particular to a grease filter for a hood, as well as to an associated hood.

[ PRIOR ART]

Aspirating and/or filtering devices are known which are to be installed near places where fumes or odours are generated. For example, such aspirating and/or filtering devices are called "hoods" and are typically installed in household environments, such as a kitchen.

Within the context of the present invention, the term "fumes" designates an aeriform substance, typically air, contaminated by suspended liquid, solid or ethereal particles. As far as range hoods are concerned, the aspirated fumes typically transport suspended greasy particles and odours generated by food being cooked.

Some hoods take in fumes from the environment, discharging the aspirated air into a ventilation duct, which then evacuates both fumes and odours out in the open; such hoods are hence referred to as "extraction hoods".

Other hoods collect fumes from the environment, filter them, and then reintroduce the air thus purified into the same environment; hoods of this latter type are referred to as "recirculating hoods".

Both recirculating or extraction hoods can include, for fume filtering purposes, mechanical filters having a surface adapted to trap greasy particles while letting the air flow through.

Typically these "grease" filters comprise filtering panels, which comprise, for example, a metal mesh, and which are secured to the inlet of the hood conveyor facing the area where fumes are generated, e.g. the burner area in the case of a range hood. These filters can typically be removed, replaced and washed by the user. However, it is difficult to completely remove the greasy particles accumulated on such filters comprising a metal mesh.

Another typology of "grease" filters includes modular filters, as shown in patents EP0856347 and EP1410833; such modular filters comprise a plurality of shaped elements which are adapted to be secured to the inlet of a hood and which cooperate together to define a labyrinthic path for the aspirated fumes, thus trapping the greasy particles contained therein. Modular filters can be easily washed, since they can be disassembled into their own sub-elements; however, these modular filters do not ensure adequate fume filtering performance, so much so that the greasy particles can easily flow through the labyrinthic path and foul the innermost part of the hood. To obtain a modular filter with high filtering power, excessive load losses should be introduced into the filter, thus requiring a more powerful air compressor inside the hood.

[OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION]

It is the object of the present invention to overcome some of the problems of the prior art.

In particular, it is one object of the present invention to provide a hood filter which is less subject to clogging from greasy particles borne by the filtered air, while still having a very good filtering capacity and not introducing excessive load losses for the aspirated air flow .

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hood filter which stays cleaner in those areas which are typically handled by the user while servicing the hood .

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a hood filter wherein the areas fouled by greasy particles are not annoying for the user.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved through a hood filter and a related hood incorporating the features set out in the appended claims, which are intended to be an integral part of the present description .

One idea at the basis of the present invention is to provide a hood filter comprising a hollow box-like body that comprises a plurality of longitudinal apertures on two opposite faces, and a respective plurality of shaped portions internal to the box-like body cooperating with the longitudinal apertures to define a labyrinthic path through which fumes can flow, where greasy particles are filtered; the filter further comprises at least one mesh filtering element coupled to the box-like body on one of the two opposite faces.

It is thus possible to create a compact filter with great filtering effectiveness; at the same time, the filter offers advantages in terms of cleanliness, in that it is less fouled by deposited grease, and any fouled internal surfaces are hidden to the user and protected against contact, even accidental contact. The filter turns out to be easier to clean, both externally (when installed) and internally (when serviced, e.g. washed). Preferably, the mesh filtering element is external to the box-like body; more preferably, it is mounted via removable coupling means, so that the filter can be washed easily once removed. Advantageously, this type of structure allows to easily remove the filter from the hood for maintenance, thus facilitating the washing thereof.

Also, the longitudinal apertures on the two faces are preferably offset from each other, so as to improve the filtering power of the filter.

Preferably, the shaped portions internal to the box^¬ like body define an inward converging profile, thus creating compartments where air is recirculated to improve the filtering of suspended greasy particles.

Preferably, the outer edge of the box-like body protrudes with respect to the additional mesh filtering element, thus preventing the grease and dirt accumulated in the filter from dripping down, e.g. onto the cooking top.

Preferably, the box-like body is made from shaped stainless steel sheet, which is a material particularly suited for household use.

Preferably, the mesh filtering element comprises a plurality of finely perforated metal sheets, or a plurality of metal mesh layers, in order to further improve the filtering efficacy of the filter. Among the preferred materials for the mesh filtering element, aluminium proves to be particularly suitable.

Preferably, the filter comprises fastening means operable by a user, such as a spring-loaded sliding handle, for firmly positioning the filter into a respective housing of a hood.

The present invention also provides for installing said filter in a hood, preferably by positioning it upstream of the ventilation means. Said hood may include multiple filters arranged side by side.

In particular, the filters are positioned with the mesh filtering element facing towards the inside of the hood, resulting in better cleaning. This advantageously ensures better filter cleanliness, since the visible external surface of the box-like body is easier to clean.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and from the annexed drawings.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ]

Some preferred and advantageous embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows an example of embodiment of a hood comprising a plurality of filters according to the present invention .

Figure 2 shows a first view of an example of embodiment of a filter according to the present invention.

- Figure 3 shows a second view of an example of embodiment of a filter according to the present invention, partially assembled.

Figure 4 shows a third view of an example of embodiment of a filter according to the present invention, partially assembled.

Figure 5 exemplifies the flow of air and fumes in an example of embodiment of a filter according to the present invention.

The drawings show different aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, where appropriate, similar structures, components, materials and/or elements in the various drawings are designated by the same reference numerals .

[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]

Figure 1 illustrates a hood 1 comprising a fume collector 102, which houses a plurality of filters 103, 103b and 103c according to the present invention.

The filters 103, 103b, and 103c are housed each at a respective air inlet of the hood, i.e. facing towards the area from where air is to be collected, e.g. the burner area in the case of a range hood.

The hood 101 further comprises lighting devices and control means comprising a suitable user interface, in accordance with the teachings of the prior art.

The fume collector 102 is preferably connected to a chimney 104, which evacuates the aspirated air into the open (in the case of an extraction hood) or reintroduces the filtered air into the environment (in the case of a recirculating hood) .

The air aspirated by the hood 101, after having gone through the filters 103, 103b, 103c as will be described more in detail below, is drawn into the hood by air circulating means (not shown in the drawing) , which are preferably internal to the chimney 104. The air circulating means typically comprise at least one fan of a known type, driven by at least one electric motor.

Figure 2 is a bottom view of the filter 103. The filter 103 comprises a plurality of longitudinal apertures 201 parallel to one another, which create converging profiles inside the filter 103, which will be described more in detail later on.

The filter 103 further comprises coupling means 202, such as a handle operable by a user, which allows removing the filter from its housing in the hood 101. A number of variants of the coupling means 202 are available among the teachings of the prior art.

Figure 3 illustrates in detail one embodiment of a filter according to the present invention, in particular of the filter 103, which is shown partially disassembled to better illustrate its structure.

The filter 103 comprises a hollow box-like body 301, wherein the plurality of longitudinal apertures 201 are obtained. Inside the hollow box-like body 301 there is a labyrinthic path defined by the longitudinal apertures 201, which cooperate with a respective plurality of shaped portions to create a path for the air that flows through the filter 301 up to the longitudinal apertures 401, which path is sufficiently tortuous to allow trapping the greasy particles suspended in the air, which will deposit onto the walls of the hollow box-like body.

Preferably, the shaped portions inside the hollow box-like body 301 have a inward converging profile, i.e. in a "bell-like" fashion, thus creating a sufficiently tortuous labyrinthic path ensuring an appropriate internal fluid-dynamics of the filter 103.

The filter 103 further comprises a mesh filtering element 302, which can be coupled to the hollow box-like body 301 to form a unitary structure. The mesh filtering element 302 comprises a reticular or mesh structure, or a metal sheet having holes suitably sized for performing a filtering action upon the air flowing through the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the mesh filtering element 302 comprises a plurality of metal mesh layers, preferably five.

The coupling between the hollow box-like body 301 and the mesh filtering element 302 is preferably ensured by respective connecting means; preferably, the frame of the mesh filtering element 302 comprises a plurality of protrusions 304 which are adapted to be coupled to slots provided on the hollow box-like body 310, and which can be decoupled by a user, in particular for washing, maintaining or replacing elements of the filter.

Figure 4 shows the filter 103 of Figure 3 from a different viewpoint, i.e. from the bottom. In this drawing one can appreciate the presence of a second plurality of longitudinal apertures 401 on the opposite face of the hollow box-like body 301, i.e. the face contacting the mesh filtering element 302. Preferably, the longitudinal apertures 401 comprise, in turn, respective shaped portions inside the hollow box-like body 301, which cooperate to the definition of a labyrinthic path therein. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the longitudinal apertures 201 and 401 are offset on the opposite faces of the hollow box-like body 301, so as to make the labyrinthic path more tortuous and improve the filtering power of the filter 103. In fact, the apertures 201 are seven, while the apertures 401 on the opposite face are six, thus being offset relative to an axis perpendicular to the faces of the hollow box-like body 301.

Preferably, the hollow box-like body comprises a plurality of slots 404 adapted to be coupled, through relative sliding, to the protrusions 304 when assembling the filter 103. As an alternative, the positions of the slots and of the corresponding protrusions on the two elements of the filter 103 may be reversed.

Preferably, the profile of the hollow box-like body

301 protrudes from the edge of the mesh filtering element 303, which will have to be arranged facing upwards and towards the inside of the hood 101. This will prevent the dirt accumulated in the filter from running towards the sides of the filter itself and dripping down, e.g. onto the cooking top.

Preferably, when the filter 103 is installed in a hood like the hood 101, the longitudinal apertures 201 and 401 extend in a direction corresponding to the hood's depth. For example, in a wall-mounted hood the longitudinal apertures 201 and 401 will preferably be perpendicular to the rear wall.

Figure 5 exemplifies the flow of air and fumes through the filter 103 according to the present invention, which is shown through an enlarged sectional view transversal to the apertures. The air that flows through the filter 103 is indicated by thicker arrows; the air is sucked into the aperture 201 and into its profile 502 converging towards inside the hollow body 301; it is then suddenly deviated by the profile 503 associated with the apertures 401, which are offset from the aperture 201.

After the sharp bend, a part of the air exits through the respective aperture 401; the other part of the air enters the loop 501, obtained inside the hollow box-like body, where air is recirculated to improve the filtering power of the filter.

When the air flows out of the aperture 401, it goes through the plurality of mesh layers 303 of the mesh filtering element 302, thus being filtered again. The mesh may therefore be optimized depending on the size of the filter, the desired filtering power, the suction power of the hood with which the filter 103 will be associated, and the required air flow rate.

In general, the structure of the filter 103 exemplified herein with reference to Figure 5 will be repeated transversally and will have a relative longitudinal depth depending on the desired dimensions of the filter.

The filter 103, or at least a part thereof, can preferably be washed and reconditioned by the user.

Preferably, the mesh filtering elements 303 may be made from metal mesh or may have machined surfaces working as a filter, and may further comprise additional elements such as filtering materials of various nature, in accordance with the teachings of the prior art.

The height of the filter 103, i.e. the distance between the outer face of the hollow box-like body 301 and the top surface of the mesh filtering element 302, is preferably comprised between 15 mm and 60 mm.

It is obvious that, in the light of the teachings of the present description, the man skilled in the art may conceive further variants of the present invention, without however departing from the protection scope as defined by the appended claims.

For example, in an alternative embodiment the number of longitudinal apertures may differ from the specifications provided herein; preferably, the number of longitudinal apertures is comprised between 7 and 10 for the outer face, and between 6 and 9 for the inner face; advantageously, the longitudinal apertures on the inner face are one less than the longitudinal apertures on the outer face, thus being offset from each other.

For example, it should not be excluded that a filter according to the present invention might additionally make use of prior-art teachings as far as materials and construction details are concerned; likewise, it should not be excluded that a hood according to the present invention might additionally use prior-art teachings relating to additional filtering, recirculation, intake or control systems .

Claims

A filter (103) configured for use in a hood (101), comprising a hollow box-like body (301) that comprises a plurality of longitudinal apertures (201, 401) on two opposite faces, and a respective plurality of shaped portions (502, 503) internal to said box-like body (301) and adapted to cooperate, respectively, with said longitudinal apertures (201, 401) to define a labyrinthic path (501) through which fumes can flow, characterized in that it further comprises at least one mesh filtering element (302) coupled to said box-like body (301) on one of said two opposite faces.

A filter according to claim 1, wherein said mesh filtering element (302) is external to said box-like body (301) and is constrained thereto through removable coupling means (304, 404) .

A filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said longitudinal apertures on a first one of said two faces (201) are offset relative to said longitudinal apertures on the other one of said two faces (401), with reference to an axis perpendicular to said two faces .

A filter according to claim 3, wherein each one of said shaped portions (502, 503) defines a profile converging towards the inside of said box-like body (301) .

A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outer edge of said box-like body (301) protrudes with respect to said mesh filtering element (302) .

A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said box-like body (301) comprises at least one shaped stainless steel sheet.

A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said mesh filtering element (302) comprises a plurality of finely perforated metal sheets (303) or a plurality of metal mesh layers (303) .

8. A filter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising fastening means (202) operable by a user, which are adapted to position said filter firmly into a respective housing.

9. A hood (101) comprising a fume collector (102), an air inlet, and air circulating means for aspirating fumes from said air inlet, and further comprising at least one filter (103, 103b, 103c) adapted to be positioned into said fume collector for filtering said air through the effect of a vacuum induced by said air circulating means, characterized in that said at least one filter (103, 103b 103c) is a filter according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A hood according to claim 9, wherein said mesh filtering element (302) faces the inside of said hood (101), with respect to said air inlet.

11. A hood according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said plurality of longitudinal apertures (201, 401) extend in a direction corresponding to the depth of said hood (101) .