A type of range hood

Abstract

This invention discloses a range hood, including a housing and a panel assembly disposed on the front side of the housing. An air inlet is formed on the front side of the housing. The panel assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first front surface and a first rear surface facing each other. When the range hood is in a non-operating state, the first plate is located below the second plate, and the panel assembly is in a first position with the air inlet closed. When the range hood is in an operating state, the second plate flips forward, and the first plate is hidden behind the second plate, with the panel assembly in a second position with the air inlet open. The range hood also includes a first motion mechanism for driving the first plate to switch between a non-operating state and an operating state, such that the first front surface of the first plate remains facing forward during the state switch. Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are: because the first front surface of the first plate is hidden behind the second plate, it avoids the adhesion and splashing of oil fumes, reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an oil fume purification device, and more particularly to an oil fume extractor. Background Technology

[0002] Range hoods have become an indispensable kitchen appliance in modern homes. Generally, range hoods include top-mounted and side-mounted types. Side-mounted range hoods utilize the principle of vortex air pressure to absorb most of the cooking fumes close to the stove in an arc, reducing adverse health effects. Furthermore, since the power source is closer to the stove, it doesn't significantly reduce the suction efficiency.

[0003] Commonly used side-draft range hoods typically have front panels that are one-section, two-section, or three-section. One type, such as the range hood disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. 201821192579.6, includes: a housing assembly with an air inlet; a drive mechanism mounted on the housing assembly; and a full-screen panel for opening and closing the air inlet, mounted on the drive mechanism, which drives the full-screen panel to rise, fall, and rotate relative to the housing assembly. Problems with this type of range hood include: 1) Because the baffle (full-screen panel) is usually large, the opening angle is relatively small, resulting in a smaller smoke-gathering area and affecting the smoke extraction effect; 2) The large baffle may obstruct the view during cooking, affecting the cooking experience; 3) To prevent interference between the baffle and the oil cup during movement, there is usually a gap between the oil cup and the baffle, preventing oil behind the baffle from flowing into the oil cup, posing a risk of oil dripping.

[0004] Two-section range hoods typically use an upper glass panel as a smoke baffle that can be flipped open, while the lower glass panel is fixed and cannot move. For example, Chinese Patent Application No. 202220631630.9 discloses a range hood comprising a main body and a flip panel. A smoke collection hood is located on the front side of the main body, and the top of the flip panel is hinged to the main body, with the flip panel located outside the smoke collection hood. The smoke hood has a recess, and an air inlet is located at the bottom of the recess. Problems with this type of range hood include: 1) The lower glass panel partially obstructs the air inlet, reducing the air intake area and affecting airflow and smoke extraction efficiency; 2) The lower glass panel is fixed and close to the pot, making it easy for cooking fumes to adhere to and splatter onto it, affecting aesthetics and requiring frequent cleaning; 3) To ensure oil flows from the lower panel into the oil cup, the gap between the lower panel and the oil cup is usually relatively large.

[0005] A range hood has been developed that overcomes the shortcomings of the existing technology, such as the flip-plate device and range hood disclosed in Chinese Patent Application No. 202110895993.3. The flip-plate device includes a guide plate, which comprises a first plate and a second plate arranged sequentially in the vertical direction. The first plate and the second plate are rotatably connected by a rotating assembly. When the guide plate is closed relative to the smoke hood, the first plate and the second plate can rotate to the same plane. The guide plate has a large unfolded area and can completely block the smoke inlet surface of the smoke hood. When the guide plate is open relative to the smoke hood, the second plate rotates toward the position of the first plate. After the first plate and the second plate are rotated and folded, the overall size of the guide plate is reduced, so that the guide plate no longer obstructs the cook's view. The upward flipping of the second plate also prevents the guide plate from interfering with the cookware when opening and closing.

[0006] However, in this type of range hood, the air guide plate switches states by folding, which means that the side of the second plate that is in contact with the oil fumes when the range hood is working will face the user when unfolded (when the range hood is not working). This requires frequent cleaning and is very inconvenient to use. Moreover, due to the rotating component at the connection between the first and second plates, there is a large gap between the first and second plates when the range hood is working. This will cause pressure loss and airflow turbulence, affecting the smoke extraction effect. In addition, the linkage between the two plates makes it impossible to adjust the smoke collection range when the range hood is open. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a range hood that reduces the frequency of cleaning and minimizes the impact on airflow.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a range hood includes a housing and a panel assembly disposed on the front side of the housing. An air inlet is formed on the front side of the housing. The panel assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a first front surface and a first rear surface facing each other. When the range hood is not in operation, the first plate is located below the second plate, and the panel assembly is in a first position where the air inlet is closed. When the range hood is in operation, the second plate flips forward, and the first plate is hidden behind the second plate, and the panel assembly is in a second position where the air inlet is open. The characteristic feature is that:

[0009] The range hood also includes a first motion mechanism for driving the first plate to switch between a non-working state and a working state, such that the first front surface of the first plate remains facing forward when the state is switched.

[0010] Using the aforementioned panel assembly, when the range hood is working, the first panel is concealed behind the second panel, ensuring the air inlet is not blocked and allowing for a larger air intake area, thus improving airflow and smoke extraction efficiency. Because the first front surface of the first panel is concealed behind the second panel, it avoids the adhesion and splattering of oil fumes, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. With the second panel being shorter than the full-screen design, the first panel avoids obstructing the user's operation and view, enhancing the cooking experience. If the user feels the second panel is too small to meet smoke collection needs, the first panel can be extended to increase the smoke collection area. Furthermore, the gap between the first and second panels can be kept small to avoid affecting airflow.

[0011] Preferably, to further ensure that the front surface of the first plate faces forward and to reduce the gap between it and the second plate, the panel assembly can also be in a third position, in which the second plate is flipped forward and opened at an angle smaller than that in the second position, and the first plate is located behind the second plate; the first motion mechanism drives the first plate to move translatably from the third position to the second position.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the second plate has opposing second front surfaces and second rear surfaces;

[0013] The first motion mechanism includes an electric push rod, which includes a drive part and a push rod part fixed to the first plate for outputting linear displacement. The drive part is fixed to the second rear surface of the second plate, and the push rod part is rotatable relative to the second plate about a left-right extending axis. The push rod part maintains a tendency to rotate in a direction away from the second plate.

[0014] Furthermore, to limit the degree of misalignment between the first plate and the second plate, the first motion mechanism also includes a first support, which is fixed to the second rear surface of the second plate, and the push rod portion of the electric push rod passes through the space enclosed by the first support and the second plate.

[0015] Preferably, the first motion mechanism further includes an elastic element disposed between the push rod portion and the second rear surface of the second plate, such that the push rod portion maintains a tendency to rotate away from the second plate.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first motion mechanism includes a first motor, a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod, a third connecting rod, and a connecting rod. The first motor is mounted on the second rear surface of the second plate via a fixed bracket. The first connecting rod is driven to rotate by the first motor. One end of the first connecting rod away from the output end of the first motor is rotatably connected to one end of the second connecting rod. The other end of the second connecting rod is rotatably connected to the connecting rod, which is fixed to the first plate. One end of the third connecting rod is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket. A groove is formed on the third connecting rod along its length. The connecting rod passes through the groove and can slide along the groove. The rotation axis of each connecting rod extends in the left-right direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the fixed bracket is provided with a limiting protrusion so that when the panel assembly switches from the third position to the second position, the rotation of the third link can be restricted, thereby ensuring translational movement between the second and third positions, and further ensuring that the front surface of the first plate remains forward.

[0018] Furthermore, to limit the extreme position when closed, the first motion mechanism also includes a second support, which at least partially abuts against the second plate when not in operation.

[0019] Furthermore, an oil cup is provided at the bottom of the housing. When the range hood is not in operation, the lower edge of the first plate extends into the oil cup, so that the splashed oil on the rear surface of the first plate can flow into the oil cup without the risk of oil dripping.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: Using the aforementioned panel assembly, when the range hood is working, the first panel is hidden behind the second panel, and the air inlet is not blocked by the first panel, allowing for a larger air intake area, which improves airflow and smoke extraction efficiency; because the first front surface of the first panel is hidden behind the second panel, it avoids the adhesion and splashing of oil fumes, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning; with the first panel hidden behind the second panel, the second panel can open at a larger angle, preventing the first panel from obstructing the user's operation and view, thus improving the cooking experience; if the user feels that the second panel is too small to meet the smoke collection needs, the first panel can be extended to increase the smoke collection area; furthermore, the gap between the first and second panels can be kept small to avoid affecting airflow; and splashed oil on the rear surface of the first panel can flow into the oil cup, eliminating the risk of oil dripping. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the closed state of the range hood according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (closed state) of the panel assembly and its movement mechanism of the range hood according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the hidden second plate and its motion mechanism;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the range hood in the open state according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a side view of the range hood in the open state according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram (open state) of the panel assembly and its motion mechanism of the range hood according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram (closed state) of the panel assembly and its movement mechanism of the range hood according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the first plate;

[0029] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram (open state) of the panel assembly and its movement mechanism of the range hood according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the motion mechanism of the first plate. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity. In addition, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] See Figures 1-5 A range hood, which is a side-suction range hood, includes a housing 1 and a panel assembly disposed on the front side of the housing 1. An air inlet 11 is formed on the front side of the housing 1. The air inlet 11 can be formed by setting a panel support and opening on the panel support, or it can be formed by directly opening the front side of the housing 1. The form and shape of the air inlet 11 are not limited. The housing 1 and the air inlet 11 formed thereon can both adopt existing technologies.

[0035] The panel assembly includes a first plate 21 and a second plate 22. The first plate 21 has a first front surface 211 and a first rear surface 212 opposite to each other. The second plate 22 has a second front surface 221 and a second rear surface 222 opposite to each other. The front surface refers to the side of the range hood facing the user when in use, and the rear surface refers to the side of the range hood away from the user when in use. The rear surface faces the interior of the housing 1.

[0036] When the range hood is not in operation, the first plate 21 is located below the second plate 22, and the panel assembly is in the first position that closes the air inlet 11. At this time, the front surfaces of the two plates are preferably flush. When the range hood is in operation, the second plate 22 flips forward to act as a smoke baffle, the first plate 21 is hidden behind the second plate 22, and the panel assembly is in the second position that opens the air inlet 11. At this time, the first front surface 211 of the first plate 21 still faces forward.

[0037] To facilitate the aforementioned positional changes of the drive panel assembly, the range hood also includes a first motion mechanism for driving the first plate 21 and a second motion mechanism for driving the second plate 22. The first motion mechanism includes an electric push rod 31, a first bracket 32, a second bracket 33, and a connecting rod 34. The electric push rod 31 includes a drive portion 311 and a push rod portion 312 for outputting linear displacement. The drive portion 311 is fixed to the second rear surface 222 of the second plate 22 via a base 313, while the push rod portion 312 is rotatably connected to the base 313 and can rotate relative to the base 313 about a left-right extending axis. The first bracket 32 ​​is approximately U-shaped and is fixed to the second rear surface 222 of the second plate 22. The push rod portion 312 of the electric push rod 31 passes through the space enclosed by the first bracket 32 ​​and the second plate 22. The first bracket 32 ​​limits the rotation range of the push rod 312.

[0038] The second bracket 33 is fixed on the first rear surface 212 of the first plate 21 and is connected and fixed to the push rod portion 312. Preferably, the electric push rod 31 is located at the middle position in the left-right direction of the second plate 22, and there are two second brackets 33, located on the left and right sides of the push rod portion 312 respectively. The connecting rod 34 passes through the push rod portion 312 and extends left and right, thereby connecting the two second brackets 33 and the push rod portion 312.

[0039] The first motion mechanism also includes an elastic element 35 disposed between the push rod portion 312 and the second rear surface 222 of the second plate 22, such that the push rod portion 312 tends to rotate in a direction away from the second plate 22 (rearward). The elastic element 35 is preferably a spring.

[0040] The second motion mechanism can adopt a commonly used mechanism in the prior art for driving the smoke baffle to flip, such as a combination of an electric push rod, a motor, and a connecting rod. In this embodiment, the second motion mechanism includes a motor 41, a fourth connecting rod 42, and a fifth connecting rod 43. The motor 41 is fixed inside the housing 1 by a motor bracket 44. The fourth connecting rod 42 is driven by the motor 41 and can rotate around a left-right extending axis. A smoke baffle bracket 23 is provided on the second rear surface 222 of the second plate 22. The fifth connecting rod 43 is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod 42 and the smoke baffle bracket 23, respectively. Thus, the second motion mechanism can drive the second plate 22 to flip (the rotation axis is close to the top of the second plate 22, and can be a fixed-axis rotation or a non-fixed-axis rotation).

[0041] An oil cup 5 is provided at the bottom of the housing 1 to collect oil stains flowing down the housing 1 and the panel assembly.

[0042] When the range hood is not in operation, see Figure 1 and Figure 2When the electric push rod 31 is pushed out to the maximum position, the elastic element 35 is in a compressed state. At this time, the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 do not overlap. The first plate 21 can contact the front side of the housing 1 and be subjected to a forward force, so that it is flush with the second plate 22. The lower edge of the first plate 21 can extend into the oil cup 5.

[0043] When the range hood needs to be switched to working mode, the panel assembly is first positioned in the third position, and the second plate 22 opens to a certain angle (the opening angle is less than the second position). At this time, the first plate 21 remains in contact with the housing 1 due to the action of the elastic element 35. The front surfaces of the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 are no longer on the same plane, but form a step difference. Then, the electric push rod 31 retracts, and the first plate 21 moves upward along the front side of the housing 1, leaving the oil cup 5 until it is hidden behind the second plate 22. Then, the second plate 22 opens to the second position, see [reference]. Figures 4-6 .

[0044] Using the aforementioned panel assembly, when the range hood is operating, the first panel 21 is concealed behind the second panel 22, ensuring that the air inlet 11 is not blocked and allowing for a larger air intake area, thus improving airflow and smoke extraction efficiency. Because the first front surface 211 of the first panel 21 is concealed behind the second panel 22, it avoids the adhesion and splattering of oil fumes, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. With the first panel 21 concealed behind the second panel 22, and the second panel 22 being shorter than the full-screen design, the first panel 21 avoids obstructing the user's operation and view, enhancing the cooking experience. Furthermore, if the user finds the second panel 22 too small to meet smoke collection needs, the first panel 21 can be extended to increase the smoke collection area. When closed, the first panel 21 extends into the oil cup 5, allowing any splattered oil on the rear surface of the first panel 21 to flow into the oil cup 5, eliminating the risk of oil dripping. In addition, the first plate 21 moves parallel to the shell 1, so the oil cup 5 does not need to leave a large gap for avoidance and oil flow, resulting in good overall consistency, and the gap between it and the second plate 22 can also be kept small.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this embodiment, the difference from Embodiment 1 is that the first motion mechanism includes a first motor 36, a first connecting rod 37, a second connecting rod 38, and a third connecting rod 39, thereby replacing the electric push rod 31, the first bracket 32, and the elastic element 35 in Embodiment 1. The second bracket 33 corresponds to the second plate 22 at least near its upper edge, so that when not in operation, the second bracket 33 can at least partially abut against the second plate 22, thereby limiting the extreme position of the forward movement of the first plate 21.

[0047] The first motor 36 is mounted on the second rear surface 222 of the second plate 22 via a fixed bracket 361. Preferably, the first motor 36 is a DC motor. The first connecting rod 37 is driven by the first motor 36 and can rotate about a left-right extending axis. The end of the first connecting rod 37 away from the output end of the first motor 36 is also rotatably connected to one end of the second connecting rod 38, and the other end of the second connecting rod 38 is rotatably connected to the connecting rod 34. One end of the third connecting rod 39 is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket 361. A groove 391 is formed on the third connecting rod 39 along its length direction. The connecting rod 34 passes through the groove 391 and can slide along the groove 391. The rotation axis of each connecting rod extends in the left-right direction. There may be two third connecting rods 39, arranged alternately on the left and right sides, respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the second connecting rod 38.

[0048] The fixed bracket 361 is provided with a limiting protrusion 362 to limit the rotation angle of the third link 39.

[0049] When the range hood is not in operation, the connecting rod 34 is at the lowest end of the slide groove 391 of the third connecting rod 39. When the range hood needs to be turned on, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 9 and Figure 10 First, the panel assembly is positioned in the third position. The second plate 22 is opened at a certain angle. The first motor 36 drives the first connecting rod 37 to rotate backward and upward. This, through the second connecting rod 38 and the connecting rod 34, drives the third connecting rod 39 to rotate, causing the first plate 21 and the second plate 22 to be misaligned until the third connecting rod 39 is stopped by the limiting protrusion 362. After that, the first motor 36 continues to operate, and the connecting rod 34 slides upward in the slide groove 391 of the third connecting rod 39, causing the first plate 21 to move upward until it is hidden behind the second plate 22. At this time, the connecting rod 34 moves to the uppermost end of the slide groove 391, and then the second plate 22 can be opened to the second position. When the range hood switches from working to non-working mode, the first motor 36 drives the first connecting rod 37 to rotate backward and downward. The second connecting rod 38 drives the connecting rod 34 to slide downward in the groove 391 of the third connecting rod 39. When it slides to the bottom, it drives the third connecting rod 39 to rotate. Finally, it stops rotating when it comes into contact with the second bracket 33 and the second plate 22. At this time, the front surfaces of the second plate 22 and the first plate 21 are on the same plane.

Claims

1. A range hood, comprising a housing (1) and a panel assembly disposed on the front side of the housing (1), wherein an air inlet (11) is formed on the front side of the housing (1), and the panel assembly comprises a first plate (21) and a second plate (22), the first plate (21) having a first front surface (211) and a first rear surface (212) opposite to each other; when the range hood is in a non-working state, the first plate (21) is located below the second plate (22), the front surfaces of the two plates are flush, and the panel assembly is in a first position closing the air inlet (11); when the range hood is in a working state, the second plate (22) is flipped forward, the first plate (21) is hidden behind the second plate (22), and the panel assembly is in a second position opening the air inlet (11); characterized in that: The range hood also includes a first motion mechanism for driving the first plate (21) to switch between a non-working state and a working state, such that the first front surface (211) of the first plate (21) remains facing forward when the state is switched; The panel assembly can also be in a third position, at which point the second plate (22) flips forward and opens at an angle less than that in the second position, and the first plate (21) is located behind the second plate (22); the first motion mechanism drives the first plate (21) to move from the third position to the second position in a translational manner.

2. The range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second plate (22) has opposing second front surfaces (221) and second rear surfaces (222); The first motion mechanism includes an electric push rod (31), which includes a drive part (311) and a push rod part (312) fixed to the first plate (21) for outputting linear displacement. The drive part (311) is fixed on the second rear surface (222) of the second plate (22), and the push rod part (312) can rotate relative to the second plate (22) about a left-right extending axis. The push rod part (312) maintains a tendency to rotate in a direction away from the second plate (22).

3. The range hood according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first motion mechanism also includes a first bracket (32), which is fixed to the second rear surface (222) of the second plate (22), and the push rod portion (312) of the electric push rod (31) passes through the space enclosed by the first bracket (32) and the second plate (22).

4. The range hood according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first motion mechanism further includes an elastic element (35) disposed between the push rod portion (312) and the second rear surface (222) of the second plate (22), such that the push rod portion (312) tends to rotate away from the second plate (22).

5. The range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first motion mechanism includes a first motor (36), a first connecting rod (37), a second connecting rod (38), a third connecting rod (39), and a connecting rod (34). The first motor (36) is mounted on the second rear surface (222) of the second plate (22) via a fixed bracket (361). The first connecting rod (37) is driven to rotate by the first motor (36). One end of the first connecting rod (37) away from the output end of the first motor (36) is rotatably connected to one end of the second connecting rod (38). The other end of the second connecting rod (38) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod (34). The connecting rod (34) is fixed to the first plate (21). One end of the third connecting rod (39) is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket (361). A groove (391) is formed on the third connecting rod (39) along its length. The connecting rod (34) passes through the groove (391) and can slide along the groove (391). The rotation axis of each connecting rod extends in the left-right direction.

6. The range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fixed bracket (361) is provided with a limiting protrusion (362) so that when the panel assembly is switched from the third position to the second position, the rotation of the third link (39) can be restricted.

7. The range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first motion mechanism also includes a second support (33), which, when not in operation, at least partially abuts against the second plate (22).

8. The range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the housing (1) is provided with an oil cup (5). When the range hood is not in operation, the lower edge of the first plate (21) extends into the oil cup (5).

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