Integrated range hood

Abstract

An integrated range hood includes an upper housing and a lower housing. The lower housing integrates a cooking module, and an air inlet channel is provided between the rear side wall of the cooking module and the back panel of the lower housing. Driven by a drive mechanism, the lower housing moves up and down relative to the upper housing, and the cooking module and air inlet channel move synchronously with the lower housing. Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are: the cooking module and air inlet channel of this integrated range hood can move up and down synchronously with the lower housing. When the lower housing descends, the air duct lengthens, bringing the smoke inlet closer to the smoke source. The lengthened air duct acts as a buffer for the smoke, improving the close-range smoke extraction effect. When the lower housing is raised, the overall structure is compact and does not encroach on the user's cooking space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a range hood, and more particularly to an integrated range hood. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese kitchens are generally small, and with rising living standards, range hoods, cooktops, dishwashers, and steam ovens have become standard kitchen appliances. However, due to space constraints, some kitchens may not have room for a steam oven. Some users try to balance the necessity of a steam oven with other appliances like sterilizers and microwaves, opting to install only one. Therefore, finding the right space to accommodate more appliances is a challenge. Some users choose integrated cooktops, combining the range hood, cooktop, and steam oven on one countertop. While this frees up wall cabinet space, the height of wall cabinets makes them inconvenient to use and reduces their utilization rate. Other users might choose countertop steam ovens. Countertop steam ovens are smaller and cheaper, but their performance is not as good as built-in ones. Furthermore, countertop kettles and rice cookers are standard in most households; adding a countertop steam oven would make the countertop crowded and unsightly. Some users choose to place built-in steam ovens under the countertop. However, this takes up lower cabinet space and results in a poor user experience. Users have to bend over to place the steaming trays, squat down to clean the interior, and are often greeted by steam when opening the door. Therefore, some built-in steam ovens are placed in tall cabinets, but small kitchens often lack the space for tall cabinets.

[0003] In addition, lift-type range hoods have been invented, where the smoke inlet can rise and fall. When the range hood is on, the smoke inlet descends; when it is off, the smoke inlet rises. For example, the range hood disclosed in Chinese utility model patent No. 202222918682.7 (authorization announcement number CN 218864291 U) includes a smoke collection chamber, a fan assembly, and a lift assembly. The fan assembly is located inside the smoke collection chamber, and the lift assembly is connected to the smoke collection chamber, enabling the smoke collection chamber to rise and fall. When the range hood is running, the lift assembly lowers the smoke collection chamber below the cabinet, and the fan assembly starts to extract the fumes. When the range hood is not running, the lift assembly raises the smoke collection chamber into the cabinet, and the fan assembly shuts off. Existing lift-type range hoods do not offer an integrated cooking module solution. If a cooking module is integrated into a lift-type range hood, the air intake channel needs to be designed accordingly. On the one hand, the lifting action must be maintained; on the other hand, the smoke extraction effect must be ensured when the range hood is lowered. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an integrated range hood that integrates a cooking module and an air intake channel that are synchronously lifted and lowered in the lower housing, in view of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: an integrated range hood, comprising an upper housing and a lower housing, characterized in that: a cooking module is integrated on the lower housing, an air inlet channel is provided between the rear side wall of the cooking module and the back panel of the lower housing, and the lower housing moves up and down relative to the upper housing under the drive of a drive mechanism, and the cooking module and the air inlet channel move up and down synchronously with the lower housing.

[0006] Preferably, at least one section of the air intake duct is fixedly connected to the cooking module. This configuration allows the range hood to achieve both high-load lifting capacity and sufficient space for the air intake duct.

[0007] Further preferably, the drive mechanism is located on the front side of the air inlet duct and above the cooking module. This arrangement, with the lifting mechanism positioned at the front of the air duct, saves duct space and improves fume extraction. Furthermore, the proper front-to-back positioning of the drive mechanism relative to the center of gravity of the cooking module effectively prevents the entire unit from tilting forward.

[0008] The drive mechanism can be installed in multiple different positions. Preferably, a fan frame is installed inside the upper housing, and a fume extraction fan is installed inside the fan frame. A mounting cavity isolated from the air inlet channel is formed between the top of the lower housing and the bottom of the fan frame, and the drive mechanism is installed in the mounting cavity. This arrangement can prevent oil fumes from contaminating the drive mechanism.

[0009] To ensure a sealed oil-guiding structure between the upper and lower housings during lifting and lowering, an oil guide plate is installed at the bottom of the fan frame, and a connecting plate is installed along the front edge of the air inlet channel outlet. The oil guide plate and the connecting plate are connected by a folding plate, which forms the rear side wall of the mounting cavity, while the oil guide plate forms the top wall of the mounting cavity. With this configuration, the folding plate unfolds as the lower housing descends and folds as it rises, allowing oil within the lower housing to flow into the air inlet channel through the oil guide plate and the folding plate.

[0010] To ensure fluid communication between the air inlet duct and the air inlet of the range hood, a left side panel and a right side panel are fixed to the top of the lower housing, and a back side panel is fixed above the back panel of the lower housing. When the lower housing is raised, the bottom of the fan frame sits within the area enclosed by the left side panel, the right side panel, and the back side panel. When the lower housing is lowered, the left side panel, the right side panel, and the back side panel move to the bottom of the fan frame and form a guide channel with the unfolded folding plate. The air inlet duct is fluidly connected to the air inlet of the range hood through this guide channel.

[0011] To make the lower housing move more smoothly, the left side upright plate, right side upright plate and back side upright plate move up and down relative to the fan frame through a guide mechanism.

[0012] To ensure that the airflow guiding channel not only guides the airflow but also buffers it, the front-to-back width of the air inlet channel is greater than that of the inlet channel. This design buffers the airflow, thus reducing noise.

[0013] To effectively improve the fume extraction effect, preferably, the fume extraction fan has a rear air inlet, the vertical projection of which falls within the guide channel. With this configuration, the air inlet channel, guide channel, and rear air inlet form a straight exhaust channel. After the fumes are drawn in from the fume inlet of the lower housing, they can flow vertically downwards along the air inlet channel and guide channel into the rear air inlet, thus improving the fume extraction effect.

[0014] Further preferably, the folding plate includes an upper folding plate and a lower folding plate. The upper folding plate is arranged obliquely forward from top to bottom, and the lower folding plate is arranged obliquely backward from top to bottom. Since there is a negative pressure on the rear side of the folding plate after it is unfolded when the smoke machine is working, the opening direction of the folding plate faces the negative pressure side, which can make the structure more stable in the unfolded state.

[0015] The drive mechanism can have various structures. Preferably, the drive mechanism is an electric push rod, and the drive output end of the electric push rod is vertically downward and fixed to the top of the cooking module.

[0016] In order to allow the fumes to enter the air intake channel smoothly, the lower box has a fume inlet that is fluidly connected to the air intake channel.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the lower box of the integrated range hood integrates a cooking module, and an air inlet channel is provided between the rear side wall of the cooking module and the back panel of the lower box. The cooking module and the air inlet channel can rise and fall synchronously with the lifting and lowering movement of the lower box. When the lower box is lowered, the air duct is lengthened. At this time, the smoke inlet of the lower box is closer to the smoke source. The lengthened air duct can play a role in buffering the oil fumes, which is beneficial to the close-range smoke extraction effect. When the lower box is raised, the whole machine has a compact structure and does not infringe on the user's cooking space. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention (lower housing in raised state);

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The side view of the range hood shown;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the range hood.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the range hood with the cooking module door panel open.

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the internal structure of the range hood.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention (lower housing in a lowered state);

[0024] Figure 7 for Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the range hood.

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the structure of the range hood from another angle;

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the internal structure of the range hood. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the integrated range hood of this embodiment includes an upper housing 1 and a lower housing 2. A cooking module 5 is integrated on the lower housing 2. An air inlet channel 6 is provided between the rear side wall of the cooking module 5 and the back panel of the lower housing 2. The lower housing 2 has a smoke inlet 21 that is fluidly connected to the air inlet channel 6. Driven by a drive mechanism 7, the lower housing 2 moves up and down relative to the upper housing 1. The cooking module 5 and the air inlet channel 6 move up and down synchronously with the lower housing 2. Furthermore, at least one section of the air inlet channel 6 is fixedly connected to the cooking module 5.

[0029] The upper housing 1 houses a fan frame 3, which in turn houses a range hood 4. A mounting cavity 8, isolated from the air inlet duct 6, is formed between the top of the lower housing 2 and the bottom of the fan frame 3. The mounting cavity 8 is located in front of the air inlet duct 6, and the drive mechanism 7 is installed within it, preventing oil fumes from contaminating the drive mechanism 7. Therefore, positioning the drive mechanism 7 in front of the air inlet duct 6 and above the cooking module 5 saves duct space and improves fume extraction. Furthermore, the strategically placed position of the drive mechanism 7 relative to the center of gravity of the cooking module effectively prevents the entire unit from tilting forward. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 7 is an electric push rod, with its drive output end pointing vertically downwards and fixed to the top of the cooking module 5. In addition to housing the drive mechanism 7, the mounting cavity 8 can also be used to install a cooking light, maximizing space utilization.

[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, an oil guide plate 9 is installed at the bottom of the fan frame 3, and a connecting plate 10 is installed at the front edge of the outlet of the air inlet channel 6. The oil guide plate 9 and the connecting plate 10 are connected by a folding plate 11. The folding plate 11 forms the rear side wall of the mounting cavity 8, and the oil guide plate 9 forms the top wall of the mounting cavity 8. The folding plate 11 includes an upper folding plate 111 and a lower folding plate 112. The upper folding plate 111 is arranged obliquely forward from top to bottom, and the lower folding plate 112 is arranged obliquely backward from top to bottom. That is, the opening direction of the upper folding plate 111 and the lower folding plate 112 faces the negative pressure side. The folding plate 11 is in the unfolded state. The included angle between the upper folding plate 111 and the lower folding plate 112 is preferably 140° to 150°. Using the above-mentioned included angle range can avoid the negative pressure from sucking the folding plate 11 inward and causing certain vibration and noise. In addition, the upper folding plate 111 and the lower folding plate 112 are integrally formed flexible parts. The upper folding plate 111 and the lower folding plate 112 can be embedded with sheet metal parts to ensure that the flipping structure has a certain rigidity, thereby ensuring the stability of the parts during the movement. In addition to embedding sheet metal parts, this can also be achieved by adjusting the thickness of the rubber parts.

[0031] In this embodiment, a left side upright plate 12 and a right side upright plate 13 are fixed to the top of the lower housing 2, and a back side upright plate 14 is fixed above the back panel of the lower housing 2. When the lower housing 2 is raised, the bottom of the fan frame 3 is located within the area enclosed by the left side upright plate 12, the right side upright plate 13, and the back side upright plate 14. When the lower housing 2 is lowered, the left side upright plate 12, the right side upright plate 13, and the back side upright plate 14 move to below the fan frame 3 and form a guide channel 15 with the unfolded folding plate 11. The air inlet channel 6 is in fluid communication with the air inlet of the fume extractor 4 through this guide channel 15. In this embodiment, the front-to-back width of the guide channel 15 is greater than the front-to-back width of the air inlet channel 6. Therefore, in addition to guiding the airflow, the guide channel 15 can also buffer the oil fume airflow, which helps to reduce noise. In addition, in order to make the lower housing 2 rise and fall more smoothly, in this embodiment, the left side upright plate 12, the right side upright plate 13 and the back side upright plate 14 move up and down relative to the fan frame 3 through the guide mechanism 16, which is usually a guide rail.

[0032] When the lower housing is in its lowered state, the range hood operates by drawing in fumes from the lower housing 2, which then pass through the air inlet duct 6 and the guide channel 15 before entering the air inlet of the range hood 4. In this embodiment, the range hood 4 is a centrifugal fan with dual front and rear air inlets, where the rear air inlet 41 is the main air inlet and the front air inlet 42 is the auxiliary air inlet. The rear air inlet 41 is located above the air inlet duct 6 and the guide channel 15, and its vertical projection falls within the guide channel 15. The air inlet duct 6, the guide channel 15, and the rear air inlet 41 form a straight exhaust channel. Most of the fumes entering the air inlet duct 6 flow directly upwards into the rear air inlet 41, while a small portion is guided by the oil guide plate 9 before entering the front air inlet 42.

[0033] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0034] The term "fluid connectivity" as used in this invention refers to the spatial relationship between two components or parts, collectively referred to as the first part and the second part, meaning that a fluid, gas, liquid, or a mixture of both can flow from the first part along a flow path and / or be transported to the second part. This can be a direct connection between the first part and the second part, or an indirect connection between the first part and the second part through at least one third party. This third party can be a fluid channel such as a pipe, channel, conduit, guide, hole, or groove, or a chamber that allows fluid to flow through, or a combination of the above.

Claims

1. An integrated range hood, comprising an upper housing (1) and a lower housing (2), characterized in that: The lower housing (2) is equipped with a cooking module (5). An air intake channel (6) is provided between the rear side wall of the cooking module (5) and the back plate of the lower housing (2). The lower housing (2) moves up and down relative to the upper housing (1) under the drive of the drive mechanism (7). The cooking module (5) and the air intake channel (6) move up and down synchronously with the lower housing (2).

2. The integrated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one section of the air intake channel (6) is fixedly connected to the cooking module (5).

3. The integrated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (7) is located on the front side of the air intake channel (6) and above the cooking module (5).

4. The integrated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper housing (1) is equipped with a fan frame (3), and the fan frame (3) is equipped with an oil fume fan (4). An installation cavity (8) is formed between the top of the lower housing (2) and the bottom of the fan frame (3), which is isolated from the air inlet channel (6). The drive mechanism (7) is installed in the installation cavity (8).

5. The integrated range hood according to claim 4, characterized in that: An oil guide plate (9) is installed at the bottom of the fan frame (3), and a connecting plate (10) is installed at the front edge of the outlet of the air inlet channel (6). The oil guide plate (9) and the connecting plate (10) are connected by a folding plate (11). The folding plate (11) forms the rear side wall of the mounting cavity (8), and the oil guide plate (9) forms the top wall of the mounting cavity (8).

6. The integrated range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower housing (2) is fixed with a left side plate (12) and a right side plate (13) at the top. The back side plate (14) is fixed above the back plate of the lower housing (2). When the lower housing (2) is raised, the bottom of the fan frame (3) is located in the area enclosed by the left side plate (12), the right side plate (13) and the back side plate (14). When the lower housing (2) is lowered, the left side plate (12), the right side plate (13) and the back side plate (14) move to the bottom of the fan frame (3) and form a guide channel (15) with the unfolded folding plate (11). The air inlet channel (6) is in fluid communication with the air inlet of the fume extractor (4) through the guide channel (15).

7. The integrated range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: The left side upright plate (12), right side upright plate (13) and back side upright plate (14) move up and down relative to the fan frame (3) via the guide mechanism (16).

8. The integrated range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: The front and rear width of the air guide channel (15) is greater than the front and rear width of the air inlet channel (6).

9. The integrated range hood according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fume extractor (4) has a rear air inlet (41), the vertical projection of which falls within the flow channel (15).

10. The integrated range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that: The folding plate (11) includes an upper folding plate (111) and a lower folding plate (112). The upper folding plate (111) is arranged obliquely forward from top to bottom, and the lower folding plate (112) is arranged obliquely backward from top to bottom.

11. The integrated range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (7) is an electric push rod, and the drive output end of the electric push rod is vertically downward and fixed to the top of the cooking module (5).

12. The integrated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower housing (2) has a smoke inlet (21) that is in fluid communication with the air inlet channel (6).

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