Filter with collection container for liquids and / or impurities and extractor hood for extracting cooking fumes using such a filter

Abstract

Filter (3) for filtering cooking vapors that are drawn in by an extractor hood (1), wherein the filter (3) is removable in an extraction opening (20) of the extractor hood (1); the filter (3) comprising: - a filter element (5) extending along a thickness direction (SS) between a first side (50a) and a second side (50b) opposite the first side (50a); - a container (4) defining a storage chamber (40) designed to receive liquids and / or impurities that have accumulated on the filter (3) and equipped with an access opening (41) in fluid communication with the storage chamber (40), wherein this container (4) is arranged in a lower part (30b) of the filter (3) with the access opening (41) facing an upper part (30a) of the filter (3), wherein the container (4) is an integral part of the filter (3).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter which, according to the preamble of claim 1, can be used usefully in household kitchen appliances for extracting cooking vapors.

[0002] The present invention further relates to an extractor hood for extracting cooking vapors which uses this filter, according to the preamble of claim 11. State of the art

[0003] Among the various types of extractor hoods for extracting gaseous substances that have been developed over the years, there are the so-called vertically installed extractor hoods, i.e., extractor hoods where the extraction opening for gaseous substances is located on a front that extends transversely to a vertical axis, such as the axis that runs perpendicular to the hob.

[0004] With such vertically installed extractor hoods, an airflow is created after the extraction system is switched on - which usually has a high moisture content - that flows along the outer surface of the front.

[0005] Due to the temperature difference between the airflow and the outer surface of the front, condensation forms on this surface, comprising a mixture of water, oils (such as cooking residues from food) and any impurities on the filters located in the extraction opening.

[0006] This condensate, resulting from gravity and the inclination of the outer surface of the front, flows along the filters until it drips onto the hob where the food is prepared.

[0007] This dripping is not only unpleasant because it soils the hob, but also because, if it falls onto the boiling food, it contaminates it, with the obvious and imaginable consequences (taste, organoleptic properties, etc.).

[0008] To solve this problem, a tray (drip tray / container) was developed to collect condensate, which is attached along the bottom edge of the front of the extractor hood to catch the condensate drops before they drip onto the hob.

[0009] Although this solves the problem of dripping onto the hob, such a solution is not without disadvantages, as it requires regular cleaning and emptying of the drip tray, in addition to the usual maintenance work of the extractor hood (e.g. washing / changing the filters).

[0010] Therefore, manufacturers have a need to produce extractor hoods, especially those for vertical installation, that can eliminate or at least reduce the disadvantages described above. Purpose of the invention

[0011] In this context, the task of the technical expert behind this invention is to propose an extractor hood for extracting cooking vapors that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of the known technology.

[0012] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an extractor hood for the extraction of cooking vapors which prevents the problems described above due to the dripping of condensate, without requiring additional cleaning and maintenance work.

[0013] In other words, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an extractor hood that is convenient and practical to use and quick to maintain. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] According to the present invention, the stated technical problem and the stated purposes are achieved by a filter and an extractor hood for extracting cooking vapors according to one or more of the claims listed below.

[0015] In particular, the present invention proposes to integrate into the lower section of one or more filters of the extractor hood a container with a liquid storage chamber and an access opening directed towards its upper section.

[0016] It should be noted that this filter prevents the unpleasant dripping of condensate onto the hob, as during operation of the extractor hood the container catches and collects the condensate which is directed from the upper and lower parts of the filter due to gravity.

[0017] It should also be noted that during normal cleaning of the filter, the integrated container can be easily emptied and cleaned by simply turning the filter upside down and rinsing it with a jet of liquid.

[0018] Integrating the container into the lower section of the filter thus creates a synergy between the filter cleaning processes and those for emptying the condensate collection container, thereby solving the dripping problem described above without requiring additional cleaning and maintenance processes.

[0019] The extractor hood described herein, which contains such a filter, is not only convenient and practical to use, as it does not soil the cooktop below, but also quick to maintain, as no additional cleaning processes are required.

[0020] It should be noted that in the present invention, the container is an integral part of the filter. Therefore, when the filter is removed from the suction opening for regular cleaning, the container is removed together with the other filter components, so that it can be conveniently emptied during cleaning. LIST OF FIGURES

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the following non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a filter and an extractor hood for extracting cooking vapors, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: - Fig. Figure 1a shows a perspective view of an extractor hood according to the invention, - Fig. 1b a perspective view of the extractor hood made of Fig. 1a, which includes some hidden filter sections to better show some of the extractor hood's construction details, shows - Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a filter according to the invention, - Fig. 3 a front view of the filter from Fig. 2 shows, - Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of the filter along the in Fig. Section line AA is shown in section 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The present description relates to a filter 3 for filtering cooking vapors, which is to be used in an extractor hood 1 for extracting cooking vapors.

[0023] The extractor hood 1 is preferably installed vertically and can be used in living spaces, such as in the kitchen.

[0024] In connection with the present invention, a “vertically installed extractor hood” is understood to be an extractor hood which is designed to be attached to a wall or to the ceiling of the room in which it is located, so that it is arranged above a hob 100, wherein the air extraction opening (hereinafter referred to as “extraction opening”) is arranged parallel or inclined to a vertical direction VV, along which, for example, an axis perpendicular to the hob 100 extends.

[0025] It should be noted that the extractor hood 1 shown in this description can be of the extraction type, i.e. designed to remove cooking fumes from the living space via a special duct connected to a chimney, or of the filter type, i.e. designed to return the air to the living space after appropriate filtration.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b The extractor hood 1 described in this description comprises a main body 2 which is designed to be arranged at a predetermined distance along the vertical direction VV - for example equal to or greater than 55 cm - above the cooking surface 100, so that it is exposed to the cooking vapors emanating from the food prepared on the cooking surface 100.

[0027] The main body 2 defines an extraction opening 20 for the cooking vapors, which, when the main body 2 is arranged above the hob 100, faces it in order to capture the cooking vapors in their upward movement.

[0028] According to one aspect, the main body 2 further defines an extraction chamber 21 which is connected to the extraction opening 20 and includes an extraction arrangement 21 - such as a motor fan (not shown) - which, when actuated, is designed to create a negative pressure in the extraction chamber 21 and thus a suction effect for the cooking vapors through the extraction opening 20.

[0029] With reference to the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b It should be noted that the extraction opening 20 has an upper area 20a and a lower area 20b, which is located below the upper area 20a.

[0030] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the terms “below” and “above” are used in reference to the vertical direction VV, i.e., the direction in which gravity acts.

[0031] Preferably, the extraction opening 20 extends predominantly transversely to the vertical direction VV.

[0032] Even more preferably, the extraction opening 20 extends in a plane parallel or inclined to the vertical direction VV, i.e. it has an axis with a predetermined angle of inclination α - for example between 0° and 45° - to the vertical direction VV.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the main body 2 has a front face 22, which is preferably at least partially parallel or inclined to the vertical direction VV and in which the extraction opening 20 is formed.

[0034] According to one aspect, the extraction opening 20 is bounded by a circumferential edge P, which has an upper section Pa and a lower section Pb, spaced apart and preferably parallel along the vertical direction VV. Specifically, the upper section Pa bounds the upper region 20a at the top, while the lower section Pb bounds the lower region 20b at the bottom.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 1a It should be noted that the filter 3 in the extraction opening 20 of the extractor hood 1 can be mounted in a removable manner.

[0036] Filter 3 is designed to filter the air flowing through it in order to remove any fats and / or odors contained therein.

[0037] Such a filter 3 can be a grease filter, i.e. a filter designed to retain oils and similar fats from the cooking vapors, and / or an odor filter, i.e. a filter designed to at least partially eliminate the molecules responsible for the odors of cooking vapors.

[0038] In a first embodiment, the extractor hood 1 comprises a single filter 3 which is designed to completely fill the extraction opening 20, so that when it is mounted in it it is able to treat all of the extracted air.

[0039] In a second embodiment, the extractor hood 1 comprises several filters 3, each configured to occupy a section of the extraction opening 20. In this embodiment, when mounted in the extraction opening 20, all filters together occupy the entire extraction opening 20, thus treating all of the extracted air.

[0040] It should be noted that if the extractor hood 1 includes more than one extraction opening 20, each of these openings can be fully occupied by one or more filters 3 configured for installation in these openings.

[0041] For the sake of simplicity, reference is made below to a single filter 3; however, it is understood that if the extractor hood 1 is equipped with several filters, the following statements apply to each filter of the extractor hood 1.

[0042] With reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 The filter 3 comprises an upper part 30a and a lower part 30b, each designed to be located in the upper region 20a and the lower region 20b of the extraction opening 20 when the filter 3 is mounted therein.

[0043] It should therefore be noted that when the filter 3 is mounted in the extraction opening 20, the upper part 30a is positioned above the lower part 30b along the vertical direction VV. The use of the terms "top" and "bottom" in relation to the filter 3 thus refers to its orientation when mounted in the extraction opening 20.

[0044] Preferably, the upper part 30a and the lower part 30b of the filter 3 are designed such that they are each arranged near the upper section Pa and the lower section Pb of the circumferential edge P of the extraction opening 20 when the filter 3 is mounted in it.

[0045] In particular, the upper part 30a and the lower part 30b of the filter 3 are preferably designed such that they abut the upper section Pa and the lower section Pb of the circumferential edge P of the extraction opening 20 when the filter 3 is mounted in it.

[0046] Filter 3 includes a container 4 (tray / drip tray) to collect condensate droplets that form on it when extracting cooking vapors.

[0047] It should be noted that container 4 is an integral part of filter 3. Therefore, when filter 3 is removed from the suction opening 20 for routine cleaning, container 4 is removed along with the other components of filter 3 so that it can be emptied during this process.

[0048] The container 4 forms a storage chamber 40, which is designed to collect liquids and any impurities (e.g. fats and dusts) that have accumulated on the filter 3, and is provided with an access opening 41 which is in fluid communication with the storage chamber 40.

[0049] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the container 4 is arranged in the lower part 30b of the filter 3, with the access opening 31 oriented towards the upper part 30a.

[0050] It should be noted that this arrangement of the container 4 is particularly advantageous because it causes the condensate droplets that form on the filter 3 during the operation of the hood 1 to pass through the access opening 41 into the storage chamber 40 by gravity.

[0051] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the storage chamber 40 has an open top surface 42, which marks the access opening 41, below which the storage chamber 40 preferably extends.

[0052] In alternative embodiments, which are not shown in the accompanying figures, the storage chamber 40 can be arranged offset from the access opening 41 and connected to it via a special connecting line.

[0053] Preferably, the container 4 has a closed bottom 43 that limits the filter 3 at the bottom. For example, in one embodiment, the container 4 has a shell shape that extends between the closed bottom 43 and the open top 42 and forms the storage chamber 40 inside it.

[0054] With reference to the attached Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4. The filter 3 preferably comprises a filter element 5 configured to process an airflow passing through it and to remove at least some of the fats and / or odors contained therein. The filter element 5 may, for example, comprise a metal mesh configured to retain the fat component present in the cooking fumes, and / or an activated carbon plate configured to remove the molecules responsible for the odors of cooking fumes from the processed airflow.

[0055] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the filter element 5 extends along a thickness SS between a first side 50a and a second side 50b opposite it.

[0056] When the filter 3 is installed in the extraction opening 20, the airflow extracted by the extractor hood 1 flows along the thickness direction SS from the first to the second side 50a, 50b through the filter element. Therefore, when the filter 3 is installed in the extraction opening 20, the first side 50a faces the external environment of the extractor hood 1, while the second side 50a faces the interior of the main body 2.

[0057] Preferably, when the filter 3 is mounted in the extraction opening 20, the first side 50a faces the cooktop 100 along the vertical direction VV and the second side 50a faces the extraction chamber 21 of the main body 2.

[0058] According to a Fig. In the aspect shown in Figure 4, the access opening 41 of the container 4 has a first area 41a and a second area 41b, each facing the first side 50a and the second side 50b of the filter element 5. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first and second areas 41a, 41b of the access opening 41 are each functionally connected to the first and second surfaces 50a, 50b, from which they each receive condensate droplets during operation.

[0059] Preferably, the access opening 41 extends from opposite sides of the filter element 41 along the thickness direction SS and defines the first and second regions 41a, 41b. That is, preferably the first and second regions 41a, 41b of the access opening 40 are arranged on opposite parts of the filter element 5 along the thickness direction SS.

[0060] Even more preferably, the filter element 41 is partially arranged in the access opening 41 and divides it into the first and second area 41a, 41b.

[0061] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the container 4 has a front wall 4a and a rear wall 4b which define the access opening 41 from opposite sides along the thickness SS and, if the container 4 has a shell shape, are connected to the bottom 43 from opposite sides.

[0062] Preferably, the first area 41a of the access opening 41 extends from the front wall 4a to the first side 50a of the filter element 5, and the second area of ​​the filter element 42 extends from the rear wall 4b to the second side 50a of the filter element 5.

[0063] According to one aspect, the filter element 5 extends between the upper part 30a and the lower part 30b of the filter 3 along a vertical direction ZZ perpendicular to the thickness direction SS. In particular, the filter element 5 is preferably bounded at the bottom along the vertical direction ZZ by a lower edge 51, which is located within the storage chamber 40 of the container 4 or above the container 4 near the access opening 41.

[0064] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the access opening 41 of the container 4 is oriented transversely to the vertical direction ZZ. Particularly preferably, the access opening 41 has a direct axis parallel to the vertical direction ZZ.

[0065] Preferably, the filter element 5 has a planar shape extending in a plane with predominantly parallel dimensions, the axis of which runs parallel to the thickness direction SS. In detail, the filter element 5 preferably extends in the plane of its predominant extent along the height direction ZZ between the upper part 30a and the lower part 30b of the filter 3 and along a width direction YY, which runs transversely to the height direction ZZ, between opposite side parts 30c of the filter 3.

[0066] According to one aspect, the height direction ZZ, the latitude direction YY and the thickness direction SS determine the directions of the vectors of a Cartesian orthogonal triangle, i.e. they are aligned perpendicular to each other.

[0067] According to another aspect, when the filter 3 is mounted in the extraction opening 20, the height direction ZZ and, if applicable, also the thickness direction SS, have a component along the vertical direction VV, in contrast to the width direction YY. This means that when the filter 3 is mounted in the extraction opening 20, the width direction YY is preferably oriented orthogonally to the vertical direction VV.

[0068] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 The container 3 – and in particular its access opening 41 – preferably extends along the width direction YY over the entire extent of the filter 3, i.e., from one of the side parts 30c to the opposite one. This has the advantage that the container can collect all condensate droplets that form on the surface of the filter.

[0069] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the filter 5 comprises a frame 6 that at least partially surrounds the filter element 5 and is designed to rest against the main body 2 when the filter 3 is mounted in the extraction opening 20. Preferably, the frame 6 completely surrounds the filter element 5, thus forming a frame within which the filter element 5 is arranged.

[0070] The container 4 is preferably attached to the frame 6. This attachment can be achieved using either non-removable fasteners (e.g. rivets) or removable fasteners (e.g. screws).

[0071] Preferably, the container is not removable and is attached to the frame 6.

[0072] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the frame 6 comprises a lower profile 60 attached to the lower edge 51 of the filter element 5, which is preferably located in the storage chamber 40 of the container 4 or just above the access opening 41 along the vertical direction ZZ. Advantageously, the lower profile 60 utilizes the adhesion of liquids to solid bodies and directs the condensate droplets into the storage chamber 40 of the container 4 to minimize the risk of them escaping from the access opening 41.

[0073] The filter 3 can also include fastening means 7 designed to engage with the extractor hood 1 - in particular with the main body 2 of the extractor hood 1 - and to hold the filter 3 in the opening 20.

[0074] According to one aspect, the fastening means comprise 7 first fastening elements 7a, which project from the container 4 outside the storage chamber 40 - for example along the vertical direction ZZ - in order to be able to engage with the main body 2.

[0075] Preferably, the first fastening elements 7a protrude along the vertical direction ZZ below the bottom 43 of the container.

[0076] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first fastening elements 7a comprise a first pair of pins 70a.

[0077] According to another aspect, the fastening means comprise 7 second fastening elements 7b, which are arranged in the upper part 30b of the filter 3.

[0078] Preferably the first and second fastening elements 7a, 7b are arranged on opposite sections of the filter 3, in particular along the vertical direction ZZ.

[0079] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the frame 6 has an upper profile 60 which is mounted on an upper edge 52 of the filter element 5, and the second fastening elements 7b are designed to protrude from this upper profile 60 40 - for example along the vertical direction ZZ - in order to engage with the main body 2.

[0080] According to one aspect, the second fastening elements 7b are switchable between an extended position, in which they are designed to engage with the extractor hood 1 - in particular with the main body 2 of the extractor hood 1 - to hold the filter 3 mounted in the extraction opening 20, and a retracted position, in which they are designed to detach from the extractor hood 1 - in particular from the main body 2 of the extractor hood 1 - to allow the removal / insertion of the filter 3 from / into the extraction opening 20.

[0081] Preferably, the second fastening elements 7b protrude from the upper profile 60 in the extended position, while the second fastening elements 7b are arranged in the upper profile 60 in the retracted position.

[0082] Furthermore, the second fastening elements 7b preferably move along the vertical direction ZZ to switch between the extended and retracted positions.

[0083] The fastening means 7 can also include a movable switching element 71b which is kinematically connected to the second fastening elements 7b in order to switch them between the retracted and extended positions.

[0084] Such a switching element 71b is preferably arranged in the upper part 30a of the filter 3.

[0085] In the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the first fastening elements 7a comprise a second pair of pins 70b.

[0086] It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment to that shown in the accompanying figures, the fastening means may be arranged on the main body 2 and may be designed to engage with the filter 3 in order to hold it in the extraction opening 20.

[0087] Of course, a specialist can make numerous changes that correspond to the variants described above without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

[1] Filter (3) for filtering cooking vapors that are drawn in by an extractor hood (1), wherein the filter (3) is removable in an extraction opening (20) of the extractor hood (1); the filter (3) comprising: - a filter element (5) extending along a thickness direction (SS) between a first side (50a) and a second side (50b) opposite the first side (50a); - a container (4) defining a storage chamber (40) designed to receive liquids and / or impurities that have accumulated on the filter (3) and equipped with an access opening (41) in fluid communication with the storage chamber (40), wherein this container (4) is arranged in a lower part (30b) of the filter (3) with the access opening (41) facing an upper part (30a) of the filter (3), wherein the container (4) is an integral part of the filter (3). [2] Filter (3) according to claim 1, wherein: - the filter (5) includes a frame (6) that at least partially surrounds the filter element (5); - the container (4) is not removable and is attached to the frame (6). [3] Filter (3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the access opening (41) has a first area (41a) facing the first side (50a) and a second area (41b) facing the second side (50b). [4] Filter (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the filter element (5) extends between the upper part (30a) and the lower part (30b) of the filter (3) along a height direction (ZZ) that is perpendicular to the thickness direction (SS), wherein the filter element (5) is bounded at the bottom along the height direction (ZZ) by a lower edge (51); - the lower edge (51) of the filter element (5) is located inside the storage chamber (40) of the container (4) or outside the container (4) near the access opening (41). [5] Filter (3) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: - the access opening (41) is oriented perpendicular to the vertical direction (ZZ); and - the first area (41a) and the second area (41b) of the access opening (40) are arranged on opposite parts of the filter element (5) along the thickness direction (SS). [6] Filter (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage chamber (40) has an open top (42) which forms the access opening (41). [7] Filter (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (4) has a bottom (43) which limits the filter (3) at the bottom. [8] Filter (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter (3) comprises fastening means (7) which are designed to engage with the extractor hood (1) and to secure the filter (3) in the opening (20), wherein the fastening means (7) comprise first fastening elements (7a) which extend from the container (4) outside the storage chamber (40). [9] Filter (3) according to claim 8, wherein the fastening means (7) comprise second fastening elements (7b) arranged in the upper part (30a) of the filter (3). [10] Filter (3) according to claim 9, wherein the second fastening elements (7b) are switchable between: - an extended position in which they are designed to engage with the extractor hood (1) to hold the filter (3) in the extraction opening (20); - a retracted position in which they are designed to detach from the extractor hood (1) to allow the removal / insertion of the filter (3) from / into the extraction opening (20). [11] Extractor hood (1) for extracting cooking vapors, comprising: - a main body (2) defining an extraction opening (20) for cooking vapors and designed to be positioned above a cooktop (100) such that the extraction opening (20) is oriented towards the cooktop (100), wherein the extraction opening (20) has an upper area (20a) and a lower area (20b) which is positioned below the upper area (20a); - at least one removable filter (3) in the extraction opening (20) designed to filter fats and / or odors in the cooking vapors, wherein the filter (3) has an upper part (30a) and a lower part (30b) which are respectively arranged in the upper region (20a) and in the lower region (20b) of the extraction opening (20) when the filter (3) is mounted in the extraction opening (20); wherein the filter (3) is in accordance with any of the preceding claims.

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