Fume extraction system for kitchens

Abstract

The invention relates to a fume extraction system for kitchens, comprising: a removable extractor hood comprising an extractor head that absorbs the cooking fumes, located at a height above the hob, and a support fixed on the top surface of the hob, the support housing a conduit that joins the extractor head to an extractor device; the extractor device, which is a compartment fixed below the hob in a unit under the kitchen and comprises a filtering body that receives the cooking fumes from the support and purifies the fumes into clean air; a motor attached to the filtering body that enables the cooking fumes to be absorbed by the extractor head; and at least one tube for the outlet of clean air, extending from the filtering body to the outside.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] KITCHEN FUME EXTRACTION SYSTEM

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a new type of kitchen fume extraction system, specifically of the type arranged under the countertop, and which has the particularity compared to known systems that the extractor hood is interchangeable and is placed on the countertop so that it does not fold down or retract, and that allows the recirculation of clean air previously filtered and coming from the cooking fumes.

[0005] The invention falls within the sector related to kitchen smoke extraction systems and devices.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] The existence of multiple types of kitchen fume extraction systems is widely known.

[0008] Systems based on a hood integrated into an upper cabinet are common; this is the conventional and most widely installed system. It typically includes a manual opening and closing mechanism and a door that matches the cabinet. This system is the most economical, although its power and performance are not as high as those of newer systems, and aesthetically it offers nothing more than taking up space in the upper cabinet.

[0009] The use of systems based on an extendable or telescopic hood is well known, which is also another common technology, and where the difference with the previous one is that for its opening it has a front that comes outwards that is usually made of stainless steel, and where it may include a front panel with controls.

[0010] Also well known is the use of systems based on an integration module, which is an evolution of the types of systems described above, where the hood is perfectly integrated into the cabinet and has the control panel at the bottom, as well as the lighting, but they have the problem that they require high-power motors.

[0011] Finally, there are the systems commonly referred to as decorative systems. These systems, in addition to their essential and primary function of smoke extraction, also have an aesthetic component, requiring specific structures and configurations distinct from those previously discussed. For example, this type of system includes island hoods suspended directly from the ceiling, wall-mounted hoods (either angled or straight), and decorative corner hoods. The present invention falls within this category, specifically under countertop extraction systems.

[0012] Specifically, these countertop extraction systems are the latest being developed in the industrial sector. They are based on installing the hood as close as possible to the cooktop, with the entire extraction unit located beneath the countertop. These new systems are known for offering lighter and more aesthetically pleasing solutions than any other currently available. However, they have two main drawbacks: they require space in the base cabinets of the kitchen, and their installation and structure are more complex than other existing systems.

[0013] Within the under-counter fume extraction systems, two types are known: those based on an extractor head located in a recess within the countertop, from which it is intended to extract the fumes or vapors from the cooking process. This is the most widespread and developed type, and an example of this is found in document EP4001775. The second type is based on an extractor head that folds down when not in use and is hidden behind the countertop unit. Once the range hood is turned on, the head extends to the outside to extract the fumes. This solution requires a folding mechanism that presents multiple problems in terms of maintenance, and an example of this type is found in document LIS2010012110.In contrast to these types of systems, the present invention is based on a hood system whose extractor head is attached to the countertop and does not fold down, allowing the system to function as if it were a conventional extractor hood. The present invention overcomes the limitations that have not been efficiently resolved to date in under-counter fume extraction systems, as it optimizes and reduces the space required in the under-counter cabinet; allows for the interchange and adjustment of any type of extractor head to the required aesthetic shape, since the head is an independent component of the extractor assembly; and improves maintenance or repair in case of a breakdown, since it does not require folding mechanisms and the head can be interchanged without affecting the other components of the system.Additionally, it is a structurally simple system that allows clean air, previously filtered and coming from cooking fumes, to be recirculated to the kitchen.

[0014] Taking these aspects into account, the applicant is unaware of any kitchen fume extraction system, of the countertop type, that is either similar or as advantageous as the one described and claimed below.

[0015] Explanation of the invention

[0016] The invention is a new type of kitchen fume extraction system that, in its different embodiments, solves the problems and limitations present in the state of the art previously raised.

[0017] The kitchen fume extraction system of the present invention comprises: an extractor hood arranged on the countertop, comprising an extractor head with an open surface that absorbs cooking fumes, located at a certain height above the countertop, and a support fixed to the upper surface of the countertop where the extractor head is attached, and housing a duct connecting the extractor head to an extractor device, which is a closed compartment fixed under the countertop and housed in the kitchen cabinet below the countertop, comprising a filter body that receives cooking fumes through the duct of the extractor hood support, and which may comprise a first grease retention filter and a second smoke and odor retention filter, and which has the function of purifying the cooking fumes into clean air;a motor attached to the filter body that allows the absorption of cooking fumes by the extractor head; and at least one clean air outlet tube that starts from the filter body and can exit through the bottom of the baseboard of the base cabinet and / or through the top, passing through the countertop.

[0018] This configuration allows for an extraction system whose extractor head is attached to the countertop and does not fold down. The operation of the extractor device and the entire system is simple and similar to that of a conventional extractor, but overcomes the drawbacks and limitations that these have.

[0019] In this regard, as previously mentioned, the fumes and vapors from cooking on a hob are absorbed by the system through its extractor head, located at a certain height above the hob, and through a duct that carries them to a filter chamber where the air is purified. Once purified, the air exits either at the baseboard level or (optional) through a small hole in the hob. Unlike any other known prior art system related to countertop extractors, the present invention has an extractor head that is removable and replaceable without having to change the entire extractor unit. This is achieved because the hood and its head are independent of the rest of the extractor unit located in the base cabinet.

[0020] As previously mentioned, the filter body may comprise a first grease retention filter, which is a conventional grease filter, and a second smoke and odor retention filter, which can be plasma, ceramic or carbon, with plasma being the most effective.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that it consists of a system that can be adapted to the size of the cooktop. It is well known that for optimal performance, the extractor head needs to be at least the same size as the cooktop. However, since cooktops come in different sizes, changing the cooktop head would require changing the entire extractor unit. As previously mentioned, with the present invention, this change is unnecessary; simply purchase a new extractor head that fits the cooktop.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention offers aesthetic advantages, since it allows for the changing of the hood and decoration within the kitchen, making it possible to adapt it to new trends or aesthetic needs.

[0023] Taking these aspects into account, the present invention allows overcoming the limitations known in the systems known in the state of the art.

[0024] It should be noted that, throughout the description and claims, the term includes and its meanings are not intended to exclude other technical features or additional elements, such as, for example, the material or dimensions of the different elements of the system.

[0025] Brief description of the figures

[0026] In order to complete the description and to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of figures and drawings is presented which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, represent the following:

[0027] Figure 1: Shows a schematic view of one embodiment of the system, which has the particularity of comprising a clean outlet tube through the lower part of the cabinet towards the outside.

[0028] Figures 2 and 3: Show perspective views of the realization of the previous figure, where the countertop is not shown.

[0029] Figure 4: Shows a schematic view of one embodiment of the system, which has the particularity of comprising a clean outlet tube through the lower part of the baseboard of the lower cabinet and towards the kitchen.

[0030] Figures 5 and 6: Show perspective views of the realization of the previous figure, where the countertop is not shown.

[0031] Figure 7: Shows a schematic view of one embodiment of the system, which has the particularity of comprising two outlet tubes through the top of the cabinet passing through the countertop.

[0032] Figures 8 and 9: Show perspective views of the realization of the previous figure, where the countertop is not shown.

[0033] Figure 10: Shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, which has the particularity of having a hood with a shape different from that of any of the previous figures, and where the countertop is not shown.

[0034] Detailed explanation of some ways of carrying out the invention

[0035] As can be seen in the set of figures above, the invention consists of a kitchen fume extraction system, comprising a configuration different from any other known system arranged on a countertop, and which has the particularity of being constituted by: an extractor hood (1), which is removable and interchangeable, which is arranged on the countertop, comprising an extractor head (2) with an open surface (3) that absorbs the cooking fumes located at a height above the countertop plate (E), and a support (4) that is fixed on the upper surface of the countertop and where the extractor head (2) is fixed, and which houses a duct that connects the extractor head with an extractor device (5), an extractor device (5), which is a compartment with the top part open and in communication with the support of the hood, a compartment that is fixed under the countertop (E),and is housed in the base cabinet of the kitchen that contains the cooktop, a device comprising a filter body (6) that receives cooking fumes from the duct of the extractor hood support (4) and purifies the cooking fumes into clean air; a motor (7) attached to the filter body that allows the extraction of cooking fumes by the extractor head (2); and at least one exhaust pipe (8) for the clean air that runs from the filter body to the outside. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the filter body (6) comprises a first grease filter and a second plasma odor retention filter.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, see Figs. 1 to 3, there is an outlet tube (8) through the bottom of the furniture to the outside.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, see Fig. 4 to 6, there is an outlet tube (8) through the lower part of the baseboard of the low cabinet.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, see Fig. 7 to 9, there are two outlet tubes (8) through the top of the cabinet passing through the countertop.

[0039] As can be seen, the present invention has the advantage that a user, depending on the kitchen's aesthetics, maintenance requirements, or technical specifications such as the dimensions of the cooktop, can replace the extractor hood (1) with another without having to change the entire extractor unit (5). Figure 10 shows an extractor hood (1) that is aesthetically different from any of the previous figures. Furthermore, the invention allows for a reduction in the space required in the kitchen base cabinet and eliminates the need for complex mechanisms for raising or lowering the extractor head. Additionally, it allows for the recirculation of cooking fumes into clean, pre-filtered air.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Kitchen fume extraction system, characterized in that it comprises: a removable extractor hood (1) arranged on the countertop, comprising an extractor head (2) with an open surface (3) that absorbs cooking fumes, located at a height above the countertop plate (E), and a support (4) that is fixed on the upper surface of the countertop and where the extractor head (2) is fixed, and which houses a duct that connects the extractor head with an extractor device (5), an extractor device (5), which is a compartment with an open top and in communication with the support of the hood, a compartment that is fixed under the countertop (E), and is housed in the kitchen base cabinet that has the plate, a device that comprises a filter body (6) that receives the cooking fumes from the duct of the support (4) of the extractor hood, and purifies the cooking fumes into clean air;a motor (7) attached to the filter body that allows the absorption of cooking smoke by the extractor head (2); and at least one clean air outlet pipe (8) that runs from the filter body to the outside.; 2. Kitchen fume extraction system, according to claim 1, wherein the filter body (6) comprises a first grease filter and a second odor retention filter 3.- Kitchen fume extraction system, according to claim 2, wherein the odor retention filter is plasma, ceramic or carbon. 4.- Kitchen fume extraction system, according to claim 1, wherein there is at least one outlet tube (8) through the lower part of the baseboard of the lower cabinet. 5.- Kitchen fume extraction system, according to claim 1, wherein there is at least one outlet tube (8) through the top of the cabinet passing through the countertop.

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