CONDENSATE COLLECTING DEVICE USABLE IN A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE

Abstract

 Household appliance equipped with means for the suction and/or filtering of the fumes and vapors produced during the usual operations of food preparation and cooking; said household appliance includes at least one suction mouth (12) for the interception of cooking fumes, at least one plenum (13), suction means (100) and filtering means (30, 31)
characterized by the fact of
comprising at least one condensate collection device (2) capable of intercepting and collecting the condensate carried by said fumes and vapors and/or that forms on said filtering means (30, 31), said condensate collection device (2):
- comprising at least one absorbent means comprising absorbent sponges or the like;
- being positioned inside said plenum (13) along the path of said fumes.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a condensate collection device that can be used in any household appliance with means for aspirating and/or filtering the fumes and vapors produced during the usual operations of preparing and cooking food. Preferably, this invention refers to a condensate collection device that can be used in a cooking hob, in particular in an suction cooking hob with means for aspirating and/or filtering fumes and vapors.

[0002] As is known, there are cooking hobs with both heating means, suitable for allowing food to be cooked, and suction means, suitable for intercepting and extracting the fumes and vapors produced during cooking.

[0003] These suction cooking hobs have achieved good success, thanks to their limited overall size and the possibility of avoiding the installation of an suction cooking hood positioned above the hob.

[0004] Over time, they have been perfected and manufactured in different embodiments so as to be able to adapt to different installation needs.

[0005] However, these suction cooking hobs are not without problems and/or critical issues.

[0006] The main problem is related to the formation of condensate in the suction area. This problem has been partially solved by providing condensate collection containers, such as trays, that can receive and store condensate.

[0007] These containers must be checked periodically by the user and emptied by removing them from the hob.

[0008] This removal is not always easy and can cause, due to incorrect or accidental movements on the part of the user, spills of liquid from its suction means, on the hob or nearby.

[0009] Another problem is due to the noise of said hobs, which is mainly due to the suction means.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to obviate this kind of drawback by providing a condensate collection device that can simplify removal and emptying thereof.

[0011] A further purpose of this invention, at least for one or more executive embodiments, is to provide a condensate collection device that can be easily integrated and installed on a suction hob or similar household appliances with suction and/or filtering means.

[0012] This and other purposes, which will become clear hereinafter, are achieved with a condensate collection device and related devices in accordance with the provisions of claim 1.

[0013] Other purposes can also be achieved by means of the additional features of the dependent claims.

[0014] Additional features of this invention will be highlighted further by the following description of preferred realization, according to the patent claims and illustrated, purely by way of non-limiting example, in the annexed drawing tables, in which:

• Fig. 1 shows a sectional perspective view of the device according to this invention in accordance with a first possible executive embodiment installed on an suction cooking hob;
• Fig. 2 shows a second perspective sectional view of the device of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 3 shows a third perspective sectional view of the device of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 4 shows a fourth perspective sectional view of the device of Fig. 1;
• Fig. 5 shows a sectional perspective view of the device according to this invention in accordance with a second possible executive embodiment installed on a different type of suction hob;
• Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of the device of Fig. 5;
• Fig. 7 shows a sectional perspective view of the device according to this invention installed on a different type of suction hob;
• Fig. 8 shows a perspective sectional view of the device of Fig. 7;
• Figs. 9a and 9b respectively show a perspective view of the device according to this invention in accordance with a first possible executive embodiment;
• Figs. 10a and 10b respectively show a perspective view of the device according to this invention in accordance with a second possible executive embodiment;
• Fig. 11 shows a sectional view of the device of Fig. 5 with the protective grid of the hob suction mouth in its maximum lifting position;
• Fig. 12 shows a sectional view of the device of Fig. 5 with the protective grid of the hob suction mouth in its maximum lowering position;
• Fig. 13 shows a frontal sectional view of the device of Fig. 12.

[0015] The features of the condensate collection device and of the relative means according to this invention are now described, with references contained in the figures.

[0016] It is specified that although the aforementioned figures are schematic, they reproduce the elements of the invention according to proportions between their dimensions and spatial orientations, which are compatible with a possible executive form.

[0017] It is also specified that any dimensional and spatial term (such as "lower", "upper", "internal", "external", "frontal", "rear", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like) possibly used hereinafter refers, unless otherwise indicated, to the position according to which the object of the invention represented in the drawings is arranged in operating conditions.

[0018] The condensate collection device according to this invention can intercept and collect the humidity carried by the fumes that lightly touch the device and/or the condensation that forms on the filtering means, on the internal walls of the hood or its components, or the like during the suction of the fumes and vapors of cooking food.

[0019] In substance, said condensate collection device can absorb and retain the liquids that are formed inside the hood substantially following the cooling of the suctioned fumes and vapors.

[0020] The condensate collection device according to this invention aims to solve the problem of emptying the collected and accumulated condensate and at the same time, aims to reduce the noise of the suction means.

[0021] The condensate collection device according to this invention comprises at least one absorbent means, suitably shaped and made so that it can be installed on different types of household appliances, such as hoods, suction hoods, suction hobs or the like, and arranged according to the most various ways as long as compatible with the purposes.

[0022] Said at least one absorbent means is capable of absorbing and retaining at least the condensate, avoiding the use of the liquid collection trays currently used.

[0023] Furthermore, the absorbent means can reduce and attenuate the noise caused by the suction means, such as for example electric motors, or by the air flow and suctioned cooking fumes that strike and/or cause the walls of the appliance to vibrate and/or its intake ducts.

[0024] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said at least one absorbent means can comprise absorbent sponges or the like, advantageously made of a material, natural or artificial, fireproof, washable and with excellent hygroscopic properties.

[0025] Even more preferably, said absorbent means can be made in a single component or provide for the cooperation of several parts, i.e. it is possible to provide a single sponge or several sponges suitably arranged and cooperating with each other.

[0026] In general, said condensate collection device can be installed in any household appliance with means for aspirating and/or filtering the fumes and vapors produced during the usual operations of preparing and cooking food.

[0027] Said household appliance can be with means for suctioning and/or filtering fumes and vapors, and can comprise at least one suction mouth for the interception of cooking fumes, at least one plenum, suction means and filtering means.

[0028] In accordance with this invention, said household appliance is characterized in that it comprises at least one condensate collection device 2, where said condensate collection device 2 comprises at least one absorbent means, and can be positioned inside said plenum 13 along the path of said fumes.

[0029] In general, the "path of the fumes" is the path of the suctioned fumes and vapors between the suction mouth and at least the entrance to the exhaust duct thereof.

[0030] Without any limitative intent, the condensate collection device according to this invention is described below, applied to different types of cooking hobs, preferably suction hobs; there is nothing to prevent as illustrated herein from being applied, with appropriate precautions, also to different types of household appliances such as overhead hoods, downdrafts or the like.

[0031] Similarly, the hob can preferably be electric and/or induction, although nothing prevents the use of known and/or suitably designed and manufactured gas hobs. Reference will be made hereinafter to an aspirating cooking hob with the essential components for its operation, neglecting all components and accessories (lighting means, control means, filters or the like) that can be installed on an suction cooking hob and that do not constitute subject of this matter.

[0032] The numeral 1 indicates as a whole a suction cooking hob with condensate collection device 2 according to this invention.

[0033] Said suction cooking hob 1 can comprise a cooking hob 10, heating means 11, such as induction modules, resistances, burners or the like, to implement the cooking operations, at least one suction mouth 12 for the interception of the cooking fumes, and at least one plenum 13, substantially a box-like body positioned below said cooking hob 10, communicating with at least one exhaust duct 14.

[0034] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the box-like body that defines the plenum 13 is suitably constrained, by means of known fastening means and/or brackets, to the cooking hob 10 in correspondence with at least a portion of its upper wall 130, hereinafter also referred to as "lid 130" of the plenum.

[0035] In accordance with a first executive embodiment, represented by way of non-limiting example in figs. 1 to 4, said suction hob 1 provides for positioning the suction means 100 preferably inside said plenum 13, suitably fixed to said lid wall 130.

[0036] Of course, nothing prevents alternative positioning of said suction means 100, for example, at the bottom 131 of the plenum 13 and/or outside the box-like body of the plenum 13.

[0037] The cooking vapors and fumes, recalled by the suction means 100, enter the plenum 13 through the suction mouth 12, reach the suction section 110 and pass through said suction means 100 to then be sent to the exhaust duct 14 through the outlet section of the suction means 100 (possible scheme of the path of the fumes).

[0038] Advantageously, before reaching and passing through said suction means 100, said vapors and fumes pass through at least one filtering means.

[0039] In general, at least one filtering means is therefore provided, preferably of the anti-grease type; there is nothing to prevent the provision of two or more filtering means that may belong to the same type of filters (anti-grease, ceramic, carbon, etc.) or differ from each other.

[0040] For example, at least one first anti-grease filter 30, advantageously arranged in proximity to said suction mouth 12, and at least one second filter 31, preferably of the ceramic type, advantageously arranged downstream of said first filter 30, for example in proximity of the suction section 110 of said suction means 100. Said second filter 31 can be of the carbon, ceramic, long life (panel filter) or similar type.

[0041] This combination of filters 30 and 31 is particularly used in the case of a filtering hood or a filtering hob.

[0042] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said second ceramic filter 31 can be housed inside a frame or casing 301, preferably made of stainless steel or plastic materials or the like, having the upper wall 310 inclined so as to facilitate internal movement of the plenum 13 of the flow of fumes intercepted by the suction mouth 12 and make the suction and filtering more efficient.

[0043] Furthermore, said inclination of the upper wall 310 allows, in the event of accidental spillage of cooking liquids or the like inside the plenum 13, to guide and slide said liquids towards the condensate collection device 2.

[0044] In general, said condensate collection device 2 can be advantageously positioned inside the plenum 13 along the path of the fumes, e.g. downstream of the filters that capture more humidity from the fumes and therefore generate more condensation.

[0045] Preferably, the condensate collection device 2 can be positioned downstream of the first anti-grease filter 30, said first filter 30 capturing the main quantity of humidity.

[0046] In general, said condensate collection device 2 can be arranged and/or fixed along any wall of the plenum 13, which allows it to be positioned downstream of said first filter 30.

[0047] The condensate collection device 2 can preferably be arranged on the bottom 131 of the plenum 13.

[0048] In accordance with a possible realization embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, said condensate collection device 2 can be positioned between said first filter 30 and said second filter 31.

[0049] It should be noted that said condensate collection device 2 can be easily reached and removed by the user, preferably through the suction mouth 12, so as to be replaced, washed and/or emptied/squeezed.

[0050] The disassembly of said device 2 provides for the removal of the protective grid 120 of the suction mouth 12, of the first filter 30 and therefore of the condensate collection device 2.

[0051] Once the sponge of said device 2 has been reached, the user can proceed by removing it, substantially and advantageously without the aid of tools or equipment, by squeezing it and repositioning it.

[0052] The protection grid 120 is preferably provided with a plurality of openings or holes or slots or the like capable of allowing the suction and passage of cooking fumes and vapors.

[0053] For the maintenance and removal of the condensate collection device 2, possible inspection doors (not shown) obtained on the box-like body of the suction hob of the invention can also be provided.

[0054] Similarly, also said filters 30 and 31 can advantageously be removed and/or positioned in the plenum 13 without the aid of tools or equipment.

[0055] Preferably, in fact, the installation of said filters 30 and 31 and of said condensate collection device 2 to the plenum 13 can be carried out by placing them on said plenum 13 or, preferably, in suitable casings and/or grooves and/or supporting frames, not illustrated, made therein.

[0056] Furthermore, in accordance with a possible executive embodiment, it is possible to arrange the suction means 100 inclined with respect to the hob 1. Advantageously, the suction means 100 can be inclined by an angle α between 1÷10 degrees, preferably between 2÷5 degrees, where α is the angle between the cooking hob 10 and the installation wall of said suction means 100.

[0057] Said installation wall can comprise any wall of the plenum 13 capable of supporting and/or receiving the suction means 100; for example, it can consist of the lid wall 130 or the bottom 131.

[0058] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the angle α is comprised between the cooking hob 10 and the lid wall 130 of the box-like body that defines the plenum 13.

[0059] In general, this inclination can be obtained:

• by inclining the wall of the plenum 13 intended, according to the preferred executive form, for the installation of said suction means 100 (in the embodiment of Fig. 4, said installation wall being said cover wall 130);
• by providing supports or spacers capable of inclining said suction means 100 with respect to the walls of the plenum 13 (in this case, the aforementioned installation wall can be substantially parallel to the cooking hob 10).

[0060] The variation of the angle α, that is the inclination of the suction means 100, allows improving the suction power of the suction hob 1 and contributes to having a greater space between the plenum 13 and the heating means 11 of the cooking hob 10.

[0061] This inclination, in fact, allows the suction section 110 of the suction means 100 to be oriented towards the suction mouth 12, reducing the load losses that the flow of fumes undergoes along its path to the benefit of the suction power of the hob 1.

[0062] Furthermore, this expedient is particularly useful when using induction (or electric) hobs in order to improve the cooling of the induction (or electric) modules thanks to the greater space provided between the plenum 13 and the heating means 11.

[0063] Furthermore, it is possible to vary, in addition to the orientation by modifying the angle α, also the arrangement of the suction section 110 of the said suction means 100 in such a way as to improve the suction thereof.

[0064] In fact, the position of the suction section 110 influences the flow and path of the fumes and therefore, the suction power of the hob 1.

[0065] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said suction section 110 can be advantageously arranged facing downwards so as to widen the path of the fumes, to install more filters or more condensate collection devices 2, and at the same time keep reduced the losses of load.

[0066] The possible modification of both the inclination and the orientation of the said interception means 100 allows improving the interception and the uptake of the fumes, and thus increase the performance in terms of aspirated flow.

[0067] In accordance with a second possible executive embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example in figs. 5 and 6, said suction hob 1 provides for positioning the suction means 100 outside the said plenum 13, preferably near the base of the casing intended to house said suction hob 1.

[0068] In this case, the plenum 13 can be dedicated exclusively to the treatment of cooking fumes and vapors, improving for example the interception of the fumes, their filtering by providing different types and/or dispositions of the filters 30, 31; this advantageously facilitates the choice and installation, by number and size, of the condensate collection devices 2.

[0069] For example, the condensate collection device 2 can be made by means of at least two sponges arranged parallel to each other.

[0070] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 and 6, said condensate collection device 2 comprises two sponges, suitably arranged on the sides of a protective casing 5 of the movement mechanism of the protection grid 120, positioned on the bottom 131 of the plenum 13 downstream of the said first anti-grease filter 30.

[0071] In this embodiment, in fact, the suction cooking hob 1 provides for a downdraft type of suction and the protection grid 120 is susceptible, by means of suitable mechanisms, to rise and/or descend with respect to the cooking hob 10.

[0072] Figs. 11, 12 and 13 show how said protection grid 120 can be raised (Fig. 11) and/or lowered (Figs. 12 and 13) with respect to the plane of the suction mouth 12, said movement being able to be adjusted and controlled by the user by means of known control means.

[0073] Also in this case, the disassembly of said device 2 provides for the removal of the protection grid 120, so as to make accessible the inside of the plenum 13, and therefore the first filter 30 and the condensate collection device 2. Advantageously, it is possible to carry out this operation by bringing the movement mechanism of the protection grid 120 to its maximum lowering position, i.e. that of Fig. 13, to avoid that it can constitute a possible obstacle for the user when removing the condensate collection device 2.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 and 8, said sponge is made in a single piece and is arranged on the bottom 131 of the plenum 13 downstream of said first anti-grease filter 30.

[0075] It should be noted that the suction mouth 12, and consequently also the respective protection grid 120, can be made of different shapes and sizes, for example they can be rectangular or circular, as in the embodiments illustrated, but they can also be square, elliptical, polygonal or similar.

[0076] According to the shape of the suction mouth 12 and/or the plenum 13 or to the type of application, it is possible to provide different forms and shapes for said condensate collection device 2.

[0077] With reference to Figs. 9a and 9b, described by way of non-limiting example, is a possible embodiment of the said condensate collection device 2, made substantially rectangular.

[0078] In this case, the condensate collection device 2 is advantageously housed inside a container 4 that can be arranged and inserted inside the plenum 13 along the path of the fumes.

[0079] Said container 4 comprises a base 40 capable of accommodating said sponge 2 and at least one filtering means suitably arranged and/or constrained and comprising various types of filters, such as the first grease filters 30.

[0080] In accordance with a possible executive embodiment, said container 4 can comprise at least two grease filters 30 that can be connected to the base 40 in a rotatable and/or translatable manner to be able to:

• adapt to the internal dimensions of the plenum box 13; and/or
• vary their inclination with respect to the flow of intercepted and suctioned fumes; and/or
• facilitate the extraction and removal of the container 4.

[0081] Figs. 10a and 10b illustrate a further executive embodiment of said condensate collection device 2, made substantially circular.

[0082] In this case, the condensate collection device 2 is advantageously housed inside a container 5 of similar geometry, which can also be inserted inside the plenum 13. Advantageously, the container 5 can be provided with a gripping means 50, preferably made in the form of a central pin, capable of facilitating the removal of the container 5 from the plenum 13, for example for maintenance and/or cleaning operations.

[0083] For this purpose, the condensate collection device 2 can be provided with a through hole 20 suitable for ensuring the passage of said pin.

[0084] The condensate collection device according to this invention is therefore capable of capturing and retaining the condensate avoiding the use of the current liquid collection trays.

[0085] Compared to a traditional tray, the condensate collection device according to this invention is capable of retaining the condensate preventing it from spilling during the steps of removing the condensate.

[0086] In fact, the tray could be incorrectly handled by the user, with the risk of accidentally spilling liquid on the hob or in the surrounding areas.

[0087] By using the device according to this invention, on the other hand, the user interacts with a hygroscopic means, substantially a sponge, capable by its nature of retaining the captured liquid thus preventing the liquid from being inadvertently poured by the user during emptying.

[0088] The removal of the collected liquid and condensate is therefore possible only through voluntary actions of crushing and/or squeezing the absorbent means.

[0089] In accordance with as illustrated, said absorbent sponge can be placed directly inside the plenum, for example resting on the bottom of the plenum, or housed inside a container suitably positioned in said plenum; in both cases, the absorbent sponge retains the collected liquid, preventing it from being spilled during emptying.

[0090] Furthermore, as already mentioned, said sponge in addition to acting as a means of collecting condensate, thanks to its typical porous structure and to the known physical-mechanical properties, allows reducing the noise caused by the operation of the suction means 100, substantially acting as a sound absorbing means.

[0091] As illustrated, the condensate collection device according to this invention can be applied to different types of suction hobs.

[0092] Similarly, it can be applied to different types of household appliances, such as for example only the extraction hoods, preferably wall-mounted, island, downdraft, wall, suspended, ceiling, built-in or kitchen top hoods.

[0093] It is clear that numerous embodiments to the invention described above are possible for skilled experts, without thereby departing from the areas of innovation inherent in the inventive idea, as it is clear that in the practical implementation of the invention, the various components previously described may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. Household appliance equipped with means for the suction and/or filtering of the fumes and vapors produced during the usual operations of food preparation and cooking; said household appliance includes at least one suction mouth (12) for the interception of cooking fumes, at least one plenum (13), suction means (100) and filtering means (30, 31)
characterized by the fact of
comprising at least one condensate collection device (2) capable of intercepting and collecting the condensate carried by said fumes and vapors and/or that forms on said filtering means (30, 31), said condensate collection device (2):

- comprising at least one absorbent means capable of absorbing and retaining at least said condensate and comprising absorbent sponges;

- being positioned inside said plenum (13) along the path of said fumes.

2. Household appliance according to the preceding claim, in which said condensate collection device (2) is housed inside a container (4; 5) arranged and housed inside said plenum (13).

3. Household appliance according to the preceding claim, where said container (4) comprises a base (40) capable of accommodating said sponge, and at least one filtering means (30; 31).

4. Household appliance according to any preceding claim, where said household appliance is a suction cooking hob (1) comprising a cooking hob (10), heating means (11), at least one suction mouth (12) for the interception of cooking fumes, at least one plenum (13) positioned below said cooking hob (10).

5. Household appliance according to the preceding claim, where said suction cooking hob (1) provides for positioning the suction means (100) inside said plenum (13).

6. Household appliance according to the preceding claim 4 or 5, where said suction cooking hob (1) comprises at least a first filter (30) arranged in proximity of said suction mouth (12).

7. Household appliance according to the preceding claim, where said suction cooking hob (1) comprises at least a second filter (31) arranged downstream of said first filter (30) and in proximity to the suction section (110) of said suction means (100).

8. Household appliance according to the preceding claim, where said second filter (31) is housed inside a casing (301) having an inclined upper wall (310).

9. Household appliance according to any preceding claim from 6 onwards, in which said condensate collection device (2) is positioned downstream of said first filter (30).

10. Household appliance according to any preceding claim from 4 onwards, in which said suction means (100) are inclined with respect to said suction cooking hob (1) by an angle α comprised between 1÷10 degrees.

11. Condensate collection device (2) capable of intercepting and collecting the humidity carried by the fumes that lightly touch said collection device (2) and/or the condensation that forms on the filtering means (30, 31) during the suction of cooking fumes and vapors, said condensate collection device (2) comprising at least one absorbent means, shaped and made so that it can be installed on a household appliance according to the preceding claims 1 to 10, characterized by the fact that

- said at least one absorbent means comprises absorbent sponges;

- said household appliance is a hob (1) or an extractor hood.

Drawing