Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to ventilation systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a kitchen chimney assembly for the exhaust of kitchen gases.

Background
Cooking or other works in a kitchen generally generate heat, smoke, gases, grease, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as kitchen gases) that are suspended in the air. Kitchens usually need an air treatment or ventilation system to do away with kitchen gases generated and distributed in the air during cooking. Installation of a kitchen chimney, also called a kitchen hood, is known in the art for ventilation of the kitchen gases during cooking. Kitchen chimneys are generally installed over the burners for collecting the kitchen gases and either treating the kitchen gases for recirculation in the kitchen or alternatively collecting the kitchen gases and venting them outside the kitchen in the environment.
The kitchen chimneys generally have an opening that faces the kitchen burners. The openings are provided with filters that filter the kitchen gases for removal or reduction in suspended particles in the kitchen gases. The openings of the kitchen chimneys are generally larger compared to the gas burners. Often the opening of the kitchen chimney is very wide and spans over the whole stove area. Kitchen chimneys are typically equipped with an air pump that has the suitable capacity to generate sufficient suction pressure at the opening. When the air pump runs, the air and kitchen gases are sucked into the opening of the kitchen chimney for further treatment or exhaust of the kitchen gases.
Patent document CN104101015A discloses a hood with elongated plates at an opening of the hood. The elongated plates can be oriented in the direction of soot generation. In such arrangements, the suction pressure at different positions in the hood opening cannot be increased as required. Moreover, in such arrangements, the oil and other soot particles may enter the hood and stick to and spoil the internal components of the hood. A separate filter may be required to separate the suspended soot particles from the air being sucked in to prevent the spoiling of the internal components of the hood or the chimney.
Modern hobs may have multiple burners located at different positions. Often a few of the burners are used more frequently than others. Hoods for such hobs often span over the entire width and breadth of the hob. Even when one of the multiple burners is in use, all the hood openings are used for the suction of the gases and soot particles, leading to the spoiling of the hood and frequent cleaning and maintenance requirements.
The present disclosure addresses one or more problems discussed above and other problems associated with the art.
Summary
A kitchen chimney assembly is disclosed. The assembly has a canopy configured for positioning over a cooking device, an air pump for suction of kitchen gases, at least two openings in the canopy for suction of kitchen gases and a set of louvre corresponding to each opening. The set of louvres are configured to selectively move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, kitchen gases pass through the opening and in the closed position, kitchen gases do not pass through the opening. The assembly includes an actuation mechanism for the movement of the set of louvres between the open position and the closed position. Each of the sets of louvres is configured to move independently of the other set of louvres.
In an embodiment, the set of louvres may be in the form of multiple elongated plates.
In an embodiment, the set of louvres may be in the form of circular plates.
In an aspect, the set of louvres filters the kitchen gases for the separation of oil and soot particles.
In an embodiment, the elongated plates have an S-shaped cross-section.
In an embodiment, the cross-section includes a middle section, an upper curved section extending from one end of the middle section, and a lower curved section extending from the other end of the middle section. The upper curved section may at least partially overlap the lower curved section when seen in a direction orthogonal to the plane of extension of the set of louvres.
In an aspect, the elongated plates may have a long edge extending along the longitudinal length of the elongated plates. A long edge of one elongated plate may contact a long edge of an adjacent elongated plate to close at least one opening.
In an embodiment, the set of louvres may be movable to an intermediate position that lies between a fully open position and the closed position.
In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism may be manual.
In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism may be automatic.
In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism may be linked with a cooking device for automatic actuation of the set of louvres based on the operation of the cooking device.
Brief Description of Drawings
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figure(s). The figure(s), together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present disclosure wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a kitchen chimney assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a kitchen chimney assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 3 illustrates a set of louvres with an actuation mechanism of the kitchen chimney in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 illustrates louvres in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates the louvres of FIG. 4 in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a system for the actuation of a set of louvres in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates a kitchen chimney assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates a kitchen chimney assembly positioned over a cooking device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals have been used to indicate similar parts or components.
Description
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a kitchen chimney assembly, hereinafter referred to as assembly (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the assembly (10) has a housing (12), at least one opening (14) and a louvre assembly (16). The housing (12) has a canopy (18) and a riser (20). The canopy (18) is configured for positioning over a cooking device (21), such as a hob or a gas stove with burners. The canopy (18) is a portion of the housing (12) that hangs over the cooking device (21). The canopy (18), at its bottom defines the openings (14) for the collection of the smoke, grease, and other suspended substances (collectively referred to as kitchen gases) in the air that are generally generated during cooking. The riser (20) is a portion of the housing (12) that generally has or covers a conduit that allows passage of the kitchen gases received from the opening. The assembly (10) may further have an air pump (not shown) for the creation of suction pressure at the opening. The assembly (10) may have other components as known, which are not shown in the drawings for simplicity.
The louvre assembly (16) is positioned to cover the openings (14). The louvre assembly (16) may have one set of louvre assembly (16) for each opening. In the embodiment as shown, the louvre assembly (16) has a first set of louvres (22), a second set of louvres (24), and a third set of louvres (26). The louvre assembly (16) is arranged such that any air or kitchen gases passing through the openings (14) also passes across the sets of louvres.
FIG. 3 illustrates a set of louvres that may be any of the three sets of louvres. As shown in FIG. 3, the set of louvres has a plurality of louvres (28), a louvre link (30) and an actuation mechanism. Each of the louvres is provided with a lug (32) at the distal ends of the length of the louvre. The lug is configured to be received in the canopy (18) of the housing (12). When the louvre is assembled with the canopy (18), the louvre may rotate about an axis that passes through the lugs of the louvre.
As shown in FIG. 3, the actuation mechanism includes the louvre link (30) and a knob (32). The louvre link (30) is an elongated member that is oriented transversely to the louvres and connects all the louvres in a particular set of louvres with each other. The louvre link (30) is connected to a distal end of the width of the louvre. The louvre link (30) is attached to the louvres such that a movement of the louvre link (30) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal length of the louvres results in rotation of the louvres about the lugs. Since the louvre link (30) is attached to all the louvres of a particular set of louvres, the movement of one louvre leads to a corresponding synchronous movement in all other louvres of the set.
In the embodiment as shown, the actuation mechanism for movement of the louvres is manual. As shown in FIG. 3, the knob (32) is provided in one of the louvres for manual movement of the louvres by a user. The knob (32) may be provided in form of a member attached to the louvre. The knob (32) may extend from the louvre in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal length of the louvre. A user may hold and move the knob (32) to move the louvres. The knob (32) may either be a separate component attached to the louvre or may be made integrally with the louvre.
The louvres may be in the form of multiple elongated plates having a length much larger than the width. In the embodiment as shown, in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the louvres are substantially planar elongated plates with a linear cross-section. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate louvres in the form of elongated plates with a curved cross-section, hereinafter referred to as curved louvres (34) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each of the louvres (34) of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 has an S-Shaped cross-section. The S-shaped cross-section includes an upper curved section (36), a lower curved section (38) and a mid-section (40). The upper curved section (36) and the lower curved section (38) are integrally attached to the distal ends of the mid-section (40). The upper curved section (36) ends in an upper edge the lower curved section (38) terminates at a lower edge.
By rotating the louvres, the louvres can be moved between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, there is a gap between two adjacent louvres so that air, along with kitchen gases may pass across the set of louvres. In the closed position, the louvres are oriented such that the long edges of the adjacent louvres touch and overlap each other eliminating any gap between two adjacent louvres, in order to substantially restrict or completely stop the passage of air or kitchen gases across the set of louvres.
As shown in FIG. 4, the upper curved section (36) of one curved louvre (34) at least partially overlaps the lower curved section (38) of an adjacent curved louvre (34), when seen in a direction orthogonal to the plane in which the set of louvres extends. When in the open position, there is a gap between the two adjacent louvres that form a path of flow of air and kitchen gases when the assembly (10) is in use. When in the closed position, the upper edge or the lower edge of a first curved louvre (34) contacts a longitudinal length of a second curved louvre (34) adjacent to the first curved louvre (34), such that there is no gap for passage of air between the first louvre and the second louvre.
The louvres of the set of louvres may be rotated about a longitudinal axis such that the upper edge or the lower edge of the first louvre moves away from the second louvre. This movement of the louvre creates a gap between the first louvre and the second louvre such that air can pass in a curved path between two adjacent louvres.
The curved louvres (34) may function as a baffle filter. When air with kitchen gases passes through the curved flow path defined between two adjacent curved louvres (34), the oil, grease, smoke, and other suspended particles in the air may deposit on the louvres, which may be cleaned later. Accordingly, the set of curved louvres (34) may filter the air for the separation of the suspended oil or soot particles. Further, since the curved louvres (34) slightly overlap each other along the vertical axis, the inner components of the assembly (10) may be kept away from a view of a user, improving the overall aesthetic experience of a user with the kitchen chimney assembly (10).
In the embodiment as shown, there are three sets of louvres in the louvre assembly (16). Each of the three sets of louvres may move independently of one another. Thus, the movement of the first set of louvres (22) may not affect the movement of the second or the third set of louvres (24, 26), and vice versa.
A cooking device (21) may include cooking spots. The cooking spot may be a spot where an item to be cooked or heated is placed for cooking. The phrase “cooking spot” may correspond to a single spot on the cooking device (21), or to a set of spots from the overall number of cooking spots on the cooking device (21) that are arranged spatially together in a manner that sets them apart from the rest of the cooking spots on the cooking device (21).
In a cooking device (21), there may be two or more cooking spots. The number of sets of louvres and their spatial arrangement may be configured according to the number or positioning of the cooking spots on the cooking device (21). The assembly (10) as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is suitable for a cooking device (21) with three cooking spots, each corresponding to the first set of louvres (22), the second set of louvres (24) and the third set of louvres (26), respectively. In another embodiment, there may be a lesser or more number of sets of louvres as suitable.
It is often an instance that only one or two cooking spots are in use in a cooking device (21). For example, the generation of kitchen gases under the first set of louvres (22) may be higher as compared to the other two sets of louvres. As shown in FIG. 1, given the rate of flow or suction of air generated by the pump is constant, for improving suction pressure at the first set of louvres, the user may put the second set of louvres (24) and the third set of louvres (26) in the closed position. By closing the second set (24) and the third set of louvres (26), the suction pressure at the first set of louvres (22) is automatically increased.
Similarly, in another instance, the cooking spot under the second set of louvres (24) may be in use or higher use as compared to the cooking spots under the first set of louvres (22) and the third set of louvres (26). As shown in FIG. 2, the second set of louvres (24) may be kept in the open position, and the first and the third set (22, 26) may be put in the closed position. Accordingly, suction pressure can selectively be regulated at different sets of louvres.
In the embodiment as shown, the actuation mechanism is manual. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment as shown. In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism may include movement of the louvres (28) using a button that actuates electric motors or solenoids for movement of the louvres (28). In an embodiment, instead of user-actuated buttons, automatic actuation may be deployed by the use of sensor inputs. For example, in an embodiment, the assembly (10) may include smoke sensors, temperature sensors, or infrared sensors. Based on the detection of smoke or a difference in temperature by a sensor over a cooking spot, the set of louvres (28) may be automatically actuated between the closed position and the open position. Yet, in an embodiment, the actuation mechanism may be coupled with a hob that may be placed underneath the kitchen chimney assembly (10). The hob may include detection means to detect which cooking spot is in use. The movement of the set of louvres (28) between the open position and the closed position may be done based on input from such detection means. Suitable sensors, processors, controllers, circuitry, etc., may be used for a button-based or automatic actuation of the set of louvres (28).
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a system (42) for the actuation of the set of louvres (28) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the system (42) may include an actuating means (44) coupled to each set of louvres (28). The actuating means (44) may be an electric motor, a solenoid, or a hydraulic actuator, as appropriate. The actuating means (44) may be coupled with the louvre link (30) to actuate the louvre link (30) for movement of the louvres (28) of the set of louvres (28).
The system (42) may include at least one sensor (46). The sensor (46) may be a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, a heat sensor, a movement sensor, a position sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, etc. The sensor (46) may detect a parameter and generate a signal. Further, the system (42) may include a controller (48) coupled to the actuating means (44) and the sensor (46). The controller (48) may be configured to receive the signal from the sensor (46) and actuate the actuating means (44) based on the signal.
The system (42) may further include a memory (50). The memory (50) may be programmable memory and/or a memory configured for storage. The controller (48) may be configured for storing a set of instructions for input-based or automatic operation of the system (42). In an embodiment, the memory (50) may be configured to store the historical parameters or operation details of the system (42).
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate a kitchen chimney assembly (10) in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the assembly (10) may have a housing (12), an opening (14) and a louvre assembly (16). The housing has a canopy (18) and a riser (20). The canopy (18) is configured for positioning over a cooking device (21), such as a hob or a gas stove with burners.
The louvre assembly (16) may include a bottom plate (52) and set of louvres (28). The bottom of the canopy (18) may be covered by the bottom plate (52). The bottom plate (52) may define at least two openings (14). In the embodiment as shown, four openings (14) are shown for receiving kitchen gases. A set of louvres (28) may be provided for each opening (14). The openings (14) shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are circular in shape. The set of louvres (28) in this embodiment is shown in the form of circular cover plates (28) that are configured for closing the openings (14) when the cover plates (28) abut the bottom plate (52). Each of the openings (14) may be selectively covered by a cover plate (28). In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, four openings (14) are provided, and four cover plates (28) are provided to cover each of the openings (14). The cover plates (28) may be configured to move relative to the bottom plate (52) to selectively close and open the openings (14). A suitable actuation mechanism may be provided for the movement of the cover plates (28) relative to the bottom plate (52). In an embodiment, the cover plate (28) may be coupled with a set of gears and an electric motor, preferably a stepper motor. The set of gears may be arranged to move the cover plate (28) relative to the bottom plate (52) to selectively open and close the openings (14). In an embodiment, the cover plate (28) may be attached to the rest of the assembly (10) using a telescopic arm. The telescopic arm may be expanded and contracted using a suitable electric or electronic actuation mechanism. Yet in an embodiment, the mechanism may include an electromagnetic actuation system (42).
The cover plates (28) may be configured to move between an open position, a closed position and any intermediate position. In the intermediate position, the set of louvres may be between the fully open position and the closed position. When in the open position, the cover plate (28) may allow kitchen gases to pass through the opening. When the cover plates (28) are in a closed position, the kitchen gases may not pass through the openings (14). The cover plates (28) may be configured to move in steps or gradually to regulate the flow of kitchen gases. In FIG. 7, all four cover plates (28) are shown in the open position. In FIG. 8, one of the cover plates (28), i.e. the front left cover plate (28) is shown in the open position, and the rest of the cover plates (28) are shown in the closed position.
The cover plates (28) and the bottom plate (52) may together form a baffle filter. The edges of the bottom plate (52) that define the openings (14), and the edges of the cover plate (28) may be of a curved cross-section. The edges may overlap each other to define a curved flow path of the kitchen gases. The oil and soot particles in the kitchen gases may deposit on the cover plate (28) or the bottom plate edges, which may be cleaned.
The air pump of the assembly (10) may be of a constant or a variable speed. The operation of the air pump may be linked to the movement of the louvres or the cover plates (28). For example, the suction pressure created by the air pump may be regulated based on the number of set of louvres (28) in the open position. In an embodiment, wherein the air pump is of a constant speed, the suction velocity at a different set of louvres (28) during the operation of the hood may vary depending on the number of cover plates in the open position. The pressure is inversely proportional to the area. For a given suction pressure generated by the air pump, when all the openings of the hood are in open condition, the suction pressure at the hood openings decreases. The embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, has four hood openings that are selectively covered by respective cover plates. The table below illustrates the distribution of suction velocity at the cover plates based on the number of covers plates (28) in open or closed conditions for an assembly (10) as shown in FIG. 7-8 having an air pump of constant suction speed.
S. NO. Cover Plate
(Marked in FIG. 7) A B C D
1. Opening Status Open Open Open Open
Suction velocity (m/s) 3.4 4.4 4.4 3.4
2. Opening Status Open Open Open Closed
Suction velocity (m/s) 4.2 5.3 5.3 0
3. Opening Status Open Open Closed Closed
Suction velocity (m/s) 6 7.8 0 0
4. Opening Status Open Closed Closed Closed
Suction velocity (m/s) 8.9 0 0 0

As shown in the table above, the suction velocity at a cover plate (28) may vary based on the open or closed condition of the cover plates (28). As shown in row no. 1 in the table above, when all the cover plates (28) are in open condition, the suction velocity at the cover plates A, B, C and D are distributed as shown in the table above. Whereas, as shown in row no. 2 in the table above, when one of the cover plate D is closed, the suction velocity at the rest of the open cover plates A, B and C increases. Similarly, as shown in row no. 4 in the table above, when three cover plates B, C and D are in the closed condition, the suction velocity at the one open cover plate A increases substantially to 8.9 m/s. Accordingly, the suction pressure at different cover plates can be increased as required by regulating the open and close conditions of the cover plates (28).
It may be noted in the table above that, when all the cover plates A, B, C and D are in open condition, the suction velocity is not evenly distributed at the four cover plates. The suction velocity at cover plates B and C are slightly higher as compared to the suction velocity at cover plates A and D. The air pump is generally located inside the riser, and the riser is generally positioned towards the rear side of the canopy. Therefore, the suction velocity is slightly higher at the cover plates located on the rear side.
The kitchen chimney assembly (10), as disclosed herein provides for a more efficient and effective removal or exhaust of kitchen gases. The actuation mechanism of the kitchen chimney assembly (10) enables for management of suction pressure at different spots of the hood opening. A user may manually or through automatic means regulate and manage suction pressure at different locations as appropriate. The automatic actuation may be based on input from one or more sensors (46). Further, in the kitchen chimney assembly (10), as disclosed herein, the moveable cover plates also function as baffle oil filters, thereby eliminating the need for separate baffle filters in the kitchen chimney assembly (10).
There may be other possible arrangements and configurations which may be achieved based on knowledge about the relevant state of the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and all such other configurations and combinations with or without any insubstantial modifications are construed within the scope of the present disclosure.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Kitchen Chimney Assembly (10)
Housing (12)
Opening (14)
Louvre Assembly (16)
Canopy (18)
Riser (20)
Cooking device (21)
First Set of Louvres (22)
Second Set of Louvres (24)
Third Set of Louvres (26)
Louvres, cover plates (28)
Louvre Link (30)
Knob (32)
Curved Louvres (34)
Upper Curved Section (36)
Lower Curved Section (38)
Mid-Section (40)
System (42)
Actuating means (44)
Sensor (46)
Controller (48)
Memory (50)
Bottom plate (52)

We claim:

1. A kitchen chimney assembly (10) comprising:
a canopy (18) configured for positioning over a cooking device (21);
an air pump for suction of kitchen gases;
at least two openings (14) in the canopy (18) for suction of kitchen gases;
a set of louvres (28) corresponding to each opening, the set of louvre (28) configured to selectively move between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position kitchen gases pass through the opening (14) and in the closed position kitchen gases do not pass through the opening; and
an actuation mechanism (44) for movement of the set of louvres (28) between the open position and the closed position;
wherein each of the sets of louvres (28) is configured to move independently of the other set of louvres (28).

2. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of louvres (28) are in form of multiple elongated plates.

3. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of louvres (28) are in form of circular plates.

4. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the set of louvres (28) filter the kitchen gases for separation of oil and soot particles from the kitchen gases.

5. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the elongated plates have an S-shaped cross-section.

6. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cross-section comprises:
a mid-section (40);
an upper curved section (36) extending from one end of the mid-section (40);
a lower curved section (38) extending from the other end of the mid-section (40);
wherein the upper curved section (36) at least partially overlaps the lower curved section (38) when seen in a direction orthogonal to the plane of extension of the set of louvres (28).

7. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the elongated plates have a long edge extending along the longitudinal length of the elongated plates, a long edge of one elongated plate contacts a long edge of an adjacent elongated plate to close the at least one opening.

8. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the set of louvres (28) is movable to an intermediate position that lies between a fully open position and the closed position.

9. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism is manual.

10. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism is automatic based on inputs from one or more sensors (46).

11. The kitchen chimney assembly (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the actuation mechanism is linked with a cooking device (21) for automatic actuation of the set of louvres based on an operation of the cooking device (21).