JP7766909B2 - Range hood - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a range hood.

Range hoods are installed in residential kitchens, as well as in kitchens in restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, and other establishments, to absorb oily smoke and odors generated by cooking. These range hoods are equipped with a lighting unit to illuminate the user's (cooker's) hands and the food being cooked during cooking (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A light source, such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), is installed in the lighting unit.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-78223

Users may find the light from such lighting units dazzling and uncomfortable.

The present invention therefore aims to provide a range hood that can reduce the discomfort experienced by users due to light from the lighting unit.

The first range hood according to the present invention comprises a light source, a light-transmitting area that transmits light from the light source into the cooking space, and an anti-glare member provided in the path of light from the light source to the cooking space via the light-transmitting area.

A second range hood according to the present invention comprises a light source, a light-transmitting area that transmits light from the light source into the cooking space, and an opaque member positioned so as to overlap a portion of the light-transmitting area along the light path from the light source to the cooking space via the light-transmitting area.

The first range hood of the present invention is equipped with an anti-glare member, so the light from the light source is irradiated into the cooking space without being glare. The second range hood of the present invention is equipped with an opaque member, so the light from the light source is irradiated into the cooking space with at least a portion of it reflected, absorbed, or diffused by the opaque member. This makes it less likely that users will perceive the light from the lighting unit as dazzling, compared to when light from the light source is irradiated directly into the cooking space. This makes it possible to reduce the discomfort experienced by users due to the light from the lighting unit.

1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a range hood according to a first embodiment of the present invention together with a cooking space. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the cooking space side of the range hood shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along line III-III shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the illumination unit shown in FIG. 3 . 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an angular range of light emitted from the illumination unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the angular range of light emitted from the illumination unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing other examples of the angular range of light emitted from the illumination unit shown in FIG. 4 . 5 is a schematic diagram showing the planar configuration of the opening and the anti-glare member shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the antiglare member shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the antiglare member shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the antiglare member shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the antiglare member shown in FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an illumination unit of a range hood according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the illumination unit shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams showing other examples of the illumination unit shown in FIG. 13.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the description of the drawings, identical elements will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions in the drawings have been exaggerated for the sake of explanation, and may differ from the actual proportions. Furthermore, in the following description, up and down in the direction of gravity will simply be referred to as up and down.

[First embodiment]
(Range hood configuration)
FIG. 1 shows a range hood (range hood 100) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, along with a cooking space 200. Cooking space 200 is provided, for example, in a residential kitchen or in a kitchen in a restaurant, convenience store, supermarket, department store, or the like. Cooking space 200 has a heat source 210 such as a burner, stove, or heater. Cooking space 200 is the space below range hood 100 where a user (cooker) can work. Range hood 100 is installed above cooking space 200 and sucks in odors, oily smoke, and the like generated in cooking space 200 and expels them to the outside.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the cooking space 200 side, i.e., the underside, of the range hood 100, and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional configuration taken along line III-III in Figure 1. The range hood 100 includes, for example, a housing 110, a blower 130, and a lighting unit 150. The housing 110 has a bottom surface 110B, which is provided with a suction port S for sucking in odors, oily smoke, and the like from the cooking space 200.

The blower 130 generates suction force to suck in odors, oily smoke, etc. through the suction port S and expels the sucked odors, oily smoke, etc. to the outside of the housing. The range hood 100 may exhaust air outdoors or indoors. The range hood 100 may also be equipped with an oil absorption filter, smoke removal filter, deodorizing filter, air filter, etc. (not shown).

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the illumination unit 150 shown in Figure 3. The illumination unit 150 includes, for example, a light source 151, a support 152, a light-transmitting member 153, an anti-glare member 154, and plate-like members 155 and 156.

Light source 151, support 152, light-transmitting member 153, and anti-glare member 154 are housed in a space surrounded by plate-like members 155 and 156. Plate-like member 156, located on the underside 110B (see Figures 2 and 3), has an opening 156M. Light generated by light source 151 passes through this opening 156M and is irradiated into cooking space 200. In other words, opening 156M allows light from light source 151 to pass through into cooking space 200. Here, opening 156M corresponds to one specific example of a light-transmitting region of the present invention.

Light source 151 generates visible light. Preferably, light source 151 includes an LED. This is because LEDs have a longer lifespan than other light sources such as incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lights. This reduces the frequency with which light source 151 needs to be replaced, even when lighting unit 150 is repeatedly turned on and off almost daily.

The support portion 152 supports the light source 151. The support portion 152 is attached to, for example, a plate-shaped member 155. The light source 151 and the support portion 152 are positioned opposite the opening 156M of the plate-shaped member 156.

Light-transmitting member 153 is, for example, a plate-shaped light-transmitting (transparent) member made of a glass substrate, plastic substrate, or the like. Light-transmitting member 153 is arranged, for example, near plate-shaped member 156 so as to cover opening 156M. In other words, the planar shape of light-transmitting member 153 is larger than opening 156M. In this way, by providing light-transmitting member 153 at opening 156M, oily smoke and the like sucked in from cooking space 200 can be prevented from adhering to light source 151, and deterioration of light source 151 and the like can be suppressed.

Anti-glare member 154 is provided on the path of light from light source 151 to cooking space 200 via opening 156M. Anti-glare member 154 is, for example, an anti-glare film. In this embodiment, light generated by light source 151 passes through anti-glare member 154 and is irradiated into cooking space 200. This makes it less likely that a user of cooking space 200 (user 400 in Figure 5, etc., described below) will perceive the light from lighting unit 150 as dazzling.

The anti-glare member 154 is, for example, a film with a louvered structure, and light that passes through the anti-glare member 154 travels within a specified angle range. This allows the lighting unit 150 to emit light that avoids the user's line of sight, reducing discomfort to the user caused by the light and maintaining sufficient illuminance for the user to work in the cooking space 200.

Figures 5 to 7 show an example of the direction of light emitted from the lighting unit 150 to the cooking space 200. The direction of light emitted from the lighting unit 150 is adjusted, for example, according to the relationship between the position of the lighting unit 150 and the eye level of the user 400 using the cooking space 200.

For example, when the lighting unit 150 is positioned in front of the range hood 100, i.e., relatively close to the user 400 (Figure 5), it is preferable that the direction of travel of light transmitted through the anti-glare member 154 be at an angle a of 30 degrees or more from the horizontal direction H of the lighting unit 150 (light source 151) toward the cooking space 200, i.e., the lower side of the range hood 100. In other words, it is preferable that the anti-glare member 154 be provided so that light is emitted at an angle a of 30 degrees or more from the horizontal direction H of the lighting unit 150. The height of the user 400 is, for example, 150 cm.

For example, when the lighting unit 150 is located behind the range hood 100, i.e., relatively far from the user 400 (Figure 6), it is preferable that the direction of travel of light transmitted through the anti-glare member 154 form an angle a of 10 degrees or more toward the cooking space 200 from the horizontal direction H of the lighting unit 150 (light source 151). In other words, it is preferable that the anti-glare member 154 is provided so that light is emitted at an angle a of 10 degrees or more from the horizontal direction H of the lighting unit 150.

When the lighting unit 150 is positioned midway between the front and rear of the range hood 100 (Figure 7), it is preferable that the direction of travel of light transmitted through the anti-glare member 154 form an angle a of 15 degrees or more toward the cooking space 200 from the horizontal direction H of the lighting unit 150 (light source 151). In other words, it is preferable that the anti-glare member 154 is provided so that light is emitted at an angle a of 15 degrees or more from the horizontal direction H of the lighting unit 150.

The front, rear, and middle of the range hood 100 described above are, for example, three equal parts of the depth dimension of the range hood 100. For example, when the depth dimension of the range hood 100 is 600 mm, the position approximately 0 mm to 200 mm from the user's 400 position is the front, the position approximately 201 mm to 400 mm is the middle, and the position approximately 401 mm to 600 mm is the rear. In particular, when the depth dimension of the range hood 100 is approximately 600 mm to 650 mm, the above angle a allows light to be emitted while avoiding the user's 400 line of sight.

The anti-glare member 154 may be a polarizing film that selectively transmits linearly polarized light. This eliminates so-called surface reflected light, making it less likely that the user will perceive the light from the illumination unit 150 as dazzling.

The film-like anti-glare member 154 is provided, for example, along the outer surface of the light-transmitting member 153, and covers both ends of one main surface of the light-transmitting member 153 (the surface facing the light source 151) through a pair of end surfaces to the other main surface (the surface facing the cooking space 200). A portion of the anti-glare member 154 is sandwiched between the other main surface of the light-transmitting member 153 and the plate-like member 156.

The central portion of the other main surface of the light-transmitting member 153, i.e., the portion exposed to the opening 156M, is not covered by the anti-glare member 154. In other words, the light-transmitting member 153 is provided between the opening 156M and the anti-glare member 154.

The anti-glare member 154, which is provided along the outer surface of the light-transmitting member 153, has bent portions 154v at positions corresponding to the corners of the plate-shaped light-transmitting member 153. For example, the anti-glare member 154 has four or eight bent portions 154v corresponding to the corners of the light-transmitting member 153. For example, when the corners of the light-transmitting member 153 are rounded, the anti-glare member 154 may have curved portions (not shown). The anti-glare member 154 may have bent portions 154v and curved portions. For example, the anti-glare member 154 is first processed to provide bent portions 154v or curved portions, and then the anti-glare member having these bent portions 154v or curved portions is attached to the light-transmitting member 153. This makes it easy to fit the anti-glare member 154 along the outer surface of the light-transmitting member 153.

Figure 8 shows an example of the planar shape of the anti-glare member 154 and opening 156M as viewed from the light source 151 side. The anti-glare member 154 and opening 156M have a quadrangular or other planar shape. The planar shape of this anti-glare member 154 is larger than the planar shape of the opening 156M, and the anti-glare member 154 covers the opening 156M. This allows all of the light irradiated into the cooking space 200 to pass through the anti-glare member 154. The anti-glare member 154 and opening 156M may have planar shapes of the same size.

Figures 9 to 12 show other examples of the anti-glare member 154.

The anti-glare member 154 may be provided so as to cover one of the main surfaces of the light-transmitting member 153, or may not cover the pair of end surfaces or both ends of the other main surface (Figure 9). In this case, the anti-glare member 154 is disposed between the light source 151 and the light-transmitting member 153.

The anti-glare member 154 may be positioned so that it overlaps a portion of the opening 156M (Figure 10). In other words, a portion of the opening 156M may be exposed from the anti-glare member 154. In this case, the light irradiated into the cooking space 200 includes light that has not passed through the anti-glare member 154, i.e., light that is irradiated directly from the light source 151.

The anti-glare member 154 may be provided so as to cover the other main surface of the light-transmitting member 153 (Figure 11). In this case, the anti-glare member 154 is disposed between the light-transmitting member 153 and the plate-shaped member 156 (opening 156M). This anti-glare member 154 may be disposed in a position that overlaps a portion of the opening 156M (not shown).

A plate-shaped member 156 (opening 156M) may be disposed between the anti-glare member 154 and the light-transmitting member 153 (Figure 12). In this case, light generated by the light source 151 passes through the light-transmitting member 153, opening 156M, and anti-glare member 154 in this order.

[Function and effect of range hood 100]
In the range hood 100 of this embodiment, when a user (for example, user 400 in FIG. 5 ) turns on the power of the lighting unit 150, light is generated by the light source 151. The light generated by the light source 151 passes through, for example, the anti-glare member 154, the light-transmitting member 153, and the opening 156M in this order, and is then irradiated into the cooking space 200. For example, the light that has passed through the anti-glare member 154 is irradiated into the cooking space 200 within a predetermined angle range so as to avoid the position of the user's line of sight (see, for example, FIGS. 5 to 7 ). Alternatively, linearly polarized light that has passed through the anti-glare member 154 is irradiated into the cooking space 200.

In this way, in the range hood 100, the anti-glare member 154 is provided on the path of light from the light source 151 to the cooking space 200 via the opening 156M, so the light generated by the light source 151 is protected from glare and irradiated into the cooking space 200. Therefore, compared to when light from the light source 151 is irradiated directly into the cooking space 200, the user is less likely to perceive the light from the lighting unit 150 as dazzling, which can reduce the discomfort experienced by the user due to the light from the lighting unit 150. In particular, even when the light source 151 is composed of an LED, which has a relatively high degree of directional light propagation, the user can use the range hood 100 comfortably.

It is also preferable that the anti-glare member 154 cover the opening 156M. This allows all of the light irradiated into the cooking space 200 to pass through the anti-glare member 154, thereby more effectively blocking the light irradiated into the cooking space 200.

As described above, the range hood 100 of this embodiment is provided with an anti-glare member 154, so the light from the light source 151 is irradiated into the cooking space 200 without being glare-proof. This makes it less likely that the user will perceive the light from the lighting unit 150 as dazzling, compared to when light from the light source 151 is irradiated directly into the cooking space 200. This makes it possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the user by the light from the lighting unit 150.

It is also preferable that at least a portion of the anti-glare member 154 is sandwiched between the light-transmitting member 153 and the plate-like member 156 (Figures 4 and 11). This fixes the position of the anti-glare member 154, making it possible to prevent the anti-glare member 154 from shifting out of position without using other components such as adhesive or screws. This reduces the cost required to fix the position of the anti-glare member 154, and also prevents damage and deterioration of the anti-glare member caused by other components such as adhesive or screws.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the anti-glare member 154 provided along the outer surface of the light-transmitting member 153 has at least one of a bent portion 154v or a curved portion that corresponds to the shape of the light-transmitting member 153 (Figure 4). This allows the anti-glare member 154 to be held on the outer surface of the light-transmitting member 153, making it possible to prevent the anti-glare member 154 from being bent or misaligned.

It is also preferable to provide a light-transmitting member 153 between the opening 156M and the anti-glare member 154 (Figures 4, 9, and 10). This protects the portion of the anti-glare member 154 facing the opening 156M, thereby reducing damage and deformation of the anti-glare member 154 caused by the heat of oily smoke generated in the cooking space 200. This also reduces the likelihood of oily smoke generated in the cooking space 200 adhering to the anti-glare member 154, thereby reducing the reduction in anti-glare effect and illuminance caused by oily smoke adhering to the anti-glare member 154. Additionally, this reduces the frequency of cleaning the anti-glare member 154, thereby reducing scratches, damage, and deformation of the anti-glare member 154 caused by cleaning. Furthermore, it also reduces scratches, dirt, damage, and deformation of the anti-glare member 154 caused by users touching the anti-glare member 154.

Below, we will explain other embodiments of the range hood 100 described in the first embodiment above. Note that, to avoid duplication, detailed explanations of components similar to those of the range hood 100 described in the first embodiment above will be omitted.

Second Embodiment
13 shows an example of the configuration of an illumination unit 350 of a range hood according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This illumination unit 350 has an opaque member 354 instead of an anti-glare member (anti-glare member 154 in FIG. 4, etc.). Except for this point, the illumination unit 350 described in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the illumination unit 150 described in the first embodiment.

The opaque member 354 is made of, for example, a frosted glass plate. The opaque member 354 may be any member that reflects, absorbs, or diffuses a portion of the light from the light source 151, i.e., a member with a relatively low light transmittance. The opaque member 354 is, for example, provided between the light source 151 and the light-transmitting member 153, and is arranged on top of the light-transmitting member 153.

This opaque member 354 is positioned so that it overlaps with part of the opening 156M on the path of light from the light source 151 to the cooking space 200 via the opening 156M. In other words, part of the opening 156M is exposed from the opaque member 354. Some of the light generated by the light source 151 is directed toward the opaque member 354, and the remainder is directed toward the light-transmitting member 153 exposed from the opaque member 354. Some of the light directed toward the opaque member 354 is reflected, absorbed, or diffused by the opaque member 354.

Figures 14 and 15 show other examples of the illumination unit 350. The opaque member 354 may be arranged alongside the light-transmitting member 153 on the plate-like member 156 (Figure 14). Alternatively, the illumination unit 350 may not have a light-transmitting member (for example, the light-transmitting member 153 in Figure 14) (Figure 15).

In this way, the lighting unit 350 may have an opaque member 354 positioned so that it overlaps a portion of the opening 156M. The light that the lighting unit 350 irradiates into the cooking space 200 includes light that has passed through the opaque member 354 and light that has not passed through the opaque member 354. This reduces discomfort to the user caused by the light from the lighting unit 350, while maintaining sufficient illuminance for the user to work in the cooking space 200.

The range hood of the present invention has been described above in the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art can make additions, modifications, and omissions as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the configurations, shapes, sizes, etc. of the various parts of the range hood described in the above embodiments are merely examples, and other configurations, shapes, sizes, etc. may also be used.

For example, the lighting units 150, 250 may include a light diffusing member such as a light diffusing film in addition to the anti-glare member 154 or opaque member 354. Alternatively, the lighting units may include a light diffusing member instead of the anti-glare member or opaque member. By including a light diffusing member, the light from the light source is diffused evenly over a wide area, making it possible to reduce the number of LEDs included in the light source.

100 range hoods,
110 housing,
110B bottom surface,
130 blower,
150, 350 lighting section,
151 light source,
152 support part,
153 Light-transmitting member,
154 Anti-glare member,
155, 156 Plate-shaped members,
156M opening,
200 cooking space,
210 Heat source,
354 Opaque member,
S Suction port.

Claims (17)

A light source and
an anti-glare member provided in a light path from the light source to the cooking space ;
a light-transmitting area that transmits light that has passed through the anti-glare member into the cooking space;
Equipped with
the light-transmitting region is an opening provided in a plate-like member,
a light-transmitting member provided between the plate-like member and the light source;
The range hood has the light-transmitting member disposed between the opening and the anti-glare member. A light source and
an anti-glare member provided in a light path from the light source to the cooking space;
a light-transmitting area that transmits light that has passed through the anti-glare member into the cooking space;
Equipped with
the light-transmitting region is an opening provided in a plate-like member,
The plate-shaped member and the light source are provided between the plate-shaped member and the light source, and further include a light-transmitting member having one main surface and another main surface closer to the cooking space than the one main surface,
the anti-glare member is provided along an outer surface of the light-transmitting member from one main surface to the other main surface of the light-transmitting member via a pair of end surfaces,
A range hood in which a portion of the anti-glare member is sandwiched between the other main surface of the light-transmitting member and the plate-shaped member. A range hood having a front region, a middle region, and a rear region in this order along a depth direction,
A light source and
a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source into the cooking space;
an anti-glare member provided on a path of light from the light source to the cooking space,
the light-transmitting region is an opening provided in a plate-like member,
the illumination unit further includes a light-transmitting member provided between the plate-like member and the light source,
the illumination unit is disposed in the rear region,
The range hood has an angle of 10 degrees or more such that the direction of light irradiated from the light source to the cooking space through the light-transmitting area and the anti-glare member moves away from the horizontal direction toward the cooking space as it travels from the light source toward the front of the range hood when viewed from the side of the range hood. A range hood having a front region, a middle region, and a rear region in this order along a depth direction,
A light source and
a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source into the cooking space;
an anti-glare member provided on a path of light from the light source to the cooking space,
the light-transmitting region is an opening provided in a plate-like member,
the illumination unit further includes a light-transmitting member provided between the plate-like member and the light source,
the illumination unit is disposed in the intermediate region,
The range hood has an angle of 15 degrees or more such that the direction of light irradiated from the light source to the cooking space through the light-transmitting area and the anti-glare member moves away from the horizontal direction toward the cooking space as it travels from the light source toward the front of the range hood when viewed from the side of the range hood. A range hood having a front region, a middle region, and a rear region in this order along a depth direction,
A light source and
a light-transmitting region that transmits light from the light source into the cooking space;
an anti-glare member provided on a path of light from the light source to the cooking space,
the light-transmitting region is an opening provided in a plate-like member,
the illumination unit further includes a light-transmitting member provided between the plate-like member and the light source,
the illumination unit is disposed in the front region,
The range hood has a light transmission area and an anti-glare member, and the direction of light emitted from the light source to the cooking space has an angle of 30 degrees or more when viewed from the side of the range hood, so that the light moves away from the light source toward the front of the range hood from the horizontal direction toward the cooking space. A range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the anti-glare member covers the light-transmitting area. The range hood according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , wherein the light-transmitting member is provided between the opening and the anti-glare member. The range hood according to any one of claims 1 and 3 to 5 , wherein at least a portion of the anti-glare member is sandwiched between the plate-like member and the light-transmitting member. A range hood according to any one of claims 1, 3 to 5, wherein the anti-glare member is arranged along the outer surface of the light-transmitting member and has at least one of a bent portion or a curved portion that corresponds to the shape of the light-transmitting member. A range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the anti-glare member is an anti-glare film. A range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein light passing through the anti-glare member travels within a predetermined angular range. A range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the anti-glare member has a louver structure. The range hood of claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction of light irradiated from the light source to the cooking space through the anti-glare member, when viewed from the side of the range hood, is angled at an angle of 10 degrees or more away from the horizontal toward the cooking space as it travels from the light source toward the front of the range hood. A range hood as recited in claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction of light irradiated from the light source to the cooking space through the anti-glare member, when viewed from the side of the range hood, is angled at an angle of 15 degrees or more away from the horizontal toward the cooking space as it travels from the light source toward the front of the range hood. The range hood of claim 1 or 2, wherein the direction of light irradiated from the light source to the cooking space through the anti-glare member, when viewed from the side of the range hood, is angled at 30 degrees or more away from the horizontal toward the cooking space as it travels from the light source toward the front of the range hood. A range hood as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-glare member transmits linearly polarized light. A range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the light source includes an LED.