U.S. patent application number 13/153858 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-06 for linear hidden vent feature for over the range style cooking appliances.
This patent application is currently assigned to General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Bruce Albertson, Derrick D. Little, Tom C. Zimmer.
Application Number | 20120309287 13/153858 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47262029 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120309287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zimmer; Tom C. ; et
al. |
December 6, 2012 |
LINEAR HIDDEN VENT FEATURE FOR OVER THE RANGE STYLE COOKING
APPLIANCES
Abstract
An exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust passage in a
cooking appliance such as a microwave oven. The apparatus including
at least one vent cover member engaged to cover the exhaust passage
in flush alignment with a front surface of the oven in a closed
position. A guide member is engaged to the vent cover member and
aligned with the exhaust passage to provide substantially linear
motion of the vent cover member when activated. The guide member
may also provide limited arcuate motion. At least one displacement
member coupled to the guide member for displacing the vent cover
member to an open position in a generally parallel orientation
relative to the surface, and the vent cover member being retracted
to a closed position.
Inventors: |
Zimmer; Tom C.; (LaGrange,
KY) ; Little; Derrick D.; (Louisville, KY) ;
Albertson; Bruce; (Louisville, KY) |
Assignee: |
General Electric Company
|
Family ID: |
47262029 |
Appl. No.: |
13/153858 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
454/367 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/12 20130101;
F24C 15/20 20130101; H05B 6/642 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
454/367 |
International
Class: |
F24F 13/00 20060101
F24F013/00 |
Claims
1. An exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust passage in a
cooking appliance comprising: a vent cover member engaged to cover
an exhaust passage substantially integrated with a surface of the
appliance, the vent cover member substantially covering the exhaust
passage in flush alignment with the surface in a closed position; a
guide member engaged to the vent cover member and aligned with the
exhaust passage, the guide member providing substantially linear
motion to the vent cover member when activated; and, a displacement
member coupled to the guide member for displacing the vent cover
member, the vent cover member being released to an open position in
a generally parallel orientation relative to the surface, the vent
cover member being retracted to the closed position.
2. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide member
includes a mechanical linkage system adapted to position the vent
cover member in a substantially parallel orientation relative to
the surface.
3. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the guide member
provides both linear motion and an arcuate motion to allow the vent
cover member to be laterally displaced from a direct passage of
exhaust airflow through the exhaust passage.
4. An exhaust vent apparatus of claims 3 wherein the displacement
member allows displacement of the vent cover member to a plurality
of positions relative to the surface of the appliance.
5. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement
member includes a motor for actuating the vent cover member between
open and closed positions.
6. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement
member includes at least one motor driving mechanism operatively
controlled by a controller.
7. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is
programmed to activate the displacement member to release the vent
cover member to the open position when a specified maximum
threshold air temperature or pressure is determined.
8. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is
programmed to activate the displacement member to release the vent
cover member to the open position when at least one of a food
product cooking environment and an associated appliance are in
use.
9. An exhaust vent apparatus of claims 6 wherein the motor driving
mechanism allows displacement of the vent cover member to a
plurality of positions relative to the surface of the food product
cooking environment.
10. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is
programmed to operate the displacement means to retract the vent
cover member to the closed position when at least one of a food
product cooking environment and an associated appliance are
disabled.
11. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controller is
programmed to operate the displacement means to retract the vent
cover member to the closed position when a specified minimum
threshold air temperature or pressure is determined.
12. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein a plurality of
exhaust vent covers engage the exhaust passage in flush alignment
with the surface of appliance, the vent cover members substantially
cover the exhaust passage.
13. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement
member for releasing and retracting the vent cover member is by
manual operation.
14. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the displacement
member includes a spring.
15. An exhaust vent apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vent cover
member comprises a non-linear shape.
16. A method for concealing an exhaust passage in a cooking
appliance comprising the steps of: covering an opening with a vent
cover member, the vent cover member attached to at least one guide
member and a displacement member to open and close the vent cover
member with substantially linear motion; releasing the vent cover
member to an open position, the vent cover member having a
substantially parallel orientation relative to a surface of the
cooking appliance; retracting the vent cover member to a closed
position, the vent cover member resting in flush alignment to the
surface.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:
providing a signal to operate the displacement member to release
the vent cover member to the open position when the cooking
appliance is in use; and providing a signal to operate the
displacement member to retract the vent cover member to the closed
position when the cooking appliance is disabled.
18. A method of claim 16, comprising the steps of: providing a
signal to operate the displacement member to release the vent cover
member to the open position when a specified maximum threshold air
temperature is determined; and providing a signal to operate the
displacement member to retract the vent cover member to the closed
position when a specified minimum threshold air temperature is
determined.
19. An exhaust vent apparatus for concealing an exhaust passage in
an over the range cooking appliance comprising: a vent cover member
engaged to cover an exhaust passage in flush alignment with a front
surface of the appliance in a closed position; a guide member
operatively associated with the vent cover member and aligned with
the exhaust passage to provide a travel path for the vent cover
member whereby the vent cover member remains parallel relative to
the front surface of the appliance; and, a displacement member
coupled to the guide member for displacing the vent cover member,
the displacement member engaging the guide member to actuate the
vent cover member along the travel path.
20. The exhaust vent apparatus of claim 19 wherein the vent cover
member is laterally spaced from the surface in the open position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vent feature for an over
the range style microwave and speedcooking appliances. More
particularly, this disclosure relates to an exhaust vent cover
member or door capable of opening and closing with substantially
linear movement.
[0002] Exhaust vents for conventional cooking appliances are known
to be provided with vent covers to prevent unwanted air
particulate, smoke, and dust from entering an exhaust duct of the
associated appliance. Additionally, vent covers hide unattractive
exhaust passages, vents, or louvers from plain sight and are
typically integrated into a surface of the appliance for an
improved appearance. Vent covers are also known that automatically
open and close when cooktop ventilation is required or if airflow
is needed for the cooking appliance.
[0003] Manually operated vent covers are able to be manipulated
without complex linkage connections or moving parts. However, users
are at risk of inconsistently opening the vent cover during
operation of the appliance, or inadvertently leaving the vent cover
in an open position. Additionally, the vent cover may be positioned
at an unreachable location for some users thereby preventing
effective manual operation and an open flow of exhaust air or gas
when the appliance is activated.
[0004] Prior arrangements provide automatic actuation of vent
covers over exhausts or vents in a microwave that use a rotating
cam arrangement. This approach includes a pivot point or hinged
connection typically along an intersection of a longitudinal side
of the vent cover and a housing surface of the microwave
surrounding the exhaust vent. The pivot point may be either on the
exhaust vent or the housing. The rotating cam transmits a
rotational force of a motor shaft to a lever or arm. The lever
engages the vent cover and urges the cover forwardly to a
predetermined open position that is angled away from the surface of
the appliance.
[0005] However, this approach has associated drawbacks including
the inability to provide a fully open passage to direct the flow of
exhausted air from the vent. Geometric limitations inherent within
the vent cover, length of the lever, and diameter of the cam
prevent the vent cover from being fully opened. More particularly,
the rotational motion of the vent cover relative to the exhaust
vent and surface of the oven prevents efficient passage of air.
Instead air flow is potentially at least partially inhibited by the
vent cover. Additionally, the hinged connection generally requires
the vent cover to adopt a generally planar shape which limits
styling options. The pivot point disposed along the longitudinal
surface of the vent cover is geometrically impractical for
non-linear vent covers relying on rotational motion for actuation
on speedcooking appliances that have curved or arcuate surfaces,
potentially creating unwanted gaps along the surface.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a vent cover that can
be automatically and easily actuated to a fully open position, and
likewise easily closed. In addition, there is a need to provide a
microwave or speedcooking appliance that effectively exhausts an
associated cooking environment, and that consistently and
effectively opens and closes in a manner that also provides an
aesthetically pleasing appearance while also enhancing design and
aesthetic considerations.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure relates to an exhaust vent apparatus
for concealing an exhaust louver in a food product cooking
environment.
[0008] The apparatus includes a vent cover member or door that
covers an exhaust passage, the cover member is preferably
integrated with a surface of the food cooking environment. The vent
cover member substantially covers the exhaust passage and is
preferably placed in flush alignment with an appliance surface in a
closed position. At least one guide member engages the vent cover
member and provides substantially linear motion of the vent cover
member when actuated. A displacement member displaces the vent
cover member, the vent cover member being released to an open
position in a generally perpendicular orientation relative to the
surface and the vent cover member being retracted to the closed
position.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the guide member includes a
mechanical linkage system adapted to position the vent cover member
in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the
surface of the food product cooking environment. The guide member
provides linear motion and may also provide arcuate motion to allow
the vent cover member to be laterally displaced from a direct
passage of exhaust airflow through the exhaust louver. The vent
cover member may adjust rotationally relative to the surface of the
food product cooking environment during arcuate motion.
[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the displacement member
includes a motor drive mechanism that is controlled by a controller
that allows displacement of the vent cover member to a plurality of
positions relative to the surface of the food product cooking
environment. The controller is programmed to actuate the motor
drive mechanism to move the vent cover member to the open position
when a specified maximum threshold air temperature is detected or
when the food product cooking environment is in use. The controller
may also be programmed to operate the motor driving mechanism to
retract the vent cover member to the closed position when the food
product cooking environment reaches a specified minimum threshold
air temperature or when the food product cooking environment is
turned off or disabled.
[0011] In another embodiment, the displacement member is manually
operated for releasing and retracting the vent cover member. The
retracting member includes a spring closure mechanism for
displacing the vent cover member.
[0012] The vent cover member may have a non-linear shape that
aligns with the non-linear shape of a surface of the food product
cooking environment.
[0013] A method for concealing an exhaust passage in a food product
cooking environment is provided. The method includes covering an
opening such as the exhaust passage with a vent cover member that
is preferably attached to at least one guide member and a
displacement member. The displacement member and guiding member
open and close the vent cover member in a substantially linear
direction. The cover member is released or actuated to an open
position, wherein the vent cover member maintains a substantially
perpendicular orientation relative to a surface of the food product
cooking environment. The vent cover member is retracted to a closed
position wherein the vent cover member rests in flush alignment
with the surface.
[0014] In another preferred embodiment, an exhaust vent apparatus
is provided for concealing an exhaust passage in a cooking
appliance such as a microwave oven or speedcooking oven. The
apparatus includes a vent cover member that covers an exhaust
passage, the vent cover member being placed in flush alignment with
a surface of the cooking appliance in a closed position. A guide
member engages the vent cover member and guides the vent cover
member along a travel path in a direction displaced from the
exhaust passage. The vent cover member remains substantially
parallel to the surface of the cooking appliance in an open
position. A displacement member engages the guide member to actuate
the vent cover member along the travel path and laterally space the
vent cover member from the surface in the open position.
[0015] A primary advantage of the present disclosure relates to an
apparatus that automatically opens and closes a vent cover member
using linear actuation.
[0016] Another advantage resides in the improved aesthetics of the
vent cover member.
[0017] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure relates to
increased design flexibility for air flow direction and optimized
appearance.
[0018] Still other advantages and benefits of the disclosure will
become apparent upon reading and understanding the following
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a front view of a range style microwave or
speedcooking appliance located over a stove.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a preferred embodiment
wherein a vent cover member is in a closed position.
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded cross sectional view of the vent cover
member in an open position;
[0022] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross sectional view of the vent cover
member in another open position.
[0023] FIGS. 5-8 are schematic representations of different forms
of a vent cover actuating arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] An exhaust vent apparatus and method are provided to open
and close an exhaust passage in a cooking appliance such as a
microwave oven. The apparatus may be used to selectively conceal
the exhaust passage and in this disclosure relates to and will be
described in reference to concealing exhaust louvers within over
the range style cooking appliances such as microwave ovens.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, an over the range style speedcooking
appliance or microwave oven 100 is located above a range 105 as is
typical for many kitchen appliance arrangements. Cabinetry 200 is
provided, for example, along at least partially about three sides
of the oven 100 while a rear wall or back wall of oven 100 abuts a
wall 110. A bottom or lower surface 115 of oven 100 is spaced above
a cooking surface or cooktop 120 of range 105.
[0026] Notably, due to the location of oven 100, the surrounding
cabinetry 200 and cooktop 120, there are few locations of
sufficient surface area available on the oven that allow for an
adequately sized exhaust vent or louver without impeding airflow to
be exhausted. In a first embodiment, vent cover member 125 is
located on a front surface 130 of oven 100 preferably above a door
135 and a control panel 140 adjacent the door. As further evident
in FIG. 2, vent cover member 125 is substantially aligned, i.e.,
flush or disposed in planar relation, with front surface 130 in a
closed position 145. Here, the vent cover member 125 substantially
covers an exhaust passage or vent 150 that may include louvers and
helps to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance when there is
no need to exhaust air, fumes, steam, smoke, etc. through an
exhaust duct 155. The alignment of the vent cover member 125 with
the front surface 130 provides an improved look to the facade of
oven 100 within cabinetry 200. Additionally, the substantial
alignment feature of the vent cover member over the exhaust passage
assists the homeowner or user in keeping the front surface 130 and
vent cover member 125 clean.
[0027] An exhaust fan 160 is preferably located within oven 100.
When activated, exhaust fan 160 draws air into the exhaust passage
and creates an airflow 165 (FIG. 2) through exhaust duct 155 and
exhausted out exhaust vent 150 when vent cover member 125 is in an
open position 170. Exhaust vent 150 may include louvers integrated
within oven 100 and is generally recessed from front surface
130.
[0028] As can be better appreciated by FIG. 3, the vent cover
member 125 is displaced from the front surface 130 of the oven 100
to facilitate airflow 165. In this embodiment, vent cover member
125 is horizontally displaced from exhaust vent 150 in a direction
that is substantially perpendicular to the front surface and thus
the vent cover member remains substantially parallel to front
surface 130. The horizontal displacement of the vent cover member
125 may be done manually or may be accomplished with a powered
actuation. For example, the vent cover member 125 may be biased by
a spring toward an open position so that if a catch or latch is
released, the biasing force urges the vent cover member toward an
open position. On the other hand, the vent cover member is then
moved toward a closed position by overcoming the opening force of
the spring until the latch/catch engages the vent cover member and
maintains the closed position of the vent cover member in closed,
flush relation with the front surface 130.
[0029] Alternatively, and preferably, automatic actuation of vent
cover member 125 is provided via a displacement member and a
guidance member to achieve the requisite force and guidance path to
properly displace vent cover member 125 in accordance with the
present disclosure. More specifically, the guide member may be a
simple structure such as elongated guide arms 180 (FIG. 5) that
extend from the vent cover member 125 and are substantially aligned
with sidewalls of the housing or exhaust vent 150 to direct the
vent cover member along a substantially linear path relative to and
substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the oven 100.
The displacement member may be the bias provided by spring 190
(FIG. 5), or a rack 195 that cooperates with a geared pinion 200
driven by motor 205 (FIG. 6), solenoid and damper combination 210,
215 (FIG. 7), or a motor 220, pulleys 225, 230, and flexible drive
member 235 such as a cable, toothed belt, or similar flexible
component (FIG. 8). Of course, these are representative examples of
manual and powered drive members that achieve substantially linear
movement of the vent cover member 125, but are not deemed to be the
only types of drive members that can achieve a smooth, linear
movement of the vent cover member. The guide member 180 contributes
to the substantially linear motion of the vent cover member 125
when actuated and deactuated. Thus, alternative mechanical linkage
systems or guide arrangements (e.g., four-bar linkage systems) that
provide smooth motion to displace cover member 125 in a
substantially linear direction are contemplated. Notably, these
displacement and guide members of the present disclosure are
distinguished from prior arrangements that used a hinged connection
that rotated the vent cover member between open and closed
positions. By utilizing linear motion, it becomes possible to
displace vent cover member 125 from the direct passage of airflow
165 whereas rotational motion alone merely positions a cover member
in angled relation to the surface of a oven 100.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, another embodiment is provided. Here, an
open position 175 of vent cover member 125 is laterally displaced
from a front surface plane 180 wherein vent cover member 125
remains in substantially parallel alignment with front surface
plane 180. Lateral displacement of vent cover member 125 utilizes a
motion provided by the guide member wherein vent cover member 125
is horizontally and laterally displaced from a direct passage of
exhaust airflow 165 through exhaust louver 150. Here, vent cover
member 125 adjusts relative to surface 130 during this more complex
combination of linear and arcuate motion.
[0031] The displacement member is operatively associated with the
guide member to selectively open and close, i.e., displace, the
vent cover member 125 relative to the oven housing. The vent cover
member 125 may be released (unlatched or power driven) to the open
position 170, 175 in a generally parallel orientation relative to
the surface 130 or the vent cover member 125 may be retracted to
the closed position 145 where the vent cover member is flush with
the front surface 130.
[0032] The displacement member preferably includes a drive motor or
drive mechanism that is operatively controlled by a controller. The
drive mechanisms such as motors 205, 215, and 220 are preferably an
electromechanical induction type motors so that controller signals
can provide for controlled movement. Additionally, if more than one
motor is provided, it is preferred to synchronize movement of the
motors with one another to coordinate movement of the vent cover
member 125.
[0033] Additionally, controllers are generally known in the art to
allow for a programmed operation of the displacement member. For
example, the controller may be programmed to open and close the
vent cover member 125 in accordance with the operation of oven 100
or with other associated appliances such as cooktop 120. For
example, the controller may be programmed to activate the
displacement member to release and/or drive the vent cover member
125 to the open position 170, 175 when a specified maximum
threshold air temperature or pressure is reached or when the
microwave oven is in use. Likewise, the controller may be
programmed so that the displacement member retracts or closes the
vent cover member 125 to the closed position 145 when a specified
minimum threshold air temperature or pressure is determined or when
the microwave oven has been disabled. These temperature and
pressure determinations may be identified by sensors located on
oven 100 in electrical communication with the controller. If
desired, the displacement member may be coupled to the guide member
to allow guidance and displacement of the vent cover member 125 to
a plurality of open positions 170, 175 relative to surface 130.
[0034] The preferred linear motion of the vent cover member allows
for exhaust vent 150 to be completely hidden from sight and gives
greater design flexibility, i.e., minimizing gaps with the front
surface of oven 100 while expanding shape and form possibilities in
the microwave oven design. More particularly, linear motion allows
the vent cover member 125 to adopt a wide variety of non-planar
forms if desired, and can likewise conform to similar non-planar
forms of the front surface 130 of the oven. This allows for an
improved facade of a microwave oven where non-planar forms may now
be used without unsightly gaps between the vent cover member and
front surface.
[0035] The disclosure has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations.
* * * * *