TABLE FAN AND METHOD FOR CLEANING A TABLE FAN

Abstract

A table fan includes a fan generating a flow of air, a cleaning device including a circulation system for guiding cleaning liquid in a cleaning circuit, a filter chamber having a suction opening via which air is suctioned downwards, and a filter element arranged in the filter chamber and having at least one portion which is located in the cleaning circuit.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A table fan comprising: a fan generating a flow of air; a cleaning device including a circulation system for guiding cleaning liquid in a cleaning circuit; a filter chamber having a suction opening via which air is suctioned downwards; and a filter element arranged in the filter chamber and having at least one portion which is located in the cleaning circuit.

17. The table fan of claim 16, wherein the circulation system of the cleaning device comprises: a reservoir for the cleaning liquid, a nozzle directed at least temporarily at the filter element, a pump for pumping the cleaning liquid to the nozzle, and a connecting line between the reservoir and the nozzle for supplying cleaning liquid to the nozzle.

18. The table fan of claim 17, wherein the reservoir is configured to include at least one area beneath the filter element for receiving cleaning liquid from the filter element.

19. The table fan of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device includes a heating element for temporary heating of the cleaning liquid.

20. The table fan of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device includes a supply connection for supplying cleaning liquid to the cleaning circuit and an outlet connection for draining cleaning liquid from the cleaning circuit.

21. The table fan of claim 17, wherein the reservoir is formed in one of two ways, a first way in which a lower area of the filter chamber forms the reservoir, a second way in which the reservoir is formed by a separate container beneath the filter chamber.

22. The table fan of claim 16, wherein the filter chamber includes two housing parts, one of the two housing parts having at least one area which is extendable, said suction opening being formed in the one of the two housing parts.

23. The table fan of claim 16, further comprising a cover configured to close the filter chamber at the top at least temporarily.

24. The table fan of claim 16, further comprising: a suction pipe communicating with the filter chamber; and a damper configured to close the filter chamber in respect of the suction pipe.

25. The table fan of claim 16, further comprising a control unit configured to activate the cleaning device to automatically clean the filter element.

26. A method for cleaning a table fan, said method comprising: a) pumping cleaning liquid to a nozzle of a circulation system of a cleaning device of the table fan; b) spraying cleaning liquid by the nozzle onto a filter element in a filter chamber of the table fan; c) collecting cleaning liquid by the filter element; and d) continuing to pump cleaning liquid to the nozzle.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: removing the cleaning liquid from a cleaning circuit of the circulation system after going through steps a)-d) at least once; supplying further cleaning liquid in the cleaning circuit; and repeating steps a)-d) at least once more.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising adding a cleaning agent to the cleaning circuit.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising adding a multi-component cleaning agent to a reservoir of the circulation system.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising heating the cleaning liquid.

31. The method of claim 26, further comprising drying the circulation system such as to at least dry the filter element.

32. The method of claim 26, further comprising storing at least one program in a control unit to automatically execute steps a)-d).

Description

[0052] The present invention is explained again in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures show:

[0053] FIG. 1: A diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of the table fan according to the invention;

[0054] FIG. 2: A diagrammatic view of the method of operation of the ventilation device of the first embodiment of the table fan;

[0055] FIG. 3: A diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of the table fan according to the invention;

[0056] FIG. 4: A diagrammatic view of the second embodiment of the table fan according to the invention in a drying step; and

[0057] FIG. 5: A diagrammatic view of the method of operation of the ventilation device of the second embodiment of the table fan;

[0058] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of the table fan 10 according to the invention. In the embodiment shown, the table fan 10 is part of a combination device 1 also comprising a cooking hob 11, of which only two cooking zones 110 are shown in FIG. 1. The table fan 10 is integrated into the cooking hob 11.

[0059] The table fan 10 comprises a ventilation device 3 and a cleaning device 2. The ventilation device 3 and its function are described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2, in which the table fan 10 is shown without a cleaning device for greater clarity. The ventilation device 3 has a filter chamber 30 which can also be referred to as a housing. The filter chamber 30 is arranged between the cooking zones 110 of the cooking hob 11. In the embodiment shown, the filter chamber 30 is a box-shaped housing open at the top. The suction opening 33 of the ventilation device 3 constitutes the opening of the filter chamber 30 on its upper side. At least one filter element 32 is arranged in the filter chamber 30. Only one filter element 32 is shown in the embodiment according to FIG. 2. The filter element 32 is inclined in the filter chamber 30. A suction pipe 31 which is connected to a fan (not shown) is attached to a side wall on the filter chamber 30. The filter element 32 is arranged in such a manner that it completely covers the inlet of the suction pipe 31 in a vertical projection onto the inlet.

[0060] A vacuum is created by the fan (not shown) during operation of the ventilation device 3. Air is sucked in through the suction pipe 31 because of this vacuum. As the suction pipe 31 is connected to the filter chamber 30, air is thereby sucked into the filter chamber 30 via the suction opening 33. The air entering the filter chamber 30, which as a rule is contaminated by water or fat particles and is also referred to as vapor, is shown diagrammatically by means of arrows in FIG. 2. As the filter element 32 is of such a size and orientation that it covers the inlet of the suction pipe 31, the air entering through the suction opening 33 must pass through the filter element 32 before it reaches the inlet of the suction pipe 31 and is extracted via the latter. Here, the air on the filter element 32 is freed from impurities that accumulate on the filter element 32.

[0061] Apart from the ventilation device 3 described and shown in FIG. 2, the table fan 2 according to the invention also has a cleaning device 2. Moreover, a cover 34 is also provided on the ventilation device 3 in addition. The cover 34 temporarily covers the suction opening 34, in other words closes the filter chamber 30 at the top. A damper 35 is arranged on the inlet of the suction pipe 31 and closes the latter temporarily.

[0062] The cleaning device 2 comprises a circulation system 20. In the embodiment shown, the circulation system 20 comprises the filter chamber 30, a reservoir 22, a connecting line 23 and a nozzle 24 as components in which a cleaning liquid is guided in a cleaning circuit 21. Moreover, the circulation system 20 comprises a pump 27 and a heating element 26. In the embodiment shown, the pump 27 and the heating element 26 are located in the connecting line 23. In addition to the circulation system 20, the cleaning device 2 comprises a supply pipe 250 and a drain 290. A valve 28, 280 is provided in the supply pipe 250 and the drain 290 respectively. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the valves 28, 280 are in each case not arranged in the supply pipe 250 and the drain 290 but, for example, at the end of the supply pipe 250 or a branch in the drain 290. There is an opening in one wall of the filter chamber 30 which serves as a supply connection 25 and via which the supply pipe 250 can be connected to the filter chamber 30. In the embodiment shown, a branch is provided in the connecting line 23 which serves as an outlet connection 29 to which the drain 290 is connected.

[0063] In the embodiment shown, the filter chamber 30 has a shape in which the bottom of the filter chamber 30 is inclined to one side. The connecting line 23 is connected to the filter chamber 30 in such a manner that it is located in the region of the filter chamber 30 at which it has a greater height, that is to say in the lower region of the inclined bottom.

[0064] The lower region of the filter chamber 30 forms the reservoir 22 of the circulation system 20. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the reservoir is a separate component from the filter chamber 30 which is located beneath the filter chamber 30 and is connected to the filter chamber 30 for the conducting of cleaning liquid into the reservoir, for example via another line (not shown).

[0065] In the schematic diagram of FIG. 1, the connecting line 23 is arranged in the lower end of the side wall of the filter chamber 30. However, the connecting line can also be provided at another location, for example in the bottom of the filter chamber 30.

[0066] The supply pipe 250 is arranged in the upper region of the side wall of the filter chamber 30, that is to say opens into this filter chamber 30 in the upper region. The supply pipe 250 can also open into the filter chamber 30 at another location. It is only essential that the supply pipe 250 is arranged in such a manner that it does not come into contact with cleaning liquid R which accumulates in the reservoir 22. This prevents the cleaning liquid R from entering the water circulation system of the household.

[0067] After use, the ventilation device 3 of the table fan 10 can be automatically cleaned using the cleaning device 2 according to the invention.

[0068] The valve 28 in the supply pipe 250 can be opened for this purpose, whereby cleaning liquid R, in particular water, is conducted into the filter chamber 30. The amount of cleaning liquid R is preferably set via a control system (not shown). The amount is measured in such a way that sufficient cleaning liquid R is present in the cleaning circuit 21 to fill the reservoir 22 and the connecting line 23.

[0069] Cleaning liquid R is pumped from the reservoir 22 into the connecting line 23 via the pump 27. The cleaning liquid R can be heated via the heating element 26 and if necessary also evaporated. The cleaning liquid R is then output through the nozzle 24. The nozzle 24 is directed at least at the filter element 32 in the process. The cleaning liquid R, which runs downwards in or on the filter element 32 or drips from the latter, reaches the reservoir 22 again. During this cleaning process, both the cover 34 and the damper 35 are positioned in such a manner that they close the suction opening 33 or the inlet of the suction pipe 31. This cleaning process can be carried out until the filter element 32 is freed of impurities.

[0070] FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically in the cleaning liquid R a cleaning agent RM in the form of a tab. This can be introduced into the cleaning liquid R before or during the cleaning process.

[0071] The other cleaning programs mentioned above can also be carried out using the table fan 10 according to FIG. 1.

[0072] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a table fan according to the invention 10. This embodiment is a so-called downdraft table fan. The embodiment according to FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 1 on the one hand as a result of the arrangement of the table fan 10 with respect to the cooking hob 11. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the table fan 10 is arranged behind or next to the cooking hob 11, of which only one cooking zone 110 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0073] Furthermore, the second embodiment shown as a schematic diagram according to FIG. 3 differs from the first embodiment in that the ventilation device 3 has a different structure. The ventilation device 3 of the second embodiment comprises a multi-part filter chamber 30. In particular, the filter chamber 30, which can also be referred to as a housing, comprises a fixed lower housing part 300 and a movable upper housing part 301.

[0074] The ventilation device 3 and its function are described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5, in which the table fan 10 is shown without the cleaning device 2 for greater clarity. In FIG. 5 the upper housing part 301 is shown in the upwardly extended position relative to the lower housing part 30, which can also be referred to as the operating position of the table fan 10. The lower housing part 300 corresponds to the filter chamber 30 of the first embodiment. The upper housing part 301 comprises the cover 34 which forms the upper side of the upper housing part 34. Moreover, the upper housing part 301 has a rear wall 302 which extends downwards from the cover 34. The filter element 32 is fastened to the upper housing part 301. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the filter element 32 is oriented such that it is accommodated at an incline from the vertical in the upper housing part 301. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the filter element 32 is retained vertically in the upper housing part 301. The upper housing part 301 is open at the bottom. The suction opening 33 of the ventilation device 3 is located on the side of the housing part 301 which is opposite the rear wall 302 and on which the filter element 32 is arranged. The approaching vapors are indicated diagrammatically by means of arrows in FIG. 5.

[0075] The lower housing part 300 of the filter chamber 30 is open at the top. The upper housing part 301 is introduced into the lower housing part 300 through the opening of the lower housing part 300. In the lower housing part 300, the suction pipe 31 is connected in a wall; in contrast to the first embodiment of the ventilation device according to FIG. 1, the suction pipe 31 is designed to rise upwards from the filter chamber 30. However, it is also in the scope of the invention that the suction pipe 31 runs horizontally. In accordance with the first embodiment, the bottom of the lower housing part 300 is inclined.

[0076] As can be seen from FIG. 3, in this embodiment too the lower area of the filter chamber 30 and in particular of the lower housing part 300 forms the reservoir 22 of the cleaning device 2. The design of the cleaning device 2 corresponds to the first embodiment, which is shown in FIG. 1, and is therefore not described again.

[0077] After using the ventilation device 3 of the table fan 10, the upper housing part 301 can be retracted into the lower housing part 300, as shown in FIG. 3. In this position, which can also be referred to as the idle position or cleaning position, the cover 34 closes the opening of the lower housing part 301 upwards. The rear wall 302 of the upper housing part 301 projects so far into the lower housing part 301 that it covers the suction pipe 31 at the front. The rear wall 302 is at a distance from the wall of the lower housing part 300 in which the supply connection and the inlet of the suction pipe 31 are located. In the cleaning position, cleaning liquid R, for example, water, can be introduced via the supply pipe 250 into the lower housing part 300 of the filter chamber 30. Due to the distance from the rear wall 302, the cleaning liquid can reach the bottom of the filter chamber 30, which serves as a reservoir 22. As can be seen from FIG. 3, preferably cleaning agent R is introduced into the reservoir 22 until the lower edge of the upper housing part 301, in particular the lower edge of the rear wall 302, projects into the cleaning agent. Then the cleaning of the table fan 10 can be performed, as described above. The different cleaning programs described above can also be carried out with the second embodiment of the table fan 10.

[0078] For drying of the filter element 32, after the cleaning liquid R has been discharged, the upper housing part 301 can be extended so far upwards that the inlet of the exhaust air pipe 31 is no longer blocked by the rear wall 302. In this position, which is shown in FIG. 4, the fan (not shown) can be operated and the filter element 32 dried by the airflow.

[0079] The present invention is not restricted to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the figures are schematic diagrams. The dimensions, shapes and relative arrangements of the parts of the circulation systems may therefore differ from those shown. Thus, for example, the supply pipe can be located at a point of the filter chamber that is beneath the exhaust pipe. The supply pipe can also be located on a different wall of the filter chamber from the exhaust pipe. The connecting line can also be connected to a different wall of the filter chamber, for example, on the bottom of the filter chamber.

[0080] In the case of the table fan according to the invention, the suction area and/or the suction pipe are preferably designed such that they can be closed or located such that they cannot be reached by the cleaning liquid.

[0081] In the housing, different cleaning methods can be used. For example: [0082] Steam for softening the impurities [0083] Spraying water through nozzle(s) [0084] Spraying hot water through nozzle(s) [0085] Hot water with a cleaning agent (in particular a chemical cleaning agent) and spraying through nozzle(s)

[0086] A plurality of cleaning programs can be set or selected. For example: [0087] Fast cleaning using only hot water [0088] Steam in order to facilitate manual cleaning [0089] Normal/intensive cleaning with a chemical cleaning agent [0090] Drying, for example through slight opening of the housing and if necessary additional operation of the ventilation device [0091] Descaling

[0092] The circulation system preferably comprises the following components by means of which the cleaning liquid is routed in a cleaning circuit: [0093] Filter element of the ventilation device [0094] Pump [0095] Heating [0096] Nozzle

[0097] The table fan, which can also be referred to as a device, is, for example, connected to a water pipe, in particular a freshwater pipe. Water pipes are generally found in kitchens beneath the worktop. The device is preferably connected to an outlet, in particular to a wastewater pipe. The device is designed in such a manner that no water remains therein. Alternatively, a tank can also be used in which the cleaning liquid used is collected and disposed of at intervals after discharge from the cleaning circuit.

[0098] The user of the table fan no longer needs to clean the same by hand. Pipes for fresh water and wastewater are usually provided in kitchens so that the table fan can be easily connected. Cleaning agents can be used which, for example, are also used for a dishwasher, for example solid cleaning agents in the form of tabs. As at least the filter elements can be easily cleaned, they always perform optimally as saturation of the filter elements can be prevented.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0099] 1 Combination device [0100] 10 Table fan [0101] 11 Cooking hob [0102] 110 Cooking zone [0103] 2 Cleaning device [0104] 20 Circulation system [0105] 21 Cleaning circuit [0106] 22 Reservoir [0107] 23 Connecting line [0108] 24 Nozzle [0109] 25 Supply connection [0110] 250 Supply line [0111] 26 Heating element [0112] 27 Pump [0113] 28 Valve (water supply) [0114] 280 Valve (outlet) [0115] 29 Drain connection [0116] 290 Drain [0117] R Cleaning liquid [0118] RM Cleaning agent [0119] Ventilation device [0120] Filter chamber [0121] 300 Fixed housing part [0122] 301 Moving housing part [0123] 302 Rear wall [0124] 31 Suction pipe [0125] 32 Filter element [0126] 33 Suction opening [0127] 34 Cover [0128] 35 Damper