Microwave Hood Combination with Air Clean Function

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 63/637,629, filed on Apr. 23, 2024, entitled “MICROWAVE HOOD COMBINATION WITH AIR CLEAN FUNCTION,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to a microwave hood combination appliance, and more specifically, to a microwave hood combination appliance with an air clean function and a hood function.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a body at least partially defining a recirculation outlet. The body includes a bottom panel defining at least one inlet. A first filter is coupled to the bottom panel and in fluid communication with at least one inlet. A second filter is coupled to the bottom panel and in fluid communication with at least one inlet. The second filter is configured to filter smaller particulates than the first filter. A fan assembly is configured to direct air through at least one inlet and through the recirculation outlet. A cover assembly is operably coupled to the bottom panel. The cover assembly includes at least one inlet cover operable between a first position and a second position. An actuator is operably coupled to at least one inlet cover. The actuator is configured to move at least one inlet cover between the first position to cover the first filter to direct air through the second filter and the second position to cover the second filter to direct air through the first filter.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a body at least partially defining an air inlet and an air outlet. The body includes a mesh structure that extends across the air inlet. The mesh structure includes a first mesh section defining first inlet apertures and a second mesh section defining second mesh apertures. A first air filter is coupled to the body and is in fluid communication with the first inlet apertures. A second air filter is coupled to the body and is in fluid communication with the second inlet apertures. The second air filter is configured to filter at least some different particulates than the first air filter. A fan assembly is configured to direct air through the air inlet into the body and through the air outlet to expel the air from the body. A cover assembly is operably coupled to the body. The cover assembly includes an inlet cover operable between a first position and a second position. The inlet cover includes a first segment defining first guide apertures and a second segment defining second guide apertures. An actuator is operably coupled to the inlet cover. The actuator is configured to move the inlet cover between the first position and the second position to adjust positions of the first and second guide apertures relative to the first and second inlet apertures to, consequently, adjust which of the first and second air filters the air is directed through by the fan assembly.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cooking appliance includes a body at least partially defining at least one air inlet and an air outlet. At least one first air filter is coupled to the body and is in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet. At least one second air filter is coupled to the body adjacent to the at least one first air filter and is in fluid communication with the at least one air inlet. The at least one second air filter is configured to filter at least some different particulates than the first air filter. A fan assembly is configured to direct air through the at least one air inlet into the body and through the air outlet to expel the air from the body. A cover assembly is operably coupled to the body. The cover assembly includes at least one inlet cover rotatable between a first position and a second position. An actuator is operably coupled to the at least one inlet cover. The actuator is configured to rotate the at least one inlet cover about at least one rotational axis between the first position and the second position to adjust whether the air is directed through the at least one first air filter or the at least one second air filter by the fan assembly.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a microwave hood combination with an air clean function. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

With reference to, reference numeralgenerally designates a cooking appliance that includes an external enclosure or bodyat least partially defining at least one air outlet, including a recirculation air outlet. The bodyincludes a bottom paneldefining at least one air inlet. A first air filteris coupled to the bottom paneland in fluid communication with the inlet. A second air filteris coupled with the bottom panelin fluid communication with the inlet. The second filteris configured to filter smaller particulates than the first filter. A fan assemblyis configured to direct air through the inletand into the bodyand the recirculation outletto expel the air from the cooking appliance. A cover assemblyis operably coupled with the bottom panel. The cover assemblyincludes at least one inlet coveroperable between a first position and a second position. The cover assemblyalso includes an actuatoroperably coupled with the inlet cover. The actuatoris configured to move the inlet coverto the first position to cover the first filterand direct air through the second filteras well as to a second position to cover the second filterand direct the air through the first filter. The cover assemblyis configured to adjust an airflow path into the bodyas the position of the inlet coverdetermines which filter,the air is directed through by the fan assemblyto provide different cleaning functions to the air.

Referring to, the cooking applianceis illustrated as a microwave hood combination (MHC) appliance, which may also be referred to as a combined microwave and hood system. Other cooking and venting combination appliancesmay also be utilized without departing from the teachings herein. The MHC applianceis generally positioned over a lower cooktop, such as a stove or range. The MHC appliancemay operate as a hood during a cooking process at the lower cooktop for venting fumes, odor, and other particles resulting from the cooking process. Additionally, the MHC appliancemay operate to clean air in the area surrounding the MHC appliance, such as in a kitchen environment, separate from the cooking process as described herein.

The MHC applianceincludes the bodywith a top panel, opposing side panels,, a rear panel, a front panel, and the bottom panel. One or more of the panels-may be integrally formed with one another and/or fastened to one another. The top panelis configured to be coupled to surrounding cabinetry, and the rear panelis oriented toward a surrounding or adjacent surface or wall. The bottom panelis oriented toward and spaced from the lower cooktop.

The MHC applianceincludes an interior housingdisposed within the bodyand which defines a cooking cavity. A door assemblyis operably coupled with the bodyand is movable relative to the front panel. Generally, the front paneldefines an opening into the cooking cavity, and the door assemblycan selectively close and provide access to the cooking cavity. The door assemblygenerally includes a user interface, which can include various buttons or touch features for controlling the MHC appliance, including activating or controlling different functions of the MHC appliance. It is also contemplated that the user interfacemay be disposed on the bodyor a combination of the bodyand the door assembly.

The MHC appliancealso includes a recirculation outlet coveroperably coupled with the front panel. The recirculation outlet coveris disposed above the door assemblyand is operable between an opened position and a closed position. In the illustrated configuration, the bodydefines recirculation outletsat a front of the MHC appliance. The recirculation outletsmay be defined in the front panel, a front bracket operably coupled with the front panel, or both. The illustrated configuration includes two recirculation outlets, however, a single elongated recirculation outletor multiple recirculation outletsmay be included in the MHC appliancewithout departing from the teachings herein.

Referring still to, the MHC applianceincludes the recirculation outletsat the front of the applianceand an outside exhaust outletat a rear of the appliance. The outside exhaust outletis typically defined in the top panelproximate to the rear panelor may be defined in the rear panel. The MHC applianceis configured to operate in a recirculation mode to vent air through the recirculation outletsto an indoor area surrounding the MHC applianceand an exhaust mode to vent air through the exhaust outlet, where the air is directed to an outdoor area. When operating in the recirculation mode, the recirculation outlet coveris opened, uncovering the recirculation outlets, and when the MHC applianceif off or inactive, the recirculation outlet coveris closed, concealing the recirculation outlets. In the exhaust mode, the recirculation outlet coveris closed, directing the air through the exhaust outlet. Further, when in the recirculation mode, a cover may be positioned over the exhaust outletto direct air toward the front of the appliance.

The recirculation outletsare defined above the opening into the cooking cavityand above the door assembly. The recirculation outlet coveris configured to open and close the recirculation outlet, allowing the recirculation air to exit through the front recirculation outletin the recirculation mode and through the exhaust outletwhen in the exhaust mode. The MHC appliancemay switch between the recirculation mode and the exhaust mode. In certain aspects, an installation configuration of the MHC appliancemay determine the mode of the MHC appliance. Alternatively, the MHC appliancemay actively switch between the recirculation and exhaust modes.

Referring still to, the MHC applianceincludes electronics, such as a heating component or magnetron. A cooling fanis disposed between the bodyand the interior housing. The cooling fanis configured to direct air proximate to the electronicsto guide heat from the electronicsaway from the electronics. In the illustrated configuration, the electronicsare disposed primarily between a side of the interior housingand the side panel; however, the electronicsmay be disposed in a variety of locations, including on either side of, below, above, or behind the interior housing. The cooling fanmay be disposed in any of the locations around the interior housingwith the electronics. For example, as illustrated, the cooling fanis positioned on an upper side area of the MHC applianceto direct into the MHC applianceand proximate to the electronics.

The MHC applianceincludes the fan assembly, which may also be referred to as a hood fan or vent fan. As illustrated, the fan assemblyincludes a motorand two impellersA,B. The impellersA,B are located on opposing sides of the motorto be driven concurrently by the motor. Further, the impellersA,B are illustrated as “squirrel cages” although other fan assemblyconfigurations may be utilized without departing from the teachings herein. The “squirrel cage” configuration may be advantageous for maximizing airflow through the MHC appliance. The fan assemblyis disposed between the interior housingand the body. In the illustrated configuration, the fan assemblyis centrally located along a width of the MHC appliance, proximate to the top paneland the rear panel. Other locations, such as to sides, above, or below the interior housingare also contemplated. While one fan assemblyis illustrated, it is contemplated that more than one fan assemblycan be utilized without departing from the teachings herein.

Generally, the MHC applianceis positioned over the lower cooktop that is used for various cooking processes, which can generate fumes, vapors, odors, smoke, or other particles. The MHC applianceis configured to filter the air during the cooking process in either the recirculation mode or the outdoor exhaust mode. In the outdoor exhaust mode, the fan assemblyis activated to draw air into the MHC appliancethrough the first filter(which may be referred to as the hood filter) and the inlet. The air is drawn upwards in the MHC appliance, generally between the first side paneland the interior housing, between the second side paneland the interior housing, and/or between the rear paneland the interior housing. The air is drawn through the fan assemblyand then expelled from the MHC appliancevia the exhaust outlet.

In the recirculation mode, the air initially follows the same airflow path, being drawn by the activated fan assemblythrough the hood filterand the inlet. The air flows around the interior housingand into the fan assembly. The air is then directed toward the front of the MHC appliance, between the top paneland an upper surface of the interior housing. The recirculation outlet coveris opened and the air is directed through the recirculation outlets.

The MHC appliancemay have at least one dividerto direct air from each impellerA,B along different channels to separate recirculation outlets. In the illustrated configuration, the MHC appliancehas multiple dividers. The MHC applianceincludes two outer dividersand two inner dividersforming two channels along an upper portion of the MHC applianceto direct air to the recirculation outlets. The outlet coveris operably coupled with a cover actuator, which is illustrated as a motor assembly disposed between the two inner dividers. The motor assembly may operate to control the movement of the outlet cover. Additional biasing members may also be operably coupled with the outlet coverto assist with closing the outlet cover. The motor assembly may be arranged outside of the recirculation airflow path. The divider(s)may be omitted and/or a single recirculation outletmay be utilized without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring to, when operating in the recirculation mode, the MHC appliancemay provide different functions, including a recirculation hood function and an air clean function. The recirculation hood function is utilized during the cooking process, drawing the air through the hood filter. The MHC appliancemay adjust components at the bottom panel, such as the cover assembly, to direct air through different filters,based on the selected or current operational function of the MHC appliance. Once the air enters the MHC appliance(e.g., after the air flows through the selected filter,), the air flows along the same recirculation flow path to and through the recirculation outlets. When the MHC applianceis operating in the air clean mode, the air is generally directed through the second or air clean filterand then along the recirculation flow path. Typically, the air clean function is not utilized in combination with the outdoor exhaust mode as the air is directed to the outdoor location and additional filtering of the air may not be desired.

The MHC applianceincludes the cover assembly, which is configured to adjust the MHC appliancebetween the recirculation hood function and the air clean function. Generally, the recirculation hood function is used to filter the fumes and odor from the air that are generated during the cooking process from the air that is vented back into the indoor location. In the air clean mode, the MHC applianceis configured to filter smaller particulates to further clean or purify the air, which may generally be performed in combination with the cooking process on the lower cooktop or separate from the cooktop operations to improve air quality in the indoor location.

Referring still to, the MHC applianceincludes the inletdefined along a width of the MHC appliancebetween two light sourcesA,B. The elongated inletmay be advantageous for drawing air from different burner locations on the cooktop. The MHC applianceincludes the first filter, which may also be referred to as the hood filterfor use in the recirculation hood function, and the second filter, which may also be referred to as a particulate filteror an air clean filterfor use during the air clean function. The air clean filteris configured to capture particulates of a lesser size from the air being drawn into the MHC appliancecompared to the hood filter.

The first and second filters,may be inserted into or otherwise be in fluid communication with the inlet. The filters,may fill a single inlet, as illustrated in, or may be disposed in separate inlets. The filters,may be different types of filters,to filter at least some different types of particulates. The first filtergenerally includes one or both of a grease filter and a charcoal filter. The grease and charcoal filters, are configured to filter particulates having a size between about 0.5 μm and about 50 μm. The grease filter may be a mesh structure, such as an aluminum, stainless steel, and/or acrylic mesh that can trap grease and food particulates. The charcoal filter may be a charcoal or carbon-based filter medium that can trap smoke, fumes, or other chemical particulates. The hood filtermay capture larger particles from the air, which typically result from the cooking process at the lower cooktop.

Referring to, the air clean filteris configured to filter or capture at least some different particulates from the air compared to the hood filter. In certain aspects, the air clean filtercan filter particles of a smaller size, generally between about 0.03 μm and about 0.4 μm or larger. The air clean filtermay be configured as a total volatile organic compound (TVOC) filter, a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, both the TVOC and HEPA filter, or similar air purifying or small particulate filters. TVOC filters may capture or remove air pollutants such as VOCs from the air. The air clean filtermay also capture pollen, dander, dust, pet dander, odor, etc. from the air flowing through the MHC appliance.

The hood filtercan assist with reducing or removing odors from the air that come from the cooking process. The air clean filtercan further improve air quality in an area surrounding the MHC applianceby removing or reducing small particles, odor, and other contaminated air, which may be accomplished separately from the cooking process. Accordingly, the hood filtercan clean air that is contaminated by the cooking process, and the air clean filtercan clean or purify air separate from the cooking process (e.g., the MHC appliancecan act as an air cleaner or air purifier).

The bottom panelis illustrated in defining a single inletin which the first and second filters,are positioned. In this way, both the first and second filters,are in fluid communication with the single inlet. The first and second filters,may be operably coupled with one another via a filter frameto form a filter assembly. The filter framemay include handles for adding and removing the filters,to the MHC appliance, as well as coupling features for retaining the filters,in the inlet. In certain aspects, the air clean filterhas a greater thickness than the hood filter, and the filter framecan have different thicknesses to accommodate the different thicknesses of the filter,. As illustrated, a bottom of the filter assemblymay be generally flat, while the filter frameand the air clean filterprotrude internally within the MHC appliance.

Referring to, the filters,are operably coupled with the bottom panelto fill the inlet. The hood filteris generally positioned forward of the air clean filter(closer to the front panel), which may better align the hood filterwith a center portion of the lower cooktop to maximize fumes, odors, etc. captured in the air being drawn into the MHC appliance. The hood filterand the air clean filtermay extend a same distance along a width of the bottom panelto maximize airflow through each filter,. Additionally, the filters,may extend a same distance fore-and-aft to be substantially similar in area along the bottom panel. In configurations where the air clean filteris thicker than the hood filter, the air clean filterextends further into the MHC appliancesuch that both filters,are aligned or flush with the bottom panelto form a flat bottom of the MHC appliance.

The MHC applianceincludes a mesh structurethat extends across and generally fills the inlet. This mesh structuremay be a separate component coupled to the bottom panelor may be integrally formed with the bottom panel. The mesh structureincludes a first mesh sectionand a second mesh sectionthat is offset from the first mesh section. One or both of the mesh sections,may be recessed relative to the bottom surfaceof the bottom panel. For example, the first mesh sectionis a first distance from the bottom surfaceof the bottom panel, and the second mesh sectionis a second greater distance from the bottom surfaceto form a stepped configuration. A connecting section may extend between the two mesh sections,and may be a solid or continuous component. The bottom paneland the mesh sections,form receiving spaces for receiving the first and second filters,and the filter frame. As the air clean filteris thicker, the air clean filteraligns with the second mesh sectionand the hood filteraligns with the first mesh section.

Referring still to, as well as, the first mesh sectionincludes first inlet aperturesdisposed over/downstream of and in fluid communication with the hood filter. The second mesh sectiondefines second inlet aperturesdisposed over/downstream of and in fluid communication with the air clean filter. The cover assemblyincludes the inlet coverconfigured as a sliding mesh cover(e.g., the at least one inlet cover) and the actuatorconfigured as a linear actuatorwith a motorand a connector. In the illustrated configuration, the linear actuatoris disposed at a rear of the inletand engages the sliding mesh coverto move the sliding coverfore and aft relative to or over an inner surface of the mesh structure. The cover assemblywith the linear actuatorand the sliding mesh coveris disposed proximate to the inner surface of the bottom panel.

The mesh coverincludes a first segment, which is configured to engage with the first mesh sectionof the mesh structure, and a second segment, which is configured to engage the second mesh sectionof the mesh structure. In this way, the sliding mesh coverforms a stepped configuration with the second segmentoffset from the first segmentto generally align with the stepped configuration of the mesh structure. This provides space for the greater thickness of the second filterwhile allowing the filters,to remain generally flush or coplanar with the bottom surface. The first segmentof the sliding mesh coverdefines the first guide apertures, and the second segmentdefines the second guide apertures.

The linear actuatoris configured to translate the sliding mesh coverbetween the first and second positions relative to the two mesh sections,of the mesh structure. Accordingly, the linear actuatoradjusts the guide apertures,relative to the inlet apertures,to selectively cover and uncover the inlet apertures,for directing air through the select filter,. In other words, the actuatoris configured to move the mesh coverbetween the first position and the second position to adjust positions of the first and second guide apertures,relative to the first and second inlet apertures,to, consequently, adjust which of the first and second filters,the air is directed through by the fan assembly. In this regard, the position of the sliding mesh coverchanges the function of the MHC appliance.

Referring still to, the linear actuatormay include the motorand the connector. The connectoris configured to engage the sliding mesh cover. In certain aspects, the movement of the connectoris configured to push and pull the sliding mesh coverbetween the first and second positions as the connectorextends and retracts. In additional or alternative aspects, the linear actuatormay push the sliding mesh cover, and the cover assemblymay include a biasing member that imparts a pulling biasing force on the sliding mesh coverto return the sliding mesh coverto an initial state upon the connectorbeing retracted. The mesh coveris configured to slide horizontally between the first and second positions.

When the actuatoris in a first or retracted state, the sliding mesh coveris in the first position for the recirculation hood function. The first guide aperturesof the sliding mesh coverare aligned and in fluid communication with the first inlet aperturesof the mesh structure. In this way, the sliding mesh coveris moved to vertically align the first guide apertureswith the first inlet apertures.

With reference to, when the sliding mesh coveris in the first position, the second guide aperturesare offset or misaligned from the second inlet apertures. In this way, the second guide aperturesare disposed over and aligned with the mesh structurebetween the second inlet apertures(e.g., solid portions of the mesh structure). Accordingly, when the sliding mesh coveris in the first position, there is little to no air that can flow through the second inlet aperturesas they are blocked or covered by the misaligned second segment. The first apertures,are aligned to allow airflow therethrough, and the second apertures,are misaligned to reduce or prevent airflow therethrough.

With the first inlet aperturesbeing aligned with the first guide aperturesand when the fan assemblyis active, air is drawn through the hood filteras the airflow path is open or defined through the first apertures,. Accordingly, the effect formed by the fan assemblyat the inletis generated proximate to the first apertures,to draw air through the hood filter. The airflow path formed by the fan assemblyis generally blocked at the air clean filterdue to the second inlet aperturesbeing blocked by the sliding mesh cover.

As illustrated in, when the linear actuatoris in a second or extended state, the sliding mesh coveris moved forward to the second position for the air clean function. The second guide aperturesof the sliding mesh coverare aligned and in fluid communication with the second inlet aperturesof the mesh structure. In this way, the sliding mesh coveris moved to vertically align the second guide apertureswith the second inlet apertures.

When the sliding mesh coveris in the second position, the first guide aperturesare offset or misaligned from the first inlet apertures. In this way, the first guide aperturesare disposed over and aligned with the mesh structurebetween the first inlet apertures(e.g., solid portions). Accordingly, when the sliding mesh coveris in the second position, there is little to no air that can flow through the first inlet aperturesas they are blocked or covered by the misaligned first segment.

With the second inlet aperturesbeing aligned with the second guide aperturesand when the fan assemblyis active, air is drawn through the air clean filteras the airflow path is open or defined through the second apertures,. Accordingly, the effect formed by the fan assemblyat the inletis generated proximate to the second inlet aperturesto draw air through the air clean filter. The airflow path formed by the fan assemblyis generally blocked at the hood filterdue to the first inlet aperturesbeing blocked or covered by the sliding mesh cover.

Referring again to, the guide apertures,of the sliding mesh covermay be substantially or fully aligned with the inlet apertures,of the mesh structureto provide the airflow through the select filter,and substantially or fully misaligned to at least substantially block airflow through the other filter,. The sliding mesh covermay abut and slide along the mesh structureto reduce any airflow between the two components. This may be advantageous for increasing the longevity of the filters,. Additionally, this may be advantageous for the air clean filterto reduce or prevent collection of fumes from cooking processes caught by the air clean filter. While the sliding mesh coveris illustrated in the first position when the linear actuatoris retracted and in the second position when the linear actuatoris expanded, the sliding mesh covermay be in the second position when the linear actuatoris retracted and in the first position when the linear actuatoris expanded. Further, the actuatormay be configured to move the mesh coverfrom side-to-side or other patterns to selectively align and misalign the apertures,,,.

Additionally, it is contemplated that the filters,may be arranged side-by-side. In such configurations, the actuatormay be disposed on a side of the MHC applianceand configured to move the sliding mesh coverin a lateral translation. Further, different actuatorsmay be used for moving or sliding the sliding mesh coverbetween the first and second positions.

Referring again to, in additional or alternative configurations, the MHC applianceincludes a bottom panelthat defines multiple inlets, including four inletsA-D, though a single inletmay be used without departing from the teachings herein. In the illustrated configuration, there are four inletsA-D arranged side-by-side between the light sourcesA,B. The MHC applianceincludes two hood filters, including first and second hood filtersA,B, and two air clean filters, including first and second air clean filtersA,B, arranged in an alternating pattern in the inlets. The hood filtersA,B may be the same or may be different, and/or the air clean filtersA,B may be the same of different. For example, the hood filtersA,B can include the grease filter and the charcoal filter, the first air clean filterA may be a TVOC filter, and the second air clean filter may be a HEPA filter to maximize filtration of the air. Accordingly, the first inletA includes the first hood filterA, the second inletB includes the first air clean filterA, the third inletC includes the second hood filterB, and the fourth inletD includes the second air clean filterB.

Referring to, the bodymay include the mesh structurewith a first mesh sectionand a second mesh sectionspaced from one another. The first and second mesh sections,of the mesh structuremay be aligned with and disposed above the hood filtersA,B. The air clean filtersA,B may have increased thicknesses compared to the hood filtersA,B and extend beyond the mesh structure. Additional mesh sections may be aligned with air clean filtersA,B without departing the teachings herein. The hood filtersA,B and the air clean filtersA,B may be configured and operate as the filters,described with respect to, and may be coupled to one another via a filter frameor may be separate components.

Referring to, the MHC applianceincludes two inlet covers, which are configured as rotating covers,(e.g., first and second inlet covers,) that are configured to rotate between the first and second positions. The rotating covers,are generally coupled with the bottom panelbetween two types of filters,. For example, the first rotating covermay be operably coupled to the bottom panelbetween the first hood filterA and the first air clean filterA, and the second rotating covermay be operably coupled to the bottom panelbetween the second hood filterB and the second air clean filterB. The rotating covers,may be coupled to an outer surface of the bottom panelor may extend through openings in the bottom panelto cover the filters,. The rotating covers,are configured to be rotated together in a same direction to cover the hood filtersA,B or to cover the air clean filtersA,B.

The cover assemblyincludes the actuator, which is configured as a motor, a connector link, and a linkage, which may be disposed inside the bodyproximate to the inner surface of the bottom panel. In other words, the actuatormay be on an opposing side of the bottom panelcompared to the rotating covers,. Accordingly, one or both of the rotating covers,and the actuatormay extend through the bottom panel. The linkageis operably coupled with the motorvia the connector link. The motoris configured to drive rotation of the connector link, which drives movement of the linkage. Generally, the linkagemay slide or move laterally along the bottom panel. The rotational motion of the motorand the connector linkis translated into linear and/or lateral motion of the linkage, which drives rotational movement of the rotating covers,about horizontal axes. Rotational axes of the rotating covers,may be parallel with the bottom surfaceof the bottom paneland may extend fore-aft, as illustrated in, or side to side (see).

The linkagemay move linearly or linearly and vertically (e.g., rotational movement) based on an engagement with the connector link. For example, the engagement between the connector linkand the linkagemay be a fixed rotational point, resulting in vertical and linear movement of the linkageas the connector linkrotates. Alternatively, the connector linkand/or the linkagemay have a slot at the engagement that reduces vertical movement of the linkage. The linkagemay directly engage the covers,, such as rotating shafts of the covers,, or may indirectly engage the covers,, such as via connectors.

As illustrated in, when in the first position, the rotating covers,are configured to be disposed below, aligned with, or otherwise extend along an outer surface of the air clean filtersA,B to at least substantially block or cover the air clean filtersA,B. In the first position, the hood filtersA,B are exposed for the recirculation hood function. Accordingly, when the fan assemblyis activated, air is drawn through the hood filtersA,B, and minimal or no air is drawn through the blocked air clean filtersA,B.

As illustrated in, when in the second position, the rotating covers,are configured to be disposed below, aligned with, or otherwise extend along an outer surface of the hood filtersA,B to at least substantially block or cover the hood filtersA,B. In the second position, the air clean filtersA,B are exposed for the air clean function. Accordingly, when the fan assemblyis activated, air is drawn through the air clean filtersA,B, and minimal or no air is drawn through the blocked hood filtersA,B.