Flue sealing device and range hood

Abstract

This invention relates to a flue sealing device and a range hood. The flue sealing device includes a flue through which flue gas passes, and the flue includes a sealing channel. The sealing channel includes a first channel section and a second channel section arranged at an angle. A partition extending along the length of the second channel section is also provided. The top end of the partition and its two opposite sides in the width direction are connected to the inner wall of the second channel section, dividing the internal space of the second channel section into a ventilation section for flue gas exhaust and a liquid passage section for sealing liquid flow. The bottom ports of both the ventilation section and the liquid passage section are connected to the bottom of the first channel section. The top end of the liquid passage section is not connected to the ventilation section. A vent connecting the liquid passage section to the outside atmosphere is also provided on the bottom wall of the second channel section at a position corresponding to the top end of the liquid passage section. The advantages are: automatic smoke exhaust and effective guarantee of flue sealing reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of range hood technology, and in particular to a flue sealing device and a range hood. Background Technology

[0002] Modern apartment buildings typically use shared ventilation ducts. The fumes from each household's range hood enter the shared duct and are then expelled from the top of the building. If the range hood's exhaust vent is not properly sealed, fumes from lower-floor units can enter the rooms of upper-floor units during exhaust. Similarly, during strong winds or low air pressure, fumes from upper-floor units can enter the rooms of lower-floor units through the exhaust vents of their range hoods, causing cross-contamination of air and smoke between ducts. Therefore, most range hoods have an exhaust hood with a valve inside. This valve typically opens when the range hood is in use to expel fumes into the shared duct and closes when the range hood is turned off to prevent backflow of fumes into the shared duct. For example, the Chinese patent authorization announcement number CN202158233U, "A Check Valve for a Range Hood", and the Chinese invention patent application number CN201210423898.4, "Exhaust Hood of a Range Hood with Auxiliary Valve Plate for Quick Opening", both disclose this check valve structure for preventing backflow of oil fumes.

[0003] However, the mechanical check valve sealing structure in the above patent application still has some shortcomings: because the valve plate in the exhaust hood is in contact with oil fumes for a long time, it is often difficult to open or poorly open due to the adhesion of oil fumes. On the other hand, since the valve plate mostly uses peripheral sealing gaskets to achieve compression sealing, the use of sealing gaskets inevitably leads to local sealing failure. Moreover, over time, it is easy to be damaged and requires regular inspection and maintenance, which is costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a flue sealing device that can automatically exhaust smoke and effectively ensure the reliability of flue sealing, in light of the current state of the prior art.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a range hood that applies the above-mentioned flue sealing device, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem is as follows: a flue sealing device, comprising a flue through which flue gas passes, the flue including a sealing channel for storing sealing liquid, the sealing channel including a first channel section and a second channel section connected sequentially along the flue gas flow direction and arranged at an angle to each other, the bottom of the first channel section being connected to the bottom of the second channel section, the second channel section also having a partition extending along the length direction of the second channel section, the top end of the partition and its two opposite sides in the width direction being connected to the inner wall of the second channel section, dividing the internal space of the second channel section into a ventilation section for flue gas exhaust and a liquid passage section for sealing liquid flow, the bottom port of the ventilation section and the bottom port of the liquid passage section being connected to the bottom of the first channel section, the top end of the liquid passage section not connected to the ventilation section, and a vent opening connecting the liquid passage section to the outside atmosphere at a position corresponding to the top end of the liquid passage section on the bottom wall of the second channel section.

[0007] To ensure a good seal and reduce the amount of sealing fluid used, the first vent section extends vertically, and the second vent section extends upwards at an angle from the bottom of the first vent section. The term "vertical" in "the first vent section extends vertically" does not necessarily mean that the first vent section extends in a perfectly vertical direction; it can also be slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction (e.g., with an inclination angle within 5°). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second vent section could also extend vertically.

[0008] In order to better exhaust the flue gas through the ventilation section, the liquid passage section in the second ventilation section is located below the ventilation section.

[0009] To further reduce the amount of sealing liquid used, the tilt angle formed by the second vent section relative to the vertical direction is α, and the value of α is in the range of 0°<α≤75°.

[0010] As an improvement, the volume of the sealing fluid within the sealing channel is configured as follows:

[0011] In the initial state, the sealing liquid in the sealed channel disconnects the first channel segment from the second channel segment;

[0012] In operation, the sealing liquid in the sealed channel can enter the liquid passage section under the pressure of the flue gas in the flue, thereby connecting the first channel section with the ventilation section.

[0013] The “initial state” mentioned above should be understood as the fume extraction device (such as a range hood or other products with fume extraction function) being in a non-operating state; while the “operating state” mentioned above should be understood as the operating condition of the fume extraction device’s fan system being in the lowest setting mode.

[0014] To reduce costs, the sealing fluid is water. Of course, it is conceivable that other non-volatile and non-flammable liquids, such as silicone oil, could also be used as the sealing fluid.

[0015] To detect the flue gas pressure within the flue and reduce costs, the system also includes a first liquid level sensor located in the first channel section to detect the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the second channel section, a second liquid level sensor located in the liquid passage section to detect the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the liquid passage section, and a processing unit electrically connected to both the first and second liquid level sensors. The processing unit calculates the flue gas pressure within the flue based on the liquid level signals transmitted by the first and second liquid level sensors.

[0016] Considering that each time airflow passes through the flue, some sealing liquid will inevitably be carried out, and the evaporation of the sealing liquid will have an impact, the liquid in the flue will gradually decrease, eventually leading to seal failure. However, directly replenishing the sealing liquid is too frequent and costly, causing inconvenience to users. Therefore, a liquid replenishment device for replenishing the sealing liquid into the sealing channel is also included. The liquid replenishment device includes a liquid storage tank, the bottom of which is connected to the sealing channel through a liquid delivery pipe. The liquid delivery pipe is also equipped with a one-way valve for allowing the sealing liquid to enter the sealing channel in one direction.

[0017] As an improvement, in order to achieve automatic replenishment of the sealing liquid, the one-way valve is configured to open when the pressure difference between the liquid in the storage tank and the liquid in the sealing channel reaches a set value, and close when it is less than the set value.

[0018] To promptly alert users to any reduction in the sealing fluid volume due to failure to replenish it in a timely manner, an alarm device electrically connected to both the first and second level sensors is included. This alarm device is configured to issue an alarm when the fluid levels detected by the first and second level sensors are the same and both lower than a set fluid level. The "set fluid level" can generally be understood as indicating that when the sealing fluid level is lower than this level, it signifies insufficient volume of sealing fluid within the sealing channel, leading to seal failure.

[0019] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem is: a range hood, including a housing and a fan system disposed inside the housing, the housing having an air outlet connected to the fan system, the air outlet being connected to an external flue, and the flue being provided with the aforementioned flue sealing device.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are as follows: Since the first and second channel sections of the sealing channel are connected at the bottom and arranged at an angle, when the range hood (or other fume extraction device) at the front end is not working, the presence of sealing liquid in the sealing channel ensures a good seal at the bottom connection point of the first and second channel sections. This isolates the range hood from the gas in the external flue, preventing odorous airflow from the external flue from flowing back into the range hood when it stops working, thus improving the user experience. When the range hood is turned on, the pressure of the fan system forces the sealing liquid into the liquid passage section on one side of the partition (the top end of the liquid passage section is connected to the outside atmosphere), while the ventilation section connects to the first channel section of the flue, allowing the fumes to be discharged normally. When the range hood is turned off, the sealing liquid returns to its initial state under its own weight, restoring the liquid seal. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the flue sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a range hood with a flue sealing device, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the flue sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention (in a sealed state).

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the flue sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention (in the open ventilation state). Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0027] Figures 1-4A preferred embodiment of the flue sealing device and range hood of the present invention is shown. The flue sealing device includes a flue, a flue pressure detection device, and a liquid replenishment device 30. The flue includes a sealing channel for storing sealing liquid, comprising a first channel section 11 and a second channel section 12 arranged sequentially along the flue gas flow direction at an angle to each other. The bottom of the first channel section 11 connects to the bottom of the second channel section 12, thus making the sealing channel generally U-shaped or V-shaped. After filling the sealing channel with a sufficient amount of sealing liquid, the section where the bottom of the first channel section 11 connects to the bottom of the second channel section 12 can be sealed, isolating the first channel section 11 from the second channel section 12 and preventing odorous airflow from the external flue from flowing back into the range hood when it stops operating.

[0028] To allow the sealing liquid to release the barrier between the first channel section 11 and the second channel section 12 during range hood operation, a partition 13 extending along the length of the second channel section 12 is provided. The top end of the partition 13 and its two opposite sides in the width direction are connected to the inner wall of the second channel section 12, dividing the internal space of the second channel section 12 into a ventilation section 121 for exhaust gas and a liquid passage section 122 for the flow of the sealing liquid. The bottom edge of the partition 13 is not connected to the inner wall of either the first channel section 11 or the second channel section 12; that is, the bottom port of both the ventilation section 121 and the liquid passage section 122 are connected to the bottom of the first channel section 11. Since the top edge of the partition 13 is connected to the inner wall of the second channel section 12, the top end of the liquid passage section 122 is not connected to the ventilation section 121. The ventilation section 121 serves as the main channel for exhaust gas. On the bottom wall of the aforementioned second channel section 12, at a position corresponding to the top end of the liquid passage section 122, a vent 120 is provided to connect the liquid passage section 122 with the external atmosphere. When the range hood is turned on, due to the pressure of the range hood's fan system, the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the first channel section 11 gradually decreases, specifically being forced into the liquid passage section 122 on the side of the partition 13 (because the top end of the liquid passage section 122 is connected to the external atmosphere). After the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the first channel section 11 decreases to the corresponding position (determined by the current flue gas pressure and the volume of the sealing liquid), the vent section 121 connects with the first channel section 11 of the flue, and the flue gas can be discharged normally. Of course, during the process of flue gas discharge, when the flue gas pressure in the flue continues to increase, the sealing liquid will continue to be forced into the liquid passage section 122 on the side of the partition 13, and the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the first channel section 11 will decrease to an even lower position. When the range hood is turned off, the sealing liquid returns to its initial state under its own weight, thus restoring the liquid seal.

[0029] The design of the flue sealing structure described above creates a "secondary connector" structure within the sealed channel, where the ventilation section 121 and liquid passage section 122, separated by the partition 13, form a liquid-conveying section. In this case, the sealing liquid does not require an additional pump for external discharge. When the range hood is running, the sealing liquid automatically enters the liquid passage section 122 under the pressure of the flue gas, connecting the first channel section 11 with the ventilation section 121 to achieve automatic smoke exhaust. When the range hood is turned off, the sealing liquid returns to its initial state under its own weight, achieving liquid sealing again and effectively ensuring the reliability of the flue seal.

[0030] See Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first channel segment 11 extends vertically, and the second channel segment 12 extends obliquely upward from the bottom of the first channel segment 11. The liquid-passing section 122 in the second channel segment 12 is located below the ventilation section 121, thus ensuring that the sealing liquid can enter the liquid-passing section 122 and that the flue gas in the flue is discharged through the ventilation section 121. The term "vertical" in "the first channel segment 11 extends vertically" does not limit it to a perfectly vertical extension; it can also be slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction (e.g., with an inclination angle within 5°). In a preferred embodiment, to further reduce the amount of sealing liquid used and to reduce the space occupied by the sealing channel due to a gentle turning angle, the first channel segment 11 extends vertically, and the inclination angle formed by the second channel segment 12 relative to the vertical direction is α, where α ranges from 0° to 75°, and preferably, α is 60°.

[0031] The sealing liquid that achieves the liquid seal effect in the sealed channel can be water or other non-volatile and non-flammable liquids (such as silicone oil). To reduce costs, water is used as the sealing liquid.

[0032] The volume of the sealing liquid in the sealing channel can be reasonably set according to the turning angle of the sealing channel and the flue gas pressure at various levels during the operation of the range hood. Specifically, it should at least meet the following requirements: The amount of sealing liquid should not be too small. In the initial state, the sealing liquid in the sealing channel will disconnect the first channel section 11 from the second channel section 12. If the volume of sealing liquid is too small, it will not be able to achieve the sealing effect. The volume of sealing liquid should also not be too large. In the working state, the sealing liquid in the sealing channel can enter the liquid passage section 122 under the action of the flue gas pressure, and connect the first channel section 11 with the ventilation section 121 for effective smoke exhaust. If the amount of sealing liquid is too large, the sealing liquid cannot effectively enter the liquid passage section 122 under the flue gas pressure, thus connecting the ventilation section 121 with the first channel section 11 and ensuring the ventilation volume of the exhaust channel after the two are connected. The “initial state” mentioned above should be understood as the fume extraction device (such as a range hood or other products with fume extraction function) being in a non-operating state; while the “operating state” mentioned above should be understood as the operating condition of the fume extraction device’s fan system being in the lowest setting mode.

[0033] The flue gas pressure detection device of this embodiment detects the flue gas pressure within the flue based on the aforementioned sealed channel structure, thereby reducing costs. The device also includes a first level sensor 21 located in the first channel section 11 to detect the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the second channel section 12, a second level sensor 22 located in the liquid passage section 122 to detect the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the liquid passage section 122, and a processing unit electrically connected to both the first and second level sensors 21 and 22. Both the first and second level sensors 21 and 22 can be capacitive level sensors, attached to the inner walls of the first channel section 11 and the liquid passage section 122. The working principle and installation method of capacitive level sensors are existing technologies and will not be described further here. The aforementioned processing unit calculates the flue gas pressure inside the flue based on the liquid level signals transmitted by the first liquid level sensor 21 and the second liquid level sensor 22. Specifically, it calculates the pressure P = ρg(H2-H1) by converting the height difference between the liquid levels on both sides, where ρ is the density of the sealing liquid and H2-H1 represents the height difference between the liquid levels on both sides.

[0034] Considering that each time airflow passes through the flue, some sealing liquid will inevitably be carried away, and the evaporation of the sealing liquid will affect the process, causing the liquid in the flue to gradually decrease and eventually leading to seal failure. However, directly replenishing the sealing liquid is too frequent and costly, causing inconvenience to users. Therefore, this embodiment of the flue sealing device also includes a liquid replenishment device 30 to replenish the sealing liquid into the sealing channel. Figure 3As shown, the liquid replenishment device 30 includes a storage tank 31 for storing sealing liquid. The bottom of the storage tank 31 is connected to the sealing channel via a delivery pipe 32. The delivery pipe 32 is also equipped with a one-way valve 33 for allowing the sealing liquid to enter the sealing channel in one direction. The one-way valve 33 can be a conventional spring-loaded one-way valve 33, which is configured to open when the pressure difference between the liquid in the storage tank 31 and the liquid in the sealing channel reaches a set value, and close when it is less than the set value. In this way, automatic replenishment of sealing liquid can be achieved when the liquid in the sealing channel is insufficient.

[0035] The sealing channel connects to the infusion pipe 32 at the bottom of the junction between the first channel section 11 and the second channel section 12. This ensures that both the upstream and downstream sections of the infusion pipe 32, located at the one-way valve 33, are filled with sealing liquid when the range hood is either off or running. As airflow passes through, the liquid inside the sealing channel does not flow into the storage tank 31 due to the structure of the one-way valve 33. When the airflow stops, the pressure difference causes the sealing liquid in the storage tank 31 to eventually reach a stable pressure with the sealing liquid in the sealing channel, effectively replenishing the sealing liquid and keeping its volume within a reasonable range. Of course, the volume of sealing liquid in the storage tank 31 also needs to be maintained within a suitable range, such as by periodically replenishing a fixed amount of sealing liquid or by automatically replenishing it in conjunction with other liquid level detection devices.

[0036] Of course, situations may arise where the sealing liquid in the reservoir 31 cannot be replenished to the sealing channel in a timely manner (e.g., due to the one-way valve 33 becoming stuck or malfunctioning). To promptly remind the user to check for a decrease in the amount of sealing liquid caused by the failure to replenish the liquid in time, the flue sealing device in this embodiment also includes an alarm device electrically connected to both the first liquid level sensor 21 and the second liquid level sensor 22. This alarm device is configured to issue an alarm reminder when the liquid level detected by the first liquid level sensor 21 and the liquid level detected by the second liquid level sensor 22 are the same and both are less than a set liquid level. The aforementioned "set liquid level" can generally be understood as indicating that when the sealing liquid is less than this level, it means that the volume of sealing liquid in the sealing channel is insufficient, leading to sealing failure. The alarm reminder can be achieved by emitting "audible and / or visual signals" (e.g., playing sound through a horn and flashing an alarm light). After the alarm signal is issued, the user can check whether the replenishment process of the replenishment device 30 has failed. Of course, after the replenishment device 30 replenishes the sealing liquid, it will stop alarming when the liquid level in the sealing channel reaches the minimum height.

[0037] Because the first channel section 11 and the second channel section 12 of the sealed channel are connected at the bottom and arranged at an angle, when the range hood (or other fume extraction device) at the front end is not working, the presence of sealing liquid in the sealed channel can achieve a good seal at the bottom connection point of the first channel section 11 and the second channel section 12, thus isolating the range hood from the gas in the external flue. This prevents odorous airflow from the external flue from flowing back into the range hood when it stops working, improving the user experience. When the range hood is turned on, the sealing liquid is forced into the liquid passage section 122 on one side of the partition 13 (the top end of the liquid passage section 122 is connected to the outside atmosphere) due to the pressure of the range hood's fan system. The ventilation section 121 is connected to the first channel section 11 of the flue, allowing the fumes to be discharged normally. When the range hood is turned off, the sealing liquid returns to its initial state under its own weight, achieving liquid sealing again.

[0038] This embodiment also relates to a range hood, which includes a housing 40 and a fan system disposed within the housing 40. The housing 40 has an air outlet connected to the fan system, and the air outlet is connected to an external flue. The flue is provided with the aforementioned flue sealing device. It is conceivable that the flue sealing device of this embodiment is not only applicable to range hoods, but also to other fume extraction devices or products with fume extraction functions, such as integrated cooktops.

Claims

1. A flue sealing device, characterized in that: The system includes a flue through which flue gas passes, and a sealed channel for storing a sealing liquid. The sealed channel includes a first channel section (11) and a second channel section (12) that are connected sequentially along the flue gas flow direction and arranged at an angle to each other. The bottom of the first channel section (11) is connected to the bottom of the second channel section (12). The second channel section (12) is also provided with a partition (13) that extends along the length of the second channel section (12). The top end of the partition (13) and its two opposite sides in the width direction are connected to the inner wall of the second channel section (12). The internal space of the second channel section (12) is divided into a ventilation section (121) for exhausting flue gas and a liquid passage section (122) for the flow of sealing liquid. The bottom port of the ventilation section (121) and the bottom port of the liquid passage section (122) are connected to the bottom of the first channel section (11). The top end of the liquid passage section (122) is not connected to the ventilation section (121). On the bottom wall of the second channel section (12), at a position corresponding to the top end of the liquid passage section (122), a ventilation port (120) is provided to connect the liquid passage section (122) with the external atmosphere.

2. The flue sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first channel segment (11) extends vertically, and the second channel segment (12) extends obliquely upward from the bottom of the first channel segment (11).

3. The flue sealing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid passage section (122) in the second channel section (12) is located below the air passage section (121).

4. The flue sealing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tilt angle formed by the second channel segment (12) relative to the vertical direction is α, and the value range of α is: 0°<α≤75°.

5. The flue sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The volume of the sealing fluid within the sealed channel is configured as follows: In the initial state, the sealing liquid in the sealed channel disconnects the first channel segment (11) from the second channel segment (12); In operation, the sealing liquid in the sealed channel can enter the liquid passage section (122) under the action of flue gas pressure in the flue, thereby connecting the first channel section (11) with the ventilation section (121).

6. The flue sealing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing liquid is water.

7. The flue sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: It also includes a first liquid level sensor (21) disposed in the first channel section (11) to detect the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the second channel section (12), a second liquid level sensor (22) disposed in the liquid passage section (122) to detect the liquid level of the sealing liquid in the liquid passage section (122), and a processing unit electrically connected to the first liquid level sensor (21) and the second liquid level sensor (22). The processing unit calculates the flue gas pressure in the flue based on the liquid level signals transmitted by the first liquid level sensor (21) and the second liquid level sensor (22).

8. The flue sealing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a replenishing device (30) for replenishing sealing liquid into the sealed channel. The replenishing device (30) includes a storage tank (31). The bottom of the storage tank (31) is connected to the sealed channel through a delivery pipe (32). The delivery pipe (32) is also provided with a one-way valve (33) for allowing the sealing liquid to enter the sealed channel in one direction.

9. The flue sealing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The one-way valve (33) is configured to open when the pressure difference between the liquid in the reservoir (31) and the liquid in the sealed channel reaches a set value, and to close when the pressure difference is less than the set value.

10. The flue sealing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an alarm device that is electrically connected to both the first liquid level sensor (21) and the second liquid level sensor (22). The alarm device is configured to issue an alarm reminder when the liquid level detected by the first liquid level sensor (21) and the liquid level detected by the second liquid level sensor (22) are the same and both are less than the set liquid level.

11. A range hood, comprising a housing (40) and a fan system disposed within the housing (40), wherein the housing (40) has an air outlet communicating with the fan system and the air outlet being connected to an external flue, characterized in that: The flue is provided with a flue sealing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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