A refrigerated range hood and its control method

Abstract

A refrigerated range hood and its control method are disclosed. The refrigeration module includes a fume extraction module, a compressor, a heat dissipation module, and an indoor unit module. The fume extraction module includes a fume extraction fan, the heat dissipation module includes a condenser and a heat dissipation fan, and the indoor unit module includes an evaporator and an indoor unit fan. Ventilation openings are formed in the volute wall of the fume extraction fan, and the air outlet of the heat dissipation fan is in fluid communication with the interior of the volute through these openings. A guide valve is installed at each ventilation opening. A temperature sensor detects the external temperature of the range hood. A controller receives the output signal from the temperature sensor and controls the operating states of the heat dissipation fan, the indoor unit fan, and the guide valve. The controller of this refrigerated range hood controls the operating states of the heat dissipation fan, the indoor unit fan, and the guide valve based on the received output signal from the temperature sensor, exhibiting a high degree of intelligence. The control method of this refrigerated range hood combines water level judgment with a float switch to achieve intelligent condensate water treatment, improving water treatment efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a range hood, and more particularly to a refrigerated range hood and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Existing technologies disclose various refrigeration-type range hoods, which add an air conditioning component to the existing range hood platform. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected via refrigerant piping. This refrigeration-type range hood combines the functions of a range hood with those of an air conditioner. Currently, multiple products are used to achieve functions such as fresh air intake, air conditioning, and range hood, occupying a large kitchen space, and condensate is discharged externally. Existing integrated kitchen air conditioners integrate air conditioning and range hoods, achieving a technical solution without an outdoor unit and without condensate discharge. A water pump and distributor drip condensate onto the condenser, and the range hood's airflow exchanges heat with the condenser, causing the condensate to evaporate. Alternatively, the condensate on the condenser can be evaporated through heat exchange between the cooking fumes and the condensate. However, with prolonged operation, grease accumulates on the condenser, affecting the adhesion of condensate and reducing water treatment capacity. Furthermore, when the range hood is on high power, the residence time of condensate on the condenser is shortened, significantly reducing the evaporation capacity.

[0003] During daily use, refrigerated range hoods accumulate a significant amount of grease on their casing and impeller. After prolonged drying and hardening, this grease forms a hard, difficult-to-clean layer. Currently, traditional range hoods on the market often lack a cleaning function. Even those that do often simply add a water pump and heating element to heat and spray externally supplied water, requiring additional components and reducing overall reliability. Furthermore, the need for an external water source adds to the complexity. In addition, the heat generated by the condenser during air conditioning operation is not effectively utilized. Therefore, further improvements to existing refrigerated range hoods are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cooling range hood that can intelligently adjust its working state according to the ambient temperature, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control method for a refrigerated range hood that can effectively handle air conditioning condensate and has a high degree of system intelligence, in light of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: The refrigerated range hood includes a fume extraction module, a compressor, a heat dissipation module, and an indoor unit module. The fume extraction module includes a fume extraction fan. The heat dissipation module and the indoor unit module are located outside the fume extraction fan. The heat dissipation module includes a condenser and a heat dissipation fan. The indoor unit module includes an evaporator and an indoor unit fan. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected through a refrigerant pipeline. The fume extraction fan includes a volute. The characteristic feature is that a ventilation opening is opened on the annular wall of the volute of the fume extraction fan. The air outlet of the heat dissipation fan can be fluidly connected to the inside of the volute through the ventilation opening. A guide valve for opening or closing the ventilation opening is installed at the ventilation opening. The hood also includes a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature outside the range hood. The controller can receive the output signal of the temperature sensor and control the working state of the heat dissipation fan, the indoor unit fan, and the guide valve accordingly based on the received signal.

[0007] To achieve intelligent condensate treatment, the refrigeration range hood also includes a water collection box and a steam generator. The water collection box is used to collect condensate on the surface of the evaporator. The water collection box is equipped with a first float switch and a second float switch to sense different water levels. The outlet of the water collection box is connected to the inlet of the steam generator. The steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the inside of the volute of the range hood. The controller can receive the output signals of the first float switch and the second float switch and control the working status of the cooling fan, the indoor fan, and the steam generator accordingly based on the received signals.

[0008] In order to smoothly transport the condensate in the water collection box to the condenser, a water outlet pipe is connected between the water collection box and the condenser, and a water pump is installed on the water outlet pipe to transport the condensate in the water collection box to the surface of the condenser.

[0009] Preferably, when the air guide valve is open, the air outlet of the cooling fan is connected to the inside of the volute of the range hood through a ventilation port; when the air guide valve is closed, the air outlet of the cooling fan is isolated from the inside of the volute of the range hood.

[0010] The air guide valve can have various structures; preferably, the air guide valve is a rotary valve.

[0011] Preferably, the vent is located at the front section of the volute annular wall and near the root of the volute tongue of the fume extractor, and the air guide valve is rotatably connected to the front edge of the vent. Positioning the vent in this manner allows the hot air blown by the heat dissipation module to enter the volute more smoothly. Simultaneously, when there is back pressure at the fan outlet, it prevents air from overflowing from the vent inside the volute.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, both the fume extractor and the cooling fan are centrifugal fans, and the impeller central axis of the fume extractor is parallel to the impeller central axis of the cooling fan.

[0013] In order to allow the airflow blown out by the cooling fan to enter the fume extraction fan more smoothly, the cooling fan is located above the fume extraction fan, with the air outlet of the cooling fan facing downwards and towards the ventilation opening.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the cooling fan is located downstream of the condenser along the airflow direction.

[0015] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a control method for a refrigerated range hood, comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1. Air conditioning is turned on;

[0017] S2. Determine the indoor temperature T. If T≥TH, proceed to steps S3 and S4 in sequence; if T≤TL, proceed to steps S5-S8; if TL<T<TH, proceed to steps S11 and S12.

[0018] S3, Rotary valve opens;

[0019] S4. Adjust both the cooling fan and the indoor unit fan to the high speed, then proceed to step S9.

[0020] S5, Rotary valve opens;

[0021] S6. Both the cooling fan and the indoor unit fan are set to high speed.

[0022] S7. Determine whether the first float switch is activated;

[0023] If so, proceed to step S8;

[0024] If not, return to step S5;

[0025] S8. Reduce the airflow of the cooling fan and the indoor unit fan.

[0026] S9. Determine whether the second float switch is activated;

[0027] If so, turn on the steam generator and proceed to step S10;

[0028] If not, return to step S8;

[0029] S10. Determine if the steam generator is shut down;

[0030] If so, the process ends;

[0031] If not, return to step S7;

[0032] S11, Rotary valve opens;

[0033] S12. Adjust both the cooling fan and the indoor unit fan to low speed, then proceed to step S9.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the air outlet of the heat dissipation module of the cooling range hood is connected to the inside of the volute of the range hood through the ventilation port on the volute ring wall. The ventilation port is opened and closed by the air guide valve. The temperature sensor can detect the external ambient temperature. The controller controls the working status of the heat dissipation fan, the indoor unit fan and the air guide valve according to the output signal of the received temperature sensor. The control method of the cooling range hood can also be combined with the water level judgment of the float switch to realize the intelligent treatment of condensate water and improve water treatment efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a connection diagram of the air conditioning assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cooling range hood of this embodiment includes a fume extraction module 1, a compressor 2, a heat dissipation module 3, and an indoor unit module 4. The fume extraction module 1 includes a fume extraction fan 11, and the heat dissipation module 3 and the indoor unit module 4 are located outside the fume extraction fan 11. The heat dissipation module 3 includes a condenser 31 and a heat dissipation fan 32. The heat dissipation fan 32 is used to dissipate heat from the condenser 31. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation fan 32 is located downstream of the condenser 31 along the airflow direction. The indoor unit module 4 includes an evaporator 41 and an indoor unit fan 42. In cooling mode, the indoor unit fan 42 blows out cold air. The compressor 2, condenser 31, and evaporator 41 are connected through a refrigerant pipe 5. The compressor 2, condenser 31, and evaporator 41 constitute an air conditioning assembly, and its working principle can be referred to the existing air conditioning principle, which will not be described in detail here.

[0040] In this embodiment, both the fume extractor 11 and the cooling fan 32 are centrifugal fans. The cooling fan 32 is positioned above the fume extractor 11, and the impeller central axis of the fume extractor 11 is parallel to the impeller central axis of the cooling fan 32. The fume extractor 11 includes a volute 111, and a ventilation opening 113 is formed on the annular wall 112 of the volute of the fume extractor 11.

[0041] The air outlet of the cooling fan 32 faces downwards and towards the vent 113, and the air outlet of the cooling fan 32 is in fluid communication with the vent 114. A guide valve 6 is installed at the vent 113 to open or close it. When the guide valve 6 is open, the hot air blown by the cooling fan 32 enters the volute of the range hood 11; when the guide valve 6 is closed, the air outlet of the cooling fan 32 is isolated from the volute of the range hood 11. The guide valve 6 can take many different forms; in this embodiment, the guide valve 6 is a rotary valve, rotatably connected to the front edge of the vent 113.

[0042] In this embodiment, the vent 113 is located at the front section of the volute annular wall 112 and near the root of the volute tongue 114 of the fume extractor 11. The vent 113 should be positioned as close as possible to the front 1 / 4 of the annular wall and as close as possible to the volute tongue 114. This allows the hot air blown by the cooling fan 32 to enter the volute more smoothly. At the same time, when there is back pressure at the fan outlet, it can prevent air from overflowing from the vent 113 and flowing back into the cooling fan 32.

[0043] This cooling range hood also includes a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure) to detect the external temperature of the range hood. Typically, the temperature sensor can be installed at the air return vent of the indoor unit, where the indoor unit module is located. The controller receives the output signal from the temperature sensor and controls the operating status of the cooling fan 32, the indoor unit fan 42, and the air guide valve 6 accordingly. For example, when the ambient temperature is low and there is no requirement for cooling capacity, the cooling fan 32 and the indoor unit fan 42 can operate at a low speed, and the air guide valve 6 can be opened to a smaller angle. When the ambient temperature is high and there is a certain requirement for cooling capacity, the cooling fan 32 and the indoor unit fan 42 can operate at a medium or high speed, and the opening of the air guide valve 6 can be increased to improve the heat dissipation effect of the condenser 31.

[0044] This embodiment of the refrigerated range hood also includes a water collection box 7 and a steam generator 8. The water collection box 7 is located below the evaporator 41 and is used to collect condensate water condensed on the surface of the evaporator 41. A first float switch 91 and a second float switch 92 are installed on the water collection box 7. The first float switch 91 senses the water level, and the second float switch 92 senses the high water level. The first float switch 91 and the second float switch 92 are used to sense different water levels. The outlet of the water collection box 7 is connected to the inlet of the steam generator 8, and the steam outlet of the steam generator 8 is connected to the inside of the volute of the range hood 11. The condensate water in the water collection box 7 enters the steam generator 8, evaporates to form steam, and then enters the inside of the volute.

[0045] The controller can receive the output signals from the first float switch 91 and the second float switch 92 and control the working status of the cooling fan 32, the indoor unit fan 42, and the steam generator 8 accordingly. After the system has been running for a period of time, if the first float switch is activated, the speed of the evaporator fan and the cooling fan will be reduced. If the second float switch 92 is activated after running for a period of time, it indicates that there is too much condensate. At this time, the refrigeration system can no longer handle the residual condensate, so the steam generator 8 starts to work, on the one hand to handle the condensate, and on the other hand to clean the volute.

[0046] In addition, a water outlet pipe 10 is connected between the water collection box 7 and the condenser 31. A water pump 100 is installed on the water outlet pipe 10 to transport the condensate in the water collection box 7 to the surface of the condenser 31. Under the action of the water pump 100, the condensate in the water collection box 7 is transported to the surface of the condenser 31 to cool the condenser 31. This improves the heat exchange effect of the condenser 31 and enhances the energy efficiency of the air conditioner, while also achieving effective treatment of the condensate.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the control method for the refrigerated range hood in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0048] S1. Air conditioning is turned on;

[0049] S2. Determine the indoor temperature T. If T≥TH, proceed to steps S3 and S4 in sequence; if T≤TL, proceed to steps S5-S8; if TL<T<TH, proceed to steps S11 and S12.

[0050] S3, Rotary valve opens;

[0051] S4. Both the cooling fan 32 and the indoor unit fan 42 are adjusted to the high speed, and then proceed to step S9.

[0052] S5, Rotary valve opens;

[0053] S6, cooling fan 32 and indoor unit fan 42 are all adjusted to high speed;

[0054] S7. Determine whether the first float switch 91 is activated;

[0055] If so, proceed to step S8;

[0056] If not, return to step S5;

[0057] S8. Reduce the airflow of the cooling fan by 32 and the airflow of the indoor unit fan by 42.

[0058] S9. Determine whether the second float switch 92 is activated;

[0059] If so, turn on the steam generator 8 and then proceed to step S10;

[0060] If not, return to step S8;

[0061] S10. Determine whether the steam generator 8 is shut down;

[0062] If so, the process ends;

[0063] If not, return to step S7;

[0064] S11, Rotary valve opens;

[0065] S12, the cooling fan 32 and the indoor unit fan 42 are all adjusted to the low speed, and then proceed to step S9.

[0066] Assuming TL = 27℃ and TH = 35℃ in the above control method, based on the initial temperature, when the room temperature is ≤27℃, the user turns on the air conditioner, defaulting to dehumidification mode. At this time, the user has no requirement for cooling capacity, and the cooling fan 32 and indoor unit fan 42 operate at low speed. If, after running for a period of time, the second float switch 92 activates, it indicates that there is too much condensate. At this time, the refrigeration system can no longer handle the residual condensate, and the steam generator 8 starts working, both to handle the condensate and to clean the volute. When the room temperature is >27℃ and <35℃, and the user has certain requirements for cooling capacity, the cooling fan 32 and the indoor unit fan 42 will run at high speed or medium speed. If the first float switch 91 is activated, the speed of the cooling fan 32 and the indoor unit fan 42 will be reduced. If the second float switch 92 is activated after running for a period of time, the steam generator 8 will be turned on to perform self-cleaning auxiliary treatment of condensate. When the room temperature is ≥35℃, and the user has very high requirements for cooling capacity, the speed of the cooling fan 32 and the indoor unit fan 42 cannot be reduced. If the second float switch 92 is activated after running for a period of time, the steam generator 8 will be turned on to perform self-cleaning auxiliary treatment of condensate.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The term "fluid connectivity" as used in this invention refers to the spatial relationship between two components or parts, collectively referred to as the first part and the second part, meaning that a fluid, gas, liquid, or a mixture of both can flow from the first part along a flow path and / or be transported to the second part. This can be a direct connection between the first part and the second part, or an indirect connection between the first part and the second part through at least one third party. This third party can be a fluid channel such as a pipe, channel, conduit, guide, hole, or groove, or a chamber that allows fluid to flow through, or a combination of the above.

Claims

1. A refrigerated range hood, comprising a fume extraction module (1), a compressor (2), a heat dissipation module (3), and an indoor unit module (4), wherein the fume extraction module (1) includes a fume extraction fan (11), the heat dissipation module (3) and the indoor unit module (4) are disposed outside the fume extraction fan (11), the heat dissipation module (3) includes a condenser (31) and a heat dissipation fan (32), the indoor unit module (4) includes an evaporator (41) and an indoor unit fan (42), the compressor (2), the condenser (31) and the evaporator (41) are connected by a refrigerant pipeline (5), and the fume extraction fan (11) includes a volute (111), characterized in that: The range hood fan (11) has a vent (113) on the volute ring wall (112). The air outlet of the cooling fan (32) can be fluidly connected to the inside of the volute through the vent (113). A guide valve (6) for opening or closing the vent (113) is installed at the vent (113). The range hood also includes a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature outside the range hood. The controller can receive the output signal of the temperature sensor and control the working status of the cooling fan (32), the indoor fan (42) and the guide valve (6) according to the received signal.

2. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a water collection box (7) and a steam generator (8). The water collection box (7) is used to collect condensate on the surface of the evaporator (41). The water collection box (7) is equipped with a first float switch (91) and a second float switch (92) for sensing different water levels. The outlet of the water collection box (7) is connected to the inlet of the steam generator (8). The steam outlet of the steam generator (8) is connected to the inside of the volute of the exhaust fan (11). The controller can receive the output signals of the first float switch (91) and the second float switch (92) and control the working status of the cooling fan (32), the indoor fan (42) and the steam generator (8) according to the received signals.

3. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 2, characterized in that: A water outlet pipe (10) is connected between the water receiving box (7) and the condenser (31), and a water pump (100) is installed on the water outlet pipe (10) to transport the condensate in the water receiving box (7) to the surface of the condenser (31).

4. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the air guide valve (6) is open, the air outlet of the cooling fan (32) is connected to the inside of the volute of the fume extractor (11) through the ventilation port (113). When the air guide valve (6) is closed, the air outlet of the cooling fan (32) is isolated from the inside of the volute of the fume extractor (11).

5. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air guide valve (6) is a rotary valve.

6. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vent (113) is located at the front section of the volute ring wall (112) and near the root of the volute tongue (114) of the fume extractor (11). The air guide valve (6) is rotatably connected to the front edge of the vent (113).

7. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the fume extractor (11) and the cooling fan (32) are centrifugal fans, and the impeller center axis of the fume extractor (11) is parallel to the impeller center axis of the cooling fan (32).

8. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cooling fan (32) is located above the fume extractor (11), and the air outlet of the cooling fan (32) faces downward and toward the ventilation opening (113).

9. The refrigerated range hood according to claim 8, characterized in that: Along the direction of airflow, the cooling fan (32) is located downstream of the condenser (31).

10. A control method for a refrigerated range hood, applied to the refrigerated range hood of claim 2, the control method comprising the following steps: S1. Air conditioning is turned on; S2. Determine the indoor temperature T. If T ≥ T H Then proceed to steps S3 and S4 in sequence; if T≤T L If T L <T<T H Then proceed to steps S11 and S12; S3, Rotary valve opens; S4. Both the cooling fan (32) and the indoor unit fan (42) are set to high speed, and then proceed to step S9. S5, Rotary valve opens; S6. The cooling fan (32) and the indoor unit fan (42) are both adjusted to the high speed. S7. Determine whether the first float switch (91) is activated; If so, proceed to step S8; If not, return to step S5; S8. Reduce the air volume of the cooling fan (32) and reduce the air volume of the indoor unit fan (42); S9. Determine whether the second float switch (92) is activated; If so, the steam generator (8) is turned on, and then the process proceeds to step S10; If not, return to step S8; S10. Determine whether the steam generator (8) is shut down; If so, the process ends; If not, return to step S7; S11, Rotary valve opens; S12, both the cooling fan (32) and the indoor unit fan (42) are adjusted to low speed, and then proceed to step S9.

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