Range hood with cleaning function

Abstract

The invention relates to a range hood with a cleaning function. The range hood comprises a housing; the fan system is arranged in the machine shell and comprises a volute and an impeller arranged in the volute, and an air inlet is formed in the volute; the steam cleaning device comprises a water storage tank, a water pump, a steam generator and a nozzle piece, the water pump is used for pumping water in the water storage tank to the steam generator, and steam generated by the steam generator is sprayed into the volute through the nozzle piece; the steam recovery system comprises a steam collector, and steam suction inlets used for absorbing steam in the machine shell are distributed in the steam collector; and the steam backflow device is connected between the steam collector and the water storage tank and is used for conveying the steam and / or the steam condensate entering the steam collector into the water storage tank. The structure has the advantages that steam overflowing from the abutted seam of the shell can be effectively reduced, so that the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of range hoods, and in particular to a range hood with a cleaning function. Background Art

[0002] Range hoods are kitchen appliances that purify the kitchen environment. During use, large amounts of oil and grease accumulate on the impeller and filter. This can easily cause blockages and increased load, affecting the hood's effectiveness. With the continuous advancement of range hood self-cleaning technology, steam cleaning has gained widespread application in this area. The basic principle of steam cleaning is that a steam generator generates steam, which is then delivered to a nozzle at the end of a nozzle. The steam is then rapidly ejected from the nozzle, flushing the impeller and volute to clean it.

[0003] However, there are still some problems in the existing range hood self-cleaning technologies such as steam washing. For example, the high-temperature steam used for cleaning is continuously discharged from the air outlet into the public flue as the fan runs, resulting in insufficient amount of high-temperature steam in the fan and a short existence time, making it difficult to soften and remove stubborn oil stains attached to the impeller surface, affecting the cleaning effect; in addition, after the high-temperature steam is discharged into the public flue, the higher temperature steam flushing will dissolve the oil stains attached to the wall of the public flue, and the backflow of oil stains will cause secondary pollution. At the same time, the humidity of the high-temperature steam will cause bacteria to grow in the public flue, endangering the health of users.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical issues, Chinese invention patent application CN109519988A discloses a self-cleaning range hood and a control method thereof. The range hood comprises an outer housing, a fan, a check valve, a temperature sensor, and a self-cleaning assembly. The check valve is electrically controlled and is located at the air outlet of the volute and can open or close the air outlet. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to a control circuit of the check valve, and the control circuit controls the opening or closing of the check valve based on an electrical signal transmitted by the temperature sensor. The self-cleaning assembly comprises a nozzle located on the volute and capable of spraying a cleaning medium into the volute. The temperature sensor is positioned near the nozzle outlet. During self-cleaning of the range hood, the temperature sensor is heated by the high-temperature cleaning, causing the check valve circuit to connect and thereby close the fan outlet. This prevents high-temperature steam from flowing into the common flue, maintaining a constant high temperature in the volute, facilitating the softening and removal of grease, improving the self-cleaning effect, and preventing secondary contamination caused by high-temperature steam flowing into the common flue.

[0005] Although the range hood in the above patent application solves the problem of preventing steam from entering the public flue, it still has certain shortcomings during actual use: when the volute is filled with a large amount of steam, the steam will come out from the air inlet of the volute and fill the lower box body. Since the lower box body of the range hood cannot be completely sealed, it is inevitable that steam will overflow from the joint gaps of the box body, especially from the smoke shield glass, which has a bad impact on the user experience.

[0006] Therefore, existing range hoods also need further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a range hood with a cleaning function that can effectively reduce steam overflow from the joints of the casing and thus improve the user experience in view of the current status of the existing technology.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above technical problems is: a range hood with a cleaning function, comprising:

[0009] chassis;

[0010] A fan system is disposed in the housing and includes a volute and an impeller disposed in the volute, wherein the volute has an air inlet;

[0011] A steam cleaning device comprising a water tank, a water pump, a steam generator and a nozzle member, wherein the water pump is used to pump water in the water tank to the steam generator, and the steam generated by the steam generator is sprayed into the volute through the nozzle member;

[0012] Also included is a steam recovery system, the steam recovery system comprising:

[0013] A steam collector, wherein a steam suction port is provided on the steam collector for absorbing steam in the casing;

[0014] A steam reflux device is connected between the steam collector and the water storage tank and is used to transport the steam and / or steam condensate entering the steam collector to the water storage tank.

[0015] To effectively capture steam that overflows from the volute within the casing, the steam reflux device includes a steam reflux line and an air pump mounted on the line. The air pump provides negative pressure to draw in and out the steam collected by the steam collector. The air pump's negative pressure forces the steam to be drawn in, significantly improving steam collection speed and efficiency. The negative pressure generated by the air pump ensures that steam is quickly absorbed from every corner of the casing, further reducing the risk of leakage.

[0016] Considering that direct return of high-temperature steam to the water tank could cause air lock, liquid level fluctuations, or structural damage, the steam return device also includes a steam condensation system for providing cooling to the steam return line. The condensation system converts the steam into liquid water, preventing pressure imbalance caused by direct steam entry into the water tank. Furthermore, liquid water is easier to transport, ensuring stable system operation.

[0017] To improve steam condensation efficiency, the steam condensation system includes heat sinks arranged on the steam return line and a refrigeration element in thermally conductive contact with the heat sinks. The heat sinks significantly increase the heat exchange area, while the refrigeration element actively cools, achieving compact and efficient condensation. Forced cooling accelerates steam condensation and improves recovery efficiency.

[0018] Considering the installation space requirements and noise issues during operation, the cooling element is a semiconductor cooling module, with the cooling end of the semiconductor cooling module in contact with the heat sink fins. Semiconductor cooling has no moving parts and is extremely quiet. The temperature of the cooling end of the semiconductor cooling module can be precisely adjusted to avoid excessive condensation and energy waste. Semiconductor cooling consumes less power than traditional compressors, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

[0019] As an improvement, the system further includes a condensate return pipe extending vertically and communicating with the water tank. This pipe is also equipped with a one-way valve, which allows condensate to flow into the water tank in one direction. The vertically extending condensate return pipe utilizes gravity to naturally guide condensate flow, while the one-way valve ensures condensate flows only in one direction into the water tank, preventing contamination or blockage.

[0020] Taking into account the increased energy consumption caused by continuous operation of the air pump and the problem of low efficiency when the amount of steam is small in the initial stage of cleaning, a Venturi drainage tube is further provided on the flow path between the water pump and the nozzle member, and the drainage port of the Venturi drainage tube is connected to the steam collector through a drainage pipeline.

[0021] The aforementioned "Venturi drainage tube" utilizes the negative pressure effect generated when a fluid (water or steam) passes through a narrow pipe at high speed to achieve gas ejection. In this application, when a water pump drives water through the throat of the Venturi tube, the flow rate increases and the pressure decreases, drawing steam through the drainage port. The Venturi drainage tube can adopt a conventional drainage tube structure based on the Venturi principle, as is commonly known in the art.

[0022] Utilizing the Venturi effect (negative pressure generated by high-speed water flow), the system directly extracts gas from the steam collector, reducing pump usage and achieving energy-saving drainage. Drainage is automatically triggered when the pump is operating, eliminating the need for additional energy.

[0023] As an improvement, a control valve assembly is installed between the steam return line, the drainage line, and the steam collector. This control valve assembly is configured to connect the steam collector to either the steam return line or the drainage line. This structural design allows the control valve assembly to automatically select the optimal recovery mode (Venturi drainage or air pump negative pressure), achieving intelligent switching. Furthermore, this operating mode design prevents the two sets of pipelines from operating simultaneously, which could lead to efficiency cancellation.

[0024] The above-mentioned “control valve assembly” can be a valve combination or a single valve structure such as a solenoid three-way valve for switching the on-off state of a pipeline.

[0025] As an improvement, the system further includes a controller and a humidity sensor disposed in the housing. The humidity sensor, the control valve assembly, and the air pump are all electrically connected to the controller and configured as follows:

[0026] When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the casing reaches a first set humidity value and is less than a second set humidity value, the controller controls the control valve assembly to close the steam return line and open the drainage line, and to turn off the air pump;

[0027] When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the casing reaches a second set humidity value, the controller controls the control valve assembly to open the steam return pipeline and close the drainage pipeline, and starts the air pump.

[0028] In the low humidity stage (humidity reaches the first set humidity value and is less than the second set humidity value), only Venturi drainage can be used, which is energy-saving and silent; in the high humidity stage (humidity reaches the second set value), the air pump can be started for strong recovery to prevent steam accumulation.

[0029] Considering that the recovered condensate may be mixed with oil (including VOCs), direct reuse will pollute the water tank. The system also includes an oil cup, a sewage pipe for diverting the condensate in the steam return line to the oil cup, and a gas detection device for detecting the concentration of VOCs in the gas in the steam return line. A solenoid valve is provided between the sewage pipe and the steam return line to control the on / off of either the sewage pipe or the steam return line.

[0030] The gas detection device and the solenoid valve are electrically connected to the controller. When the gas detection device detects that the concentration of VOCs in the gas in the steam return line reaches a set concentration value, the controller controls the solenoid valve to open the sewage line, close the steam return line, and guide the condensate into the oil cup.

[0031] When the gas detection device detects that the VOC concentration in the steam return line is less than a set concentration, the controller controls the solenoid valve to close the sewage line, open the steam return line, and direct the condensate into the water storage tank. This design allows the VOC concentration detection device to identify contaminated condensate and direct it to the oil cup, ensuring oil-water separation. Clean condensate returns to the water storage tank, while contaminated liquid is collected separately, ensuring safe clean water and preventing oil contamination from re-entering the cleaning system.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the present invention sets a plurality of steam suction ports in the casing through a steam collector, actively absorbs overflowing high-temperature steam, prevents it from leaking to the external environment from the joints, significantly reduces the risk of user contact with steam, and improves the comfort and safety of use. Among them, the steam recovery system transports the collected steam or condensate back to the water tank through the reflux device to achieve resource recycling. This not only avoids the visual and physical discomfort caused by steam overflow, but also indirectly maintains the steam concentration in the volute, enhances the softening effect on stubborn oil stains, and improves the self-cleaning effect. The recycling and reuse of steam reduces water consumption and energy waste, while preventing the growth of bacteria that may be caused by the spread of steam in the kitchen, optimizing product performance as a whole and improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the range hood according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the range hood according to Example 1 of the present invention, omitting the cover on the side wall of the housing that forms part of the steam collector;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the range hood according to Example 1 of the present invention without components such as the housing;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the range hood according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0038] In the present specification and claims, directional terms such as "front," "back," "up," "down," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom" are used to describe various exemplary structural parts and components of the present invention. However, these terms are used herein for convenience of description only and are based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Because the embodiments disclosed herein can be arranged in various orientations, these directional terms are intended for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. For example, "up" and "down" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Figure 1-Figure 3 A preferred embodiment of the range hood with a cleaning function of the present invention is shown. The range hood includes a housing 10 and a fan system 20 disposed in the housing 10. The fan system 20 generally adopts a centrifugal fan. The housing 10 generally includes a fan frame 101 and a smoke hood 102 disposed at the bottom of the fan frame 101. The inner cavity of the fan frame is connected to the inner cavity of the smoke hood. An air inlet 210 is provided on the front side wall of the smoke hood, through which external smoke can enter the smoke hood. The centrifugal fan is disposed in the fan frame. When the centrifugal fan is in operation, negative pressure is generated, and external oil smoke can be sucked into the smoke hood through the air inlet 210. An oil cup 61 is provided at the bottom of the smoke hood. The oil cup 61 is in the shape of an elongated strip extending left and right, and is used to receive oil stains flowing down from the smoke hood. The front portion of the smoke hood is also provided with a smoke shield that can be deflected forward and backward relative to the smoke hood. The smoke shield is connected to the main body of the smoke hood via a hinge mechanism. Specifically, the smoke shield can be deflected forward to open the air inlet 210 and deflected backward to block and close the air inlet 210. The hinge mechanism for driving the deflection of the smoke shield can adopt a conventional hinge mechanism in the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0041] A centrifugal fan generally includes a volute 21 , an impeller 22 disposed in the volute 21 , and a motor for driving the impeller 22 to rotate.

[0042] The range hood of this embodiment also includes a steam cleaning device and a steam recovery system. The steam cleaning device is used to clean the inner wall of the volute 21 and the impeller 22. Specifically, the steam cleaning device includes a water tank 31, a water pump 32, a steam generator 33, and a nozzle assembly 34. The water tank 31 can be located outside the range hood casing 10 for convenient water refilling. The water pump 32 and steam generator 33 can be located on the top plate of the range hood's fan frame. The water pump 32 delivers water from the water tank 31 to the steam generator 33 via a water inlet pipe 321. The steam generator 33 heats the water into steam. The resulting high-temperature steam is ejected into the interior of the volute 21 through the nozzle assembly 34, flushing oil stains from the impeller 22 and the inner wall of the volute 21.

[0043] Combine Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steam recovery system includes a steam collector 41 and a steam reflux device. Specifically, in this embodiment, the side panel 11 of the range hood fan frame is provided with a plurality of centrally distributed openings, and a cover 111 is provided on the outer shell of the side panel 11 to cover the openings. A buffer chamber for caching steam is formed between the cover 111 and the openings of the side panel 11 of the fan frame. Thus, the cover 111 and the openings of the side panel 11 of the fan frame together constitute the steam collector 41, and the openings of the openings of the side panel 11 of the fan frame constitute the steam intake port 410.

[0044] See also Figure 3 The steam reflux device of this embodiment includes a steam reflux pipeline 42, an air pump 43 and a steam condensation system.

[0045] The air pump 43 is arranged on the steam return line 42, providing negative pressure to forcibly suck the steam in the steam collector 41. The steam condensation system is composed of heat dissipation fins (not shown in the drawings) coiled on the outer wall of the steam return pipe and a semiconductor refrigeration module (also known as the refrigeration element 44). The cooling end of the semiconductor refrigeration module fits tightly against the base of the heat dissipation fins, actively cooling the steam flowing through the pipeline and condensing it into a liquid state. The heating end of the semiconductor refrigeration module is arranged adjacent to or in thermal contact with the water inlet pipe 321, thereby being used to preheat the water flow in the water inlet pipe 321. The condensate formed after the steam on the steam return line 42 is cooled is introduced into the water storage tank 31 through the vertically extending condensate return pipe 45, and a one-way valve is provided at the outlet of the pipe to prevent backflow.

[0046] The cleaning process of the range hood of this embodiment is as follows:

[0047] When steam cleaning is activated, water pump 32 supplies water to steam generator 33, generating steam that is ejected into volute 21. Excess steam is captured by steam collector 41 on the inner wall of casing 10, and air pump 43 drives the steam through a return line and into the condensation system. The semiconductor refrigeration module cools the heat sink fins to below the dew point, condensing the steam into liquid water. This water is then returned to the water storage tank 31 by gravity through a vertical return line. A check valve ensures one-way flow of the condensate, preventing contamination.

[0048] The range hood of this embodiment also includes a venturi drainage tube 35 and an intelligent control module. Specifically, the venturi drainage tube 35 is installed in the water supply pipeline between the water pump 32 and the nozzle assembly 34 (specifically, it can be located in the flow path between the water pump 32 and the steam generator 33). Its throat is equipped with a drainage port, which is connected to the steam collector 41 via a drainage pipe 36. When water flows through the throat of the venturi tube, negative pressure is generated, automatically drawing gas from the steam collector 41.

[0049] The steam collector 41, the steam return line 42 and the drainage line 36 are connected through a control valve assembly 51. Specifically, the control valve assembly 51 can be a three-way solenoid valve to achieve selective connection of one of the lines.

[0050] The intelligent control unit of this embodiment includes a humidity sensor and a gas detection device for monitoring the VOCs concentration in the steam return line 42 .

[0051] The controller presets a first set humidity value (e.g., 60% RH) and a second set humidity value (e.g., 80% RH), and links the control valve assembly 51 and the air pump 43 to achieve the following control:

[0052] When the humidity is ≥60%R but <80%R, the controller switches the three-way solenoid valve to close the steam return line 42, open the drainage line 36, and turn off the air pump 43, relying only on the Venturi effect to recover steam.

[0053] When the humidity is ≥80% RH, the three-way solenoid valve is switched to close the drainage pipeline 36, open the steam return pipeline 42, and start the air pump 43 to enhance recovery.

[0054] A gas detection device, installed midway along the steam return line 42, can utilize a VOC sensor to monitor VOC concentrations in real time. A solenoid valve (not shown in the accompanying diagram) is installed at the branch point of the line, splitting the downstream path into two: one connected to the water tank 31, and the other connected to the oil cup 61 via the sewage line 62. When the VOC concentration exceeds a set value, the controller switches the solenoid valve to direct the condensate to the oil cup 61; when it falls below this value, it is directed to the water tank 31.

[0055] The steam cleaning device of the range hood of this embodiment is combined with the reflux and drainage control process as follows: the overflowing steam is captured by the steam collector 41 on the inner wall of the casing 10. When the amount of steam is small at the initial stage of cleaning, the controller switches the three-way solenoid valve to close the steam reflux line 42, open the drainage line 36, and turn off the air pump 43, and only relies on the Venturi effect to recover the steam. The Venturi tube uses the negative pressure of the water flow to automatically drain, which is energy-saving and silent. When the steam accumulates to a high humidity, the air pump 43 drives the steam through the reflux line to flow through the condensation system. The semiconductor refrigeration module cools the heat sink to below the dew point, and the steam condenses into liquid water, which relies on gravity to return to the water tank 31 through the vertical return pipe. The one-way valve ensures that the condensate flows in one direction to avoid pollution. The VOCs detection device identifies the oil-contaminated condensate and automatically diverts it to the oil cup 61 to ensure the cleanliness of the water quality in the water tank 31.

[0056] This embodiment sets a plurality of steam suction ports 410 in the casing 10 through the steam collector 41, actively absorbs overflowing high-temperature steam, prevents it from leaking to the external environment from the joints, significantly reduces the risk of user contact with steam, and improves the comfort and safety of use. Among them, the steam recovery system transports the collected steam or condensate back to the water tank through the reflux device to achieve resource recycling. This not only avoids the visual and physical discomfort caused by steam overflow, but also indirectly maintains the steam concentration in the volute 21, enhances the softening effect on stubborn oil stains, and improves the self-cleaning effect. The recycling and reuse of steam reduces water consumption and energy waste, while preventing the growth of bacteria that may be caused by the spread of steam in the kitchen, optimizing product performance as a whole and improving the user experience.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] See also Figure 4 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the structure of the steam collector 41 is different. The steam collector 41 of this embodiment adopts a grille structure arranged in the casing 10 and below the fan system 20, wherein corresponding steam suction ports 410 are opened on the grille, and each grid bar of the grille is hollow inside to form a steam channel connecting each steam suction port 410.

Claims

1. A range hood with a cleaning function, comprising: Housing (10); A fan system (20) is disposed in the housing (10), comprising a volute (21) and an impeller (22) disposed in the volute (21), wherein the volute (21) has an air inlet (210); A steam cleaning device comprises a water storage tank (31), a water pump (32), a steam generator (33) and a nozzle member (34), wherein the water pump (32) is used to deliver water (32) in the water storage tank (31) to the steam generator (33), and the steam generated by the steam generator (33) is sprayed into the volute (21) via the nozzle member (34); It is characterized in that it also includes a steam recovery system, and the steam recovery system includes: a steam collector (41), wherein a steam suction port (410) for absorbing steam in the casing (10) is distributed on the steam collector (41); A steam reflux device is connected between the steam collector (41) and the water storage tank (31) and is used to transport the steam and / or steam condensate entering the steam collector (41) to the water storage tank.

2. The range hood with a cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam reflux device comprises a steam reflux pipeline (42) and an air pump (43) arranged on the steam reflux pipeline (42), wherein the air pump (43) is used to provide negative pressure for sucking and exhausting the steam collected by the steam collector (41).

3. The range hood with cleaning function according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steam return device further comprises a steam condensing system for providing cold energy for cooling the steam to the steam return line (42).

4. The range hood with a cleaning function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The steam condensation system comprises a heat dissipation fin arranged on the steam return line (42) and a refrigeration element (44) in heat conduction contact with the heat dissipation fin.

5. The range hood with cleaning function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The refrigeration element (44) is a semiconductor refrigeration module, and the refrigeration end of the semiconductor refrigeration module is in contact with the heat dissipation fins.

6. The range hood with a cleaning function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The invention also includes a condensate return pipe (45) extending vertically and communicating with the water storage tank (31). The condensate return pipe (45) is communicated with the water storage tank (31), and a one-way valve is provided on the condensate return pipe (45) for allowing the condensate to flow into the water storage tank (31) in one direction.

7. The range hood with a cleaning function according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that: A venturi drainage tube (35) is also provided on the flow path between the water pump (32) and the nozzle member (34), and the drainage port of the venturi drainage tube (35) is connected to the steam collector (41) through a drainage pipeline (36).

8. The range hood with cleaning function according to claim 7, characterized in that: A control valve assembly (51) is further provided between the steam return line (42), the drainage line (36) and the steam collector (41). The control valve assembly (51) is configured such that the steam collector (41) is connected to either the steam return line (42) or the drainage line (36).

9. The range hood with cleaning function according to claim 8, characterized in that: The device further comprises a controller and a humidity sensor disposed in the housing (10), wherein the humidity sensor, the control valve assembly (51) and the air pump (43) are all electrically connected to the controller and configured as follows: When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the casing (10) reaches a first set humidity value and is less than a second set humidity value, the controller controls the control valve assembly (51) to close the steam return line (42) and open the drainage line (36), and to turn off the air pump (43); When the humidity sensor detects that the humidity in the casing (10) reaches a second set humidity value, the controller controls the control valve assembly (51) to open the steam return line (42) and close the drainage line (36), and starts the air pump (43).

10. The range hood with cleaning function according to claim 9, characterized in that: The device further comprises an oil cup (61), a sewage pipe (62) for diverting condensate in the steam return pipe (42) to the oil cup (61), and a gas detection device for detecting the concentration of VOCs in the gas in the steam return pipe (42); a solenoid valve for controlling the on / off switching of the sewage pipe (62) or the steam return pipe (42) is provided between the sewage pipe (62) and the steam return pipe (42); The gas detection device and the solenoid valve are electrically connected to the controller. When the gas detection device detects that the concentration of VOCs in the gas in the steam return line (42) reaches a set concentration value, the controller controls the solenoid valve to open the sewage line (62), close the steam return line (42), and guide the condensate into the oil cup (61); When the gas detection device detects that the concentration of VOCs in the gas in the steam return pipe (42) is less than a set concentration value, the controller controls the solenoid valve to close the sewage pipe (62), open the steam return pipe (42), and guide the condensate into the water storage tank (31).

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