Smoke baffle structure, control method and range hood

Abstract

This invention relates to a smoke baffle structure, control method, and range hood. The smoke baffle structure includes: a housing with a smoke inlet; a smoke baffle rotatably mounted on the housing around a first pivot axis for opening or closing the smoke inlet, with an airflow channel extending radially through the smoke baffle along the first pivot axis; an air outlet assembly for injecting airflow into the airflow channel; and an adjustment assembly mounted on the smoke baffle and corresponding to the air outlet, configured to simultaneously adjust the air outlet's direction and cross-sectional area. This invention simultaneously adjusts the air outlet's direction and cross-sectional area using a movable nozzle. Under heavy smoke conditions, it isolates smoke condensation through a small-section, high-speed jet along the baffle; under light smoke conditions, it suppresses escape and reduces noise through a large-section, low-speed downward airflow, achieving a comprehensive performance that balances high smoke capture efficiency with low operating noise.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a smoke baffle structure, control method, and range hood. Background Technology

[0002] Range hoods are essential devices in kitchens for collecting and removing cooking fumes. Some existing range hoods have an air curtain device at the front edge of the baffle or smoke collection chamber. This air curtain is used to blow air outwards when the baffle is open, forming an air curtain. The main functions of this air curtain are: firstly, to prevent cooking fumes from escaping from the front of the baffle; and secondly, to assist in air replenishment through the ejection effect of the airflow, thereby improving the efficiency of fume collection.

[0003] Existing air curtains typically have narrow, elongated slits with a fixed cross-section, and their airflow direction relative to the smoke baffle is also fixed, commonly blowing vertically downwards or diagonally downwards along the surface of the smoke baffle. The working state of the air curtain can be adjusted in steps or infinitely by the fan speed, but the geometry of the air outlet and the blowing angle are fixed after leaving the factory and cannot be changed with changes in the fume conditions.

[0004] Fixed, small-section, high-velocity air outlets are beneficial for creating high-speed jets and injecting air during heavy cooking fumes, but they can cause unnecessary aerodynamic noise during light cooking fumes. Furthermore, the high-speed airflow blowing vertically downwards onto the countertop can cause turbulence and discomfort during cooking. Conversely, if a large-section, low-velocity air outlet is used, it cannot generate a sufficient high-speed jet to prevent the fumes from contacting the baffle plate during heavy cooking fumes, resulting in persistent condensation. Current technology fails to adjust the air curtain function according to the amount of cooking fumes, leading to severe condensation on the baffle plate during heavy cooking fumes and high noise levels during light cooking fumes. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to address the problem that the shape and direction of the air curtain outlet of current range hoods are fixed and cannot be adapted to the amount of oil fumes, and to provide a smoke baffle structure, its control method and range hood that can simultaneously adjust the air outlet direction and cross-sectional area.

[0006] This application first provides a smoke baffle structure, comprising: a housing having a smoke inlet; a smoke baffle rotatably disposed on the housing about a first axis for opening or closing the smoke inlet, wherein an airflow channel is provided through the smoke baffle in a radial direction along the first axis, the airflow channel having an air inlet near the smoke inlet and an air outlet away from the smoke inlet in a radial direction along the first axis; an air outlet assembly disposed on the smoke baffle or the housing and corresponding to the air inlet for injecting airflow into the airflow channel; and an adjustment assembly disposed on the smoke baffle and corresponding to the air outlet, the adjustment assembly being configured to simultaneously adjust the air outlet direction and the air outlet cross-sectional area.

[0007] This design, by incorporating an adjustment component at the air outlet of the baffle plate that can simultaneously adjust both the air outlet direction and cross-sectional area, allows the geometry of the air outlet to be modified according to the oil fume conditions. Specifically, through the coordinated adjustment of the component, the air outlet can switch between a small cross-section facing the smoke inlet and a larger cross-section perpendicularly downwards. This enables the high-speed jet flow along the plate to isolate condensed oil and the low-speed downward air curtain to prevent escape under different oil fume conditions, solving the technical problem that existing fixed air outlets cannot accommodate different oil fume conditions.

[0008] In one embodiment, the adjustment component has a first working state and a second working state; in the first working state, the air outlet has an air outlet direction parallel to the smoke baffle and facing the smoke inlet, and the air outlet has a first air outlet cross-sectional area; in the second working state, the air outlet has an air outlet direction perpendicular to the smoke baffle and downward, and the air outlet has a second air outlet cross-sectional area; the first air outlet cross-sectional area is smaller than the second air outlet cross-sectional area.

[0009] This configuration, by limiting the difference in air outlet direction and cross-sectional area between the first and second working states, allows the first working state to correspond to a small cross-section high-speed jet mode, and the second working state to correspond to a large cross-section low-speed airflow mode. The clear distinction between the two states enables the air curtain function to switch directionally under different oil fume conditions.

[0010] In one embodiment, the adjustment assembly includes a movable nozzle rotatably disposed on the smoke baffle about a second axis.

[0011] With this configuration, the movable nozzle can simultaneously adjust the air outlet orientation and cross-sectional area through rotational motion around the second axis. A single rotational motion can change two geometric parameters at the same time, resulting in a simple structure and convenient control.

[0012] In one embodiment, the movable nozzle includes an arcuate portion and a rectifier portion, the rectifier portion being disposed downstream of the arcuate portion, and the arcuate portion being rotatably disposed on the smoke baffle about the second axis.

[0013] With this configuration, the relative position of the arc-shaped part and the inner wall of the smoke baffle changes during rotation, thereby altering the airflow direction and effective flow cross-sectional area at the end of the airflow channel; the rectifier part rectifies the airflow flowing out of the outlet, causing the airflow to blow out in a stable direction, reducing airflow separation and eddy current losses.

[0014] In one embodiment, in the first operating state, the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion abuts against the inner wall of the second side of the airflow channel, the downstream end of the arc-shaped portion extends to the first side of the smoke baffle, and the rectifying portion extends radially towards the side of the smoke inlet along the first axis; in the second operating state, the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion is located inside the air outlet, and the rectifying portion is located on the downstream side of the air outlet and extends in a direction perpendicular to the smoke baffle; wherein, the first side is the side closer to the smoke inlet in the circumferential direction along the first axis, and the second side is the side away from the smoke inlet in the circumferential direction along the first axis.

[0015] This configuration, through the contact or separation between the upstream end of the arc-shaped section and the inner wall of the second side, and the extension of the rectifier section in different directions, allows for simultaneous changes in the outlet orientation and cross-sectional area in both operating states. In the first state, the arc-shaped section guides the airflow to the surface of the smoke baffle and compresses the flow gap; in the second state, the arc-shaped section releases the airflow channel and allows the airflow to blow vertically downwards.

[0016] In one embodiment, the arcuate portion is semi-circular, the second axis is the center of the semi-circular arc, and the movable nozzle satisfies: R1 < r2 and R1 < r1; wherein, R1 is the minimum gap between the rectifying portion and the second side outer wall of the smoke baffle in the first working state, r1 is the gap between the upstream end of the arcuate portion and the second side inner wall of the smoke baffle in the second working state, and r2 is the gap between the rectifying portion and the second side side wall of the smoke baffle in the radial direction along the first axis in the second working state.

[0017] This configuration ensures that the semi-circular arc-shaped section rotates around its center, guaranteeing a continuous change in the gap between the arc-shaped section and the inner wall of the smoke baffle during rotation. The parameter relationship R1 < r2 and R1 < r1 ensures that the minimum flow gap R1 in the first working state is always smaller than the effective flow cross-sectional characteristic size in the second working state. This ensures a clear difference in cross-sectional area between the two working states, enabling both noise reduction under low-smoke conditions and high-speed jet effect under high-smoke conditions to be achieved.

[0018] In one embodiment, the airflow channel is divided into a first segment and a second segment in the radial direction along the first axis, the second segment having a larger dimension in the tangential direction along the first axis than the first segment, and the air outlet is located in the second segment.

[0019] With this configuration, the airflow channel transitions from a smaller cross-sectional area in the first section to a larger cross-sectional area in the second section. The airflow maintains a high static pressure in the first section, and after entering the second section, the static pressure is converted into dynamic pressure, which is conducive to the airflow being blown out of the outlet evenly. At the same time, the larger size of the second section provides ample structural space for the arrangement and rotation of movable nozzles.

[0020] In one embodiment, the smoke baffle structure further includes a detection component, which is used to detect oil fume operating parameters and is electrically connected to the air outlet component. The oil fume operating parameters include at least one of oil fume concentration, oil fume temperature, and oil fume visual characteristic parameters.

[0021] With this setup, the detection component acquires the oil fume operating parameters in real time, providing a basis for judging the state switching of the adjustment component. This achieves the linkage between the working state of the air curtain and the oil fume operating conditions, enabling the air curtain to automatically adjust to the optimal working mode according to the actual cooking situation.

[0022] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a smoke baffle structure, applied to the above-mentioned smoke baffle structure, comprising the following steps: acquiring the oil fume operating parameters detected by the detection component; comparing the oil fume operating parameters with a set threshold; when the oil fume operating parameters exceed the set threshold, controlling the adjustment component to switch to the first working state; when the oil fume operating parameters are lower than the set threshold, controlling the adjustment component to switch to the second working state.

[0023] This setting discretizes continuous oil fume operating parameters into two conditions: heavy oil fume and light oil fume, corresponding to the first and second working states, respectively, by setting a threshold. This ensures that the air curtain always operates in a mode that adapts to the current operating condition, reducing unnecessary operating noise while ensuring oil fume collection efficiency.

[0024] The present invention also provides a range hood, including the above-mentioned smoke baffle structure, so that the range hood has all the technical effects of the above-mentioned adjustable air curtain outlet, and can achieve both efficient smoke collection and low noise operation under different smoke conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the range hood used in this application; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the air outlet position of the middle smoke baffle in its first working state from another angle; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the air outlet position of the middle smoke baffle in its second working state from another angle; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of airflow; Figure 6 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of airflow.

[0026] Reference numerals: 10, housing; 11, smoke inlet; 20, smoke baffle; 21, plate; 22, back plate; 20a, airflow channel; 20a1, first section; 20a2, second section; 30, movable nozzle; 31, arc-shaped part; 32, rectifier part. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0033] Please combine Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments of this application, the smoke baffle structure includes a housing 10, a smoke baffle 20, an air outlet assembly, and an adjustment assembly. The housing 10 has a smoke inlet 11, which is connected to the fan system inside the range hood. The smoke baffle 20 is rotatably mounted on the housing 10 around a first axis a1, used to open or close the smoke inlet 11. An airflow channel 20a is formed within the smoke baffle 20 along the radial direction of the first axis a1, the airflow channel 20a having an air inlet near the smoke inlet 11 and an air outlet away from the smoke inlet 11 along the radial direction of the first axis a1. The air outlet assembly is mounted on the smoke baffle 20 or the housing 10 and corresponds to the air inlet, used to spray airflow into the airflow channel 20a. The adjustment assembly is mounted on the smoke baffle 20 and corresponds to the air outlet, configured to simultaneously adjust the air outlet direction and air outlet cross-sectional area.

[0034] The smoke baffle structure provided in this embodiment allows the geometry of the air outlet to be changed according to the oil fume conditions by setting an adjustment component at the air outlet of the smoke baffle 20 that can simultaneously adjust the air outlet direction and the air outlet cross-sectional area.

[0035] Specifically, the air outlet assembly blows high-pressure gas into the airflow channel 20a. The high-pressure gas flows along the airflow channel 20a to the air outlet, and after being guided by the regulating assembly, it is blown out to form an air curtain. The regulating assembly changes the effective flow cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet and the direction of airflow, so that under heavy oil fume conditions, the air outlet presents a small cross-section with high flow velocity to form a high-speed jet along the plate, and under light oil fume conditions, the air outlet presents a large cross-section with low flow velocity to form a downward anti-escape air curtain. Thus, it balances oil fume collection efficiency and operating noise control under different operating conditions.

[0036] In some embodiments, the smoke baffle 20 has a plate-like structure and is connected to the housing 10 via a hinge mechanism. The smoke baffle 20 has a plate body 21 and a back plate 22, which are spaced apart to form an airflow channel 20a. When the smoke baffle 20 is closed, the side of the plate body 21 facing the cooking area is the outer side, and the back plate 22 is located inside the plate body 21. An air inlet is opened at one end of the airflow channel 20a near the first axis a1, and an air outlet is opened at the end of the airflow channel 20a away from the first axis a1. The air outlet assembly includes a blower, which is installed inside the housing 10, and the air outlet of the blower is connected to the air inlet.

[0037] In another embodiment, the blower can also be installed on the back plate 22 of the smoke baffle 20. In this case, the blower moves synchronously with the rotation of the smoke baffle 20, the air inlet of the blower is connected to the outside air, and the air outlet is directly connected to the air inlet of the airflow channel 20a. In yet another embodiment, the air outlet assembly may also include an air pump or other air supply device capable of providing a stable airflow; this invention is not limited thereto.

[0038] Please combine Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the regulating component has a first operating state and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the air outlet's airflow direction is parallel to the smoke baffle 20 and faces the smoke inlet 11, and the air outlet has a first airflow cross-sectional area. In the second operating state, the air outlet's airflow direction is perpendicular to the smoke baffle 20 and downwards, and the air outlet has a second airflow cross-sectional area. The first airflow cross-sectional area is smaller than the second airflow cross-sectional area.

[0039] In the first operating state, the airflow blown out from the air outlet flows along the surface of the baffle 20 towards the smoke inlet 11, creating a high-speed airflow isolation layer between the baffle 20 and the rising fumes. Due to the small cross-sectional area of ​​the first air outlet, the air velocity at the outlet is higher when the blower provides the same air volume, forming a high-speed jet. This high-speed jet reduces the direct contact between the fumes and the wall of the baffle 20 through the air film effect, thereby inhibiting the formation of condensed oil on the baffle 20. On the other hand, the entrainment effect of the high-speed jet accelerates the intake of air from the outer space of the range hood into the smoke control zone, improving the overall fume collection efficiency. This operating state is suitable for high-fume conditions, such as Chinese stir-frying and deep-frying.

[0040] In the second operating state, the airflow blows vertically downwards from the air outlet, forming a downward air curtain in front of the smoke baffle 20. Due to the larger cross-sectional area of ​​the second air outlet, the air velocity at the outlet is lower for the same air volume, significantly reducing aerodynamic noise. The main function of this low-speed downward airflow is to form an airflow barrier in front of the smoke baffle 20, preventing a small amount of oil fumes from escaping into the kitchen environment from the front of the smoke baffle 20. Since the amount of oil fumes is small in low-fume conditions, there is no need to actively isolate the smoke baffle 20 from the oil fumes through a high-speed air film; therefore, a low-noise mode is prioritized to improve the user experience in light-oil cooking scenarios. This operating state is suitable for low-fume cooking scenarios, such as steaming, boiling, and simmering.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, the ratio of the first air outlet cross-sectional area to the second air outlet cross-sectional area is between 1:2 and 1:5. This ratio range ensures a sufficient wind speed difference between the two operating states, enabling the first operating state to form an effective high-speed isolation air film, and the second operating state to achieve significant noise reduction. When the ratio is greater than 1:2, the cross-sectional area difference between the two states is insufficient, and the noise reduction effect is not obvious; when the ratio is less than 1:5, the wind speed in the second operating state is too low, which may cause the air curtain to fail to effectively block the escape of oil fumes.

[0042] In another embodiment, the regulating component may have more than two operating states. For example, the regulating component can be continuously adjusted between a first operating state and a second operating state, allowing the air outlet direction and cross-sectional area to change steplessly between two extreme states to meet the needs of moderate oil fume conditions. This invention does not limit this aspect.

[0043] Please combine Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the adjustment component includes a movable nozzle 30, which is rotatably disposed on the smoke baffle 20 about a second axis a2. The movable nozzle 30 changes the air outlet direction and air outlet cross-sectional area simultaneously through rotational movement. A single adjustment structure can achieve the change of two geometric parameters, simplifying the complexity of the drive and control system.

[0044] Specifically, the movable nozzle 30 is connected to the end of the smoke baffle 20 via a rotating shaft mechanism, which includes a rotating shaft and a bearing assembly. The rotating shaft extends along the length direction of the smoke baffle 20 (the axial direction of the first axis a1 and the second axis a2). The movable nozzle 30 is fixed on the rotating shaft and rotates synchronously with the rotation of the rotating shaft. The movable nozzle 30 rotates around the second axis a2 within a certain angle range, and the range of rotation angle is determined by the nozzle position corresponding to the first working state and the second working state.

[0045] In one specific embodiment, the movable nozzle 30 is driven to rotate by a drive motor. The drive motor is a stepper motor or a servo motor, and is mounted on the end of the smoke baffle 20. The output shaft of the drive motor is connected to the rotating shaft via a coupling, and the control system precisely controls the rotation angle of the movable nozzle 30 by sending pulse signals to the drive motor. The drive motor is electrically connected to the detection component, and automatically adjusts the rotation position of the movable nozzle 30 according to the oil fume operating parameters detected by the detection component.

[0046] In another embodiment, the movable nozzle 30 can also be driven by an electric push rod. The fixed end of the electric push rod is hinged to the smoke baffle 20, and the movable end is hinged to the end of the movable nozzle 30. The extension and retraction of the push rod drives the movable nozzle 30 to rotate around the second axis a2. In yet another embodiment, the movable nozzle 30 can also be adjusted manually. For example, the user can install an adjustment handle on the outside of the smoke baffle 20 and directly rotate the movable nozzle 30 to the desired position using the handle. This invention does not limit this method.

[0047] Please combine Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the movable nozzle 30 includes an arcuate portion 31 and a rectifier portion 32. The rectifier portion 32 is disposed downstream of the arcuate portion 31, and the arcuate portion 31 is rotatably disposed on the smoke baffle 20 around the second axis a2. The arcuate portion 31 and the rectifier portion 32 can be integrally formed, or they can be fixedly connected by welding, riveting, or snap-fitting.

[0048] During rotation, the relative position of the arc-shaped portion 31 with the inner wall of the airflow channel 20a changes, thereby altering the airflow guidance path and effective flow cross-sectional area at the end of the airflow channel 20a. When the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 abuts against the inner wall of the second side s2 of the airflow channel 20a, the arc-shaped portion 31 guides the airflow within the airflow channel 20a to the first side s1 of the smoke baffle 20, causing the airflow to flow upward along the surface of the smoke baffle 20. When the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 leaves the inner wall of the second side s2, the end of the airflow channel 20a is released, and the airflow is blown vertically downward under the guidance of the rectifying portion 32. The shape design of the arc-shaped portion 31 ensures continuous airflow guidance during rotation, avoiding abrupt airflow changes and vortex generation.

[0049] The rectifier 32 rectifies the airflow exiting the outlet, ensuring it flows out in a stable and uniform direction. The rectifier 32 has a plate-like structure extending along the airflow direction. Its smooth and flat surface reduces frictional losses and directional deflection during airflow. In the first operating state, the rectifier 32 extends along the surface of the smoke baffle 20, guiding the airflow parallel to the baffle 20. In the second operating state, the rectifier 32 extends perpendicular to the baffle 20, guiding the airflow vertically downwards. The extension length of the rectifier 32 is designed according to the required outlet distance, typically ranging from 10 mm to 50 mm.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, both the arc-shaped portion 31 and the rectifier portion 32 are thin metal sheet structures. Thin metal sheets possess excellent structural strength and resistance to oil fume corrosion, enabling them to operate stably for extended periods in high-temperature and high-humidity kitchen environments. The surfaces of the arc-shaped portion 31 and the rectifier portion 32 can also be coated with a non-stick coating to reduce oil adhesion and facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

[0051] In another embodiment, the arc-shaped portion 31 and the rectifying portion 32 can also be made of plastic materials, such as high-temperature resistant engineering plastics. Plastic materials have the advantages of being lightweight, low-cost, and having high molding precision, which helps to reduce the overall weight and manufacturing cost of the smoke baffle structure. In yet another embodiment, the arc-shaped portion 31 and the rectifying portion 32 can also be made of composite materials, such as glass fiber reinforced plastics, to balance structural strength and weight requirements; however, this invention does not limit this to any particular material.

[0052] Please combine Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, in the first operating state, the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 abuts against the inner wall of the second side s2 of the airflow channel 20a, the downstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 extends to the first side s1 of the smoke baffle 20, and the rectifying portion 32 extends radially along the first axis a1 towards the side closer to the smoke inlet 11. In the second operating state, the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 is located inside the air outlet, and the rectifying portion 32 is located on the downstream side of the air outlet and extends in a direction perpendicular to the smoke baffle 20. The first side s1 is the side closer to the smoke inlet 11 along the circumferential direction of the first axis a1, and the second side s2 is the side farther from the smoke inlet 11 along the circumferential direction of the first axis a1.

[0053] In the first operating state, the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 abuts against the inner wall of the second side s2, making the arc-shaped portion 31 an extension wall surface at the end of the airflow channel 20a. The airflow is guided along the arc-shaped surface of the arc-shaped portion 31 to the first side s1, and under the guidance of the rectifying portion 32, it is blown out towards the smoke inlet 11 parallel to the surface of the smoke baffle 20. At this time, the gap between the rectifying portion 32 and the outer wall of the first side s1 of the smoke baffle 20 determines the effective flow gap of the airflow, and the area of ​​this gap is the first air outlet cross-sectional area. In addition, the downstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 extends to the first side s1, so that the airflow is completely confined to the surface area of ​​the smoke baffle 20, avoiding energy loss caused by the outward diffusion of the airflow.

[0054] In the second operating state, the arc-shaped portion 31 rotates at a certain angle with the movable nozzle 30, and its upstream end leaves the inner wall of the second side s2 and enters the air outlet area. The end of the airflow channel 20a is opened, and the airflow flows out from the air outlet and is blown vertically downward under the guidance of the rectifier portion 32. At this time, a gap r1 is formed between the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 and the inner wall of the second side s2, and a gap r2 is formed between the rectifier portion 32 and the side wall of the second side s2. The effective air outlet cross-sectional area is determined by both r1 and r2, and is larger than the first air outlet cross-sectional area in the first operating state. In addition, the rectifier portion 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the smoke baffle 20 to ensure that the airflow is blown out in a stable vertical direction, forming a continuous and uniform anti-escape air curtain.

[0055] In one specific embodiment, the switching angle between the first and second operating states is 90 degrees. That is, the arc-shaped portion 31 rotates 90 degrees from the first operating state to reach the second operating state. This angle ensures that the changes in the air outlet orientation and cross-sectional area between the two operating states are sufficiently significant, achieving effective switching of functional positioning. When the switching angle is too small, the changes in orientation and cross-sectional area are insufficient, making it difficult to form a significant functional difference; when the switching angle is too large, structural arrangement becomes difficult and the space for rotational movement is limited.

[0056] Please combine Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the arc-shaped portion 31 is semi-circular, and the second axis a2 is the center of the semi-circular arc. The movable nozzle 30 satisfies the parameter relationship: R1 < r2 and R1 < r1. Wherein, R1 is the minimum gap between the rectifying portion 32 and the outer wall of the second side s2 of the smoke baffle 20 in the first working state, r1 is the gap between the upstream end of the arc-shaped portion 31 and the inner wall of the second side s2 of the smoke baffle 20 in the second working state, and r2 is the gap between the rectifying portion 32 and the side wall of the second side s2 of the smoke baffle 20 in the second working state along the radial direction of the first axis a1.

[0057] The semi-circular arc-shaped portion 31 rotates around its center axis, ensuring that the gap between the arc-shaped portion 31 and the inner wall of the smoke baffle 20 changes continuously during rotation, and that the fit between the arc-shaped surface of the arc-shaped portion 31 and the inner wall of the smoke baffle 20 is stable and reliable. The semi-circular arc design ensures that the upstream and downstream trajectories of the arc-shaped portion 31 are circular arcs during rotation, facilitating precise control of the geometry of the air outlet.

[0058] The parameter relationship R1 < r2 and R1 < r1 is the key technical condition for achieving the functional difference between the two working states in this invention. R1 is the minimum flow gap in the first working state, which determines the size of the first air outlet cross-sectional area; r1 is the gap between the upstream end of the arc-shaped part 31 and the inner wall of the second side s2 in the second working state, and r2 is the gap between the rectifier part 32 and the side wall of the second side s2 in the radial direction along the first rotating axis in the second working state. R1 being less than both r2 and r1 ensures that the minimum flow gap R1 in the first working state is always less than the two key gap dimensions in the second working state, thereby ensuring that the air outlet cross-sectional area in the first working state is significantly smaller than that in the second working state, making the wind speed in the first working state significantly higher than that in the second working state under the same air volume, thus forming a clear functional distinction between high-speed jet isolation of condensate oil and low-speed anti-escape and noise reduction.

[0059] Furthermore, the specific value of the R1 parameter can be designed to match the rated air volume and air pressure of the blower. For blowers with large air volume, R1 can be appropriately increased to maintain a reasonable air velocity; for blowers with small air volume, R1 should be appropriately decreased to ensure sufficient jet velocity.

[0060] In another embodiment, the arc-shaped portion 31 can also adopt other arc shapes, such as elliptical arcs or parabolic arcs. An elliptical arc-shaped portion 31 provides a smoother gap change curve during rotation, which is beneficial for achieving stepless adjustment of the outlet cross-sectional area. A parabolic arc-shaped portion 31 provides a more concentrated airflow guiding effect within a specific angle range. Regardless of the arc shape used, as long as the parameter relationship R1 < r2 and R1 < r1 is satisfied, the technical effects of the present invention can be achieved, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0061] Please combine Figures 4 to 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the airflow channel 20a is divided into a first segment 20a1 and a second segment 20a2 along the radial direction of the first axis a1. The second segment 20a2 is larger in size than the first segment 20a1 along the tangential direction of the first axis a1, and the air outlet is located in the second segment 20a2.

[0062] The segmented design of the airflow channel 20a causes the airflow to undergo changes in cross-sectional area during its flow. The first segment 20a1 has a smaller cross-sectional area, and the airflow maintains a higher static pressure in the first segment 20a1, which is conducive to the uniform distribution of airflow across the entire width of the smoke baffle 20. When the airflow enters the second segment 20a2, which has a larger cross-sectional area, the static pressure is converted into dynamic pressure, and the flow velocity increases, which is conducive to the airflow being blown out of the outlet at a higher speed and uniformly. At the same time, the larger size of the second segment 20a2 provides sufficient structural space for the arrangement and rotation of the movable nozzle 30, avoiding interference between the movable nozzle 30 and the wall of the airflow channel 20a during rotation.

[0063] In another embodiment, a transition section may be provided between the first section 20a1 and the second section 20a2, with the cross-sectional area of ​​the transition section gradually increasing along the airflow direction. The transition section makes the airflow transition from the first section 20a1 to the second section 20a2 smoother, reducing airflow separation and eddy current losses caused by abrupt changes in cross-sectional area, and improving the efficiency of airflow energy utilization. The longitudinal cross-section of the transition section can be a linear or curved transition; this invention does not limit this.

[0064] In some embodiments, the smoke baffle structure further includes a detection component, which is used to detect oil fume operating parameters and is electrically connected to the air outlet component. The oil fume operating parameters include at least one of oil fume concentration, oil fume temperature, and visual characteristic parameters of the oil fume. The detection component provides data for the state switching of the adjustment component, realizing the linkage control between the air curtain's operating state and the oil fume operating conditions.

[0065] When the fume operating parameter is fume concentration, the detection component includes a fume concentration sensor, which is installed on the front edge of the housing 10, close to the cooking area. The fume concentration sensor detects the concentration of particulate matter in the air using optical scattering or semiconductor gas sensing principles, converting the concentration signal into an electrical signal and sending it to the control system. The control system compares the detected fume concentration value with a set threshold. When the fume concentration exceeds the set threshold, it is determined to be a high fume condition, and the control adjustment component switches to the first operating state; when the fume concentration is below the set threshold, it is determined to be a low fume condition, and the control adjustment component switches to the second operating state.

[0066] When the operating parameter for the cooking fume is the temperature, the detection component includes a temperature sensor, which is installed on the outer side of the fume baffle 20 or the bottom surface of the housing 10. The temperature sensor detects temperature changes in the cooking area via a thermocouple or thermistor. Since there is a significant difference between the temperature of the cooking fumes and the ambient temperature during cooking, the temperature sensor can indirectly reflect the intensity of the generated fumes. The control system compares the detected temperature value with a set threshold and controls the switching of the operating state of the regulating component based on the comparison result. The advantages of this temperature detection method are low sensor cost and easy installation.

[0067] When the fume operating parameters are defined as visual characteristics of the fumes, the detection component includes an image acquisition device, such as a camera. The image acquisition device is installed on the front side of the enclosure 10, facing the cooking area. The control system analyzes the acquired images using image processing algorithms to extract the visual characteristics of the fumes, such as the area, concentration, and speed of the fume region. When the fume characteristics are prominent in the image, it is determined to be a high-fume operating condition, and the control adjustment component switches to the first operating state; when the fume characteristics are not prominent in the image, it is determined to be a low-fume operating condition, and the control adjustment component switches to the second operating state. The advantage of visual detection is that it can simultaneously acquire information on the location and distribution of fumes, which is beneficial for more precise air curtain control.

[0068] In one specific embodiment, the detection component includes both a fume concentration sensor and a temperature sensor, and the control system integrates the detection results from both sensors to determine the operating condition. For example, the control system can be set to use fume concentration as the primary criterion, and when the fume concentration is in a fuzzy region near a threshold, the detection result from the temperature sensor can be used as a supplementary criterion. Multi-parameter integrated detection improves the accuracy and reliability of operating condition determination and avoids potential misjudgments that may occur with a single sensor.

[0069] In another embodiment, the detection component may also include a user manual input device, such as a touch button or knob. The user manually selects the working state according to the current cooking situation, and the control system directly controls the state switching of the adjustment component based on the user input. The advantage of manual control is its timely response and clear user intent; the disadvantage is that it requires active user operation and cannot achieve complete automation. This invention does not limit this aspect.

[0070] This application also provides a control method for a smoke baffle structure, applied to the aforementioned smoke baffle structure. The control method includes the following steps: acquiring oil fume operating parameters detected by a detection component; comparing the oil fume operating parameters with a set threshold; when the oil fume operating parameters exceed the set threshold, switching the control adjustment component to a first operating state; and when the oil fume operating parameters are below the set threshold, switching the control adjustment component to a second operating state.

[0071] This control method discretizes continuous oil fume operating parameters into two conditions: high oil fume and low oil fume, corresponding to the first and second operating states, respectively, by setting thresholds. The selection of the threshold should comprehensively consider the characteristics of oil fumes under different cooking scenarios, as well as user preferences for noise and oil fume collection efficiency. A threshold that is too high may fail to switch to the first operating state in time during high oil fume conditions, resulting in increased condensed oil; a threshold that is too low may switch to the first operating state too early during low oil fume conditions, causing unnecessary noise.

[0072] In one specific embodiment, the set thresholds include a first threshold and a second threshold, where the first threshold is greater than the second threshold. When the fume operating parameters exceed the first threshold, the control adjustment component switches to a first operating state; when the fume operating parameters are below the second threshold, the control adjustment component switches to a second operating state; when the fume operating parameters are between the first and second thresholds, the adjustment component maintains its current operating state. A hysteresis interval is formed between the first and second thresholds, avoiding frequent switching of the adjustment component when the fume operating parameters fluctuate near the thresholds, reducing the number of state switching times, and extending the service life of the drive mechanism.

[0073] In one specific embodiment, the response time for state switching is controlled between 5 and 15 seconds to balance timeliness and stability.

[0074] In another specific embodiment, the control system can also perform feedforward control based on the rate of change of the fume operating parameters. When a rapid increase in fume concentration is detected within a short period of time, even if the current fume concentration has not yet reached the first threshold, the control system can control the adjustment component to switch to the first operating state in advance to respond to changes in fume more quickly. Feedforward control can effectively reduce the delay in state switching and improve the air curtain's ability to follow the cooking process.

[0075] This application also provides a range hood that includes the smoke baffle structure described in any of the above embodiments, enabling the range hood to possess all the technical effects of the adjustable air curtain outlet, expanding the smoke collection area while achieving adaptive adjustment under different smoke conditions. The range hood also includes conventional components such as a fan system, exhaust duct, and control system. The fan system is located inside the fan box at the top of the housing 10 and communicates with the smoke inlet 11, used to draw in and exhaust the smoke collected in the smoke collection chamber. The control system is used to control the start and stop of the fan, the opening and closing of the smoke baffle 20, and the state switching of the adjustment components.

[0076] The aforementioned smoke baffle structure can be applied to various types of range hoods, including side-draft range hoods, top-draft range hoods, and integrated cooktops. When applied to a side-draft range hood, the smoke baffle 20 is installed at an angle above the cooktop. When opened, the smoke baffle 20 forms an angle of 20 to 60 degrees with the vertical direction. In the first working state, a high-speed jet of smoke flows obliquely upward along the surface of the smoke baffle 20, effectively isolating the smoke from contacting the smoke baffle 20. When applied to a top-draft range hood, the smoke baffle 20 is installed horizontally directly above the cooktop. In the first working state, a high-speed jet of smoke flows horizontally along the bottom surface of the smoke baffle 20 towards the smoke inlet 11.

[0077] The aforementioned range hood can be controlled by a voice module, which is equipped with a controller, a voice receiving module, and a voice parsing module. The voice receiving module receives user commands, and the voice parsing module parses the commands. Based on the parsed commands, the controller controls the range hood to perform corresponding operations, thereby realizing intelligent control of the range hood and improving the user experience.

[0078] In one specific embodiment, the range hood includes a voice receiving unit and a voice parsing unit. Users can control the working state of the smoke baffle structure via voice commands, such as saying "large air curtain mode" or "small air curtain mode." After parsing the command, the voice parsing unit controls the adjustment components to switch to the corresponding working state. Voice control improves the user's ease of operation during cooking.

[0079] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0080] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A smoke baffle structure, characterized in that, include: The housing (10) has a smoke inlet (11); A smoke baffle (20) is rotatably disposed on the housing (10) about a first axis for opening or closing the smoke inlet (11). An airflow channel (20a) is provided in the smoke baffle (20) in the radial direction along the first axis. The airflow channel (20a) has an air inlet close to the smoke inlet (11) in the radial direction along the first axis and an air outlet away from the smoke inlet (11). An air outlet assembly is disposed on the smoke baffle (20) or the housing (10) and corresponds to the air inlet, for spraying airflow into the airflow channel (20a) through the air inlet; An adjustment component is disposed on the smoke baffle (20) and corresponds to the air outlet. The adjustment component is configured to simultaneously adjust the air outlet direction and the air outlet cross-sectional area.

2. The smoke baffle structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment component has a first working state and a second working state; In the first working state, the air outlet is parallel to the smoke baffle (20) and faces the smoke inlet (11), and the air outlet has a first air outlet cross-sectional area; In the second working state, the air outlet is perpendicular to the smoke baffle (20) and downward, and the air outlet has a second air outlet cross-sectional area; The first air outlet cross-sectional area is smaller than the second air outlet cross-sectional area.

3. The smoke baffle structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adjustment assembly includes a movable nozzle (30) which is rotatably disposed on the smoke baffle (20) about a second axis.

4. The smoke baffle structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movable nozzle (30) includes an arc-shaped portion (31) and a rectifier portion (32). The rectifier portion (32) is disposed on the downstream side of the arc-shaped portion (31). The arc-shaped portion (31) is rotatably disposed on the smoke baffle (20) about the second axis.

5. The smoke baffle structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the first working state, the upstream end of the arc-shaped part (31) abuts against the inner wall of the second side of the airflow channel (20a), the downstream end of the arc-shaped part (31) extends to the first side of the smoke baffle (20), and the rectifier part (32) extends radially along the first axis toward the side close to the smoke inlet (11). In the second working state, the upstream end of the arc-shaped part (31) is located inside the air outlet, and the rectifier part (32) is located on the downstream side of the air outlet and extends in a direction perpendicular to the smoke baffle (20). The first side is the side closer to the smoke inlet (11) along the circumferential direction of the first axis, and the second side is the side farther away from the smoke inlet (11) along the circumferential direction of the first axis.

6. The smoke baffle structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The arc-shaped portion (31) is semi-circular, the second axis is the center of the semi-circular arc, and the movable nozzle (30) satisfies: R1 < r2 and R1 < r1; Wherein, R1 is the minimum gap between the rectifier (32) and the second side outer wall of the smoke baffle (20) in the first working state, r1 is the gap between the upstream end of the arc-shaped part (31) and the second side inner wall of the smoke baffle (20) in the second working state, and r2 is the gap between the rectifier (32) and the second side side wall of the smoke baffle (20) in the radial direction along the first axis in the second working state.

7. The smoke baffle structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The airflow channel (20a) is divided into a first segment (20a1) and a second segment (20a2) in the radial direction along the first axis. The second segment (20a2) has a larger dimension in the tangential direction along the first axis than the first segment (20a1). The air outlet is located in the second segment (20a2).

8. The smoke baffle structure according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The smoke baffle structure also includes a detection component, which is used to detect the oil fume operating parameters and is electrically connected to the air outlet component. The oil fume operating parameters include at least one of oil fume concentration, oil fume temperature, and oil fume visual characteristic parameters.

9. A method for controlling a smoke baffle structure, applied to the smoke baffle structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Obtain the oil fume operating parameters detected by the detection component; The oil fume operating parameters are compared with the set threshold. When the oil fume operating parameters exceed the set threshold, the control component is switched to the first working state; When the operating parameters are lower than the set threshold, the adjustment component is controlled to switch to the second operating state.

10. A range hood, characterized in that, Includes the smoke baffle structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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