Extractor hood and method of operation

Abstract

Extractor hood (1) comprising at least one housing unit (2) with at least one planar housing part (3), and at least one loudspeaker unit (4), wherein the loudspeaker device (4) comprises at least one drive device (5) and at least one diaphragm device (6), and wherein the flat housing part (3) consists at least partially of sheet metal (7) and / or glass (8), characterized by that the membrane device (6) is provided by the flat housing part (3) and the drive unit (5) transmits vibrations to the flat housing part (3) has been recorded.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an extractor hood according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising at least one housing device with at least one flat housing part, and at least one loudspeaker device. The loudspeaker device comprises at least one drive device and at least one membrane device. The method according to the invention is suitable for operating such an extractor hood.

[0002] The kitchen has gradually transformed into a living space. Playing music, audiobooks, radio programs, or other audio recordings is now a desirable option in the kitchen and while cooking.

[0003] To fulfill this desire, a music system can be installed in the kitchen, for example. Relatively small under-counter solutions have also become popular, which can be attached to the floor of a wall cabinet, for example. However, the disadvantages are often the lack of convincing sound due to their small size and the fact that such a device takes up an electrical outlet. Furthermore, such devices often don't fit perfectly into the kitchen design.

[0004] To avoid taking up additional space by providing a music playback option, a music playback system is also available that can be integrated into an extractor hood. For an appealing sound experience, several speakers and even a subwoofer are built into the extractor hood. The disadvantages of this solution, however, are that the system is quite complex to install, that retrofitting the system is difficult, and that the required space is relatively large due to the components used. Furthermore, the system is quite expensive due to the necessary components.

[0005] From the document DE 10 2011 007 409 A1 an extractor hood is known in which a recess is provided in a housing part in which a loudspeaker membrane is inserted.

[0006] The document DE 20 2005 018 078 U1 discloses an extractor hood in which grilles or perforated plates are arranged on the front of the chimney to allow sound to pass through the housing part from a loudspeaker arranged inside the housing.

[0007] The document DE 20 2008 015 199 U1 shows an extractor hood with a vapor screen, on the top of which a docking station for a mobile phone is provided.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a playback option for music and other acoustic reproductions in an extractor hood that offers an appealing sound experience and is also space-saving to install. A further object of the present invention is to provide such a music playback option that can be relatively easily retrofitted to an extractor hood.

[0009] This object is achieved by an extractor hood having the features of claim 1 and by a method for operating an extractor hood having the features of claim 13. Preferred developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0010] The extractor hood according to the invention comprises at least one housing device with at least one flat housing part. Furthermore, the extractor hood comprises at least one loudspeaker device, wherein the loudspeaker device comprises at least one drive device and at least one membrane device. The membrane device is provided at least partially by the flat housing part.

[0011] According to the invention, the loudspeaker device converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations, for which purpose the drive device in particular generates a movement or a vibration and transmits this to the membrane device.

[0012] Preferably, the membrane device in the extractor hood according to the invention is provided essentially entirely by the flat housing part. "Flat" means, in particular, that a specific surface is provided on the housing device, which can preferably be set into vibration at least slightly, at least in sections. It is expedient to provide the largest possible surface area that can be used as a membrane device.

[0013] According to the invention, audio output can be provided via the loudspeaker system. This can include, for example, radio, music, or other audio files. Audiobooks and cookbooks with audio can also be played through the extractor hood. Warnings and / or information can also be output via the loudspeaker system.

[0014] The extractor hood according to the invention offers many advantages. A significant advantage is that it provides an extractor hood with a loudspeaker device, wherein at least one section of the housing is used as a sound body or provides a sound body. This is achieved by at least one flat housing part providing the membrane device of the loudspeaker device, whereby the remainder of the extractor hood is preferably used as a sound body.

[0015] Due to the special design of the loudspeaker system, it can also be easily retrofitted, meaning that existing extractor hoods can also be equipped with a loudspeaker system.

[0016] Another advantage of such a speaker system is that it is invisibly mounted on the extractor hood. The speaker system can then be used to drown out a useful sound, such as the operating noise of the extractor hood, or to modify it in such a way that the perception of the operating noise of the extractor hood is positively influenced by the audio output via the extractor hood or by the useful sound generated in this way.

[0017] According to the invention, the drive device is accommodated at least partially in the housing part in a vibration-transmitting manner.

[0018] To ensure particularly effective transmission of the vibrations generated by the drive device to the diaphragm device, a flat vibration-transmitting arrangement on the housing part is particularly advantageous. The drive device can be bonded to the diaphragm device or the flat housing part, for example, using a suitable adhesive. In suitable embodiments, the drive device can also be screwed to the flat housing part.

[0019] According to the invention, the housing part consists at least in sections of sheet metal and / or glass.

[0020] In expedient embodiments, the membrane device is then provided by at least one housing sheet or by a vapor deflector, which preferably consists at least in sections of glass.

[0021] In advantageous further developments, the drive device comprises at least one piezoelectric element, which is particularly designed as a piezoelectric crystal and / or as a piezoceramic element. By designing the drive device as an exciter or as a structure-borne sound transducer, a drive device can be provided in a particularly suitable manner that can convert electrical signals into vibrations and transmit them to a membrane device or to the flat housing part. In other preferred developments, the drive device can also be provided by at least one coil, which enables vibration transmission to the flat housing part.

[0022] In order to be able to transmit even weak signals or to ensure sufficient volume for audio output, for example, music or warning tones, at least one amplifier device is preferably assigned to the loudspeaker device. The loudspeaker device can be either active or passive. In the case of active loudspeaker devices, the amplifier device is preferably included within the loudspeaker device. In the case of passive loudspeaker devices, at least one external amplifier is provided in expedient developments.

[0023] In addition, in preferred embodiments, at least one control device is provided, which is operatively connected to the amplifier device and / or the loudspeaker device. The loudspeaker device and / or the amplifier device can be controlled via the control device, and preferably, information or warnings regarding the operation or operating status of the extractor hood or other devices can also be output. The connection between the control device and the amplifier device and / or the loudspeaker device is preferably wireless and / or wired. A radio connection is also particularly suitable.

[0024] Preferably, the control device is operatively connected to at least one further control device of another household appliance. The extractor hood according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously when several household appliances are networked. This makes it possible for information about the operation or operating status of another household appliance to be output via the loudspeaker device of the extractor hood. This allows a user to be informed about the status and / or a treatment process of a household appliance even when they are not directly within reach of the household appliances.

[0025] Particularly preferably, at least two loudspeaker devices are provided. This allows for a particularly appealing sound image, with the possibility of outputting music and warnings or notifications in stereo.

[0026] In advantageous further developments, at least one chimney device is provided, wherein the drive device is arranged on at least one flat housing part of the chimney device. According to the invention, a chimney device can also be understood as a telescope of a wall or island hood. By attaching the drive device to a flat housing part of a chimney device, a flat housing part of sufficient size is provided. Furthermore, the interior of the chimney device can be used as a sound body, thereby achieving an even better acoustic effect of the loudspeaker device.

[0027] Preferably, at least one loudspeaker device is provided on at least one lateral housing part of the fireplace device. In particular, the use of two loudspeakers, one on the left and one on the right, allows for a particularly appealing sound image to be achieved, which is particularly output in stereo quality.

[0028] Preferably, at least one playback device is provided. In particular, a radio and / or a CD player can be provided in or on the extractor hood. The playback device is preferably operatively connected to the amplifier device and / or the loudspeaker devices and is particularly preferably integrated at least partially into the control device.

[0029] In advantageous further developments, at least one connection device is provided for connecting at least one playback device. The connection device is preferably operatively connected to the amplifier device and / or at least one loudspeaker device.

[0030] The connection device preferably comprises at least one docking station and / or at least one interface. A docking station is particularly suitable for connecting or setting up an external device such as a cell phone. This allows a simple connection to be established between an external playback device and the extractor hood or the loudspeaker devices. An interface is provided in particular for data transmission and / or for charging an external device. The interface can in particular comprise a USB port or be designed as such. In addition, a connection via WLAN and / or Bluetooth can also be provided. Particularly preferably, an inductive charging option or an inductive charging cradle is also provided via the interface.

[0031] The method according to the invention is suitable for operating an extractor hood as described above. Acoustic reproduction occurs via the at least one loudspeaker device.

[0032] The method according to the invention also offers many advantages. In particular, it allows a user to play music and / or warnings or notifications via the extractor hood, whereby the loudspeaker devices are invisible thanks to the inventive design and can also be retrofitted. Furthermore, the design of the membrane device as a flat housing part of the extractor hood provides a particularly large membrane surface, which allows for a particularly good sound image.

[0033] Preferably, music and / or at least some information is output via the loudspeaker system. This allows a user to play music in the kitchen without the need for an external stereo system. Furthermore, information about the operating status of the extractor hood or other household appliances can also be communicated to the user acoustically.

[0034] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0035] The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of an extractor hood according to the invention above a household appliance; and Fig. 2 the extractor hood according to Fig. 1 in another illustration.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a purely schematic perspective view of an extractor hood 1 according to the invention. Provided below the extractor hood 1 is another household appliance 100, which is embodied here as a stove 200. The stove 200 comprises an oven 201 and a hob 202. The vapors or steam rising from the hob 202 can be extracted by the extractor hood 1.

[0037] In the embodiment shown here, the extractor hood 1 comprises a chimney device 15 and a screen device 22. Rising vapors are collected via the screen device 22 and extracted by a fan provided in the chimney device 15.

[0038] The extractor hood 1 also comprises two loudspeaker devices 4 through which music can be played and / or through which warnings and / or information can be issued.

[0039] To ensure that warnings or information about the operation or operating status of the hob device 202 can also be output via the extractor hood 1, the control device 13 of the extractor hood 1 and the control device 14 of the hob device 202 or the range 200 are operatively connected. Depending on the design, the oven control device can also be operatively connected to the control device 13 of the extractor hood. Information about the oven 201 can then also be output via the extractor hood 1 or the loudspeaker devices 4 of the extractor hood 1.

[0040] For playing music, the extractor hood 1 shown here features a playback device 17, which in this case includes a radio receiver. The playback device 17 is integrated into the control device 13, so no additional components are required, and control can also be achieved via the extractor hood's control panel. In other embodiments, however, a playback device 17 can also be provided in a different way. In particular, for example, a CD player can also be provided on the extractor hood.

[0041] Furthermore, the extractor hood 1 shown comprises a connection device 18, which in the embodiment shown has a docking station 20 for an external playback device 19 and an interface 21. In the embodiment shown, the docking station 20 is provided as a connection option for a mobile phone. Any mobile phone can be inserted into the docking station 20, whereby specific adapter cradles may also be provided depending on the mobile phone type.

[0042] The interface 21 of the connection device 18 is designed here as a USB port 24, via which external devices can be connected and also supplied with power. The interface 21 also includes a WLAN and / or Bluetooth adapter 25, which also enables the connection of external devices via a wireless connection.

[0043] For music reproduction, the extractor hood 1 comprises two loudspeaker devices 4. These loudspeaker devices 4 each comprise a drive device 5 and a membrane device 6. An electrical signal is converted into a movement or vibration via the drive device 5 and transmitted to the membrane device 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the membrane device 6 is provided by a flat housing part 3 of the housing device 2 of the extractor hood. The vibrations generated by the drive device 5 are then transmitted to the membrane device 6 or to the flat housing part 3, whereby the latter is set into vibration at least in sections, resulting in acoustic reproduction.

[0044] By connecting the drive unit 5 to the flat housing part 3, a particularly large membrane unit 6 is provided, creating a pleasant sound experience. Furthermore, the free interior of the chimney unit 15 can be used as a sound box, which further positively influences the sound quality.

[0045] The structure of the loudspeaker devices 4 and the wiring of the loudspeaker devices 4 are shown purely schematically in Fig. 2. In this case, Fig. 2 the extractor hood 1 according to Fig. 1, wherein the front housing sheet part 26 is not shown in order to provide a view into the chimney device 15.

[0046] This illustration shows that the drive devices 5 of the loudspeaker devices 4 are each attached to a lateral housing part 16 of the chimney device 15. The drive devices 5 are attached to the flat housing part 3 using a special adhesive that allows a vibration-transmitting connection between the drive device 5 and the membrane device 6. In other embodiments not shown, the drive device 5 can also be screwed to the membrane device 6.

[0047] In the embodiment shown here, the drive device 5 comprises a piezoelectric element 9, which here comprises a piezoceramic element 11. In other embodiments, the use of a piezoelectric crystal 10 may also be advantageous. In further embodiments not shown, the drive device 5 can also be provided by one or more coils. Such a coil then converts a signal into vibrations and transmits them to the membrane device 6.

[0048] The electrical signals transmitted from the amplifier device 12 to the drive device 5 are converted into vibrations by the piezoceramic element 11, which are then transmitted to the membrane device 6 or to the membrane device 6. This causes the membrane device 6 or the flat housing part 3 to vibrate, resulting in acoustic reproduction.

[0049] For optimal transmission of oscillations or vibrations from the piezoceramic element 11 to the membrane device 6, a vibration-transmitting connection between the drive device 5 and the membrane device 6 is advantageous. For this purpose, the piezoceramic element 11 is bonded to the flat housing part 3 with a special adhesive in a vibration-transmitting manner. In other embodiments, another suitable fastening method can also be selected to ensure a vibration-transmitting connection between the drive device 5 and the membrane device 6.

[0050] The drive devices 5 are each glued to the inner sides 23 of the lateral housing parts 16, so that the drive devices 5 or loudspeaker devices 4 are not visible from the outside.

[0051] Due to the design of the loudspeaker devices 4, it is also possible for the loudspeaker devices 4 to be installed, for example, as a retrofit kit in an existing extractor hood.

[0052] The drive devices 5 of the loudspeaker devices 4 can be mounted, in particular, on flat housing parts 3 made of sheet metal 7 or glass 8. For example, a chimney 15 made of sheet metal 7 or a telescope, or parts thereof, can be used as the membrane device 6. In particular, if a vapor deflector made of glass 8 is provided, this can also be advantageously used as the membrane device 6.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the loudspeaker devices 4 are each connected to an amplifier device 12. This amplifier device 12 amplifies electrical signals, thereby generating an optimal signal for the loudspeaker devices 4. In other embodiments, the loudspeaker devices 4 can also be actively configured, so that each loudspeaker device 4 itself comprises an amplifier device 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, however, the loudspeaker devices 4 are passively configured, so that the upstream connection of an amplifier device 12 is advantageous.

[0054] Both the control device 13 and the playback device 17 are connected to the amplifier device 12. Furthermore, a connection leads from the amplifier device 12 to the connection device 18 or to the docking station 20 and the interface 21.

[0055] The amplifier device 12 and the cables leading to the individual components can be attached to suitable housing components, for example, using adhesive tape. This simple design also allows for easy retrofitting of a loudspeaker device 4 with the additional necessary components. List of reference symbols 1 extractor hood 2 Housing equipment 3 flat housing part 4 Speaker setup 5 Drive device 6 Membrane device 7 sheet metal 8 glasses 9 Piezo element 10 piezo crystal 11 piezoceramic element 12 Amplifier device 13 Control device 14 Control device 15 Fireplace equipment 16 side housing part 17 Playback device 18 Connection device 19 playback devices 20 Docking Station 21 Interface 22 Screening device 23 Inside 24 USB ports 25 Wi-Fi / Bluetooth adapters 26 front housing part 100 household appliances 200 stove 201 Oven 202 Hob equipment

Claims

[1] Extractor hood (1) comprising at least one housing device (2) with at least one flat housing part (3), and at least one loudspeaker device (4), wherein the loudspeaker device (4) comprises at least one drive device (5) and at least one membrane device (6), and wherein the flat housing part (3) consists at least in sections of sheet metal (7) and / or glass (8), characterized by , that the membrane device (6) is provided by the flat housing part (3) and the drive device (5) transmits vibrations to the flat housing part (3) is recorded. [2] Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive device (5) comprises at least one piezo element (9), which is designed in particular as a piezo crystal (10) and / or as a piezoceramic element (11). [3] Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one amplifier device (12) is assigned to the loudspeaker device (4). [4] Extractor hood (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that at least one control device (13) is provided which is operatively connected to the amplifier device (12) and / or the loudspeaker device (4). [5] Extractor hood (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the control device (13) is operatively connected to at least one control device (14) of a further household appliance (100). [6] Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least two loudspeaker devices (4) are provided. [7] Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one chimney device (15) is provided, wherein the drive device (5) is arranged on at least one flat housing part (3) of the chimney device (15). [8] Extractor hood (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that at least one loudspeaker device (4) is provided on at least one lateral housing part (16) of the chimney device (15). [9] Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one playback device (17) is provided. [10] Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one connection device (18) is provided for connecting at least one playback device (19). [11] Extractor hood (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by that the connection device (18) comprises at least one docking station (20) and / or at least one interface (21). [12] Method for operating an extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an acoustic reproduction takes place via the at least one loudspeaker device (4). [13] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by that music and / or at least one piece of information is output via the loudspeaker device (4).

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