Fan module

Abstract

Fan module (1) for an extractor device (2) comprising 1.1. a housing (3) with 1.1.1 an inlet opening (4), 1.1.2. an outlet opening (5) and 1.1.3. a flow channel (6) for the fluid-mechanical connection of the inlet opening (4) with the outlet opening (5) 1.2. wherein the flow channel (6) has a cross-section widening in the direction of flow, 1.3. wherein the housing (3) is spiral-shaped, 1.4. wherein the housing (3) is made of plastic, and 1.5. wherein a connecting piece (15) is provided in the region of the inlet opening (4), which is removably fastened to the housing (3) by means of a locking closure.

Description

The invention relates to a fan module, in particular a fan module for an extractor device. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a fan module. Finally, the invention relates to a range extraction device with such a fan module and to a hob system with such a range extraction device.A vapor extraction system with a fan module is known, for example, from DE 10 2007 002 241 A1. A radial fan with a fan wheel motor unit is known from EP 1 000 783 A1 and from EP 2 738 394 A1.DE 10 2008 051 362 A1 describes a radial blower housing of a motor vehicle air conditioning system. DE 20 2008 015 621 U1 describes a pipe having a pipe end section for connection to an air outlet connector. DE 85 08 778 U1 describes housing boxes for small fans. DE 10 2006 011 062 A1 describes a device for charge air compression for an internal combustion engine. DE 39 08 512 A1 describes a fan whose impeller is arranged in a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. DE 24 14 610 B2 describes a cross-flow fan.There is a constant need to further develop such exhaust hood systems, in particular their fan modules.This object is achieved by a fan module according to claim 1.The core of the invention consists in forming a fan module with a spiral-shaped housing made of plastic.The spiral-shaped configuration of the housing enables the flow-mechanical properties of the housing, in particular of the flow duct connecting the inlet opening of the housing to its outlet opening, to be improved.The housing has in particular a round outer contour. As a result, so-called dead zones can be avoided. The flow channel is in particular configured free of dead zones. The flow channel is designed free of dead zones in particular in the region running around the fan motor.The housing has in particular a nautilus-like, bionic form.The housing can be made in particular of a reinforced plastic. The reinforcement may comprise a selection from the following list: glass fibers, textile fibers, carbon fibers, reinforcement by talc and reinforcement by other additives.In the region of the inlet opening, a connecting piece is provided, which is detachably fastened to the housing by means of a locking closure, in particular a bayonet closure. This enables a particularly simple and nevertheless secure connection of the connecting piece to the housing. The connecting piece can be fastened to the housing in particular by means of pins, noses, heads, a thread, a groove, rails or guides.According to a further aspect of the invention, the housing is made of plastic. It consists in particular of plastic, that is to say it is completely and exclusively of plastic. It is made in particular of a fire-resistant plastic. This leads on the one hand to a saving in weight. On the other hand, it facilitates production and enables a more flexible configuration of the shape of the housing.According to one aspect of the invention, the housing is formed in two parts or in multiple parts. The housing preferably has a housing lower part, which is also referred to as a housing base or lower shell, and a housing upper part, which is also referred to as a ceiling, cover or upper shell. The upper housing part can be connected in particular in a removable manner to the lower housing part. It can be secured in particular by means of clamps to the housing lower part. A removable design of the housing upper part facilitates maintenance and cleaning of the fan module.The inlet opening can have in particular a round, in particular a circular cross section.According to a further aspect of the invention, a connecting piece is provided in the region of the inlet opening, with a shape tapering at least in sections counter to a flow direction. The connecting piece can in particular have a shape tapering conically or stepwise at least in sections. It can have in particular a double conical shape, i.e. a shape tapering twice conically.This facilitates the connection of the fan module to a ventilation tube or a ventilation hose.A conical, in particular a double-conical configuration, can improve the connection of a ventilation pipe, ventilation channel or ventilation hose. It enables a particularly secure attachment of, in particular, a ventilation tube, a ventilation channel or a ventilation hose to the connecting piece.A ventilation tube is understood in particular to mean a ventilation tube having a round, in particular a circular, cross section. A ventilation channel, on the other hand, has in particular an elongated cross section. A ventilation hose is in particular flexible.The connecting piece can have in particular a circular cross section. At its widest point, in particular directly adjoining the housing of the fan module, it can have an outer diameter of somewhat more than 150 mm, in particular in the range from 150 mm to 250 mm.It can have an outer diameter in the range from 80 mm to 150 mm at its narrowest point.On the outer diameter of the connecting piece, in particular a sealing strip can be arranged or arranged. The sealing tape can first be supplied as a separate part and only be applied to the connecting piece for the sealed attachment of the ventilation tube, ventilation channel or ventilation hose. The sealing tape is made in particular of foam. It can be formed so as to be self-adhesive on one side.In the direction perpendicular to the inlet opening, the connecting piece can have an extension in the range from 0.5 cm to 10 cm, in particular of less than 6 cm,According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting piece is removable. It can be replaceable in particular. This facilitates use of the fan module with ventilation tubes, ventilation channels or ventilation hoses of different diameters. It is possible in particular to provide different connection pieces which fit different pipes or hoses.The removability of the connecting piece makes it possible in particular to mount it easily even in the base region of a base cabinet. The fan module can be installed in particular in the base region of a base cabinet without the base of the base cabinet having to be removed for this purpose. Removing the connecting piece enables the fan module to be arranged in the base region, in particular without the need for adaptation of the base cabinet for this purpose. The connecting piece can then be attached again to the fan module by a cutout in the furniture base which is provided exactly in the required size.According to a further aspect of the invention, the housing has an outer cross section tapering in the flow direction in the region of the outlet opening. The outer cross section of the housing can taper or taper stepwise in the region of the outlet opening. This facilitates the connection of a further ventilation channel element to the housing.The outlet opening can have in particular the cross section of a flat channel. In particular, it has a substantially rectangular, oval or elliptical cross section. It preferably has a cross section with rounded corners. It has in particular a free height in the range from 5 cm to 9 cm and a free width in the range from 10 cm to 25 cm. The cross section of the outlet opening can have, in particular, an aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1, in particular at least 2:1, in particular at least 3:1, in particular at least 4:1.The outlet opening can have in particular an elongate cross section, in particular for connecting a so-called flat channel. The cross section of the outlet opening can have, in particular, an aspect ratio of at least 1.5:1, in particular at least 2:1; in particular at least 3:1, in particular at least 4:1.The outlet opening has in particular a free flow cross section of at least 50 cm 2, in particular at least 100 cm 2, in particular at least 200 cm 2, in particular at least 250 cm 2.The outlet opening can be arranged in particular at the end of an outlet region, in particular in the form of an outlet connection piece which adjoins the flow channel. This also improves the flow properties of the fan module.The outlet region has an outer wall which adjoins the outer contour of the housing in particular substantially tangentially. In the transition region, a slight constriction can be provided. This further improves the flow properties.The outlet opening can extend in a plane which extends obliquely, in particular perpendicularly, to the plane of the inlet opening. The inlet opening can in particular extend in a plane which extends perpendicular to a rotational axis of the motor. The axis of rotation of the motor runs in particular parallel to the vertical direction.According to a further aspect of the invention, a motor is arranged in the interior of the housing. As the motor, a so-called brushless direct current (EC) motor may be arranged, in particular. By means of the motor, an air flow can be generated in the flow channel from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. By means of the motor, a negative pressure can be generated, in particular in the region of the inlet opening, and / or an overpressure can be generated in the region of the outlet opening.A fan wheel can be driven by means of the motor. The fan wheel is in particular a fan wheel curved forwards. This leads to an advantageously low noise generation with simultaneously high power density. With a fan wheel curved forward, it is possible in particular to move large amounts of air in a narrow space.According to a further aspect of the invention, a flow guide element is arranged in the region of the outlet opening. As a result, the flow properties can be further improved. The flow directing element may be arranged at an angle to the outlet opening. It can be arranged in particular at a right angle to the outlet opening.According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one flow guide element is provided in the region of the outlet opening.This allows the flow properties to be improved. By means of the flow guide element, in particular the noise generation during operation of the fan module can be reduced.A plate-shaped element can serve in particular as the flow guide element. The flow guide element can have dimensions which change in the flow direction.The flow guide element is in particular designed such that it completely laterally delimits the flow channel in a first, inner region, but increasingly releases it in a second region adjoining it in the flow direction. In particular, it has in the first region an extension in the direction perpendicular to the lower housing part, which corresponds precisely to the free height of the flow channel in this direction. The extent of the flow guide element in this direction decreases in the outer region adjoining it in the flow direction. It decreases steadily, in particular in the flow direction.The flow guide element has, in particular in the first, inner region, a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. It has in particular the shape of a right-angled trapezoid. In the second, outer region, it has in particular a substantially triangular shape.It has been found that the generation of noise can be particularly effectively reduced by a flow guide element formed in this way.The flow guide element is in particular directly adjacent to a section delimiting the inner contour of the flow channel in the radial direction. It is formed in particular in one piece with a corresponding section of the inner contour. It can also be arranged free-standing in the outlet region of the fan module.One or more such flow guide elements can be provided.The flow guide element is in particular arranged in the housing, aligned parallel to the flow direction.According to a further aspect of the invention, a plurality of feet and / or fastening elements are provided on the outer side of the housing.This allows the installation of the fan module to be simplified and / or improved. The feet allow the housing to be decoupled, in particular acoustically decoupled, from the underlying surface. In particular, three feet can be provided. This makes it possible to ensure that the housing always has a secure position. Four or more feet may also be provided. The feet can be height-adjustable, i.e. adjustable.The feet can each have a contact surface of at most 10 cm 2, in particular at most 5 cm 2, in particular at most 3 cm 2, in particular at most 2 cm 2, in particular at most 1 cm 2. They can have an end piece made of an elastic material, in particular of rubber, foam, felt or cork, at their free end. As a result, a particularly efficient noise decoupling can be achieved.The feet can have a length in the range from 1 mm to 30 mm, in particular in the range from 2 mm to 20 mm. Fastening straps or fastening eyes can serve in particular as fastening elements. They make it possible to easily mount the housing below a horizontal plane, in particular a floor ceiling, room ceiling or furniture ceiling.The fan module preferably has a total overall height of at most 10 cm. In other words, it is very compact and can be arranged in particular in the base of a conventional kitchen cabinet. The overall height can be measured here in particular without the removable connecting piece in the region of the inlet opening.In a plane running parallel to the inlet opening, the fan module has in particular dimensions of at most 60 cm·60 cm, in particular at most 50 cm·50 cm, in particular at most 40 cm·40 cm, in particular at most 30 cm·30 cm. This facilitates installation in the base region of a kitchen base cabinet.The fan module preferably has a total weight of at most 15 kg, in particular at most 10 kg, in particular at most 5 kg, in particular at most 3 kg, in particular at most 2 kg, in particular at most 1 kg.According to a further aspect of the invention, a sound-absorbing element is arranged in the flow channel.This significantly reduced the noise generation during operation of the fan module.In principle, it is also possible to arrange more than one sound-absorbing element in the flow channel or to form the sound-absorbing element from a plurality of separate sub-elements.According to one aspect of the invention, the sound-absorbing element has a layer made of a porous material and / or a fibrous material.Such materials lead to particularly effective sound insulation. The porous material can be, in particular, a material with open and / or continuous pores. The sound-absorbing element can in particular have at least one layer made of a foamed or a woven material.It may have a single such layer. It can also have a plurality of corresponding layers. It can have in particular a plurality of different layers. This allows acoustic attenuation over a wide frequency spectrum to be achieved.The sound-absorbing element comprises in particular at least one layer of foam material.According to one aspect of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is provided with a fire-retardant coating. The coating can be formed in particular in the manner of a film. The coating can be in particular an aluminum coating, in particular an aluminum foil, a synthetic resin coating, a plastic coating or a bitumen coating.The sound-absorbing element can be designed to be airtight, in particular to be encapsulated in a moisture-tight manner. This facilitates cleaning of the sound-absorbing element. Moreover, the absorption of fat and / or water is prevented by this.According to one aspect of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is designed as a strip-shaped mat. It is in particular made of a flexible material. It can thus adapt to the contour of the housing of the fan module.The sound-absorbing element has in particular a height which substantially corresponds to the free height of the flow channel. The sound-absorbing element has a thickness in the range from 3 mm to 3 cm, in particular in the range from 5 mm to 1.5 cm, in particular in the range from 7 mm to 1.2 cm. The sound-absorbing element has a length of at least 30 cm, in particular at least 50 cm, in particular at least 70 cm. The sound-absorbing element has in particular a length which is adapted to the dimensions of the housing of the fan module in such a way that, in the case of an arrangement along a radial outer wall of the housing, it extends over an angle range of at least 180°, in particular at least 225°, in particular at least 270°. It extends, in particular apart from the outlet region 13, over the entire circumferential region of the housing 3.The sound-absorbing element can be embodied in multiple parts. It can comprise in particular a plurality of sub-elements. The sub-elements can be arranged spaced apart from one another, adjoining one another or overlapping in the housing.According to one aspect of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is arranged along an outer wall of the flow channel. It is arranged in particular on the inner side of the outer wall of the flow channel, i.e. in the flow channel.According to a further aspect of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is arranged in a guide groove in the housing. This ensures secure retention of the sound-absorbing element.According to a further aspect of the invention, the sound-absorbing element is arranged interchangeably in the housing. It can be removed from the housing, in particular, for example for cleaning purposes.According to a further aspect of the invention, a separate control line is provided for controlling the motor. The fan module comprises in particular a power line for connecting the motor to an energy source, in particular to the power grid, and the separate control line for controlling the motor. It has been found that the efficiency of the fan module can be improved as a result.Reinforcing ribs can be provided on the bottom and / or on the cover of the housing. The stiffening ribs can be arranged extending at least in sections along a radial direction. This improves the stability of the housing.In a method for operating a fan module according to the preceding description, a pulse width modulation (PWM) method is provided for controlling the motor. This enables a particularly precise and simple control of the motor.The advantages of a vapor extraction device having a fan module according to the preceding description are evident from those of the fan module.The advantages of a hob system with an integrated extractor hood device with a corresponding fan module are also evident from the previously described examples.Further advantages, features and details of the invention are evident from the description of an exemplary embodiment on the basis of the drawings. The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a top view of an embodiment of a fan module, FIG. 2 shows a view of the fan module according to FIG. 1 from below, FIG. 3 shows a view of the fan module according to FIG. 1 with the viewing direction III of the outlet opening counter to the flow direction, FIG. 4 shows an enlarged detail of the region IV from FIG. 3, FIG. 5 shows an enlarged detail of the region V from FIG. 2, FIG. 6 shows an enlarged detail of the region VI from FIG. 3, FIG. 7 shows an enlarged detail of the region VII of FIG. 2, FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the fan module according to FIG. 1 ; and FIG. 9 shows a schematic illustration of a hob system with a range extraction device with a fan module according to FIG. 1.In the following, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, an exemplary embodiment of a fan module 1 for an extractor device 2 is described. A fan module 1 for a vapor extraction device 2 comprises a housing 3.The housing 3 has an inlet opening 4 and an outlet opening 5. The inlet opening 4 is connected fluidically to the outlet opening 5 via a flow channel 6.The flow channel 6 has a cross section widening in the flow direction 8. It is arranged in particular circumferentially with respect to a fan motor 7 arranged behind the inlet opening 4 in the vertical direction 34.The housing 3 is of helical design. It has in particular a screw-house-like shape.The housing 3 has in particular a round outer contour. As a result, dead flow zones in the flow channel 6 can be avoided. In other words, the flow channel 6 is designed to be free of dead zones in particular. It is formed free of dead zones in particular in an inner region running in a spiral shape. The spirally extending inner region is adjoined on the downstream side by an outlet region 13. The outlet portion 13 will be described in more detail below.Due to the widening flow cross section of the flow channel 6, the housing 3 has a round, but non-circular outer contour. According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 3 has a total width B of 37 cm. However, the distance B 1 of the axis of rotation 12 of the fan motor 7 from the nearer outer boundary of the housing 3 is less than 16 cm.The housing 3 thus has in particular a round outer contour with a radius of curvature which increases steadily in the direction of flow. The radius of curvature of the outer contour increases steadily over a circumferential region of approximately 270°, in particular. The outer contour, in particular the pitch of the spiral geometry, is designed to open in particular in the range from 0.5° to 5°. Only in an outlet region 13 does the outer contour of the housing 3 deviate from the round shape.The outer wall of the outlet region 13 can taper slightly inward toward its free end, i.e. in the flow direction 8, toward the outlet opening 5. It can be designed in particular slightly conical. This facilitates the connection of an outlet duct 48 to the fan module 1. This is illustrated by way of example in FIG. 5. The outlet region 13 thus forms a connecting piece.For the connection of the outlet channel 48, in particular for the sealed connection of the outlet channel 48, a sealing strip can be arranged circumferentially around the outlet opening 5. The sealing tape is made in particular of foam. It is preferably formed so as to be self-adhesive on one side. This facilitates the sealed connection of the outlet duct 48 to the fan module 1.Along the circumferential outer wall of the housing 3, a sound absorbing element 40 is arranged. The sound-absorbing element 40 is arranged in particular in a guide groove 52 in the lower housing part 9 and / or upper housing part 10.The sound-absorbing element 40 comprises a strip-shaped layer of foam material. The foam layer is provided on its side facing the flow channel 6, i.e. the side facing the interior of the housing 3, with a coating, in particular a fire-retardant and / or grease- and / or water-repellent coating. It can be provided in particular with an aluminum coating. The aluminum coating can also be formed by an aluminum foil.The sound-absorbing element 40 has, in particular, a layer on a porous material and / or a fibrous material.Such materials lead to particularly effective sound insulation. The porous material can be, in particular, a material with open and / or continuous pores. The sound-absorbing element 40 can in particular comprise at least one layer of a foamed or a woven material.It may have a single such layer. It can also have a plurality of corresponding layers. It can have in particular a plurality of different layers. This allows acoustic attenuation over a wide frequency spectrum to be achieved.The sound-absorbing element 40 comprises in particular at least one layer of foam material.The sound-absorbing element 40 can in particular be provided with a fire-retardant coating. The coating can be formed in particular in the manner of a film. The coating can be in particular an aluminum coating, in particular an aluminum foil.The sound-absorbing element 40 can be designed to be airtight, in particular to be encapsulated in a moisture-tight manner. This facilitates cleaning of the sound absorbing member 40.The sound-absorbing element 40 can be designed as a strip-shaped mat. It is in particular made of a flexible material. It can thus adapt to the contour of the housing of the fan module. The sound-absorbing element 40 can also be made of a rigid, in particular a dimensionally stable material. In principle, the sound-absorbing element 40 can also be integrated into the housing of the fan module. It can in particular be formed integrally with the housing lower part or the housing upper part or be firmly connected to one of these.The sound-absorbing element 40 is formed continuously. It can also be formed in multiple parts, in particular comprise a plurality of partial elements. In this case, the sub-elements of the sound-absorbing element 40 are preferably arranged adjacent to one another or overlapping or fanned in the housing of the fan module 1.The sound-absorbing element 40 has in particular a height which substantially corresponds to the free height of the flow channel. The sound-absorbing element 40 has a thickness in the range from 3 mm to 3 cm, in particular in the range from 5 mm to 1.5 cm, in particular in the range from 7 mm to 1.2 cm. The sound-absorbing element 40 has a length of at least 30 cm, in particular at least 50 cm, in particular at least 70 cm. The sound-absorbing element 40 has in particular a length which is adapted to the dimensions of the housing of the fan module in such a way that, in the case of an arrangement along a radial outer wall of the housing, it extends over an angle range of at least 180°, in particular at least 225°, in particular at least 270°.The sound-absorbing element 40 is arranged in particular on the inner side of the outer wall of the flow channel, that is to say in the flow channel.The sound-absorbing element 40 bears in the region of its outlet-side end against a bearing shoulder 50 formed in the housing 3. It projects somewhat inwardly in the radial direction beyond the contact shoulder 50. It projects in particular by up to 2 mm radially inward beyond the contact shoulder 50. By slightly projecting beyond the contact shoulder 50 51 of the sound-absorbing element 40, it can be ensured that liquid or grease, which precipitates on the inside of the sound-absorbing element 40, does not reach the contact shoulder 50 and from there into the guide groove and accumulates there.The sound-absorbing element 40 has a continuous surface in particular on its inner side, that is to say on its side facing the flow channel. It thus does not lead to an impairment of the flow conditions in the flow channel, in particular to no turbulence and / or dead zones in the flow channel.The housing 3 can be formed in particular from plastic, in particular a fire-resistant plastic. It is preferably made of a reinforced plastic. Glass fibers, textile fibers, carbon fibers, talc or other additives can serve as reinforcement. This allows a particularly light and yet robust design of the housing 3. The housing 3 is made in particular of such a plastic, i.e. it is formed completely and exclusively of such a plastic. In principle, a configuration of the housing 3 from metal is also possible.A plastic construction also facilitates the production of the housing 3. The housing 3 can be formed in particular as an injection-molded part. Here, different materials and / or different compositions may be used as needed. The properties of the housing can thus be influenced in a simple manner as desired. The design of the housing 3 as an injection-molded part also increases the economic efficiency of production. It enables a constant high quality and dimensional accuracy of the housing. It also offers greater design flexibility.The housing 3 can be formed in multiple parts, in particular in two parts. It can have, in particular, a housing lower part 9 and a housing upper part 10. To open the housing 3, the upper housing part 10 can be removed from the lower housing part 9. The lower housing part 9 and the upper housing part 10 are connected to one another by means of a plurality of fastening means. The fastening means can be retaining clips 11, screws, clips, rivets, locks, rails, springs, braces, grooves, splints, pins, spring grooves, etc. Alternatively, it is possible to connect the lower housing part 9 and the upper housing part 10 to one another in a latchable manner. They can also be screwed together. In principle, a one-piece configuration of the housing 3 is also conceivable.Reinforcing ribs 14 are provided on the bottom 9 of the housing 3. They serve for the mechanical reinforcement of the base 9. They extend radially to the axis of rotation 12. In the outlet region 13, they comprise in particular a first section running radially to the axis of rotation 12 and a second section running perpendicular to the outlet opening 5. In this way, in particular the mechanical load capacity, in particular the rigidity, of the outlet region 13 can be improved.The flow channel 6 is defined on its inner side by an impeller of the fan motor 7, which is also referred to as fan impeller 53. The fan wheel 53 has, in particular, a forwardly curved configuration. In principle, a rearwardly curved configuration of the fan wheel 53 is also possible.The inner contour of the flow channel 6 thus has a circular cross section. The impeller of the fan motor 7 has an inner cross section which substantially corresponds to a free diameter of the inlet opening 4. The free diameter of the inlet opening 4 is in particular in the range from 8 cm to 20 cm, in particular in the range from 12 cm to 18 cm, in particular at least 14 cm.In the region of the inlet opening 4, a connecting piece 15 is provided. The connection stub 15 is detachably connected to the housing 3, in particular to its upper housing part 10. For connecting the connection stub 15 to the housing 3, a bayonet connection, in particular a bayonet screw connection, or an alternative locking connection, in particular by means of pins, noses, heads, a thread, a groove, rails or guides, is provided in particular. The connection stub 15 can be connected to the housing 3 in particular in a latchable, in particular lockable manner.As can be seen in particular in the enlarged detail shown in FIG. 4, the connection stub 15 has a planar, annular bearing region 16. The support region 16 has a slightly concavely curved cross section. It has, in particular, a prestress. As a result, a prestressed locking of the connection stub 15 on the housing 3 can be achieved. The support region 16 has a radial extent c in the range from 5 mm to 5 cm, in particular in the range from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. It serves on the one hand for the form-fitting, in particular the airtight, connection of the connection stub 15 to the housing upper part 10 of the housing 3, on the other hand the radial rigidity of the connection stub 15 is increased by the bearing region 16.The connection stub 15 improves the axial load-bearing capacity of the housing 3, in particular of the upper housing part 10.In the region of the support region 16, additional stiffening elements, in particular stiffening ribs, can be provided. FIGS. 1 and 4 show, by way of example, two circular, concentrically arranged stiffening ribs 17. Furthermore, radially extending fin-like webs 18 are shown by way of example in FIGS. 1 and 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, six equidistantly arranged webs 18 are provided. The webs 18 can serve as a gripping aid. They facilitate the rotation of the connecting piece 15 for locking or unlocking with the housing 3.For each of the webs 18, a marking 21 is provided on the upper housing part 10 of the housing 3, which marking indicates the orientation of the respective stiffening web 18 in the securely locked end position of the connection piece 15. With the aid of the webs 18 and the markings 21, it is possible to determine in a simple manner whether or when the connection stub 15 has reached its end position according to regulations when it is attached to the housing 3. For attaching the connecting piece 15, the latter is placed in a first angular position on the upper housing part 10 of the housing 3. Mushroom-shaped or lens-head-shaped latching means engage with matching receiving slots in the upper housing part 10. Starting from this position, it locks with the housing 3 by rotating it about the axis of rotation 12 relative to the latter. On the underside of the upper part 10 of the housing 3, beveled ribs or webs are arranged, which engage with the mushroom-shaped latching elements of the connecting piece 15 when it is latched and lead to the latter being pressed against the inlet opening 4. Furthermore, preferably resilient locking elements are provided which engage with the locking elements when the same is locked and hold the connection stub 15 securely in the end position. The resilient locking elements make it possible to detect the reaching of the end position haptically and acoustically. When the end position is reached, a click-like noise is in particular perceptible.The connection piece 15 also has an edge section 19 projecting into the inlet opening 4. The edge section 19 is in particular hollow cylindrical. It has in particular a circular outer cross section. It has in particular a circular inner cross section. It can also be slightly conical. It can have, in particular, an outer cross section that tapers slightly towards its free end 20. This makes it easier to insert the connecting piece 15 into the inlet opening 4. The connection stub 15 forms in particular an inflow nozzle.The connection stub 15 has a shape tapering at least in sections. It has in particular a cross section that decreases in sections. The cross section is in particular the outer cross section of the connecting piece 15. The cross section of the connecting piece 15 decreases in particular toward its free end 22, i.e. counter to an inflow direction 23.The connection stub 15 can have in particular a plurality of tapering sections.The connection stub 15 narrows in particular continuously, in particular conically, or in a step-like manner. Combinations are also possible. The connection stub 15 can also have sections with a constant outer diameter. A corresponding section is exemplarily identified in FIG. 4 with the reference sign 24.The connection stub 15 can also have one or more stop shoulders 25.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connection stub 15 has a single conical or double conical shape. It has in particular two or more conically tapering sections.By such a configuration of the free end 22 of the connection stub 15, the connection of a ventilation tube to the connection stub 15 and thus to the fan module 1 is considerably simplified.The connecting piece 15 can also have a shape which widens somewhat again in the region of the free end 22, in particular in the form of a circumferential bead. This makes it possible to improve a secure fit of a ventilation hose or a corresponding ventilation tube to be applied to the connection stub 15.The connecting piece 15 also has a grid-like structure 26 in the region of its free end 22. The grid-like structure 26 comprises six radially extending struts 27. the grid-like structure 26 further comprises circular struts 28 which allow optimized air flow. The circular struts 28 lead in particular to an improved noise pattern.The grid-like structure 26 prevents foreign bodies above a certain size from being able to enter the fan module 1.The grid-like structure 26 also increases the radial rigidity of the connection stub 15.The edge section 19 has an extension in the direction parallel to the inflow direction 23 in the range from 0.3 cm to 2 cm, in particular in the range from 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. The connection stub 15 has a total extent in the direction parallel to the inflow direction in the range from 5 mm to 10 cm, in particular in the range from 3 cm to 6 cm. The connection stub 15 can have, in particular, an outer contour which is adapted to a specific connection hose or to a ventilation channel or to a ventilation tube. It is possible in particular to provide different connection stubs 15 for different connection hoses or connection pipes. This further improves the flexibility and thus the possible uses of the fan module 1. In particular, different, replaceable connecting stubs 15, in particular connecting stubs 15 with different outer diameters, can be provided. The fan module 1 can thus be used universally with different extractor hood devices 2.For the sealed connection of a ventilation tube, ventilation channel or ventilation hose to the connection connector 15, a sealing strip is provided. The sealing strip is arranged in particular on the outer contour of the connection stub 15. It is in particular made of a compressible material, in particular of foam, in particular of a closed-pore foam. It is in particular compressible. It is provided in particular on its side facing the connection connector 15 with a self-adhesive layer.Fields 29 for information can be attached to the housing lower part 9 and / or to the housing upper part 10. In these fields 29, in particular manufacturer instructions and / or instructions with respect to operating requirements and / or safety instructions can be provided.Apart from the connecting piece 15, the housing 3 has a substantially planar surface in the region of the upper housing part 10. In the outlet region 13, the free height of the housing 3 can be somewhat reduced in the flow direction 8. This makes it easier to connect an exhaust air duct, which adjoins the outlet opening 5 in the flow direction 8, to the fan module 1.The outlet opening 5 has a flat channel-like cross section. In particular, it has a substantially rectangular cross section, in particular with rounded corners. The curvatures can have a radius of curvature of 20 mm, for example. The outlet opening 5 has a free height h of somewhat less than 10 cm, in particular somewhat less than 9 cm. The outlet opening 5 has a free width w of less than 30 cm, in particular of approximately 22 cm. The outlet opening 5 has in particular a flow cross section of approximately 200 cm 2. In general, the flow cross section of the outlet opening 5 is at least 50 cm 2, in particular at least 100 cm 2, in particular at least 150 cm 2, in particular at least 175 cm 2, preferably at least 190 cm 2, preferably at least 200 cm 2. The flow cross section of the outlet opening 5 is usually less than 500 cm 2, in particular less than 300 cm 2, in particular less than 250 cm 2. In principle, however, it can also be larger.In the region of the outlet opening 5, a flow guide element 30 is arranged. The flow guide element 30 is in particular plate-shaped. It extends from the flow channel 6 into the outlet region 13 in the direction of the outlet opening 5; in the interior of the housing 3, a lateral delimitation of the flow channel 6 is formed via a region extending at least 2 cm, in particular at least 5 cm, but in particular at most 15 cm, in particular at most 10 cm in the flow direction 8.The flow guide element 30 is designed as a plate arranged centrally or eccentrically and running essentially perpendicular to the lower housing part 9 and / or the upper housing part 10. In an inner region, it has an extension perpendicular to the lower housing part 9, which extends over the entire height of the flow channel 6. It laterally delimits the flow channel 6 in this region. In a second region adjoining the outlet side, the extension decreases continuously in the direction perpendicular to the lower housing part 9.The flow guide element 30 has, in particular in the first, inner region, a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. It has in particular the shape of a right-angled trapezoid. In the second, outer region, it has in particular a substantially triangular shape.On the lower housing part 9 of the housing 3 a plurality of feet 31 are provided. The number of feet 31 is in particular three or four. The feet 31 provide a stable stand of the housing 3 and can have an adjustable height. They can be adjustable in particular.The feet 31 have a contact surface at their free end 32 of at most 10 cm 2, in particular at most 5 cm 2, in particular at most 3 cm 2, in particular at most 2 cm 2, in particular at most 1 cm 2, in particular at most 0.5 cm 2, in particular at most 0.2 cm 2, in particular at most 0.1 cm 2. Such a small base area of the feet 31 improves noise decoupling of the fan module 1 from the underlying floor.The small area of the feet 31 can ensure that the fan module 1, despite its low weight, stands on the underlying floor with an area pressure of at least 5000 Pa, in particular at least 10000 Pa, in particular at least 30000 Pa, in particular at least 50000 Pa, in particular at least 100000 Pa, in particular at least 150000 Pa.The feet 31 can each be provided with an end cap 33 in the region of their free end 32. The end cap 33 is preferably made of a somewhat elastic and / or damping material, in particular rubber. This also reduces sound transmission from the fan module 1 to the floor below. As a result, the feet 31 contribute significantly to noise reduction. In addition, the feet 31 enable the fan module 1 to be placed securely on different floor coverings. They can in particular effectively prevent the fan module 1 from slipping or migrating.The free ends 32 of the feet 31 project in the vertical direction 34, as can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 6, by a maximum of 10 mm, in particular a maximum of 5 mm, in particular a maximum of 3 mm, preferably a maximum of 2 mm beyond the region 35 of the fan module 1 which protrudes furthest in the vertical direction 34. The region 35 is formed in particular by a base plate of the fan motor 7.In order to facilitate the arrangement of the fan module 1 under a floor, fastening eyes 36 are provided as suspensions. In particular, at least three or four such fastening eyes 36 are provided. The fastening eyes 36 preferably have an inner diameter of 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm or 12 mm. Other inner diameters are also possible. The fastening eyes 36 are preferably formed integrally with the housing lower part 9 of the housing 3. This ensures a secure arrangement of the housing 3, in particular of the fan module 1, on a floor. The fastening eyes 36 are preferably arranged on the housing 3 in such a way that the center of gravity of the polygon defined by them is aligned with the center of gravity of the fan module 1 in the vertical direction 34.On the outside of the housing 3 a tab 37 is provided for mounting the connection and / or control cable or cables 38, 39 of the fan motor 7. This facilitates a clear, ordered cable routing, in particular when the fan module 1 is mounted in a suspended manner.For controlling the fan motor 7, in particular a separate control line in the form of the control cable 39 is provided. The fan motor 7 is thus connected, in particular via the connection cable 38, which is also referred to as a power cable or power line, to a power source, in particular the domestic power network.The fan module 1 is connected via the control cable 39 to a control device not shown in the figures. A pulse width modulation (PWM) method is provided for controlling the fan motor 7, in particular for controlling the rotational speed of the fan motor 7, and thus for controlling the suction power of the fan module 1, in particular for controlling the volume flow that can be generated by means of the fan module 1.The fan motor 7 is preferably an EC motor (electronically commutated motor). Other motors are also possible.The sound absorbing member 40 is disposed in a guide groove in the housing 3. It is preferably provided to form a corresponding guide groove both in the housing lower part 9 and in the housing upper part 10. The sound-absorbing element 40 extends in the vertical direction 34, in particular over the entire inner height of the flow channel 6, and is thus securely held by the guide grooves, in particular in the radial and axial directions.At its outlet end, the sound-absorbing element 40 bears against a bearing shoulder 50 of the housing 3. It projects inwardly in the radial direction by up to 2 mm, preferably by at most 1 mm, beyond the contact shoulder 50.The sound absorbing element 40 is integrated in the housing 3. It is arranged in particular in the flow channel 6. It is preferably interchangeable. The sound-absorbing element 40 can be removed from the housing 3, in particular, for example for cleaning purposes.In the following, with reference to FIG. 9, an intended use of the fan module 1 is described. The fan module 1 forms a component of the extractor device 2. the extractor device 2 can be in particular a so-called downdraft system, i.e. an extractor which draws extractor vapor downward from a hob plane 41. The extractor device 2 can be, in particular, a hob extraction system. The vapor extraction device 2 comprises a vapor inlet device 42. It is arranged in particular between two hobs 43.The vapor extraction device 2 can be integrated into a hob system 44 with at least one, in particular a plurality of hobs 43. It is possible in particular to combine the mist inlet device 42 with one or more hobs 43 to form an integrated system, in particular a monolithically formed system. The hobs 43 and the mist inlet device 42 can be combined in particular to form a mounting unit. This simplifies, among other things, the installation of the hob system 44. In addition, an advantageous arrangement of the vapor extraction device 2, in particular of the vapor inlet device 42, relative to the hobs 43 can be ensured as a result. Not least, an integrated design of the hob system 44 leads to design advantages.The mist inlet device 42 is connected to the fan module 1 by a connecting element 54 in a fluid-mechanical manner. The connector 54 may include one or more tubes, conduits, or hoses. It can be guided in particular along lower cabinet elements 45. The base cabinet element 45 can comprise drawers 46.The connecting element 54 is connected to the fan module 1 via the connecting piece 15. The connecting piece 15 is in particular adapted to the configuration of the connecting element 54.The fan module 1 can be arranged in the base region 47 of the base cabinet elements 45.The fan module 1 is connected on the outlet side to a duct-like, tube-like or hose-like outlet element 48 in a fluid-mechanical manner. The outlet element 48 is connected at the end to an outlet unit 49. The outlet unit 49 can be a circulating air unit or an exhaust air unit. A combined circulating air / exhaust air unit is also possible.

Claims

Fan module (1) for an extractor device (2), comprising 1.

1. a housing (3) with 1.1.

1. an inlet opening (4), 1.1.

2. an outlet opening (5) and 1.1.

3. a flow channel (6) for the fluidic connection of the inlet opening (4) to the outlet opening (5) 1.

2. wherein the flow channel (6) has a cross section widening in the flow direction, 1.

3. wherein the housing (3) is of spiral design, 1.

4. wherein the housing (3) is made of plastic, and 1.

5. wherein a connecting piece (15) is provided in the region of the inlet opening (4) which is detachably fastened to the housing (3) by means of a locking closure.Fan module (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that a connecting piece (15, 13) is provided in the region of the inlet opening (4) and / or in the region of the outlet opening (5) and has a shape tapering at least in sections towards its free end.Fan module (1) according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connecting piece (15) has two or more conically tapering sections.Fan module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one flow guide element (30) is provided in the region of the outlet opening (5).Fan module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of feet (31) and / or fastening elements (36) are provided on an outer side of the housing (3).Fan module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a total overall height (h) of at most 10 cm.Fan module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sound-absorbing element (40) is arranged in the flow channel (6).Method for operating a fan module (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a pulse width modulation (PWM) method is provided for controlling the motor (7).Extractor device (2) with a fan module (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7.Hob system with 10.

1. at least one hob (43) and 10.

2. at least one extractor device (2) according to claim 9.

Images