Portable extractor fan

Abstract

Portable extractor fan (2), with at least one air inlet opening (22) for the extraction of vapor-laden air (a), at least one air outlet opening (29) for releasing purified air (b) to the environment, and at least one electrical conveying means (25) arranged in a flow path of the air (a, b) between the air inlet opening (22) and the air outlet opening (29), characterized by at least one inductive power sensor (27), preferably a secondary coil (27), which is configured to receive inductive power from outside the portable extractor fan (2) and thereby supply the electrical conveying means (25) electrically.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a portable extractor fan according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In the field of residential design, a trend has been observed in many countries for several years now towards increasingly open-plan kitchens that flow seamlessly into, for example, the dining and / or living room. As this moves the kitchen more and more into the central living space, kitchen appliances with a deliberately visible, functional character are increasingly perceived as disruptive by many customers. This can lead to the desire to integrate kitchen appliances further and as completely as possible into the kitchen itself, so that they are perceived as less disruptive and the kitchen is perceived as less of a separate living space.

[0003] Extractor hoods are of particular importance in this context, as their size and prominent location often make them highly noticeable to customers in many kitchens. Therefore, there is a particular need for attention to extractor hoods in order to integrate the kitchen as discreetly as possible into the living space.

[0004] It is therefore common practice to design extractor hoods as ceiling-mounted units, so that they are as inconspicuous as possible, or even completely invisible, when viewed from the side. Extractor hoods are also known as downdraft units, which can be vertically extended and integrated into the worktop next to the hob. They can be extended when needed and otherwise recessed flush with the worktop. This also creates an extractor hood that is as inconspicuous as possible, or even completely invisible, when not in use.

[0005] A disadvantage of ceiling extractors and downdraft systems is that their applications are typically limited by specific installation requirements that cannot be met in many kitchens or would incur significant financial costs. In many apartment buildings, such installations are simply not possible.

[0006] Another aspect is the increasing use of recirculating hoods as extractor hoods, since due to energy regulations such as the Zero Energy Directive of the European Union, new buildings may no longer be equipped with exhaust hoods.

[0007] From DE 20 2004 015 441 U1, a portable extractor fan is known which can be positioned on or next to the cooktop, near cookware, to extract cooking fumes from the cooking area through a vertically oriented intake opening and release them back into the environment as purified air. In this way, an extractor fan can be provided which can be freely positioned in the immediate vicinity of the cookware while cooking but can otherwise be removed from the cooktop. Besides cooking on a cooktop, the portable extractor fan is particularly suitable for use in combination with other portable cooking appliances such as table grills, fondue sets, or raclette grills. For example,To be able to operate independently of a mains power supply on a dining table, the portable extractor fan can be powered by batteries, although it is also possible to supply it via an external power source such as a mains connection.

[0008] EP 1 296 096 A2 describes a mobile extractor hood with a housing and a stand, wherein the extraction hood is connected to the stand via a swivel joint having a horizontal axis of rotation.

[0009] US 3 430 551 A describes a mobile exhaust ventilation device that extends vertically from a standing area and whose height can be adjusted.

[0010] FR 2 761 620 A1 describes a range hood with a base plate on which cooking utensils can be placed, the steam from which is to be carried away by the range hood.

[0011] DE 88 01 910 U1 describes a cooker hood with a filter mat and a built-in electric motor, wherein the electric motor is connected to the fan of the cooker hood via a flexible shaft running in a support tube.

[0012] CN 2 01 973 766 U describes a range hood with a flexible duct and an air filter connected to a base unit. The flexible duct can be bent in the required extraction direction.

[0013] WO 2007 / 088 209 A1 describes a household appliance system in which a household appliance can be wirelessly powered via a base plate.

[0014] US 2009 / 0 096 413 A1 describes a system for inductive energy transfer between two circuits via appropriate coils.

[0015] DE 10 2010 043 840 A1 describes a household appliance in which an induction charger is integrated, which includes induction coils.

[0016] DE 10 2008 054 909 A1 describes a method for operating a food preparation appliance with an automatic identification process for identifying at least one operating characteristic of the food preparation appliance.

[0017] DE 10 2006 017 801 A1 describes a power supply unit comprising a primary power transmission unit with a transmission range, which is intended to supply a power consumer with energy in wireless cooperation with a secondary power receiving unit that can be separated in and from the transmission range.

[0018] A disadvantage of a wired power supply for a portable extractor hood, for example via a mains connection, is that the cable can be bothersome on the dining table and / or kitchen worktop. In particular, the cable can be a nuisance on the cooktop if the portable extractor hood is used in combination with cookware on a hob.

[0019] If the portable extractor fan is used with battery power to avoid these disadvantages, the batteries must be replaced regularly or, in the case of rechargeable batteries (accumulators), recharged. This can prevent the portable extractor fan from being used, at least temporarily, or limit its performance if the batteries are weak. In any case, the wireless power supply creates additional effort for the user.

[0020] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a portable extractor hood of the type described above, which can be used more flexibly than previously known devices. At the very least, it aims to create an alternative to known portable extractor hoods.

[0021] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a portable extractor fan with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0022] The present invention thus relates to a portable fume hood with at least one air inlet opening for extracting fume-laden air, at least one air outlet opening for releasing purified air to the environment, and at least one electrical conveying element arranged in an airflow path between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening. The electrical conveying element serves to generate an airflow between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening through the portable fume hood. The electrical conveying element is preferably an electric motor that can drive a fan, which in turn generates the airflow.

[0023] The portable extractor fan according to the invention is characterized by at least one inductive power sensor, preferably a secondary coil, which is configured to receive inductive power from outside the portable extractor fan and thereby supply the electrical conveying element. The inductive power can be generated, for example, by an inductive cooking zone of an induction cooktop.

[0024] Thus, the portable extractor fan according to the invention eliminates the need for a wired electrical power supply, e.g., via a mains connection, enabling free movement and highly flexible use. Furthermore, no power cord needs to be connected to operate the portable extractor fan. Nor does the power cord need to be removed and stored with the device after use. Additionally, there is no need to replace batteries or recharge accumulators, making it easier and more flexible for the user. Moreover, the portable extractor fan according to the invention is always immediately available for use.

[0025] It is also advantageous that the portable extractor hood according to the invention can be operated via the induction hob.

[0026] Firstly, the portable extractor hood according to the invention can be switched on and off by switching the induction hob on and off. Secondly, the power setting of the portable extractor hood according to the invention can be selected by selecting the power setting of the induction hob. This can lead to very intuitive operation of the portable extractor hood according to the invention for the user.

[0027] Furthermore, the portable extractor hood according to the invention can be designed without operating elements, which can improve the design. This also allows the portable extractor hood according to the invention to be designed more cost-effectively.

[0028] Alternatively, an operating option can be provided on the portable extractor hood according to the invention, so that the user can directly assign his adjustments to it, which some users may find more convenient.

[0029] In any case, the selected power level or operating mode can also be displayed on the portable extractor hood according to the invention, so that the user can see this information directly there. This can be done, for example, via electrical optical indicators such as LEDs, which can also be electrically powered via the inductive power sensor.

[0030] Preferably, the portable extractor hood according to the invention can be detected by the cooktop. Furthermore, communication can take place between the portable extractor hood according to the invention and the cooktop.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the portable extractor fan further comprises at least one power supply means for operating the conveying means, wherein the inductive power sensor, preferably the secondary coil, is further configured to supply the power supply means and / or the electrical conveying means electrically. The power supply means can preferably be an electrical energy storage device such as a rechargeable battery.

[0032] In this way, the externally supplied electrical energy can be buffered, so that the portable extractor fan according to the invention can be operated for at least a certain period of time even without direct power supply via the inductive power sensor, provided the power supply is charged. This allows the portable extractor fan according to the invention to be operated at other locations on the cooktop, i.e., not directly above an induction coil of the cooktop. The portable extractor fan according to the invention can also be operated on the kitchen worktop or on the dining table, etc.

[0033] The power supply can be recharged on an inductive cooking surface.

[0034] For example, a switch on the portable extractor hood according to the invention can be used by the user to set whether the electrical supply via the inductive cooktop should be used solely to supply the power supply unit for charging, solely to supply the electrical conveying unit for operation, or both functions simultaneously for simultaneous charging of the power supply unit during operation.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the electrical conveying means is an electric motor, preferably a brushless electric motor, of a fan. The electric motor can be used to rotate a fan in order to generate the necessary airflow between the air inlet and outlet openings. Using a brushless electric motor for this purpose can have the advantage that it can be particularly wear-resistant, thus increasing the service life of the portable extractor fan according to the invention.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, the fan is a radial fan. This allows for a compact design of the fan and thus also of the portable extractor fan according to the invention.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the present invention, at least one grease filter, preferably made of metal mesh, is arranged in the flow path of the vapor-laden air between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening. In this way, the air can be cleaned of grease. This can be done particularly effectively using a metal mesh.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention, at least one activated carbon filter, preferably a replaceable activated carbon filter, is arranged in the flow path of the vapor-laden air between the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening. This allows for very effective purification of the air from odors.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the air inlet opening is oriented at least substantially vertically. This allows air to be drawn in very effectively from the side, so that the portable extractor fan according to the invention can be positioned sideways next to a cookware item in order to extract and clean the steam-laden air from precisely that cookware item.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the air inlet opening is arranged above the air outlet opening. In this way, the steam-laden air can be drawn off, for example, directly above a cooking pot, which can increase the effectiveness of the portable extractor fan according to the invention. At the same time, the purified air can be released towards the surface of the base on which the portable extractor fan according to the invention is placed, i.e., away from the user, so as not to disturb them.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the air inlet opening is arranged below the air outlet opening. This can be advantageous for drawing off steam-laden air from directly above a flat cookware such as a frying pan and releasing the purified air upwards away from the cookware.

[0042] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the air inlet opening is arranged at a height such that steam-laden air can be extracted directly above the upper edge of a cookware container. The cookware can be a cookware with a high upper edge, such as a saucepan, or a cookware with a low upper edge, such as a frying pan. In either case, it is advantageous to extract the steam-laden air directly above the upper edge because this allows as much steam-laden air as possible to be extracted with as little electrical energy as possible. This can improve the effectiveness of the portable extractor fan according to the invention. At the same time, energy consumption can be reduced.

[0043] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the portable extractor fan also has at least one control element configured to switch the portable extractor fan on and off and / or to switch between different operating modes and / or between different power levels. This allows the user to perform the corresponding operations directly on the portable extractor fan according to the invention.

[0044] The control element can be, for example, a toggle switch for turning the portable extractor hood according to the invention on and off. The control element can be, for example, a rotary switch to switch between different operating modes such as operation, charging, and operation with simultaneous charging. The control element can be, for example, a rotary switch to switch between different power levels, preferably allowing the device to be turned on and off simultaneously via this rotary switch. These control elements can also be used in combination. The position of the control element allows the user to simultaneously determine the status of the portable extractor hood according to the invention.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the portable extractor fan also comprises at least one indicator element configured to visually indicate a state of the portable extractor fan, preferably operation or non-operation, an operating mode, and / or a power level. This can preferably be achieved by means of illumination. This can be implemented by means of optical markings, indentations, or protrusions on the surface of the housing of the portable extractor fan according to the invention, in combination with a control element, such that the position of the control element can point to a marking whose meaning can then be assigned by the user to the position of the control element.

[0046] Preferably, lights are used to visually indicate a status. Various colors can be used, such as green for switched on and red for switched off. Alternatively, no light can indicate off, and a light such as red can indicate switched on. Different operating modes can be indicated by different colors, such as red for direct operation, green for charging only, and yellow for operation with simultaneous charging. Different power levels can be indicated by different colors, such as green for low operation, yellow for medium operation, and red for high operation. In this way, the user can easily and intuitively understand the relevant information directly on the portable extractor fan according to the invention.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the air inlet opening and / or the air outlet opening are designed in a specific orientation. In other words, the air inlet opening and / or the air outlet opening do not extend around the portable extractor hood according to the invention, but are formed in sections in the circumferential direction and / or in height in order to be directed specifically towards a cookware item. This allows fume-laden air to be extracted from a specific cookware item. This can increase the efficiency of the portable extractor hood according to the invention.

[0048] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the air inlet and outlet openings are arranged essentially diametrically opposite each other. In this way, the purified air can be released away from the cookware from which the steam-laden air was extracted. This can improve the airflow of the released purified air. Furthermore, this can prevent disturbances to the user from this air when the portable extractor according to the invention is appropriately positioned and oriented, as it prevents the user from being blown towards the portable extractor according to the invention.

[0049] Two embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 an induction hob with cookware and portable extractor hood according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic cross-section of the portable extractor fan according to the invention in the first embodiment; and Fig. 3 a schematic cross-section of a portable extractor hood according to the invention in a second embodiment.

[0050] Fig. Figure 1 shows an induction hob 1 with cookware 3 and a portable extractor hood 2 according to a first embodiment. The induction hob 1 extends in the horizontal plane in a longitudinal direction X, which can also be referred to as depth X, and in a transverse direction Y perpendicular to it, which can also be referred to as width Y.

[0051] In a vertical direction Z perpendicular to this, which can also be referred to as height Z, the cookware 3 and the portable extractor hood 2 are arranged on the cooking surface 10 of the induction cooktop 1. The cookware 3 is located on a first induction cooking zone 11 and the portable extractor hood 2 on a second induction cooking zone 12.

[0052] In this case, the cookware 3 is a cooking pot 3, from the upper rim 31 of whose body 30 steam-laden air a can escape upwards during cooking. To extract and clean this steam-laden air a, the portable extractor fan 2 is positioned diagonally behind the cooking pot 3. The steam-laden air a can thus be extracted from the top by the portable extractor fan 2, cleaned, and released downwards from the cooking pot 3 back into the environment.

[0053] The portable extractor fan 2 according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) is cylindrical and has a housing 20, the base 20a of which allows the portable extractor fan 2 to be placed on the hob surface 10. The portable extractor fan 2 has a cover 21 at the top, below which is an air inlet opening 22. The air inlet opening 22 is relatively narrow in height Z and also limited in the circumferential direction, i.e., not circumferential, such that the air inlet opening 22 can be directed towards the upper edge 31 of the cooking pot 3. Furthermore, the air inlet opening 22 is positioned in height Z such that it can be located above the upper edge 31 of the cooking pot 3.

[0054] Within the housing 20, a grease filter 23 is arranged below the air inlet opening 22 to clean the extracted fume-laden air a of grease. Furthermore, a fan 24, a radial fan 24, is provided below the grease filter 23. This fan, rotating about its longitudinal axis L, which corresponds to the longitudinal axis L of the portable exhaust device 2, generates the airflow through the portable exhaust device 2 to extract the fume-laden air a. The rotation of the radial fan 24 is generated by the rotation of an electric conveying element 25 in the form of an electric brushless motor 25, which is arranged below the radial fan 24. Radially spaced from the radial fan 24, an activated carbon filter 28 is also provided. This filter cleans the air a of odors, so that the cleaned air b can be released back into the environment via an air outlet opening 29.The vapor-laden air a from the grease filter 23 can be drawn in centrally from above by the radial fan 24 and blown out radially to the side towards the activated carbon filter 28.

[0055] According to the invention, the electric motor 25 of the radial fan 24 is electrically supplied via the primary coil of the second induction cooktop 12 in order to operate. For this purpose, the portable extractor hood 2 has an inductive power sensor 27 in the form of a secondary coil 27. The secondary coil 27 is arranged flat at the very bottom of the housing 20 in order to achieve the best possible inductive coupling with the primary coil of the second induction cooktop 12 through the base 20a. In this way, both a wired power supply for the portable extractor hood 2 and the use of replaceable batteries or rechargeable batteries via a charger can be dispensed with.Furthermore, the portable extractor hood can be operated by the user simply and intuitively by operating the second induction hob 12 with regard to switching on / off and selecting the power level.

[0056] To enable the portable extractor hood 2 to operate even without direct electrical power from an induction cooktop 12, the portable extractor hood 2 additionally features a power supply 26 in the form of an electrical energy storage device 26, specifically a battery 26. This allows the electric motor 25 to be powered either directly via the secondary coil 27 or via the electrical energy storage device 26. As a result, the portable extractor hood 2 can be operated not only on an induction cooktop 12 but also, for example, on a dining table. The electrical energy storage device 26 must then be charged via the induction cooktop 12, either while the electric motor 25 is operating or alternatively.

[0057] To switch the portable extractor hood 2 on and off, a control element 26a in the form of a rotary switch 26a is provided on the housing 20. The power level of the electric motor 25 can also be set via this rotary switch 26a. The on or off state can be visually indicated to the user by a display element 26b in the form of a light 26b.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section of a portable extractor fan 2 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this case, the air inlet opening 22 is arranged below the air outlet opening 29, so that the air inlet opening 22 is located closer to the cooktop surface 10. This can be advantageous for extracting steam-laden air, e.g., from a cookware 3 such as a pan (not shown). The grease filter 23 and the activated carbon filter 28 are arranged accordingly. Reference numeral list (part of the description) a extracted vapor-containing air b purified air released L Longitudinal axis R radial direction X Longitudinal direction; Depth Y transverse direction; width Z vertical direction; height 1 induction hob 10 Cooktop surface 11 first induction hob 12 second induction hob 2 portable extractor hoods 20 cases 20a Footprint of the housing 20 21 Cover 22 Air inlet opening 23 grease filters 24 (radial) fans 25 electric conveying equipment; electric motor 26 Power supply devices; electrical energy storage devices; accumulator 26a Control element; toggle switch; rotary switch 26b Display element; light; LED 27 inductive power sensor; secondary coil 28 activated carbon filters 29 Air outlet opening 3. Cookware; saucepan 30 cookware bodies 31 upper edge of the cookware body 30

Claims

[1] Portable extractor hood (2), with at least one air inlet opening (22) for the extraction of vapor-laden air (a), at least one air outlet opening (29) for releasing purified air (b) to the environment, and at least one electrical conveying means (25) arranged in a flow path of the air (a, b) between the air inlet opening (22) and the air outlet opening (29), characterized by at least one inductive power sensor (27), preferably a secondary coil (27), which is configured to receive inductive power from outside the portable extractor fan (2) and thereby supply the electrical conveying means (25) electrically. [2] Portable extractor hood (2) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one power supply device (26) for operating the conveying device (25), wherein the inductive power sensor (27), preferably the secondary coil (27), is further configured to supply electrical power to the power supply means (26) and / or the electrical conveying means (25). [3] Portable extractor fan (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical conveying means (25) is an electric motor (25), preferably a brushless electric motor (25), of a fan (24). [4] Portable extractor fan (2) according to claim 3, wherein the fan (24) is a radial fan (24). [5] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one grease filter (23), preferably made of metal mesh, is arranged in the flow path of the vapor-containing air (a) between the air inlet opening (22) and the air outlet opening (29). [6] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one activated carbon filter (28), preferably a replaceable activated carbon filter (28), is arranged in the flow path of the vapor-containing air (a) between the air inlet opening (22) and the air outlet opening (29). [7] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet opening (22) is at least vertically oriented. [8] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet opening (22) is arranged above the air outlet opening (29). [9] Portable extractor fan (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the air inlet opening (22) is arranged below the air outlet opening (29). [10] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet opening (22) is arranged at a height (Z) such that vapor-laden air (a) can be extracted directly above an upper edge (31) of a cookware body (30). [11] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one control element (26a) which is configured to switch the portable extractor fan (2) on and off and / or to switch between different operating modes and / or between different power levels. [12] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one indicator element (26b) which is configured to visually indicate a state of the portable extractor fan (2). [13] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet opening (22) and / or the air outlet opening (29) is / are designed in an aligned manner. [14] Portable extractor fan (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet opening (22) and the air outlet opening (29) are arranged diametrically opposite each other.

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