Method and arrangement for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device

Abstract

Method for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device (3), in particular an exhaust air hood, wherein at least one sensor device (11) is assigned to the exhaust air conveying device (3), which is arranged in the area of ​​a fresh air source, in particular a closing element (12), and wherein a control device (9) is assigned to the exhaust air conveying device (3), characterized by that the sensor device (11) is a gyro sensor (18), that the opening state of a fresh air source is detected by means of the gyro sensor (18), that the exhaust air conveying device (3) can only be operated when the fresh air source is open, that if a predetermined angle value of the angular position of the gyro sensor (18) is exceeded relative to the home position, an alarm signal is issued, that the predetermined angle value cannot be achieved by a normal position of the closing element (12), and that if the predetermined angle value is exceeded, it is concluded that the gyro sensor (18) is detaching from the closing element (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device, in particular an exhaust hood, wherein the exhaust air conveying device is assigned at least one sensor device which is arranged in the area of ​​a fresh air source, in particular a closing element. Furthermore, the invention relates to an arrangement for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device, in particular an exhaust hood, wherein the exhaust air conveying device is assigned at least one sensor device in the area of ​​a fresh air source, in particular a window.

[0002] Exhaust air handling units are used in many different situations, especially in residential areas, to remove exhaust air laden with particles or vapors from a location, particularly to extract exhaust air from a room. Exhaust hoods are commonly used in kitchens above cooktops or ovens to remove cooking fumes and odors.

[0003] Kitchens can be designed as open-plan living spaces, with no solid walls separating the kitchen from, for example, a living room. The kitchen and other living areas thus form a single, unified interior space. This unified space can contain a fireplace, such as an open fireplace or a wood-burning stove. Operating such a fireplace requires a supply of fresh air to ensure safe operation.

[0004] Dangers can arise when a fireplace and a range hood are operated simultaneously in the same room. Operating the range hood can reverse the fresh air supply to the fireplace, causing flue gases and carbon monoxide to escape from the fireplace into the room. For example, the range hood can draw flue gases from the fireplace into the room. This can be prevented by using an additional fresh air source, such as an open window.

[0005] From US patent 2017 / 0 097 164 A1, an air conditioning window unit is known, wherein the unit comprises a housing and a first and a second ventilation chamber connected to the housing. Furthermore, the unit has a continuous window that ensures an unobstructed view between the first and second ventilation chambers. The air conditioning unit may include a gyrometer that detects whether the unit is installed horizontally or vertically.

[0006] EP 3 235 546 A1 discloses a damper assembly consisting of a movable damper blade and a sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises a sensor unit that is fixedly connected to the damper blade and contains a sensor configured to generate sensor data indicating the position and / or change in position of the damper blade. The damper assembly further comprises an evaluation unit configured to determine the operating state of the damper flap based on the sensor data.

[0007] German patent DE 202 08 031 U1 describes a remote safety control system for controlling exhaust air devices depending on the open / closed status of a fresh air supply, in particular a window or door. The system includes an open / closed status detection device for detecting the open / closed status of the fresh air supply and providing corresponding information, as well as a transmitter for transmitting this information. Furthermore, a receiver unit is provided for receiving the wirelessly transmitted open / closed status information and for sending a switching signal to a relay to open or close the power supply to the exhaust air device. The exhaust air device can only be operated if the fresh air supply is open.The opening state detection device consists of a magnet and a reed switch, which outputs the opening state information as an electrical signal when a limit distance to the magnet is exceeded or fallen below.

[0008] German patent application DE 10 2014 002 164 A1 discloses a room climate monitoring method and a room climate monitoring device. The room climate monitoring device comprises at least one monitoring unit and at least one sensor unit, which is operationally connected to the monitoring unit. A sensor unit is attached to a window, door, or similar object, and sensor values ​​in the sensor unit, which correlate with the position of the window, are acquired by means of a multi-axis sensor. This acquisition is achieved by time-dependently measuring at least one rotation and one acceleration of the multi-axis sensor and the Earth's magnetic field. In a further step, a room climate parameter is acquired by means of a room climate sensor, and an actual room climate value is generated from the acquired room climate parameter. The sensor values ​​acquired by means of the multi-axis sensor are transmitted to a data processing unit and evaluated by the data processing unit.The current actual position of the window is calculated.

[0009] DE 10 2017 005 061 A1 relates to a method for detecting the opening state of a window or door with a window sash or door leaf as a closing surface, comprising the steps of: receiving a first signal from a first sensor that senses and codes the inclination of the closing surface or a distance of the closing surface to the stop frame, receiving a second signal from a second sensor that senses and codes the handle position or the fitting position, and evaluating the combinations of the codes of the first and second signals.

[0010] Sensors positioned near a fresh air source are known from the prior art. A fresh air source could be, for example, a kitchen window, which the sensor monitors so that the exhaust fan can only be activated if the sensor indicates an unobstructed supply of fresh air, such as when a window is opened. Magnetic switches can be used for this purpose, detecting when a window is open. A problem with magnetic switches is their potential for failure, as several components must be mounted and synchronized. For example, a magnet could fall off a window sash, causing the sensor to register the window as open.

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of demonstrating a method of the type mentioned above, which enables simple and trouble-free control of an exhaust air conveying device. Furthermore, an arrangement of the type mentioned above, with which this method can be implemented, is to be demonstrated.

[0012] The problem is solved by a method according to claim 1 and by an arrangement according to claim 5. Further developments and advantageous embodiments are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0013] In a method for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device, in particular an exhaust hood, wherein at least one sensor device is assigned to the exhaust air conveying device, which is arranged in the area of ​​a fresh air source, and wherein a control device is assigned to the exhaust air conveying device, it is essential to the invention that the sensor device is a gyroscope, that the opening state of a fresh air source is detected by means of the gyroscope, and that operation of the exhaust air conveying device is only possible when the fresh air source is open, that an alarm signal is issued if a predetermined angle value of the angular position of the gyroscope is exceeded relative to the basic position, that the predetermined angle value cannot be achieved by an ordinary position of the closing element, and that if the predetermined angle value is exceeded, it is inferred that the gyroscope has detached from the closing element.

[0014] When operating a fireplace, such as a wood-burning stove or fireplace, in a room that also contains an exhaust system, particularly a range hood, above a cooktop, a constant supply of fresh air is essential. In particular, when operating a fireplace and a range hood simultaneously, flue gases can be drawn from the fireplace into the living space. To prevent this, an additional supply of fresh air from a source is absolutely necessary when operating a fireplace and a range hood at the same time. This source can be a closing element such as a window, door, or skylight. To ensure the safe operation of a range hood, the open / closed status of the fresh air source, especially the closing element, must be monitored.A sensor device, in particular a gyroscope, can be used for this purpose. A gyroscope, also known as a gyroscope with an electronic compass (e-compass or simply gyrometer), can detect deviations in its angular position relative to its reference point. Specifically, a gyroscope can detect angular positions in all spatial directions, for example, in the x, y, and z directions within a Cartesian coordinate system. The gyroscope can, for instance, be positioned on a window, with the closed state serving as its reference point. Tilting or opening the window will cause the gyroscope to move out of this reference point.The open / closed state of a fresh air source, particularly a window, can be detected by a gyroscope and transmitted to a control device associated with the exhaust air handling unit. Data transmission can be wireless or wired. Operation of the exhaust air handling unit is only possible if the gyroscope detects any movement from its base position. Specifically, the exhaust air handling unit can be configured so that, for example, the power supply to the unit's ventilation system is interrupted when the gyroscope returns to its home position.

[0015] An alarm signal is triggered if the gyroscope's angle exceeds a predetermined value relative to its home position. An alarm signal can also be triggered if the current angle of the gyroscope exceeds a predetermined value relative to its home position. In particular, a signal should be triggered if the gyroscope detaches from the monitored locking element. If the gyroscope falls off, the open / closed status of the monitored locking element can no longer be accurately monitored. It is especially important to prevent misinterpretations of the transmitted data due to a detached gyroscope, such as the window being considered open when it is actually closed. For this purpose, predefined angle values ​​can be defined that cannot be reached through normal window opening.For example, a visual or acoustic alarm signal can be issued if the gyro sensor assumes an angular position that exceeds the normal tilt or swivel angle of the window.

[0016] In a further development of the method, at least one fresh air source is a closing element, in particular a window and / or a door, and the opening state of the closing element is detected by means of the gyro sensor. For example, a gyro sensor can detect whether a window is in the closed position or whether the window is tilted or pivoted and thus open.

[0017] In a further development of the method, the angular position of the gyroscope relative to a home position is detected, with the gyroscope being in a home position when the fresh air source is closed. For example, the gyroscope can be mounted on a window sash. A closed window position can be defined as the home position of the gyroscope. Current angular positions of the gyroscope that deviate from this home position can be interpreted as an opening of the corresponding closing element. Thus, for example, a tilted window position as well as a fully opened window can be detected by the gyroscope.

[0018] In a further development of the method, an open window is inferred when the gyroscope's angle exceeds a certain value relative to its home position. For example, a gyroscope can be positioned on a window. When the window is closed, the gyroscope remains in its defined home position. Tilting or opening the window moves the gyroscope out of this home position, allowing it to detect that the window is open. To reliably detect an open window and ensure adequate ventilation, certain angle thresholds can be defined. Exceeding these thresholds results in the gyroscope's angle being interpreted as an open window.This prevents the assumption that windows are only slightly tilted indicate an opening and therefore sufficient fresh air supply.

[0019] The invention further relates to an arrangement for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device, in particular an exhaust air hood, wherein the exhaust air conveying device is assigned at least one sensor device in the area of ​​a fresh air source, in particular a window, wherein the sensor device is a gyro sensor, wherein it is essential to the invention that the fresh air source is a closing element, in particular a window, and that the gyro sensor is arranged on the closing element to determine the opening state of the closing element, in particular its tilt state, that the device has at least one alarm transmitter and that the arrangement is designed to output an alarm signal when the gyro sensor is detached from the closing element.To ensure the safe operation of an exhaust air handling unit, a sensor device is assigned to the unit in the vicinity of a fresh air source, thereby monitoring an unobstructed supply of fresh air during operation. This is particularly crucial when the exhaust air handling unit is operated in the same enclosed space as a fireplace or heating appliance. The fresh air source can be, for example, a closing element, especially a window, which may be open to ensure an unobstructed supply of fresh air. The sensor device can be a gyroscope, or a gyroscope with an electronic compass, or a gyrometer, positioned in the vicinity of the fresh air source being monitored. A gyroscope can detect the current angular position of the gyroscope itself and thus of the object on which it is mounted.The gyroscope can be mounted on a closing element, such as a window, door, skylight, or similar. The gyroscope's home position is defined as the position when the closing element is closed. Opening the closing element, for example by tilting or pivoting, moves the gyroscope from its home position. A deviation of the current angular position from the home position indicates that the closing element is open. As long as the gyroscope remains in its home position, meaning the closing element is closed and no fresh air is allowed in, the operation of the exhaust fan is prevented, for example, by an electronic circuit. The sensor device may also include an indicator, such as several LEDs, that displays the current open / closed status of the closing element.

[0020] The fresh air source is a closing element, in particular a window, and the gyroscope is positioned on the closing element to determine its open state, especially its tilt state. A fresh air source can be, for example, a closing element, in particular a window, a door, a skylight, or similar. By positioning a gyroscope on a closing element, its open state can be monitored. In particular, a tilted or open position of the closing element can be monitored by defining a closed state of the closing element as the default position of the gyroscope, and deviations from this default position indicate an open state of the closing element.

[0021] The device has at least one alarm transmitter. If the gyroscope detects angular positions that contradict the normal open state of the monitored locking element, it can be assumed that the gyroscope has become detached from the monitored locking element. In this case, an alarm signal can be emitted by a transmitter. This could be, for example, an audible warning signal or a visual indicator, thus indicating that the open state of the monitored locking element cannot currently be detected.

[0022] In a further development of the arrangement, the gyroscopic sensor is positioned on a wing of the locking element, particularly on a window sash. Specifically, a gyroscopic sensor can be easily mounted on a window sash. For example, adhesive bonds, hook-and-loop fasteners, screw connections, or similar methods can be used. The position of the gyroscopic sensor on the wing of the locking element is irrelevant to the function of the method.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the gyroscope is connected to a control device of the exhaust air conveying unit via a wireless data transmission connection. The exhaust air conveying unit can be controlled by an associated control device. This control device can be an external device, for example, connected between the exhaust air conveying unit's power supply interface and the power source, such as between the exhaust air conveying unit's power plug and a wall socket. Alternatively, the control device can be integrated into the exhaust air conveying unit. The gyroscope can be connected to the exhaust air conveying unit's control device via a wireless data transmission connection, such as a Bluetooth connection, a radio connection, or similar technology.The wireless data transmission connection allows information about the current opening status of the fresh air source being monitored to be easily transmitted to the control device of the exhaust air conveying unit.

[0024] The invention will now be explained in more detail using an example shown in the drawing. The figures show: Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an arrangement of a fireplace, an exhaust air conveying device and a sensor device; Fig. 2a: a schematic representation of a sensor device in a top view; Fig. 2b: a partially cutaway view of a sensor device according to Fig. 2a; Fig. 3a: a sensor device with a fastening element in the assembled state; and Fig. 3b: a sensor device according to Fig. 3a in the dissolved state.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a house 1 with a fireplace 2. An exhaust air conveying device 3, which includes a fan motor 4, is also located in the house 1. The fan motor 4 forces air from the interior of the room into the chimney 6 along arrow 5. To prevent flue gas or carbon monoxide from escaping the fireplace 2 along arrow 8 when the exhaust air conveying device 3 is operating and the fireplace 2 is in operation simultaneously, a control device 9 is provided for operating the exhaust air conveying device 3. For example, the control device 9 can be designed as a housing with a mains plug, the housing having a socket for the electrical supply line 10 of the exhaust air conveying device 3. The control device 9 is wirelessly connected to a sensor 11 located in the vicinity of a fresh air source designed as a window 12.The fan motor 4 can only be switched on if the sensor 11 detects that the window 12 is open. For this purpose, the sensor 11 is located on the window sash 13. The sensor 11 is a gyroscope 18, which can detect the current angular position of the gyroscope 18. When the window sash 13 is closed, the gyroscope 18 can be in its home position. Tilting or opening the window sash 13 moves the gyroscope from its home position, thus detecting that the window is open. When an open window 12 is detected, a signal can be sent to the control device 9 indicating that the fan motor 4 can be operated.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 2a shows a sensor device 11 with a gyroscope 18 for mounting on a locking element, in particular on the sash of a window 12. The sensor device 11 has a housing 14 in which a circuit carrier 17 with the gyroscope 18 mounted thereon is arranged. Furthermore, the housing 14 has indicator elements 15, 16, which can be, for example, light-emitting diodes, in particular different colored light-emitting diodes. For example, the indicator element 15 can show an open state of the locking element 12 and the indicator element 16 a closed state of the locking element 12.

[0027] In Fig. 2b is a partially cutaway view of a sensor device 11 according to Fig. Figure 2a shows that a circuit carrier 17, on which the gyroscopic sensor 18 is arranged, is located in the housing 14 of the sensor device 11. Furthermore, a data transmission device for wireless transmission of data from the gyroscopic sensor 18 to a control device 9 of an exhaust air conveying unit 3 can be arranged on the circuit carrier 17. A battery 19, which serves to supply power to the sensor device 11, is also arranged in the housing 14.

[0028] In Fig. 3a is a sensor device 11 according to the Fig. 2a and Fig. Figure 2b shows the sensor device 11, which is connected to a fastening element 20. The fastening element 20 is designed for attachment to a locking element 12, for example, to a window sash 13. The fastening element 20 can be connected to the locking element 12 by means of screw connections, adhesive connections, or similar methods. The sensor device 11 and the fastening element 20 can be connected to each other, for example, by means of a clip connection 21. In particular, the fastening element 20 and the sensor device 11 are detachably connected to each other to allow, for example, the replacement of the battery 19.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 3b shows the sensor device 11 and the fastening element 20 in their separated state.

[0030] All features mentioned in the foregoing description and in the claims can be combined in any selection with the features of the independent claims. The disclosure of the invention is therefore not limited to the described or claimed combinations of features; rather, all combinations of features meaningful within the scope of the invention are to be considered disclosed.

Claims

[1] Method for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device (3), in particular an exhaust air hood, wherein at least one sensor device (11) is assigned to the exhaust air conveying device (3), which is arranged in the area of ​​a fresh air source, in particular a closing element (12), and wherein a control device (9) is assigned to the exhaust air conveying device (3), characterized by , that the sensor device (11) is a gyro sensor (18), that the opening state of a fresh air source is detected by means of the gyro sensor (18), that the exhaust air conveying device (3) can only be operated when the fresh air source is open, that if a predetermined angle value of the angular position of the gyro sensor (18) is exceeded relative to the home position, an alarm signal is issued, that the predetermined angle value cannot be achieved by a normal position of the closing element (12), and that if the predetermined angle value is exceeded, it is concluded that the gyro sensor (18) is detaching from the closing element (12). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that at least one fresh air source is a closing element (12), in particular a window (12) and / or a door, and that the opening state of the closing element (12) is detected by means of the gyro sensor (18). [3] Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the angular position of the gyro sensor (18) relative to a home position is detected, wherein the gyro sensor (18) is in a home position with the fresh air source closed. [4] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that when the angular position of the gyro sensor (18) is in relation to its basic position and exceeds a certain angular value, it is concluded that the closing element (12) is open. [5] Arrangement for controlling at least one exhaust air conveying device (3), in particular an exhaust air hood, wherein at least one sensor device (11) in the area of ​​a fresh air source, in particular a window (12), is assigned to the exhaust air conveying device (3), wherein the sensor device (11) is at least one gyro sensor (18), characterized by , that the fresh air source is a closing element (12), in particular a window (12), that the gyro sensor (18) is arranged on the locking element (12) to determine the opening state of the locking element (12), in particular its tilting state, that the arrangement includes at least one alarm device and, that the arrangement is designed to output an alarm signal when the gyro sensor (18) is released from the locking element (12). [6] Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by, that the gyro sensor (18) is arranged on a wing of the closing element (12), in particular on a window wing (13). [7] Arrangement according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by , that the gyro sensor (18) is connected to a control device (9) of the exhaust air conveying device (3) via a wireless data transmission connection.

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