Extraction system and maintenance procedures

Abstract

Method for maintaining a range hood (1) comprising at least one intake section (2) with at least one intake opening (3), at least one blower device (4) in operative connection with the intake opening (3) and at least one filter device (5) for at least partially filtering intake air and / or fumes, wherein the filter device (5) is arranged at least section by section in the intake section (2), characterized in that the filter device (5) is heated at least section by means of at least one heating device (6) at least temporarily for at least one heating interval at at least one predetermined time, wherein the filter device (5) is heated in such a way that fats and / or other impurities at least partially transition into a liquid and / or flowable state.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fume hood comprising at least one intake section with at least one intake opening, at least one blower unit operatively connected to the intake opening, and at least one filter unit for at least partially filtering the intake air and / or fumes, wherein the filter unit is arranged at least partially within the intake section and can be heated at least partially by means of at least one heating device. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for maintaining a fume hood.

[0002] Extraction systems such as range hoods, downdraft fans, and / or ceiling fans are often positioned and / or installed in the immediate vicinity of a cooking area, i.e., above, beside, behind, and / or even within a cooktop, to extract the greasy fumes rising during cooking and thus prevent soiling of kitchen elements and the development of unpleasant odors. Typically, in extraction systems, the greasy fumes and / or the air rising from a cooktop or from cookware placed on it are drawn in by a fan through at least one filter into the extraction system, where they are freed from grease particles and / or unpleasant odors and moisture. Depending on the design of the extraction system, the air is then recirculated or ducted for extraction.

[0003] From publication US 2023 / 0061986A1, it is known to provide a fume extraction device with a heating element. Publication DE 2363820A1 discloses a device for removing, in particular, cooking fumes, with a filter arranged in a housing and with a catalytic afterburner.

[0004] As a rule, it is advantageous for the extractor hood to enable effective and powerful extraction of air and / or fumes.

[0005] However, particularly with regular and / or frequent use of the extractor hood, grease and / or other contaminants often accumulate on and / or in the filter, frequently causing unpleasant odors and / or a decrease in the extractor hood's suction power. For example, grease can harden on and / or in the filter, especially due to chemical reactions, causing it to become clogged and thus reducing suction power. Furthermore, grease buildup and / or deposits in and / or on a filter regularly represent a potential hazard, particularly a fire hazard.

[0006] Therefore, filters, especially grease filters, in common cooker hoods must be cleaned, serviced, and / or replaced regularly at relatively short intervals. However, such cleaning, maintenance, and / or replacement of a filter is often difficult and / or involves considerable effort. Furthermore, cleaning and / or servicing a filter often results in insufficient removal of grease and / or other contaminants, and / or, for example, cleaning a filter in an alkaline environment can even damage the filter.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a fume extraction device and a method for maintaining a fume extraction device which enables particularly user-friendly and reliable maintenance, in particular cleaning, of a filter device.

[0008] This problem is solved by the method for maintaining a fume hood with the features of claim 1 and the fume hood with the features of claim 8. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments.

[0009] The method according to the invention serves for the maintenance of a range hood. The range hood comprises at least one intake section with at least one intake opening, at least one blower unit operatively connected to the intake opening, and at least one filter unit for at least partially filtering the intake air and / or fumes, wherein the filter unit is arranged at least partially within the intake section. The filter unit is heated at least partially by means of at least one heating device at at least a predetermined time for at least one heating interval.

[0010] In particular, the method according to the invention serves for the maintenance and / or operation and / or at least partial cleaning and / or at least partial regeneration of a fume extraction system and in particular the filter system.

[0011] Preferably, the maintenance procedure can be carried out before, after and / or during operation of the exhaust system.

[0012] A heating interval is, in particular, a period of time during which the filter device is heated at least sectionally by means of at least one heating device.

[0013] Preferably, the extractor hood includes at least one control unit. Preferably, the control unit controls and / or regulates the heating unit, in particular the heating output of the heating unit.

[0014] In suitable further developments, the heating device comprises at least one resistance heating element. Preferably, the heating device can be heated by means of at least one electrical energy source.

[0015] In advantageous further developments, the filter device includes at least one grease filter element for filtering grease from the intake air and / or intake fumes. Depending on the task and design, the filter device may also include further filter elements, e.g., an odor filter element.

[0016] The present invention has many advantages. A significant advantage is that the filter device is heated at least partially by means of at least one heating device at at least one predetermined time, at least temporarily for at least one heating interval.

[0017] This makes it particularly user-friendly and reliable to maintain and, in particular, clean a range hood system.

[0018] By heating the filter assembly, at least in sections, by means of at least one heating device, fats and / or other contaminants can be at least partially converted into a liquid and / or flowable state, so that they can be easily removed from the filter assembly, particularly by a user, or even at least partially escape from the filter assembly on their own. This enables and significantly facilitates reliable, and in particular substantially complete, cleaning of a range hood, preferably a filter assembly. This makes the method according to the invention particularly reliable and user-friendly.

[0019] Furthermore, it is also possible and advantageous for the filter unit to be heated by the heating device in such a way that fats and / or other contaminants are at least partially decomposed and / or the resinification of fats is reduced or essentially even completely prevented. This also enables reliable, and in particular essentially complete, cleaning of a range hood, and especially significantly extends the interval between two maintenance operations of the range hood, preferably the filter unit, to be carried out by a user.

[0020] Furthermore, removing and / or disassembling the filter assembly from the extractor hood, as is often necessary with known extractor hoods for maintenance and / or cleaning, is essentially unnecessary or at least less frequent, since the filter assembly can be cleaned at least section by section by heating while installed in the intake section. This makes the method according to the invention even more user-friendly.

[0021] Since the filter unit is heated at least temporarily for at least one heating interval at at least one predetermined time, the method according to the invention is even more user-friendly, because maintenance, in particular cleaning, of the extractor hood can be carried out, for example, whenever a significant and / or imminent drop in the suction power of the extractor hood is expected, especially due to the accumulation and / or deposits of grease and / or other contaminants on and / or in the filter unit. Furthermore, the time during which the filter unit is heated by the heating device can be adjusted to the circumstances, in particular the amount of grease and / or other contaminants deposited in and / or on the filter unit.

[0022] Preferably, the predetermined time is a maintenance point within a maintenance interval, particularly a recurring one. This enables maintenance and / or cleaning of the filter system, especially regular and / or user-friendly maintenance.

[0023] The maintenance point in this context is, in particular, a specific point in time of a maintenance interval and / or cleaning interval that is preferably periodic and recurring.

[0024] The maintenance interval and / or cleaning interval is, in particular, a time interval between two maintenance points.

[0025] Preferably, the maintenance point is repeated within a maintenance interval. For example, the maintenance point can be repeated every second, every minute, every hour, daily, weekly, monthly, and / or annually.

[0026] Depending on the task and design, the duration of the maintenance interval and / or cleaning interval may increase and / or decrease, particularly over time, preferably depending on the condition of use of the exhaust system and / or the filter system.

[0027] The predetermined time is particularly preferred when the operating time of the exhaust system exceeds at least a predetermined threshold. This allows the method to be carried out whenever a reduction or deterioration of the filter performance of the filter system is present and / or expected. In particular, this prevents the method from being carried out when the filter performance is essentially unchanged or only slightly reduced, or when essentially unchanged or only slightly reduced filter performance is expected. Thus, the method enables preferably energy-saving and / or user-friendly maintenance and / or cleaning of an exhaust system, especially its filter system.

[0028] Preferably, the predetermined time is reached and / or given when the operating time of the extractor fan exceeds at least a predetermined threshold.

[0029] The operating period is, in particular, the sum of operating times of the exhaust system since its initial operation. Preferably, the operating period is the sum of operating times of the exhaust system since the start or end of the maintenance process for the exhaust system, especially since the last maintenance of the exhaust system. More preferably, the operating period is, in particular, the operating time of the exhaust system.

[0030] The predetermined threshold is in particular a time of 15 min or 30 min, preferably 45 min or 60 min, preferably 90 min or 120 min, particularly preferably 180 min or 240 min, in particular 12 h or more.

[0031] In advantageous further developments, the predetermined time depends on the sum of the operating times. Preferably, the predetermined time depends on the last operating time or operating duration of the extractor hood.

[0032] In appropriate training courses, the predetermined heating interval is a time span ranging from 30 to 300 seconds. This enables particularly quick maintenance and / or cleaning of a range hood, especially within a short timeframe. This makes the process particularly user-friendly.

[0033] Preferably, the heating interval extends over a time period in the range of 5 s to 3600 s, more preferably 10 s to 1800 s, particularly 20 s to 900 s, most preferably 30 s to 600 s, more preferably 40 s to 300 s, and more preferably 100 s to 150 s. Depending on the application and design, the heating interval can also extend over a time period of less than 5 s, such as 3 s or 1 s. Depending on the application and design, the heating interval can also extend over a time period of more than one hour.

[0034] In advantageous further developments, the length of the heating interval depends on the, in particular commutative, operating time of the extractor fan and / or the operating condition of the extractor fan and / or the filter device.

[0035] The predetermined time and / or heating interval is particularly advantageous in order to at least reduce the hardening of grease in and / or on the filter system. This makes cleaning the extractor hood particularly user-friendly and quick.

[0036] In particular, the length of the heating interval is chosen so that the hardening of fats in and / or on the filter device is at least reduced.

[0037] Preferably, the predetermined time and / or heating interval is chosen so that the hardening of fats in and / or on the filter device is reduced or even substantially avoided.

[0038] In particular, the filter device provides at least one grease filter element for at least partially filtering grease from the intake air and / or the intake fumes. Preferably, the predetermined time and / or the heating interval is selected such that the resinification of grease in and / or on the filter device, in particular the grease filter element, is at least reduced.

[0039] Preferably, the filter device is heated to a predetermined temperature so that the resinification of fats in and / or on the filter device is at least reduced, preferably substantially avoided.

[0040] Preferably, the filter device is heated to a predetermined temperature so that fats and / or other organic contaminants are burned off.

[0041] The predetermined temperature is in particular a temperature in the range of 30 °C - 800 °C, preferably in the range of 40 °C - 500 °C, preferably in the range of 50 °C - 300 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 60 °C - 200 °C, particularly in the range of 70 °C - 120 °C, preferably 50 °C - 100 °C.

[0042] According to the invention, the filter device is heated in such a way that fats and / or other contaminants at least partially transition into a liquid and / or flowable state. This allows fats and / or other contaminants to be removed particularly easily and reliably, at least partially, either directly or at a later time.

[0043] In particular, the filter device is heated in such a way that fats and / or other impurities drip and / or flow out of the filter device.

[0044] In appropriate training courses, liquefied and / or free-flowing fats and / or other contaminants are collected in a collection device. This makes the process particularly user-friendly.

[0045] Preferably, the collection device is provided by at least one tub, bowl, trough and / or a similarly suitable device.

[0046] The exhaust ventilation device according to the invention comprises at least one intake section with at least one intake opening, at least one blower device operatively connected to the intake opening, and at least one filter device for at least partially filtering the intake air and / or fumes, wherein the filter device is arranged at least partially in the intake section and can be heated at least partially by means of at least one heating device. The device also includes at least one control device which is suitable and configured to carry out at least one method as described above.

[0047] Preferably, the heating device comprises at least one resistance heating element. In advantageous embodiments, the heating device can be heated by means of at least one electrical energy source.

[0048] In appropriate further training, the control device controls and / or regulates at least the heating device, in particular at least one heating output of the heating device.

[0049] The extractor fan according to the invention also exhibits the advantages of the method according to the invention that have already been described.

[0050] Preferably, the filter unit provides the heating element, allowing the filter unit to be heated directly. This enables a particularly space-saving and volume-saving design.

[0051] In particular, the filter device provides a resistance heating element at least in sections and / or is designed as a resistance heating element at least in sections.

[0052] Depending on the task and design, the heating device can also be a separate assembly, so that the filter device can be heated indirectly, in particular by thermal radiation and / or via a thermal contact using the heating device.

[0053] Particularly preferably, the filter device comprises at least one grease filter element for at least partially filtering grease from the intake air and / or the intake fumes.

[0054] In appropriate further developments, the filter device can be heated to at least a predetermined temperature in the range of 50 °C - 150 °C by means of the heating device.

[0055] The predetermined temperature is in particular a temperature in the range of 30 °C - 800 °C, preferably in the range of 40 °C - 500 °C, preferably in the range of 50 °C - 300 °C, particularly preferably in the range of 60 °C - 200 °C, particularly in the range of 70 °C - 120 °C, preferably 50 °C - 100 °C.

[0056] Preferably, the filter device can be heated by means of the heating device in such a way that fats and / or other impurities can be at least partially converted into a liquid and / or flowable state, or that fats and / or other impurities can be at least partially decomposed.

[0057] Preferably, at least one collection device for collecting fats and / or other contaminants is included. The filter device can, for example, be arranged at an angle of 20° to 45° to facilitate the flow of the liquefied contaminants.

[0058] Preferably, the collection device catches liquefied and / or free-flowing fats.

[0059] In advantageous further training, the collection device is provided by at least one tub, bowl, trough and / or a similarly suitable device.

[0060] The drip tray can be removed from the appliance and placed in the dishwasher for cleaning purposes.

[0061] Particularly preferably, the collection device includes at least one level measuring device for measuring the fill level of the collection device.

[0062] The figures show: Fig. 1 a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of a ventilation device according to the invention in a sectional view from the side; Fig. 2 a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a ventilation device according to the invention in a sectional view from the side; Fig. 3 a purely schematic representation of a possible flowchart of a method according to the invention for maintaining a cooker hood; and Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a diagram showing the contamination of the grease filter of the extractor hood according to the invention over time.

[0063] In Fig. Figure 1 is a purely schematic embodiment of an extractor fan 1 according to the invention, shown in a sectional view from the side.

[0064] In the embodiment shown here, the extractor fan 1 comprises an intake section 2 with two intake openings 3, a blower 4, a filter 5 for at least partially filtering air and / or vapors and a heating device 6.

[0065] The filter unit 5 is located in the intake section 2 and is provided here by a grease filter element 7 for at least partially filtering grease from the air and / or the fumes. Depending on the task and design, the filter unit 5 can also be provided by another filter element, such as an odor filter element, and / or comprise several, in particular different, filter elements.

[0066] The blower unit 4 is also located in the intake section 2 and is in operative connection with the two intake openings 3, so that air and / or vapors can be drawn in through the intake openings 3 and through the filter unit 5 to the blower unit 4.

[0067] In the embodiment shown here, the two intake openings 3 are each arranged in a lower lateral section. Depending on the application and design, the intake section 2 can also comprise only one intake opening 3, which is arranged, for example, in a lower, essentially central section of the intake section 2.

[0068] The heating element 6 is essentially located below the filter element 5, so that the filter element 5, provided by a grease filter element 7, can be heated by the heating element 6. Depending on the application and design, the heating element 6 can also be located essentially above and / or next to the filter element 5. It is also possible for the heating element 6 to be located in a different position, particularly in the intake section 2, and / or to be positioned in direct contact with the filter element 5.

[0069] It is possible and advantageous here that the filter device 5 can be heated to a predetermined temperature by means of the heating device 6, e.g. in the range of 30 °C - 800 °C or in the range of 60 °C - 200 °C or the like.

[0070] In the embodiment shown here, the extractor hood 1 comprises a control unit 8, which is suitable and designed to carry out a method according to the invention, in which the filter unit 5 is heated at least sectionally by means of the heating unit 6 at least temporarily for at least one heating interval at at least one predetermined time. Thus, the extractor hood 1, shown here purely schematically, can be maintained by means of the method according to the invention.

[0071] The control unit 8 is suitable and designed to control and / or regulate the heating output of the heating unit 6. Thus, the control unit 8 can, for example, control the heating output of the heating unit 6 so that the filter unit 5 is heated by the heating unit 6 at recurring maintenance intervals, or that the filter unit 5 is heated by the heating unit 6 when the operating time of the extractor hood 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold SW.

[0072] The predetermined time and / or heating interval is selected such that fats and / or other contaminants, which accumulate on and / or in the filter unit 5, for example during operation of the extractor hood 1, are partially liquefied and / or melted, causing them to escape from the filter unit 5. These liquefied and / or melted fats and / or other contaminants then drip and / or flow out of the filter unit 5 and are collected by a collection device 9. This allows for particularly reliable and user-friendly maintenance and cleaning of the extractor hood 1 and filter unit 5.

[0073] In the embodiment shown here, the collection device 9 comprises a level measuring device 10, which determines the level of the collection device 9.

[0074] For example, when a predetermined fill level is reached, a user can be notified that the collection device 9 needs to be emptied.

[0075] In Fig. Figure 2 is a purely schematic representation of a further embodiment of a ventilation device 1 according to the invention, shown in a cutaway view from the side.

[0076] In the embodiment shown here, the extractor hood 1 comprises an intake section 2 with an intake opening 3, a blower unit 4, a filter unit 5 for at least partially filtering air and / or vapors, a heating unit 6 and a control unit 8.

[0077] As in Fig. Here too, the blower unit 4 and the filter unit 5 are arranged in the intake section 2. Here too, the filter unit 5 is provided by a grease filter element 7.

[0078] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. Here, the heating device 6 is provided by the filter device 5, so that the filter device 5 can be heated directly. For example, the filter device 5 can include at least one resistance heating element, by means of which the filter device 5 can be heated directly.

[0079] In the embodiment shown here, the control device 8 is also suitable and designed to carry out a method according to the invention. For this purpose, the control device 8 controls and / or regulates a heating output of the heating device 6, so that the filter device 5 is heated at least sectionally by means of the heating device 6 at least temporarily for at least one heating interval at at least one predetermined time.

[0080] Thus, the filter unit 5 can also be heated by means of the heating unit 6, e.g., during recurring maintenance intervals for a heating interval and / or when an operating time period of the extractor hood exceeds a predetermined threshold SW.

[0081] The length of the maintenance interval and / or the heating interval depends on the operating condition of the extractor hood 1. For example, the maintenance interval may be reduced and / or the heating interval increased with the age of the extractor hood 1 and / or its operating time. Depending on the task and design, the maintenance interval may also be increased and / or the heating interval decreased.

[0082] It is also possible and advantageous here that a predetermined temperature, to which the filter unit 5 is heated by the heating unit 6, depends on the operating condition of the extractor hood 1. For example, if the operating condition is essentially that of a new extractor hood 1, the filter unit 5 can be heated to a predetermined temperature in the range of 50 °C to 120 °C, and if the operating condition deteriorates, for example, with the increasing age of the extractor hood 1, it can be heated to a predetermined temperature in the range of 70 °C to 200 °C.

[0083] In the embodiment shown here, the predetermined time, heating interval, and / or temperature can be selected to reduce or completely prevent the hardening of fats in and / or on the filter unit 5. This allows fats and / or other contaminants to be removed more easily from the filter unit 5, thus making the extractor hood 1 easier to maintain.

[0084] In Fig. Figure 3 is a purely schematic example of a possible flowchart of a method according to the invention for the maintenance of a fume hood 1.

[0085] The following steps S1 to S5 are executed by the control unit 8. Depending on the task and / or implementation, it is also possible and advantageous for only certain and / or individual steps S1 to S5 to be executed by the control unit 8.

[0086] In the embodiment shown here, an optional step S1 determines the operating state of a range hood 1. For this purpose, for example, the current suction power of the range hood 1, the existing and / or expected state of contamination of the filter unit 5, and / or the operating time of the range hood 1 can be taken into account.

[0087] In step S2, the length of a heating interval is determined and / or set, optionally taking into account the operating condition of the extractor hood 1 as determined in optional step S1.

[0088] In step S3, the length of a maintenance interval is determined and / or set, optionally taking into account the operating condition of the extractor hood 1 as determined in optional step S1.

[0089] Depending on the task and execution, a predetermined temperature to which the filter device 5 is to be heated can optionally be determined and / or set in step S3.

[0090] In step 4, the operating time of the extractor hood, such as the current and / or the last operating time or duration of extractor hood 1, is compared with a threshold value SW, which here corresponds to the length of the maintenance interval. If the operating time is less than the threshold value SW, step S1 is repeated. If the operating time is greater than the threshold value SW, the predetermined time at which the filter unit 5 is to be heated, at least intermittently and at least temporarily for at least one heating interval, is given, and step S5 is carried out.

[0091] In step S5, the heating power of the heating device 6 is controlled so that the filter device 5 is heated by means of the heating device 6 for the duration of the heating interval.

[0092] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of diagram 11. Diagram 11 shows, as a solid line, the degree of soiling of the grease filter of the extractor hood according to the invention over time, preferably over the operating time. The dashed line shows, for comparison, the degree of soiling when the grease filter is cleaned less frequently. It can be seen that by frequently reheating the filter at time intervals corresponding to the length of the threshold value SW for the operating time, a comparatively low degree of soiling can be maintained. Reference symbol list 1 extractor hood 2 Intake section 3 Intake opening 4. Blower unit 5 Filter system 6 Heating system 7 Grease filter element 8 Control unit 9 Containment device 10 Level measuring device 11 Diagram SW threshold S1 step S2 step S3 step S4 step S5 step

Claims

Method for maintaining a range hood (1) comprising at least one intake section (2) with at least one intake opening (3), at least one blower device (4) in operative connection with the intake opening (3) and at least one filter device (5) for at least partially filtering aspirated air and / or fumes, wherein the filter device (5) is arranged at least section by section in the intake section (2), characterized in that the filter device (5) is heated at least section by means of at least one heating device (6) at at least a predetermined time at least temporarily for at least one heating interval, wherein the filter device (5) is heated in such a way that fats and / or other impurities at least partially transition into a liquid and / or flowable state. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined time is a maintenance time of a, in particular recurring, maintenance interval. Method according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined time is reached when the operating time of the extractor fan (1) exceeds at least one predetermined threshold (SW). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined heating interval is a time span in the range of 30 s to 300 s. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the predetermined time and / or the heating interval is selected such that the resinification of fats in and / or on the filter device (5) is at least reduced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device (5) is heated to a predetermined temperature (T1) so that the resinification of fats in and / or on the filter device (5) is at least reduced. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that liquefied and / or flowable fats and / or other impurities are collected in a collection device (9). Extraction device (1) comprising at least one intake section (2) with at least one intake opening (3), at least one blower device (4) in operative connection with the intake opening (3) and at least one filter device (5) for at least partially filtering aspirated air and / or fumes, wherein the filter device (5) is arranged at least sectionally in the intake section (2) and can be heated at least sectionally by means of at least one heating device (6), characterized in that at least one control device (8) is included, which is suitable and configured to carry out at least one method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter device (5) is heated in such a way that fats and / or other impurities at least partially transition into a liquid and / or flowable state. Extractor hood (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the filter device (5) provides the heating device (6) so that the filter device (5) can be heated directly. Extractor hood (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the filter device (5) comprises at least one grease filter element (7) for at least partially filtering greases from the aspirated air and / or the aspirated fumes. Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the filter device (5) can be heated to at least one predetermined temperature (T1) in the range of 50 °C - 150 °C by means of the heating device (6). Extraction device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that at least one collection device (9) for collecting fats and / or other impurities is included. Extraction device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the collection device (9) comprises at least one level measuring device (10) for measuring a level of the collection device (9).

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