Method for operating an extractor device and extractor device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating an extractor device (1), characterized in that the overrun of the fan motor of the extractor device (1) is controlled based on information from at least one household appliance (2, 3, 4, 5) that is networked with the extractor device. Furthermore, an extractor device for carrying out the method is claimed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating an extractor device and an extractor device.

[0002] It is common practice for extractor hoods to continue running at reduced power for a certain period after cooking, even after the hood has been switched off. This type of operation is called run-on and can be used, for example, to dry the hood's odor filter and to filter the room air after cooking.

[0003] The run-on is usually started as soon as the extractor fan is switched off and the run-on is carried out for a fixed time and at a fixed fan speed.

[0004] WO 2009 / 127379 A2 describes a method for operating an extractor hood, which uses an evaluation device that evaluates the operating states of a hob associated with the extractor hood to control the fan motor. This method allows the duration of the fan's run-on time to be determined depending on the fan power level at which the fan motor was operating before being switched off.

[0005] A disadvantage of the state of the art is that the caster can only be adapted insufficiently.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution which enables precise control of the caster in a simple manner.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention therefore relates to a method for operating an extractor hood. The method is characterized in that the overrun of the fan motor of the extractor hood is controlled based on information from at least one household appliance networked with the extractor hood.

[0008] The extractor hood, also known as a range hood, can be a cooker hood or a downdraft extractor. A cooker hood is usually located above a cooktop and extracts fumes and vapors upwards, while a downdraft extractor can be located inside or next to the cooktop and extracts fumes and vapors downwards.

[0009] In particular, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the extractor device in a run-on mode. The run-on or run-on mode refers to the operation of the extractor device after it has been switched off. The run-on of the fan motor is also referred to below as the run-on of the extractor device. The switch-off of the extractor device can be actively initiated by the user. The extractor device is generally operated at reduced power during the run-on mode. In particular, the fan motor of the extractor device's fan is operated at a lower speed than during normal operation of the extractor device.

[0010] According to the invention, the overrun of the fan motor of the extractor extractor device is controlled based on information from at least one household appliance that is networked with the extractor extractor device. A household appliance that is designed to communicate with the extractor extractor device is referred to as "networked" in this context. The household appliances networked with the extractor extractor device are also referred to below as "household appliances connected to the extractor extractor device." In particular, the extractor extractor device and the household appliance can each have a communication interface for this purpose, which can also be referred to as a communication unit or communication module. The networking or communication connection between the extractor extractor device and the household appliance is preferably wireless.Via the communication connection between the extractor hood and the household appliance, sensor data or processed sensor data can be transmitted from the household appliance to the extractor hood. The sensor data and / or processed sensor data preferably represent information relating to the respective household appliance.

[0011] The information of the connected household appliance can include, for example, the operating status of the household appliance, its equipment, in particular changes to the equipment and / or the opening or closing of the household appliance.

[0012] According to the invention, information from several household appliances can also be taken into account when controlling the run-on time.

[0013] Controlling the after-run on the basis of information from at least one household appliance is understood to mean, in particular, starting the after-run, ending the after-run, setting the duration of the after-run and / or setting the power of the extractor device during the after-run.

[0014] In the context of the invention, information-based control means that the information is taken into account during control. This information can be processed before or during use in the control process.

[0015] In contrast to the prior art, the control of the after-run of the extractor device is not based, or not based solely on, fixed specifications stored in the extractor device or previous settings of the extractor device determined on the extractor device. Rather, since the control of the after-run is based on information from household appliances networked with the extractor device, the control can take environmental conditions of the extractor device into account. This allows the control of the after-run to be carried out more precisely. In particular, by intelligently incorporating information provided by other household appliances, the optimal time, optimal duration and optimal intensity of the after-run of the extractor device can be determined and the extractor device can be controlled accordingly.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method comprises monitoring the occurrence of an event. The occurrence of the event is preferably detected based on information from the at least one household appliance, and the control of the overrun of the extractor device is carried out depending on the event that has occurred.

[0017] The control of the extractor fan's run-on time is therefore preferably dependent on the event that has occurred. In particular, the run-on time can be started or stopped when the event occurs.

[0018] The event preferably represents the completion of a meal. This meal, which may also be referred to as eating, is preferably the consumption of the food that was prepared in the cooking process during which the extractor device was operated in its normal mode before the after-run, i.e. during which the extractor device extracted fumes and vapors that were created during the cooking process.

[0019] During a meal, the noise of the after-running process can be perceived as disturbing. Therefore, it may be desirable to start the after-running process only after the meal is finished. However, the prepared food will continue to generate odors. Therefore, it may also be desirable to stop the after-running process after the meal is finished. By controlling the process based on the event that has occurred, especially the end of a meal, these circumstances can be taken into account during the control process.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the information by which the occurrence of the event, in particular the end of the meal, is detected is information from a networked household appliance, which represents a dishwasher, a refrigerator, or a vacuum cleaner. As a rule, the dishwasher is only operated by the user once the meal is finished. Therefore, information from the dishwasher is suitable for detecting the end of the meal. After a meal, leftovers are usually placed in the refrigerator or a dessert is taken out of the refrigerator. Thus, information from the refrigerator is suitable for detecting the end of the meal. Finally, a vacuum cleaner is also usually only operated after the meal is finished. Thus, information from the vacuum cleaner is suitable for detecting the end of the meal.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the networked household appliance represents a dishwasher, and the information relates to the opening, closing, switching on, and / or loading of the dishwasher. The opening and closing of the dishwasher can be detected by sensors on the dishwasher, and the corresponding information or the resulting event of the completion of the meal can be transmitted to the extractor fan. In order to distinguish between a brief opening of the dishwasher, for example when cooking utensils are placed in the dishwasher, and the loading of the tableware, a threshold value can be stored that indicates the duration of the opening after which it can be assumed that the tableware has been loaded and thus the meal has been completed.Additionally or alternatively, a camera can be provided on the dishwasher. In this case, with the help of object recognition, in particular algorithms for object recognition, it can be determined, for example, whether the objects placed in the dishwasher are, for example, tableware, and thus the end of the meal can be detected.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the networked household appliance represents a refrigerator and the information relates to the opening, closing and / or changing of the contents of the refrigerator.

[0023] After finishing the meal, for example, leftovers are put into the refrigerator, or a dessert or chilled drink is taken out. This can be monitored using sensors that detect the opening and closing of the refrigerator. Additionally or alternatively, a camera can be installed on the refrigerator. In this case, object recognition can determine which items are placed in or removed from the refrigerator, thus detecting the end of the meal.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the connected household appliance represents a vacuum cleaner, and the information relates to starting the vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner is started, it can be assumed that the meal is finished.

[0025] The method according to the invention can use information from only one networked household appliance. Alternatively, information from multiple networked household appliances can also be used. This allows for reliable detection of the end of a meal event, thus improving the control of the extractor fan's run-on time.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the after-run operation of the extractor device is stopped upon detection of an event, in particular the completion of a meal. During the meal, odors continue to be emitted by the prepared food. These can be eliminated by the after-run operation of the extractor device. After the meal has been consumed, further air purification is no longer necessary. Thus, the after-run operation can be stopped.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment, the after-running of the extractor device is started upon detection of an event, in particular the completion of a meal. This embodiment is advantageous, for example, in a kitchen-living room. Since the after-running, in particular the operation of the fan during after-running, is associated with noise, it may be advantageous to start the after-running only after the meal has finished.

[0028] How the occurrence of the event is taken into account in the control system can be configured within the extractor hood. This configuration can be made at the factory or by the extractor hood user.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the sequence of event detection in the control of the after-run is selected by the user of the extractor device. For example, the after-run can be selected to start or stop upon completion of a meal. The selected sequence can be stored in the extractor device and used for future operations of the extractor device. Alternatively, the user can be prompted to select the sequence of the event each time the extractor device is switched off.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the networked household appliance is a household appliance for preparing food, preferably a hob, a microwave, a food processor or an oven.

[0031] In this embodiment, the information can particularly relate to the duration and intensity of the preceding cooking process before the final cooking step. A longer cooking or preparation process is expected to result in greater air pollution. Furthermore, for example, when preparing food by deep-frying, air pollution is greater than when frying.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the duration of the run-on and / or power of the fan motor of the extractor device in the run-on is controlled on the basis of information from the household appliance for preparing food.

[0033] For example, if the connected household appliance is a hob, the duration of the previous cooking process can be determined on the hob and transmitted as information to the extractor fan. Additionally or alternatively, the intensity of the previous cooking process can be determined based on the hob's usage and transmitted as information to the extractor fan.

[0034] For example, if cooking was carried out over a longer period of time in high humidity, the duration of the after-run can be increased. For a comparatively short and dry cooking process, the after-run duration can be minimized.

[0035] In addition, the intensity of the cooking process can be determined. This can be done, for example, using internal sensors in the extractor hood. Alternatively, the intensity of the cooking process can be determined based on the intensity of use of the hob, particularly individual cooking zones, or other cooking appliances. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine the intensity of the cooking process using a camera. This can be integrated into the extractor hood or installed separately. Object recognition algorithms can be used here.

[0036] Depending on the intensity of the cooking process, the duration and / or the performance of the extractor device, in particular the power level of the extractor device's fan, can be adjusted for the after-run.

[0037] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an extractor device which is characterized in that the extractor device is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0038] Advantages and features described with regard to the method according to the invention also apply - as far as applicable - to the extractor device according to the invention, the computer program according to the invention and the system according to the invention and vice versa.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the extractor device has a control unit for controlling the fan motor of the extractor device and at least one communication interface for communicating with at least one household appliance networked with the extractor device. The information from the at least one household appliance and / or the processing result determined from processing the information can be received via the communication interface. The processing result can, for example, indicate the detection of an event.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the extractor device has a processing unit for processing information from at least one networked household appliance. In the processing unit, information from the household appliance can be compared with each other and / or the information or processed information can be compared with stored data. Furthermore, the processing unit can check for the occurrence of an event.

[0041] The method can be implemented by computer software comprising instructions which, when executed in a data processing unit which is separate from the extractor device or integrated in the extractor device, for example in the control unit of the extractor device, carry out the steps of the method according to the invention.

[0042] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a system comprising an extractor device and at least one further household appliance networked with the extractor device, wherein the system is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0043] The present invention will be described again below with reference to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1: a schematic representation of an extractor hood with networked household appliances; and Fig. 2: a schematic representation of an extractor device according to the present invention.

[0044] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an extractor device 1 with networked household appliances 2, 3, and 4. The extractor device 1 with the household appliances 2, 3, and 4 can also be referred to as a system for implementing the method according to the invention.

[0045] The extractor device 1 is in the Fig. 1 as an extractor hood. The extractor device 1 has a communication interface 10. Via this communication interface 10, the extractor device 1 can communicate with each of the other household appliances 2, 3 and 4. The reference numeral 2 in Fig. 1 denotes a household appliance which is a dishwasher. The reference numeral 3 in Fig. 1 denotes a household appliance which is a refrigerator. The reference numeral 4 in Fig. 1 denotes a household appliance which is a vacuum cleaner. The reference numeral 5 in Fig. 1 refers to a household appliance for preparing food. Household appliance 5 can be, for example, a hob.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, each of the household appliances 2, 3, 4, and 5 has a communication interface 20, 30, 40, 50. The respective household appliance 2, 3, 4, and 5 can communicate with the extractor device 1, in particular the communication interface 10 of the extractor device 1, via the communication interfaces 20, 30, 40, 50. In particular, information from the household appliances 2, 3, 4, and 5 can be transmitted to the extractor device 1 via the communication interfaces 20, 30, 40, 50.

[0047] As can be seen from Fig. 2, the extractor device 1 preferably has a control unit 11, via which the fan motor of the extractor device 1 can be controlled. In the Fig.In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, a processing unit 12 is additionally provided in the extractor device 1. In this embodiment, information received via the communication interface 10 can be processed to be used in the control unit 11 to control the after-run of the extractor device. Alternatively, the processing unit 12 can also be integrated into the control unit 11. Finally, it is also possible for already processed information to be received at the extractor device 1 via the communication interface 10 and for this processed information to be forwarded directly to the control unit 11.

[0048] As can be seen from the description, the invention particularly consists in intelligent control of the automatic run-on time of an extractor hood. In particular, this control is achieved by linking information available to the at least one household appliance networked with the extractor hood. The household appliance can comprise internal sensors or information available through the connection of household appliances. Based on this information, the duration, intensity, and start time of the run-on time are preferably optimally determined.

[0049] According to the invention, the overrun can last for the entire duration of a meal. As soon as a dishwasher is loaded, it can be detected that the meal is finished. A threshold value can be used to distinguish between the long loading of dishes and the short opening of the dishwasher for the quick loading of cooking utensils. This information can be captured by connecting the dishwasher to the extractor fan. If the dishwasher is equipped with a camera, the end of the meal can be determined using object recognition algorithms.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, a camera in the refrigerator can be used to determine how far along the meal is. This is done using object recognition algorithms. If desserts or a chilled drink are removed from the refrigerator, or leftovers are added, it can be assumed that the meal is nearing its end, and the follow-up run can be stopped.

[0051] The determination of the optimal start time for the follow-up can be done based on the same information.

[0052] If the user doesn't want the overrun to occur during a meal, for example, in a kitchen-living room, the overrun can be configured to start after the meal. Additional events for determining the optimal start time for the overrun can include the operation of the vacuum cleaner or the operation of another connected household appliance.

[0053] The duration of the after-cooking is determined depending on the duration and intensity of the previous cooking process.

[0054] The duration of the cooking process can be determined by providing it via a networked cooktop. The intensity of the cooking process can be transmitted by analyzing the indoor air quality using the internal sensor. In addition, the intensity can be determined based on the use of the cooktop or another appliance used for food preparation (microwave, food processor, oven).

[0055] For example, if cooking takes place over a longer period of time in high humidity (e.g., boiling potatoes), the after-run time is longer. For a comparatively short and dry cooking process (e.g., frying a fried egg), the after-run time is minimized.

[0056] For extractor hoods without internal sensors to measure air quality, the intensity of the cooking process can be determined based on the intensity of use of the individual cooking zones or other appliances used to prepare food.

[0057] If the extractor hood provides visual information about the cooking process, for example, through an integrated or external camera that monitors the cooking process, object recognition algorithms can be used to determine which dish has been cooked. The cooking time can be adjusted accordingly.

[0058] Thus, with the present invention, the duration, start time and intensity of this after-run can be intelligently controlled by linking information from household appliances other than the extractor hood and information about the cooking process.

[0059] In particular, by intelligently incorporating information provided by household appliances other than the extractor hood, the optimal start time, end time, duration, and / or intensity of the after-run function can be determined. The user also perceives that the after-run function is intelligently controlled, allowing them to, for example, specifically deactivate background noise during meals without having to forego the useful function of after-run. List of reference symbols 1 extractor hood 10 Communication interface 11 Control unit 12 processing unit 2 dishwashers 20 Communication interface 3 Refrigerator 30 Communication interface 4 vacuum cleaners 40 Communication interface 5 Household appliance for preparing food 50 Communication interface QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2009 / 127379 A2

[0004]

Claims

[1] Method for operating an extractor device (1), characterized by that a run-on of the fan motor of the extractor device (1) is controlled on the basis of information from at least one household appliance (2, 3, 4, 5) which is networked with the extractor device. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises monitoring the occurrence of an event, wherein the occurrence of the event is detected on the basis of the information and the control of the follow-up is carried out as a function of the event that has occurred. [3] The method of claim 2, wherein the event represents the completion of a meal. [4] Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the information by which the occurrence of the event is detected is information from a networked household appliance which is a dishwasher (2), a refrigerator (3) or a vacuum cleaner (4). [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the networked household appliance is a dishwasher (2) and the information relates to the opening, closing, switching on and / or loading of the dishwasher (2). [6] Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the networked household appliance is a refrigerator (3) and the information relates to the opening, closing and / or changing of the contents of the refrigerator (3). [7] Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the networked household appliance is a vacuum cleaner (4) and the information relates to starting the vacuum cleaner. [8] Method according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the follow-up is terminated upon detection of the event. [9] Method according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the follow-up is started upon detection of the event. [10] Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the sequence of occurrence of the event in the control of the run-on is selected by the user of the extractor device. [11] Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the networked household appliance is a household appliance for preparing food (5), preferably a hob, a microwave, a food processor or an oven. [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the duration of the run-on and / or the power of the fan motor of the extractor device (1) in the run-on is controlled on the basis of information from the domestic appliance for preparing food (5). [13] Extractor fan, characterized by that the extractor device (1) is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 12. [14] Extractor extraction device according to claim 13, wherein the extractor extraction device (1) has a control unit (11) for controlling the fan motor of the extractor extraction device (1) and at least one communication interface (10) for communication with at least one networked household appliance (2, 3, 4, 5). [15] Extractor hood device according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the extractor hood device (1) has a processing unit (12) for processing information from at least one networked household appliance (2, 3, 4, 5).

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