Extractor unit and method for operating an extractor unit

Abstract

The invention relates to an extractor unit (100) for installation on a worktop and / or a hob (105), wherein the extractor unit (100) has a head part (120) which has at least one suction opening (122) for vapors, a fan unit (125) for sucking the vapors out through the suction opening (122) which is arranged in the head part (120), and a, wherein the operating and display element (130) is designed to read control signals in order to control sucking the vapors out through the suction opening (122).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an extractor unit and a method for operating an extractor unit according to the main claims.

[0002] EP 3037734 A1 describes a cooking unit with a movable extractor unit.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved extractor unit and an improved method for operating an extractor unit.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by an extractor unit and a method for operating an extractor unit having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the following subclaims.

[0005] The advantage achievable with the invention consists in an adapted and efficient extraction behavior of a fume extraction unit.

[0006] An extractor unit for installation on a worktop or hob is presented, wherein the extractor unit has a head section which has at least one suction opening for vapors, a fan unit for sucking the vapors out through the suction opening which is arranged in the head section, and an operating and display element, wherein the operating and display unit is designed to read control signals in order to control the suction of the vapors out through the suction opening. The extractor unit can be a mobile extractor unit which can suck in and filter vapors. The worktop and / or the hob can be induction-capable in order to inductively radiate energy for operating the extractor unit. The head section can form an upper part of the extractor unit. Alternatively, the movable head section can also be a lower or middle part of the extractor unit. The suction opening can be a through-opening.The blower unit may include a fan wheel or a turbine for generating an airflow. The control and display unit may be configured to adjust the orientation of the head and / or the suction strength of the blower unit.

[0007] The control and display element can be designed as a touch-sensitive display. The resulting touch function makes operation of the control and display element visually cleaner and more intuitive. Furthermore, the control and display element can be cleaned more easily thanks to the flat display surface.

[0008] The extractor unit can have a communication interface for communicating with a worktop interface, a cooktop interface, and / or a cookware interface. The communication interface can communicate with the cooktop interface or the cookware interface, for example, via radio, Bluetooth, or NFC. Alternatively, the communication interface can also communicate with mobile devices, such as a mobile phone.

[0009] The communication interface can be configured to receive the status of the worktop or cooking utensils and control the fan unit accordingly. By controlling the fan as needed, this can be realized in a power-saving and efficient manner.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the head part or the suction opening can be designed to be movable or rotatable. This allows for more targeted suction.

[0011] The extractor unit can include a sensor unit configured to measure the vapor flow through the intake opening. Furthermore, the sensor unit can be configured to change the performance of the fan unit in response to the vapor flow measured by the sensor unit. The sensor unit can determine how much vapor is currently present and additionally optimize the fan unit by increasing or decreasing the amount of vapor generated.

[0012] Advantageously, the sensor unit can be configured to detect a position at which the most vapor is sucked in and then control the rotation of the head section relative to the body of the extractor unit to this position. The head section can, for example, rotate 360° and then adjust to the appropriate position to extract the greatest possible proportion of the vapor. This can increase user comfort, as no further user action is required to align the head section.

[0013] The extractor unit can have a projection unit configured to project a cooking zone to be used onto the worktop and / or the hob. The projection unit can, for example, use LEDs to project the cooking zone. A coil position on or below a worktop can be detected or known in advance, and the intake opening is rotated in the direction of the coil position to mark one of the coils as the cooking zone to be used by a user. Thus, a hob or worktop can be produced more cost-effectively, as no cutouts, markings, or notches need to be made in the hob or worktop to mark the cooking zone.

[0014] The extractor unit can also include an energy absorption unit for providing energy for operating the fan unit, wherein the energy absorption unit is configured as an induction coil or is configured as such. By embodying the energy absorption unit as an induction coil, the extractor unit can be induction-capable, allowing for a particularly simple and user-friendly design and ensuring high user acceptance.

[0015] Furthermore, a method for operating an extractor hood unit is presented, wherein the method comprises a step of extracting vapors through the intake opening and the fan unit. Alternatively, the method may also comprise a step of outputting an error signal if a coil position cannot be determined or if the extractor hood unit is incorrectly positioned, in order to facilitate a user's operation of the extractor hood.

[0016] The approach presented here further provides a control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0017] The control unit can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0018] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or a control unit, the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0019] Although the approach described is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device such as a cleaning or disinfection device or a small sterilizer.

[0020] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an extractor unit; and Fig. 2 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating an extractor unit.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an extractor unit 100. The extractor unit 100 is positioned here on a hob 105 with two cooking zones 110. The hob 105 has a storage area 115 for the extractor unit 100. The extractor unit 100 has a head section 120 with an intake opening 122, a fan unit 125 and a communication interface 127, an operating and display element 130, a projection unit 135, and an energy absorption unit 140.

[0022] The extractor unit 100 is a mobile extractor unit with wireless power and a touch display, for example. It is not permanently connected to another kitchen appliance and can be placed on various surfaces.

[0023] According to this exemplary embodiment, the cooktop 105 has two cooking zones 110, located to the left and right of the extractor unit 100. The cooking zones 110 are, for example, constructed identically and each include an induction coil 145. The induction coils 145 are coils and electronics for transmitting power to an electronic device, for example, via Wireless Power WPC AI into a cooking pot or the like. In addition, the cooking zones 110 each have a cooktop interface 150. Alternatively, the cooktop 105 can also be configured as a worktop, transforming the cooktop interface 150 into a worktop interface.

[0024] The communication interface 127 of the extractor unit 100 is capable of communicating with the cooktop interfaces 150. Furthermore, the communication interface 127 can also communicate with a cooking utensil interface if a cooking utensil 155 is configured as a system cooking utensil. This also expands the operating and display options of the SGG (SGG = system or sensor cooking utensil). The communication interface 127 communicates via Bluetooth or radio. The communication interface 127 is also configured, for example, as a radio communication module.

[0025] In addition, another induction coil 160 specifically supplies inductive energy to the energy absorption unit 140 of the extractor unit 100. The energy absorption unit 140 converts this inductive energy into electrical energy and conducts energy to various units in the extractor unit 100. The energy absorption unit 140 also includes an induction coil. The energy absorption unit 140 conducts electrical energy to the head part 120, the control and display element 130, and the projection unit 135. The energy absorption unit 140 serves as a coil and electronics for power absorption via wireless power control. Thanks to the energy absorption unit 140, no cable is required to supply power to the extractor unit 100.

[0026] The intake opening 122, the fan unit 125, and the communication interface 127 are located in the head part 120. According to the exemplary embodiment described here, the head part 120 is designed to be movable; in this case, the head part 120 can be rotated 360°. The movable head part 120 serves to ensure optimal alignment. This naturally changes the position of the intake opening 122, which is achieved by rotating the head part 120. The intake opening 122 can, for example, specifically extract vapors from the cooking vessel 155 by rotating the head part 120 180° from the position shown here. The fan unit 125 generates an air flow that extracts vapors from the cooking surface 105 and the cooking vessel 155. The cooking vessel is therefore designed as an induction cooking pot. The optionally rotatable suction head allows the customer to be provided with targeted, optimal vapor extraction.

[0027] To prevent a user from having to rotate the head section 120 themselves, the extractor unit 100 includes the communication interface 127, which communicates with the cooktop interfaces 150 on the cooking zones 110 and detects their location. The head section 120 is then controlled so that the intake opening 122 points in the direction of an active cooking zone 110. Alternatively, the extractor unit 100 can also have two intake openings 122 to extract both cooking zones 110 simultaneously.

[0028] The user can also adjust the orientation of the head section 120 using the control and display element 130. The control and display element 130 also serves to control the power of the fan unit 125 and the extractor hood 100.

[0029] A projector for marking the cooking area is optional. According to the exemplary embodiment described here, the cooking zones 110 of the cooking surface 105 are projected onto the cooking surface 105 by the projection unit 135. The projection unit 135 has, for example, several LEDs to mark the cooking zone 110 using light beams.

[0030] A mobile extractor unit 100, or extractor hood, is designed for use in small kitchens with few cooktops or mobile cooktops. Small / mobile cooktops usually don't have much space for large controls and user interfaces. Controlling the mobile extractor unit 100 via the control panel of the cooktop 105 is also difficult if the control panel is hidden or if app control is necessary to avoid negatively impacting the clean appearance. Especially with fully integrated, concealed cooktops that simultaneously use wireless power transmission, the controls for the extractor hood and the cooktop 105 are integrated in this way without destroying the clean appearance. Furthermore, recipes are often cooked according to, and these days are usually accessed and displayed on mobile devices.

[0031] The extractor unit 110 can be controlled both analogously and intelligently. Control is not achieved via simple switches, buttons, or dials, but via a screen or display. This allows the mobile extractor unit 100 to output additional information.

[0032] This allows the hob 105 to be controlled by the mobile extractor unit 100. A cooking assistant is also created in a mobile cooking setup (guided cooking) with a simple display of recipes without the need for an additional tablet.

[0033] According to this exemplary embodiment, the cooktop 105, which is fully integrated, is not interrupted in order to achieve the cleanest possible overall appearance. The integration of a user interface for an extractor hood or extractor unit does not result in any design disruption, as no corresponding holes need to be milled into the worktop. Rotary controls that cannot feed information back to the customer are also no longer required, as they usually operate analogically or with very small displays that are usually mounted on the furniture out of sight of the customer. In this way, the approach presented here also allows the use of a system cookware that only requires a limited user interface with fewer buttons and whose operating options are limited. This allows the cookware to be kept very simple, less prone to errors, and easy to clean.

[0034] The clean look of a fully integrated 105 hob is made possible by the fact that no visible controls are required on the 105 hob. When switched off, the mobile extractor hood or extractor unit can be stowed away, thus concealing the controls.

[0035] The networking or linking of the hob 105 and the extractor hood is improved. The hob 105 and the extractor hood or extractor unit can be controlled via the operating and display element 130, hereinafter also referred to as the touch display or user interface. This means that expanded display options are possible, e.g., precise power level selection or direct control of the sensor or system cookware 155. Furthermore, information relevant to the cooking process can be provided via the display, e.g., cooking instructions for recipe-guided cooking.

[0036] If necessary, the user interface can also display additional data about other cooking appliances, for example, in the form of a display. Entertainment integration is also possible, for example, controlling a music system by connecting it to other devices in the home network.

[0037] By integrating a touch display into the housing of a mobile extractor hood or extractor unit, which allows the user to adjust various settings on the extractor hood itself or the hob 105. However, controlling the hob 105 via the touch display on the mobile extractor hood requires an interface with near-field communication between the two devices to prevent remote operation. Networking can be achieved, for example, via radio (Bluetooth low energy, NFC, or similar), whereby it must be ensured that the mobile extractor unit 100 with its UI is located on the hob 105. The same applies to direct control of the system cooking utensils, hereinafter also referred to as SGG, from the extractor unit 100 UI. Detailed information on the SGG processes, such asexpiring timer or the selected program of the sensor cooking utensils can be displayed or programs can be started. Furthermore, the strength of the extraction can be controlled via the transmitted process data. For example, if the SGG is in frying mode, a strong extraction is set; if the SGG then switches to simmering mode, the extraction is automatically reduced. This can be shown on the display. Optionally, the head of the mobile extractor unit 100 can be made movable so that the suction opening 122 can be rotated. For example, the position of an SGG with a cooking process with high vapor output can be transmitted via the hob 105 and the outlet opening is automatically aligned. Alternatively, for example, when cooking with standard cooking utensils, the position of the suction opening 122 can be set via the UI.Alternatively, the extractor unit 100 can also be set to a detection mode, in which the intake opening 122 rotates 360° and automatically adjusts to the position with the highest vapor inlet. The vapor inlet can be determined, for example, via a sensor or the fan speed. Optionally, the extractor unit 100 can also execute an automatic optimization program, in which the alignment is determined by detecting the maximum vapor inlet after manual position input by the user or by the SGG alignment. The touch display can also function as a "smart kitchen hub" and, if necessary, control other devices, graphically display information from other devices, or enable interaction with the user.At the same time, it is possible to make the hob 105 disappear completely, purely visually, if the display of the mobile extractor hood is used as the sole control and the mobile extractor unit 100 is stowed away in a cupboard or drawer, for example, when switched off. Optionally, a projector can be integrated into the mobile extractor unit 100 to project the prescribed cooking area markings onto the worktop if the coil positions under the worktop are known. This has the advantage that no holes need to be made in the worktop for cooking zone markings. To ensure the correct alignment of the projector, the hob 105 transmits the positions of the cooking zones when the mobile extractor unit 100 is set up. The extractor unit 100 then aligns the projector accordingly; if the cooking zones cannot be reached, an error message is issued.Alternatively, the mobile extractor unit 100 can only be connected to the hob 105 at a predetermined position (e.g., the middle position in Fig. 1). If positioned incorrectly, the extractor unit 100 will not be supplied with power or an error message will be displayed. The optional projection unit 135 eliminates the need for zone markings on fully integrated hobs.

[0038] The core advantage of the approach presented here is the ability to easily control the mobile extractor unit 100 and the possibility of linking it to a cooktop 105 or system cookware, which can then be easily controlled via the user interface / touch display. Screen-guided cooking processes are also possible, with the customer guided through a recipe with work instructions. It is also possible to adjust the appliance settings accordingly based on the recipe. Entertainment options, such as controlling music, radio, or other media content, are also possible and conceivable without additional devices.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 200 for operating an extractor unit. The method 200 includes a step 201 of extracting vapors through the intake opening and the fan unit. 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] EP 3037734 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Extractor unit (100) for installation on a worktop and / or a hob (105), the extractor unit (100) having the following features: a head part (120) which has at least one suction opening (122) for vapors; a blower unit (125) for extracting the vapors through the suction opening (122) arranged in the head part (120); and an operating and display element (130) which is designed to read control signals in order to control the extraction of the vapors through the suction opening (122). [2] Extractor unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the operating and display element (130) is formed as a touch-sensitive display. [3] Extractor unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a communication interface (127) to communicate with a worktop interface, a hob interface (150) and / or with a cooking utensil interface. [4] Extractor unit (100) according to claim 3, wherein the communication interface (127) is configured to receive a status of the worktop and / or a cooking utensil (150) and to control the fan unit (125) accordingly. [5] Extractor unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the head part (120) and / or the suction opening (122) is formed to be movable and / or rotatable relative to a body of the extractor unit (100). [6] Extractor unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a sensor unit which is designed to measure a vapor flow through the intake opening (122), wherein the sensor unit is designed to change a power of the fan unit (125) in response to the vapor flow measured by the sensor unit. [7] Extractor unit (100) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the sensor unit is designed to detect a position at which the most vapors are sucked in and subsequently to control a rotation of the head part (120) to this position. [8] Extractor unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with a projection unit (135) which is designed to project a cooking zone (110) to be used onto the worktop and / or the hob (105). [9] Extractor unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, with an energy absorption unit (140) for providing energy for the operation of the fan unit (125), wherein the energy absorption unit (140) is formed as an induction coil and / or forms as such. [10] Method (200) for operating an extractor unit (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step (201) of extracting vapors through the intake opening (122) and the fan unit (125). [11] Control unit which is designed to carry out and / or control the step of the method (200) according to claim 10 in corresponding units.

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