Extractor hood and method for operating an extractor hood

Description

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

[0002] To clean fumes and vapors, it is common practice to use extractor hoods that are mounted above a hob. Common extractor hoods usually have a hood body, which can also be referred to as a viewing hood, and which can contain filter elements. Above the hood body or partially within the hood body, a fan, which can also be referred to as a blower, is provided and can suck air into the hood body. In order to reliably suck in the fumes and vapors rising from the hob, it is known to provide a flap on the hood body. This flap serves as an air guide element and can be used to enlarge the surface area of ​​the hood body if necessary or to prevent the vapors from flowing past the hood body. In addition, an extractor hood can also be provided with a flap that serves as a holder or panel for a control panel.

[0003] Switches can be used to detect whether the flap is in the closed, i.e. folded-in, position. Examples of switches include microswitches, limit switches, or reed switches. These switches can be activated when the closed position is reached. The switches are mechanically attached to the air guide element or the hood body in some way. The switch must be activated by mechanical actuation or, in the case of a reed switch, by a magnet. With the known solutions, only one position of the flap can usually be reliably evaluated. In particular, if the flap is open, it is detected that the flap is not closed because the switch is not actuated. However, no information is received about whether the flap is, for example, fully unfolded. If the flap is closed, this is detected by the actuation of the switch.

[0004] A disadvantage of the known extractor hoods and available detection mechanisms for the status of the flap is that they must have a complex structure and, in addition, only two states of the flap can be detected (open / closed).

[0005] US 2007 / 0221199 A1 describes a fan system for a cooking appliance. The fan system includes a first direct fan structure having an inlet for the intake of hot gas and exhaust air and an outlet connected to the environment. A damping system and integrated control system are also described.

[0006] US 2006 / 48525A1 describes a device for detecting the position of a damping blade using wireless communication sensors.

[0007] EP 3 235 546 A1 discloses a damping blade with a sensor. US 2011 / 0160914 A1 discloses an inclination sensor device, and EP 2 816 295 A2 discloses an air conditioning system with an associated diagnostic controller. The closest prior art is disclosed in CN 103 851 666 B.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution in which the operation of the extractor hood is made easier while the design of the extractor hood is simple.

[0009] The invention is based on the finding that this problem can be solved by taking into account concrete states of a flap for the operation of the extractor hood.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the object is therefore achieved by an extractor hood comprising a control unit for controlling at least one functional unit of the extractor hood, a hood body, and at least one flap pivotably attached to the hood body. The extractor hood is characterized in that at least one sensor for detecting the state of the flap is arranged on the flap, that the sensor is an acceleration sensor and is connected to the control unit of the extractor hood in such a way that at least one functional unit of the extractor hood is controlled by the control unit based on the detected state of the flap, and that the flap is pivotably mounted on the front end of the hood body about a horizontal pivot axis.

[0011] An extractor hood is an extractor ventilation device that is mounted above a hob. The extractor hood can be, for example, a chimney, a built-in hood, a built-in hood, or a flat-panel hood. A chimney is an extractor hood in which an extractor housing, which houses at least part of the extractor hood's fan, is connected to the hood body at the top. The extractor housing can have a box shape. In this case, the extractor hood is also called a box hood. However, the extractor hood can be inclined. In this case, the extractor hood can also be called a slanted hood.

[0012] According to the invention, the hood body or viewing hood refers to the part of the extractor hood through which air is drawn in and directed into the interior of the extractor hood. In particular, the hood body refers to the part in which at least one filter element of the extractor hood is located.

[0013] The extractor hood has a control unit for controlling at least one functional unit of the extractor hood. The control unit can also be referred to as a controller. The at least one functional unit of the extractor hood is, in particular, the fan of the extractor hood or a lighting device of the extractor hood. Each functional unit can have its own control unit. Preferably, however, all functional units of the extractor hood are controlled via a common control unit. Controlling the functional unit refers to the actuation, in particular activation and deactivation of the functional unit or the setting or selection of operating states of the functional unit. In particular, the fan speed of the fan or the brightness of the lighting device can be set by the control unit.

[0014] The extractor hood has at least one flap that is pivotally attached to the hood body. A flap is a surface element. According to one embodiment, the flap can represent an air guiding element via which air can be directed to the hood body and, in particular, to an intake opening in the hood body. Alternatively or additionally, the flap can also serve as a holder or panel for, for example, a control panel, a display unit, or a lighting device. The flap is preferably a plate that can be made of, for example, plastic or glass.

[0015] The invention is described below primarily with reference to a flap that represents an air guiding element. However, the explanations also apply - where applicable - to a flap that additionally or alternatively serves as a holder or cover for other elements, such as an operating panel.

[0016] The flap is pivotably attached to the hood body of the extractor hood. If the flap is an air guide element, it can also be referred to as a vapor collection flap. If the flap is made of glass, it can also be referred to as a glass flap or glass screen. The pivot axis around which the flap can pivot is preferably horizontal. The pivot axis is preferably located on an edge of the hood body. As a result, by pivoting the flap outwards, the area over which air is directed to an extraction opening of the extractor hood can be increased. According to the invention, several flaps can be provided. For example, a flap can be provided on each of the lateral edges of the hood body. Preferably, at least one flap is provided on the front edge of the hood body.

[0017] The extractor hood is characterized in that at least one sensor for detecting the status of the flap is arranged on the flap. The sensor is preferably arranged in the surface of the flap, i.e., spaced from the edges of the flap. For example, the sensor can be attached to the inner surface of the flap. The attachment can be direct or indirect.

[0018] The state of the flap detected by the sensor can be its position or its movement. According to the invention, the relative position of the flap to the hood body is detected in the form of an angle of inclination. The movement state can be expressed, for example, as movement in a specific direction and / or by the speed of the movement. Furthermore, the movement state can also be expressed by the abrupt termination of a movement. This allows jerky movements to be detected.

[0019] According to the invention, the sensor for detecting the status of the flap is an acceleration sensor. For example, the acceleration sensor can measure the gravitational acceleration directed relative to the Earth's normal. The vector component of the gravitational acceleration acting on the respective sensor axis is a direct measure of the inclination of the sensor and thus of the flap relative to the horizon. The acceleration sensor is preferably a multi-axis acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor can, for example, be a capacitive acceleration sensor, a piezoresistive, or piezoelectric sensor. The acceleration sensor can, in particular, be a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor is preferably a 3g acceleration sensor.

[0020] The sensor is connected to the extractor hood's control unit. The sensor is connected to the control unit in such a way that at least one functional unit of the extractor hood is controlled by the control unit based on the detected status of the flap. This means that the functional unit is controlled based on the sensor signals indicating the status of the flap. The sensor signals can be evaluated and further processed in the control unit to generate control signals for the functional unit. The connection between the sensor and the control unit preferably serves to transmit sensor signals or evaluation results of the sensor signals to the control unit.

[0021] According to the invention, at least one sensor for detecting the state of the flap, which is an acceleration sensor, is arranged on the flap and is connected to the control unit of the extractor hood in such a way that at least one functional unit of the extractor hood is controlled by the control unit on the basis of the detected state of the flap, a number of advantages can be achieved.

[0022] Firstly, the use of at least one acceleration sensor allows not just two states of the flap to be detected, as is the case with a limit switch. Rather, a multitude of states, such as the angle of inclination of the flap and / or its speed, can be detected. Furthermore, the switchless design made possible by the use of an acceleration sensor also simplifies the construction of the extractor hood. In particular, neither a switch nor the additional cable routing required for the switch is necessary. Furthermore, no additional mechanical parts, such as actuating plungers for limit switches or magnets for reed switches, are required. In addition, the operation of the extractor hood is simplified by the present invention.By simply moving the flap, the user can activate, deactivate, or adjust at least one of the extractor hood's functional units, such as the fan or the lighting. If the user opens the flap, i.e., swings it away from the hood body, the extractor hood's fan can be automatically set to a higher speed when the extractor hood is switched on, for example. By abruptly swinging the flap back and forth, the extractor hood's lighting can be switched on. The assignment of the control of the functional units to the flap's states can be stored in the extractor hood's control unit. This can either be specified by the manufacturer or selected by the user.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor is connected to a microcontroller located on the flap. The microcontroller can be housed together with the sensor in a sensor module or can be provided separately from the sensor on the flap. The microcontroller is used to evaluate the acceleration values ​​detected by the sensor. In particular, the microcontroller can calculate, for example, the angle of inclination from the sensor signals.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor is integrated into a control panel arranged on the flap. The control panel serves in particular as an input element for the user. The control panel can be used to control the functional units and, for example, to select different presets, such as interval ventilation or post-ventilation. In addition, the control panel can also be used to activate or deactivate the functional units. The provision of an additional control panel further simplifies operation of the extractor hood, as the user can decide whether to operate the extractor hood via the flap or the control panel. Operation via the control panel generally offers more setting options than operation via the flap.Another advantage achieved by integrating the sensor into the control panel is that a control panel usually contains a microcontroller. When the sensor is integrated into the control panel, this microcontroller can also be used for the sensor, particularly for evaluating the sensor signals. This further simplifies the design of the extractor hood.

[0025] According to the invention, the flap is mounted at the front end of the hood body so that it can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis. The front end is the end of the hood body that faces the user of the extractor hood. In the case of a wall-mounted extractor hood, the front end is therefore the end that faces away from the mounting wall. By providing the flap at the front end of the hood body, it can serve as an air guide element and, on the one hand, prevent steam and fumes from flowing past when the flap is unfolded. When folded in, the flap does not hinder the user. In addition, by attaching the flap to the front end of the hood body, it is easily accessible for the user, at least when unfolded. This makes it easy to operate a control panel provided on the flap.If the hood body has a box shape at the front end, the pivot axis of the flap is preferably located at the lower edge of the box shape. This allows the flap to pivot inward, i.e., close, and rests against the underside of the hood body in the closed position.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the flap extends across the entire width of the hood body. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for a flap that serves as an air guide element. The large width of the flap allows for optimized airflow to the hood body when the flap is unfolded. If the flap serves as a holder for, for example, an operating element, the width of the flap can be smaller than the width of the hood body and, for example, correspond to the width of the operating element.

[0027] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an extractor hood according to the invention. The method is characterized in that the state of the flap is monitored via at least one acceleration sensor, and upon detection of a predetermined state, at least one functional unit of the extractor hood is controlled by the control unit based on the detected state of the flap.

[0028] Advantages and features described with regard to the extractor hood also apply - where applicable - to the process and vice versa.

[0029] Additionally, the state of the flap can be the speed and / or direction of movement of the flap.

[0030] The functional unit that is controlled based on a detected condition is preferably the extractor hood fan or a lighting unit of the extractor hood.

[0031] The invention is described again below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Figure 1: a schematic side view of an embodiment of the extractor hood according to the invention in a first operating state, Figure 2: a schematic side view of the embodiment of the extractor hood according to the invention according to Figure 1 in a second operating state, and Figure 3: a schematic front view of the embodiment of the extractor hood according to the invention according to Figure 1 in the second operating state.

[0032] In Figure 1An embodiment of the extractor hood 1 according to the invention is shown in side view. In the embodiment shown, the extractor hood 1 consists of a hood body 10 and an extractor housing 11 extending upwards from the hood body 10. A fan 150, which represents a functional unit 15 of the extractor hood 1, is arranged in the extractor housing 11 of the extractor hood 1. The hood body 10 has a box shape, so that the extractor hood 1 can also be referred to as a box hood. A further functional unit 15 of the extractor hood 1 is arranged in the rear region of the hood body 10. This functional unit 15 represents a lighting device 151, via which, for example, a hob (not shown) located below the extractor hood 1 can be illuminated.At the front end of the hood body 10, a flap is shown on the underside of the hood body 10, which in the embodiment shown represents an air guide element 12. The air guide element 12 is located in the housing shown in . Figure 1 shown first operating state on the underside of the hood body 10. The front end of the air guide element 12 is flush with the front of the hood body 10. The air guide element 12, which is also referred to as a flap, is pivotally attached to the hood body 10. The pivot axis, about which the air guide element 12 can be pivoted, lies horizontally and extends along the lower edge of the front of the hood body 12. The position of the air guide element 12, which in Figure 1 can also be referred to as a folded or closed position. The air guide element 12 can therefore be in the position shown in Figure 1 shown swivel direction S.

[0033] If the air guide element 12 is removed from the Figure 1 If the extractor hood 1 is swivelled forward in the operating state shown, this can be Figure 2 shown position. This position is also referred to as a folded out or open position. The air guide element 12 can also be moved via the Figure 2 can be swivelled further forward beyond the position shown.

[0034] As can be seen from Figure 2 an operating part 13 is arranged on the inside of the air guide element 12. The inside is the side of the air guide element 12 which is in the position in Figure 1 is directed upwards.

[0035] In addition, a sensor 14 is arranged on the air guide element 12. The sensor 14 represents an acceleration sensor. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the sensor 14 is integrated into the control unit 13.

[0036] As can be seen from the front view of the extractor hood 1, which is Figure 3 As shown, the air guide element 12 extends across the entire width of the hood body 10. In the embodiment shown, the operating part 13 is arranged laterally offset from the center of the air guide element 12. However, the operating part 13 can also be arranged in the middle of the width of the air guide element 12.

[0037] With the present invention, the position or angle of inclination of the flap, which can also be referred to as the glass screen or vapor trap flap, of a cooker hood can be detected. Depending on the inclination / position—that is, whether it is open, closed, or in another position—various actions, such as turning the appliance's light on or off or triggering other actions, can be performed without the use of an electromechanical or contactless switch (limit switch, microswitch, reed contact, or similar).

[0038] Preferably, the control panel of the extractor hood is equipped with an acceleration sensor (3g sensor), which is evaluated by a microcontroller or the existing control panel microcontroller. In particular, control panel electronics with an integrated 3g sensor can be provided on the glass screen / vapor trap flap, by which various angular positions of the glass screen / vapor trap flap can be detected and evaluated. Using the detected acceleration values, the position, in particular the position or angle of inclination of the control panel attached to the glass screen / vapor trap flap, and thus also the angle of inclination of the glass screen / vapor trap flap, can be calculated.Using this information, various functions / actions can be carried out depending on the inclination / position of the glass screen / vapour trap flap, for example switching the light on and off, changing the fan speed depending on the flap position.

[0039] The present invention has a number of advantages. In particular, no additional switch is required to detect the glass screen / vapor trap flap position. This means that no additional cabling is necessary, thus achieving cost savings. Furthermore, no additional mechanical parts such as actuating plungers, magnets for reed switches, and the like are required. The sensor, for example, a 3g sensor, can be integrated into the operating electronics and evaluated by the control unit's microcontroller. Furthermore, various angular positions of the glass screen / vapor trap flap can be detected. An evaluation of the movement speed or acceleration is also possible. This means, for example, that a special action can be executed in the event of a sudden movement of the flap. List of reference symbols

[0040] 1 Extractor hood 10 Hood body 11 Extractor housing 12 Flap / air guide element 13 Control panel 14 Sensor 15 Functional unit 150 Fan 151 Lighting unit Swivel direction

Claims

1. Extractor hood (1) which has a control unit for controlling at least one functional unit (15) of the extractor hood (1), a hood body (10) and at least one flap (12) pivotably fastened to the hood body (10), wherein the flap (12) is mounted on the front end of the hood body (10) so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, characterised in that at least one sensor (14) for detecting the state of the flap (12), namely a relative position of the flap (12) in relation the hood body (10) in the form of an inclination angle, is arranged on the flap (12), wherein the sensor (14) is an acceleration sensor and is connected to the control unit of the extractor hood (1) such that at least one functional unit (15) of the extractor hood (1) is controlled by the control unit on the basis of the detected state of the flap (12).

2. Extractor hood according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (14) represents a 3g acceleration sensor.

3. Extractor hood according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor (14) is connected to a microcontroller which is arranged on the flap (12).

4. Extractor hood according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensor (14) is integrated in a control panel (13) which is arranged on the flap (12).

5. Extractor hood according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flap (12) extends over the entire width of the hood body (10).

6. Method for operating an extractor hood according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the state of the flap (12) is monitored via at least one acceleration sensor (14) and, when a predetermined state is detected, at least one functional unit (15) of the extractor hood (1) is controlled by the control unit on the basis of the detected state of the flap (12).

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the state of the flap (12) is the position relative to the hood body (10), in particular an inclination angle.

8. Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the state of the flap (12) is the speed of movement and / or the direction of movement of the flap (12).

9. Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a functional unit (15) is the fan (150) of the extractor hood (1) or a lighting unit (151) of the extractor hood (1).