Method for controlling a fume hood device, and fume hood device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for controlling a fume hood device (1), comprising a fan motor (2) and a control unit (3), characterised in that the control unit (3) controls the fan motor (2) such that the input power of the fan motor (2) is kept constant in different states of the fan motor (2). A fume hood device (1) is also described.

Description

[0001] Method for controlling an extractor device and extractor device

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for controlling an extractor device and an extractor device.

[0003] In order to meet the increasing requirements for a low CCh equivalent, technical adaptations are also required in the area of ​​cooking appliances.

[0004] Currently, extractor hoods are preferably controlled based on air resistance, with the air resistance primarily depending on the condition and presence of an activated carbon filter and / or grease filter, as well as the connected piping. Changing air resistance can lead to an increase in energy consumption and thus in the CCh equivalent.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution that at least mitigates the disadvantages of the prior art. Preferably, the control of the extractor device is adapted so that energy consumption is kept constant, at least temporarily.

[0006] This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description and the figures.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a method for controlling an extractor device, comprising a fan motor and a control unit. The extractor device is characterized in that the control unit controls the fan motor such that the input power of the fan motor is kept constant in different states of the fan motor. The fan motor serves to drive a fan that draws air into the extractor device and expels the air from the extractor device. The control unit is a control unit for controlling the fan motor.

[0008] In the context of the invention, controlling means influencing an output variable, in particular the input power, by an input variable in accordance with a law stored in the control unit.

[0009] The fan motor is controlled in such a way that the input power of the fan motor remains constant in various states of the fan motor. These different states can, in particular, be different power levels of the fan motor. Furthermore, these different states can be different ambient conditions of the fan motor, for example, due to different piping of the extractor unit or different filters.

[0010] The invention achieves the advantage that the input power of the fan motor, and thus the energy consumption, can be kept constant. As a result, factors such as the condition, in particular aging and / or the presence of a grease and / or activated carbon filter and / or connected exhaust air piping, have no influence on the input power and consequently on the CO2 equivalent resulting from the energy consumption.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the input power is controlled by adjusting the speed of the blower motor so that it remains constant. During control, an actual value is measured, compared with a target value, and adjusted accordingly. In particular, a predetermined input power, which can also be referred to as primary energy consumption, can be compared as a target value with the actual energy consumption of the blower motor as an actual value, and adjusted to the input power by changing the speed.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the control is carried out at least partially based on an energy-constant characteristic curve. The characteristic curve can be stored in a memory unit of the extractor device. The memory unit can be provided in the extractor device, whereby the memory unit can also be provided separately from the control unit. The control unit and the memory unit are preferably provided as software.

[0013] The characteristic curve stored in the memory unit comprises a plurality of operating points that can be adjusted accordingly by the control unit. In particular, the characteristic curve can be stored in the memory unit in the form of a value table.

[0014] A constant-energy characteristic curve is a characteristic curve in which constant energy, particularly input power, is required at all operating points. During the period in which control is based on the constant-energy characteristic curve, the input power of the fan motor and thus the energy consumption of the extractor unit remains constant.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the method additionally comprises the step of detecting an input. The input can be provided by the user or can be received from another system on the extractor device.

[0016] This makes it possible for a user to select a favorable operating mode for the extractor hood based on the prevailing cooking conditions through manual input or automated cooktop monitoring. The air quality, in particular the smoke and / or steam development in the immediate vicinity of a cooktop, is characteristic of the cooking conditions. The input can therefore represent, in particular, a fan speed of the extractor hood.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the method additionally comprises the step of determining an operating point associated with the detected input from the energy constant characteristic curve.

[0018] The operating point represents an operating point of the fan motor. The operating point can be determined, in particular, by the control unit. In a further preferred embodiment, the method additionally comprises the step of adjusting a motor parameter based on the determined operating point.

[0019] This results in an adjustment of the operating state of the extractor fan, in particular the fan motor, according to the detected input. The motor parameter is a variable controlled by the control unit, which is adjusted so that the determined operating point on the characteristic curve is reached.

[0020] The characteristic curve can represent a pressure-displacement characteristic curve. The operating points stored in the memory unit that form the characteristic curve are defined by predefined value pairs, each consisting of a pressure and a displacement. In particular, the characteristic curve can be stored in the memory unit in the form of a value table.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a user selects a constant-energy control. This can be done, for example, by pressing a corresponding button. After the selection, the fan motor is controlled at least temporarily based on the constant-energy characteristic curve, or the input power is kept constant by adjusting the speed.

[0022] It is also possible for the user to specify a value for the constant input power. This value can represent the maximum input power desired by the user.

[0023] This allows the user to specify the input power, i.e. the energy consumption to be used during constant energy control. The control unit determines the operating points of the constant energy characteristic curve based on the user's specifications. The value is preferably entered by the user using an application, which can also be referred to as an app or program, on a mobile device, in particular a mobile phone. Alternatively, the input device can be arranged as a mechanical component, in the form of buttons selectable by the user, on the extractor hood. The value for the constant internal power can alternatively also be specified in the extractor hood.For example, due to the requirement of connected components, such as an active wall box or a mains isolator, a minimum internal power requirement can be stored in the extractor hood.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the control unit controls the blower motor before reaching a predetermined input power, deviating from a constant input power. Only after reaching the predetermined input power is the blower motor operated with a constant input power, in particular controlled according to an energy-constant characteristic curve. Before reaching the predetermined input power, the blower motor can be controlled according to a different characteristic curve.

[0025] This enables a power cap by preventing the input power from increasing beyond a predetermined value.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the control unit to control the blower motor after reaching and preferably maintaining a predetermined input power in a manner deviating from a constant input power.

[0027] This allows energy consumption to be adjusted in an area where the input power would be low without the specified input power, so that components connected to the extractor unit, such as a mains disconnect switch and / or an active wall box, can be activated in this area. To do this, the input power is specified so that the value of the input power is greater than a switching threshold of the connected component.

[0028] Preferably, the motor parameter, which is set based on a determined operating point, is a speed of the fan motor or a torque of the fan motor. According to a further aspect, the object is further achieved by an extractor device for carrying out the method according to the invention with the features of claim 12. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0029] Advantages and features described with regard to the method according to the invention also apply - where applicable - to the extractor device according to the invention and vice versa and are accordingly described only once if necessary.

[0030] The extractor hood has a fan motor and a control unit.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the extractor device has a memory unit. The memory unit is preferably connected to the control unit. Via this connection, the control unit can preferably access the memory unit and, in particular, read information from a characteristic curve.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the extractor device comprises an input device connected to the control unit.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the fan motor is an EC motor.

[0034] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:

[0035] Figure 1: a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an extractor device according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 2: a schematic representation of a further embodiment of an extractor device according to the invention;

[0037] Figure 3: a schematic representation of a further embodiment of an extractor device according to the invention;

[0038] Figure 4: an input power stage diagram of the inventive

[0039] Method; Figure 5: another input power stage diagram of the inventive

[0040] procedure;

[0041] Figure 6: a flow diagram of an embodiment of the inventive

[0042] procedure;

[0043] Figure 7: a schematic representation of an embodiment of a control system according to the invention; and

[0044] Figure 8: a schematic representation of an energy constant characteristic curve.

[0045] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancies.

[0046] The method according to the invention can be carried out, for example, with an extractor device 1 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the extractor device 1 represents an extractor hood. The extractor device 1 is arranged in an environment close to the cooking surface, in particular above a cooking surface 12. The extractor device 1 comprises a control unit 3 and a fan 2a, which can also be referred to as a blower. The fan 2a comprises a blower motor 2 for driving a fan wheel of the fan 2a (not shown). The blower motor 2 is preferably an EC motor. In the embodiment shown, the control unit 3 is shown separate from the fan 2a. Alternatively, the control unit 3 can also be integrated into the fan 2a and, for example, be integrated into the motor control of the blower motor 2 of the fan 2a.In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor device 1 also includes a memory unit 4 connected to the control unit 3. One or more characteristic curves can be stored in the memory unit 4.

[0047] To change the operating point, the control unit 3 detects an input, whereby the control unit 3 determines an operating point associated with the detected input from the characteristic curve and sets a motor parameter based on the determined operating point. In doing so, the control unit sets a speed of the blower motor 2 in order to reach the determined operating point. The characteristic curve stored in the storage unit 3 can be a pressure-displacement characteristic curve (see Figure 8), whereby the characteristic curve can be stored in the storage unit 4 in the form of a value table. In doing so, the control unit 3 can adjust the speed according to the determined operating point so that a desired pressure and a desired displacement are achieved.

[0048] Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the speed can be adjusted to keep the input power constant.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the extractor extraction device 1. In the embodiment shown, the fan 2a is arranged in the extractor extraction device 1, as in Figure 1. On the underside of the extractor extraction device 1, an intake opening 60 is provided, in which filters 7 are provided in the embodiment shown. The air is sucked from the intake opening 60 to the fan 2a. An air duct 6 is connected to the top side of the fan 2. In the embodiment shown, the upper end of the air duct 6 projects beyond the top side of the extractor extraction device 1. A pipe (not shown) can be arranged at the air outlet 61 in the upper end of the air duct 6.

[0050] Furthermore, the extractor device 1 comprises an input device 5, which has a connection suitable for data transmission to the control unit 3, wherein the input device 5 has five buttons 50. Furthermore, the control unit 3 has a connection suitable for data transmission to a mains disconnect switch 9 and an active wall box 8.

[0051] Depending on a cooking condition, a user can select one of the five buttons 50, each of which can, for example, indicate a fan speed. Each button 50 can correspond to a different operating point on the pressure-displacement characteristic curve. When the user presses the button, the control unit 3 detects an input. The control unit 3 then determines the operating point associated with the detected input from the characteristic curve, and a motor parameter, in particular the speed of the fan motor 2, is set based on the determined operating point. As an alternative to the described use of a characteristic curve, according to the invention, in the embodiments of the extractor hood device according to Figures 1 and 2, the input power can also be regulated by adjusting the speed.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, which is an extension of the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the control unit 3 has a connection suitable for data transmission to a mobile device 11, in particular a mobile phone or tablet, with an application provided on this device. Via the mobile device, the user can select a constant energy control mode and, if necessary, specify a value for the constant input power.

[0053] Figure 4 shows an input power-stage diagram, where the individual stages, which can also be referred to as fan stages, can be representative of different operating points that can be set by the control unit.

[0054] For levels 1 to 3, control deviates from a constant input power, whereas for levels 4 and 5, control unit 3 controls fan motor 2 according to a constant input power. Depending on the input power value specified by the user, control unit 3 can control fan motor 2 according to a constant input power starting at a level corresponding to the specified value.

[0055] Figure 5 shows a diagram in which the input power is mapped across the stages of the extractor fan 1. In this case, the input power is controlled in a range of low input power according to a constant input power. The value of the input power is selected such that a switching threshold is exceeded so that, upon reaching the operating point, a sufficiently high current flow is present, which can be detected by a mains isolator 9 and / or an active wall conduct 8. In this case, the control unit 3 controls the fan motor 2 after a predetermined input power has been reached, deviating from a constant input power. For comparison, Figure 5 shows the input power that would exist without the method according to the invention in the range between fan stages 0 and 2 (dashed line).This makes it clear that without regulating or setting the input power to a higher value, the switching threshold would only be reached from fan level 1.

[0056] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. In a first step S1, an input is detected, whereby the input can be made by a user via a keystroke on an input device 5. Subsequently, in a subsequent step S2, an operating point associated with the detected input is determined from the characteristic curve. In a final step S3, a motor parameter, preferably the speed of the fan motor 2, is set based on the operating point determined in S2.

[0057] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of an input power control.

[0058] Figure 8 shows a pressure-displacement diagram with an energy-constant characteristic curve.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides energy-constant control for EC motors in extractor hoods, particularly extractor hoods. The electronic control ensures that the speed, torque, and thus the required input power are known. The speed can be controlled depending on the primary energy consumption, while the primary energy consumption is kept constant.

[0060] One advantage is the constant energy consumption in the extractor fan. Factors such as grease filters and activated carbon filters then have no impact on energy consumption and the associated CO2 equivalent. The nature of any exhaust ducting also has no influence on energy consumption.

[0061] Sectional control is also possible with the present invention. For example, once a defined power consumption is reached, constant energy control can be switched on. This makes it possible to cap primary energy consumption and the CO2 equivalent. Furthermore, the invention can also be used preferably in conjunction with wall boxes and mains disconnect switches.

[0062] Active wall boxes that detect the power consumption of the extractor hood are well known. Energy-optimized devices often fail to detect the current in the supply line. An energy-controlled system according to the invention can increase the minimum power consumption, thus ensuring the wall box's functionality.

[0063] A mains isolator is an electrical switching element that disconnects the mains voltage after all connected devices in a circuit are disconnected. The disconnection is achieved via a current detection device that can only be adjusted within a limited range on the mains isolator. If the minimum power is exceeded, the circuit is deactivated. Since the power consumption of energy-optimized appliances is very low, the power consumption of the extractor hood is usually below the measuring limit of the mains isolator. By activating minimal energy consumption with this invention, deactivation by a current-dependent switch during operation can be prevented.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] 1 extractor hood

[0066] 2 blower motor

[0067] 2a Fan

[0068] 3 Control unit

[0069] 4 storage unit

[0070] 5 Input device

[0071] 6 Air duct

[0072] 7 filters

[0073] 8 Active mouse box

[0074] 9 mains disconnect switch

[0075] 11 Mobile device with application

[0076] 12 hob

[0077] 50 keys

[0078] 60 intake opening

[0079] 61 Air outlet

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for controlling a cooker hood (1) comprising a blower motor (2) and a control unit (3), characterized in that the control unit (3) controls the blower motor (2) in such a way that the input power of the blower motor (2) is kept constant in different states of the blower motor (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the input power is regulated by adjusting the speed of the blower motor (2) so that it is kept constant.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the control is carried out at least temporarily on the basis of an energy-constant characteristic curve which is stored in a storage unit (4) of the extractor hood device (1).

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method comprises the step of capturing an input.

5. Method according to claim 4, insofar as it refers back to claim 3, wherein the method comprises the step of determining an operating point (41) associated with the detected input from the characteristic curve (40).

6. Method according to claim 5, comprising the step of setting a motor parameter based on the determined operating point (41).

7. Method according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the characteristic curve (40) is a pressure-volume characteristic curve.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a user selects an energy constant control.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a value for the constant input power is specified by the user or is specified in the extractor hood. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the control unit (3) controls the blower motor (2) before reaching a predetermined input power, deviating from a constant input power. A method according to any one of claims 6 or 7 to 10, insofar as these are related back to claim 6, wherein the motor parameter is a speed of the motor or a torque of the motor. A range hood (1) comprising a blower motor (2) and a control unit (3) for the blower motor (2), characterized in that the range hood (1) is designed to carry out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A range hood (1) according to claim 12, wherein the range hood (4) comprises a storage unit (4) connected to the control unit (3). A range hood (1) according to any one of claims 12 or 13, wherein the range hood (1) comprises an input device (5) connected to the control unit (3).Extractor fan (1) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the blower motor (2) is an EC motor.

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