Vapour extraction device

Abstract

The invention relates to an extractor device (1) for extracting cooking fumes by means of an air stream (2), comprising a housing (3) having at least one air intake opening (4) and at least one air outlet (5) for the air stream (2), at least one fan (6) for generating the air stream (2), at least one separating element (7) arranged in the housing (3) in the air stream (2) for separating one or more components of the cooking fumes, in particular fat and oil, from the air stream (2), wherein the air stream (2) is guided in the housing (3) from the air intake opening (4) via the separating element (7) to the air outlet (5), and at least one controller (8) for controlling the fan (6), wherein a sensor module (9) is arranged in the air stream (2), wherein the sensor module (9) is provided for measuring the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air of the air stream (2) and / or the temperature,and / or to detect the humidity of the air of the air flow (2), wherein the sensor module (9) transmits detected measurement data via a signal transmission to the controller (8), wherein the controller (8) is configured to adjust the power of the fan (6) depending on the measurement data.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an extractor device for extracting cooking fumes by means of an air flow, comprising a housing which has at least one air intake opening and at least one air outlet for the air flow, at least one fan for generating the air flow, at least one separating element arranged in the housing in the air flow for separating one or more components of the cooking fumes, in particular fat and oil, from the air flow, wherein the air flow in the housing is guided from the air intake opening via the separating element to the air outlet, and at least one controller for controlling the fan.

[0002] Such an extractor hood is known from the prior art. The disadvantage of existing extractor hoods is that they do not offer the option of reliably controlling the fan's power based on the actual demand for extracting cooking fumes. Demand-based control of the fan's power saves energy and extends the fan's lifespan.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved extractor device which offers a demand-based, automatic control of the fan power and is easy to maintain and repair.

[0004] This object is achieved by an extractor device having the features of claim 1.

[0005] By arranging a sensor module in the air stream, the sensor module being designed to record the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air of the air stream and / or the temperature and / or the humidity of the air of the air stream, the sensor module transmitting recorded measurement data to the controller via a signal transmission, the controller being designed to adjust the power of the fan depending on the measurement data, reliable measurement data from the air stream can be recorded and the fan can be controlled based on this, i.e. as required. By arranging the sensor module between the separation element and the fan, the sensor module can be protected from contamination by components of the cooking vapors, in particular fat and oil, from the air stream, since these are already separated by the separation element upstream of the sensor module.The measurement of the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air flow, as well as the temperature and humidity of the air flow with the sensor module arranged in this way, still provides sufficient measurement data to the control system, which adjusts the fan's performance to the requirements for reliable extraction of cooking fumes. The measurement data recorded by the sensor module can be easily transmitted via signal transmission to the control system of the extractor hood, allowing the control system to adjust the fan's performance appropriately based on the measurement data from the sensor module.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can also be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner, thus demonstrating further embodiments of the invention.

[0007] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor module comprises a VOC sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The VOC sensor of the sensor module provides a simple way to determine the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air of the air stream.

[0008] The control system regulates the fan's power according to the intensity of the cooking fumes. The sensor module's preferably digital temperature sensor can be used to reliably determine the temperature of the airflow between the separation element and the fan. The sensor module's preferably digital humidity sensor can easily determine the moisture remaining in the air after the separation element. The combination of VOC sensor, temperature sensor and humidity sensor can enable the control system to draw comprehensive conclusions about the occurrence of cooking fumes and their cause, allowing the control system to adjust the power of the extractor fan to suit the actual requirements for efficient extraction of the cooking fumes. The measured data is evaluated in the control system and the extractor fan is controlled depending on the measured data and the fan level or speed is adjusted.The speed is adjusted accordingly to optimally extract the fumes above the hob.

[0009] Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the sensor module is designed to be replaced without tools. The tool-free replacement of the sensor module provides a simple way of renewing the sensors and repairing the extractor hood. The tool-free replacement of the sensor module can also be easily carried out by an end customer, meaning that customer service is not required for this task. The separately available sensor module has a limited service life and can be replaced after approximately 10 years, allowing the extractor hood to be used for longer. The sensor module is designed so that only the sensors are replaced with the module, meaning that other electronics in the extractor hood do not need to be replaced.This means that the control system, preferably designed as a microcontroller, an automatic on / off switch on the hob or an alarm device as well as other components of the extractor hood can continue to be used.

[0010] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to the fact that the signal transmission between the sensor module and the controller can be established via a manually detachable plug connection. The sensor module can be easily disconnected from the controller for replacement via the manually detachable plug connection. By subsequently connecting a new sensor module to the controller via the manually detachable plug connection, the signal transmission between the new sensor module and the controller can be restored when the sensor module is replaced.

[0011] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the sensor module is held in a sensor holder of the housing by magnetic force. The magnetic force between the sensor holder and the sensor module allows the sensor module to be easily secured in the sensor holder of the housing and can be easily replaced by hand without the need for tools. Alternatively, the sensor module can also be held in place by means of a bayonet lock or tabs for snapping into place on the sensor holder of the housing.

[0012] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the sensor holder has a receptacle that is adapted to the shape of the sensor module and designed to allow only one correct orientation of the sensor module in the receptacle according to the Poka-Yoke principle. Thanks to the defined orientation of the sensor module in the receptacle of the sensor holder, incorrect installation of the sensor module in the extractor hood device is impossible when the end customer replaces the sensor module.

[0013] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the sensor holder of the housing is magnetic and the sensor module has a magnet. The usually metallic housing of the extractor hood forms a sensor holder to which the magnet of the sensor module adheres well. Alternatively, the sensor module could also be magnetic and the sensor holder of the housing could have a magnet.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment provides that the sensor module is accessible after the separation element has been removed from the housing via the air intake opening or via a maintenance opening that can be closed with a flap. Access to the sensor module after the separation element has been removed from the housing provides a simple way to replace the sensor module via the air intake opening. Alternatively, a maintenance opening that can be closed with a flap can also be provided in the housing for replacing the sensor module.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control system is configured to deactivate the fan when the temperature of the air in the airflow detected by the sensor module exceeds a threshold. This allows the extractor fan to be reliably deactivated during cooking, for example, in the event of a grease fire, to prevent the airflow from further fanning the fire.

[0016] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which an alarm device is provided that is configured to trigger an alarm when the temperature of the air in the air stream exceeds the limit value. The rising temperature in the air stream can be used to detect a possible grease fire during cooking, and the end user can be warned of this via the alarm device, allowing prompt countermeasures to be initiated.

[0017] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the alarm device is designed for tool-free retrofitting. Tool-free retrofitting of the alarm device allows the end customer to retrofit the extractor hood with optional accessories.

[0018] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the alarm device is held in a housing sensor holder by magnetic force. The magnetic force between the alarm device and the sensor holder allows the alarm device to be easily attached to the housing sensor holder and can be easily retrofitted by hand without the need for tools. The housing sensor holder can be magnetic, and the alarm device can have a magnet. Alternatively, the alarm device could be magnetic, and the housing sensor holder could have a magnet. Alternatively, the alarm device can also be held in place by means of a bayonet lock or tabs for snapping into place on the housing sensor holder.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment provides that the sensor holder for mounting the alarm sensor is accessible after removing the separator element from the housing via the air intake opening or via a maintenance opening that can be closed with a flap. Access to the sensor holder after removing the separator element from the housing provides a simple way to retrofit the alarm sensor via the air intake opening. Alternatively, a maintenance opening that can be closed with a flap can be provided in the housing for retrofitting the alarm sensor.

[0020] A particularly advantageous embodiment is one in which the sensor holder has a mount that is tailored to the shape of the alarm sensor and is designed to allow only one correct orientation of the alarm sensor in the mount according to the Poka-Yoke principle. Thanks to the defined orientation of the alarm sensor in the sensor holder's mount, incorrect installation of the alarm sensor in the extractor hood is eliminated when the end customer retrofits the alarm sensor.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alarm device can be connected to the control system via a manually connectable plug connection or via a wireless connection. The manually detachable plug connection allows the alarm device to be easily connected to the control system during retrofitting.

[0022] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Corresponding objects or elements are provided with the same reference numerals throughout the figures. They show: Figure 1 shows an extractor hood according to the invention, Figure 2 shows the underside of the extractor hood, Figure 3 shows the sensor module in the sensor holder or the alarm device in the sensor holder, Figure 4 shows the sensor holder or the alarm device, Figure 5 shows the back of the sensor module or the alarm device, and Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the sensor module.

[0023] In the Figure 1Denoted by the reference numeral 1, an extractor device according to the invention is shown. The extractor device 1 serves to extract cooking fumes from above a hob. In the exemplary embodiment, the extractor device 1 is designed as an extractor hood. However, the extractor device can also be a hob extractor for extracting cooking fumes downwards. The cooking fumes are extracted from the extractor device 1 by means of an air flow 2, which is indicated by block arrows. For this purpose, the extractor device 1 has a housing 3, which has an air intake opening 4 and an air outlet 5 for the air flow 2. To generate the air flow 2, a fan 6 is located in the housing 3, which Figure 1can be seen, since a flap or a cover (not shown) has been removed from a maintenance opening 14 which can be closed with the flap or the cover. A separation element 7 is arranged in the housing between the air intake opening 4 and the fan 6 in the air stream 2. The separation element 7 serves to separate one or more components of the cooking fumes, in particular fat and oil, from the air stream 2. The air stream 2 is guided in the housing 3 from the air intake opening 4 via the separation element 7 to the fan 6 and is blown out of the housing 3 by the fan 6 via the air outlet 5. The extractor hood device 1 also has a controller 8 for controlling the fan 6 at different power levels, i.e. speeds for the drive motor of the fan 6. According to the invention, a sensor module 9 is arranged between the separation element 7 and the fan 6 in the air stream 2.This sensor module 9 can detect the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air of the air stream 2 and / or the temperature and / or humidity of the air of the air stream 2. The measurement data thus detected by the sensor module 9 is transmitted via signal transmission to the controller 8 of the extractor device 1. The controller 8 adjusts the performance of the fan 6 depending on the measurement data. This allows reliable measurement data to be recorded from the air stream 2, which provides information about the existing cooking fumes and their composition, and an optimal control of the fan 6, tailored to the currently generated cooking fumes, can be achieved. The shown arrangement of the sensor module 9 between the separation element 7 and the fan 6 protects the sensor module 9 from contamination by components of the cooking fumes, in particular grease and oil, from the air stream 2.Nevertheless, the measurement data from sensor module 9 still provides sufficient information about the current condition and current occurrence of cooking fumes to optimally control fan 6 to extract the cooking fumes. Despite the separation of oil and grease upstream of sensor module 9 in separation element 7, measurement data on the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air of air stream 2 and / or the temperature and / or humidity of the air of air stream 2 can still provide sufficient conclusions about the cooking fumes to appropriately control fan 8 to extract the cooking fumes. The measurement data acquired by sensor module 9 can be easily transmitted via signal transmission to control unit 8 of extractor device 1, so that control unit 8 adjusts the power of fan 6 appropriately depending on the measurement data from sensor module 9.The sensor module 9 can comprise a VOC sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor. The controller 8 can switch off the fan 6 if the temperature of the air in the airflow 2 detected by the sensor module 9 exceeds a limit value. This can prevent a grease fire from being further fanned by the airflow 2. An alarm device 15 can also be provided for the extractor hood 1, which emits an alarm if the temperature of the air in the airflow 2 exceeds the limit value. This allows a possible grease fire during cooking to be detected, and the end customer can be quickly warned via the alarm device 15, so that countermeasures can be initiated promptly. The sensor module 9 and the alarm device 15 are accessible via the lockable maintenance opening 14.The accessibility of the sensor module 9 and the alarm device 15 offers the possibility of easily replacing the sensor module 9 or the alarm device 15 if something is defective, or of retrofitting corresponding components in the extractor device 1.

[0024] The Figure 2 shows the extractor device 1 according to Figure 1 from below. The sensor module 9 is also visible after removal of the separating element 7 ( Fig. 1 ) from the housing 3 via the air intake opening 4.

[0025] In the Figures 3 to 5 the sensor module 9 in the sensor holder 11 or the preferably externally largely identical alarm transmitter 15 in the transmitter holder 16, which is preferably externally largely identical to the sensor holder 11. Both the sensor holder 11 and the transmitter holder 16 are designed as part of the housing 3 of the extractor device 1 and are preferably attached to the housing 3, as in Figure 1 shown, via fastening means 17 ( Fig. 3 ) is attached to the housing 3 of the extractor device 1. The signal transmission between the sensor module 9 and the control unit 8 is established via a cable using a manually detachable plug connection 10. The alarm transmitter 15 can also be connected to the control unit 8 via such a manually connectable plug connection or via a radio connection.

[0026] The Figure 4 shows the sensor module 9 or the preferably optically identical alarm device 15 according to Figure 3. Also visible is the sensor holder 11 or, preferably, the visually identical transmitter holder 16. The sensor module 9 can be replaced without tools. The alarm transmitter 15 can also be replaced or retrofitted without tools. For this purpose, both the sensor holder 11 and the transmitter holder 16 have a receptacle 12 in which the sensor module 9 or the alarm transmitter 15 is accommodated. The sensor module 9 and the alarm transmitter 15 can be easily removed by hand from these receptacles 12.

[0027] In Figure 5 the sensor module 9 or the preferably externally essentially identical alarm device 15 is designed according to Figure 4 can be seen. Also shown is the sensor holder 11 or the preferably identically designed transmitter holder 16. Both the sensor module 9 and the alarm transmitter 15 can be held in the sensor holder 11 or the transmitter holder 16 by magnetic force.

[0028] For this purpose, the sensor module 9 or the alarm transmitter 15 has a magnet 13 which adheres to the magnetic sensor holder 11 of the housing 3 or to the magnetic transmitter holder 16 of the housing 3 and can be easily removed by hand.

[0029] The sensor holder 11 has a receptacle 12 that is matched to the shape of the sensor module 9 and is designed to only allow one suitable orientation of the sensor module 9 in the receptacle 12 according to the Poka-Yoke principle. The transmitter holder 16 also has a receptacle that is matched to the shape of the alarm transmitter 15 and is designed to only allow one suitable orientation of the alarm transmitter 15 in the receptacle according to the Poka-Yoke principle. It is understood that the sensor module 9 and the alarm transmitter 15, which are externally largely identical, and the sensor holder 11 and the transmitter holder 16, which are externally largely identical, differ at least to the extent that, according to the Poka-Yoke principle, it is impossible for the alarm transmitter 15 to be accidentally arranged in the sensor holder 11 or the sensor module 9 in the transmitter holder 16.For this purpose, the shape of the cams 18 on the sensor module 9 and on the alarm transmitter 15 and the corresponding receiving holes 19 on the sensor holder 11 and on the transmitter holder 16 differ.

[0030] The Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the sensor module 9 according to the Figures 1 to 5 . In this view, a view into the nozzle 20 of the sensor module 9 is possible, so that the sensors 21 of the sensor module 9 arranged in the nozzle 20 can be seen. Reference symbol list

[0031] 1 Extractor 2 Air flow 3 Housing 4 Air intake opening 5 Air outlet 6 Fan 7 Separator element 8 Control 9 Sensor module 10 Plug connection 11 Sensor holder 12 Receptacle 13 Magnets 14 Maintenance opening 15 Alarm sensor 16 Sensor holder 17 Fasteners 18 Cams 19 Mounting holes 20 Nozzle

Claims

1. Extractor device (1) for extracting cooking fumes by means of an air stream (2), comprising - a housing (3) having at least one air intake opening (4) and at least one air outlet (5) for the air stream (2), - at least one arranged fan (6) for generating the air stream (2), - at least one separating element (7) arranged in the housing (3) in the air stream (2) for separating one or more components of the cooking fumes, in particular fat and oil, from the air stream (2), wherein the air stream (2) is guided in the housing (3) from the air intake opening (4) via the separating element (7) to the air outlet (5), and - at least one controller (8) for controlling the fan (6), characterized by thata sensor module (9) is arranged in the air flow (2), wherein the sensor module (9) is provided to detect the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the air of the air flow (2) and / or the temperature and / or the humidity of the air of the air flow (2), wherein the sensor module (9) transmits detected measurement data to the controller (8) via a signal transmission, wherein the controller (8) is set up to adjust the power of the fan (6) depending on the measurement data.

2. Extractor hood (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor module (9) comprises a VOC sensor and / or a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

3. Extractor hood (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensor module (9) is designed to be replaced without tools.

4. Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe signal transmission between the sensor module (9) and the control (8) can be established via a manually detachable plug connection (10).

5. Extractor hood (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (9) is held in a sensor holder (11) of the housing (3) by means of magnetic force.

6. Extractor hood (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor holder (11) has a receptacle (12) which is adapted to the shape of the sensor module (9) and which is designed to allow only a suitable orientation of the sensor module (9) in the receptacle (12) according to the Poka Yoke principle.

7. Extractor device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the sensor holder (11) of the housing (3) is magnetic and the sensor module (9) has a magnet (13).

8. Extractor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe sensor module (9) is accessible after removal of the separation element (7) from the housing (3) via the air intake opening (4) or via a maintenance opening (14) which can be closed with a flap.

9. Extractor device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller (8) is configured to switch off the fan (6) when the temperature of the air in the air flow (2) detected by the sensor module (9) exceeds a limit value.

10. Extractor device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that an alarm device (15) is provided which is designed to emit an alarm when the temperature of the air in the air stream (2) exceeds the limit value.

11. Extractor device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the alarm device (15) is designed to be retrofitted without tools.

12. Extractor device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in thatthe alarm transmitter (15) is held in a transmitter holder (16) of the housing (3) by means of magnetic force.

13. Extractor device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the sensor holder (16) for mounting the alarm sensor (15) is accessible after removal of the separating element (7) from the housing (3) via the air intake opening (4) or via a maintenance opening (14) which can be closed with a flap or a cover.

14. Extractor hood (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the sensor holder (16) has a receptacle adapted to the shape of the alarm sensor (15), which is designed to allow only a suitable orientation of the alarm sensor in the receptacle according to the Poka Yoke principle.

15. Extractor device (1) according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the alarm device (15) can be connected to the control unit (8) via a manually connectable plug connection or via a radio connection.

Images