Method and control unit for operating a mobile vapour extraction device for a cooking hob and vapour extraction device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a mobile fume extraction device (100) for a cooktop (105), wherein the mobile fume extraction device (100) has an interior (110) for guiding fumes (115), a fan (120) for generating an airflow, and a mounting plate (125) for placing on the heated cooktop (105), and comprises a step of issuing a prompt to a user, representing the movement of the mobile fume extraction device (100) onto the heated cooktop (105), responding to an operating signal representing the switching off of the fan (120) of the fume extraction device (100), and / or responding to a sensor signal representing a humidity level in the interior (110) of the fume extraction device (100), in order to remove moisture present in the interior (110) of the fume extraction device (100). dry.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control unit for operating a mobile vapor extraction device for a cooktop and a vapor extraction device according to the main claims.

[0002] Extractor hoods are usually positioned near sources of steam. During cooking, the moist steam becomes very warm, so that upon contact with a surface, a large temperature gradient occurs, causing the steam to condense.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved method and control unit for operating a mobile vapor extraction device for a cooktop, as well as an improved vapor extraction device.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method and a control unit for operating a mobile fume extraction device for a cooktop and by a fume extraction device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0005] The presented approach offers a way to easily and cost-effectively remove condensate from a fume extraction device.

[0006] A method for operating a mobile fume extraction device for a cooktop is presented, wherein the mobile fume extraction device comprises an interior for conveying fumes, a fan for generating an airflow, and a mounting plate for placement on the heated cooktop. The method includes a step of issuing a prompt to a user, representing the movement of the mobile fume extraction device onto the heated cooktop, responding to an operating signal representing the switching off of the fan of the fume extraction device, and additionally or alternatively responding to a sensor signal representing a humidity level in the interior of the fume extraction device, in order to dry any moisture present in the interior of the fume extraction device.

[0007] The extractor fan, also known as a range hood, is advantageously suited for use with standard household cooktops. This method improves the hygiene of the extractor fan, as moisture within it can be easily removed. The fan, for example, can be a type of ventilator whose rotation generates and directs an airflow. This allows the fumes to be carried along by the airflow, thus reducing odors. The user can be alerted to move the extractor fan onto the still-heated cooktop, for example, by a visual or audible signal. The fan can also remain switched on for a certain period after operation.Once this overrun time has elapsed, the fan can switch off automatically and issue the corresponding prompt. Advantageously, the presented approach allows, for example, the effective use of residual heat from the cooktop.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the method can include a step of controlling a heating device using the operating signal and additionally or alternatively using the sensor signal, in particular wherein, in the control step, the heating device can be activated when the sensor signal represents a humidity value greater than a threshold value, in order to heat the air in the interior. Advantageously, the heating device can be arranged on or in the mounting plate. The heating device can advantageously be designed (for example, as a heating element) to heat the air in the interior and thus dry any residual moisture in the interior. The threshold value can determine when the heating device is activated. Alternatively, the operating signal or the sensor signal can act as an activation trigger to start the heating device.

[0009] During the activation phase, the fan can also be controlled to reverse the fan's direction of airflow compared to an extraction process. Advantageously, the fan can be activated to dry components located within the fume extraction system, such as a filter.

[0010] Furthermore, during the dispensing step, the instruction can be issued to the user via a display device, a light source, and additionally or alternatively wirelessly to a mobile device. The display device can, for example, be a device display. The light source can, for example, be a light-emitting diode (LED). The mobile device can, for example, be the user's smartphone or tablet, which is paired or can be paired with the extractor hood.

[0011] The approach presented here further creates a control unit designed to execute, control, and implement the steps of a variant of the method presented here in appropriate devices. This embodiment of the invention, in the form of a device, also allows the underlying problem to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0012] The control unit can be configured to read input signals and use these input signals to determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as a discrete component or comprised of a discrete component.

[0013] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or control unit, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described herein.

[0014] Furthermore, a mobile fume extraction device for a cooktop is presented, wherein the mobile fume extraction device has an interior space for guiding fumes, a fan arranged in the interior space for generating an airflow to extract fumes, and a mounting plate for placement on a heated cooktop. The mounting plate is designed as a base to heat the air in the interior space in order to dry the components of the fume extraction device inside.

[0015] The extractor fan can be designed to be compact, making it easy for a user to store. While it can be advantageously used with a household appliance, the approach described here can also be applied to commercial or professional equipment. The cooktop for which the extractor fan can be used can be, for example, a glass-ceramic cooktop or, alternatively, an induction cooktop. One component of the extractor fan can be a filter designed to remove particles and, additionally or alternatively, odors from the cooking fumes. Convection heat can advantageously be used to dry the interior and the filter(s).

[0016] According to one embodiment, the mobile fume extraction device can include a sensor unit for detecting a humidity level in the interior and, additionally or alternatively, a heating device for drying the components located in the interior, or a control unit in one of the aforementioned variants, which is coupled to the fan, the sensor unit, and additionally or alternatively to the heating device. The sensor unit can, for example, be configured to measure the humidity present in the interior and to provide a corresponding signal as the sensor signal.

[0017] The heating element can comprise a heat-conducting material for transferring residual heat from the cooktop into the interior of the mobile extractor hood, particularly wherein the heating element can be arranged in or on the base plate. Advantageously, components of the extractor hood can be dried by convection. The heat required for this can advantageously be residual heat from the cooktop, which is transferred by the heating element into the interior.

[0018] Furthermore, the heating device can include a heating element to generate heat for drying the interior. Advantageously, the heating element can assist in drying the interior. This allows for targeted moisture removal and thus improves the hygiene of the device, as microbial growth can be prevented and odor formation avoided.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the fan can be designed as an axial fan. Advantageously, by designing the fan as an axial fan, the direction of the airflow can be changed.

[0020] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device; Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for operating a mobile fume extraction device; and Figure 6 is a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device 100 for a cooktop 105. The cooktop 105 is, for example, a glass-ceramic cooktop with resistive and / or inductive heating elements. The mobile fume extraction device 100 is hereinafter referred to simply as the fume extraction device 100 and can also be called a range hood. The fume extraction device 100 has an interior 110 for conveying fumes 115, a fan 120 arranged in the interior 110, and a mounting plate 125. The fan 120 is designed to generate an airflow for extracting the fumes 115. The fan 120 is, for example, an axial fan. The mounting plate 125 is designed to place the fume extraction device 100 on a heated cooktop 105.The mounting plate 125 is designed as a stand to heat the air in the interior 110 in order to dry components 130 of the vapor extraction device 100 in the interior 110.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the components 130 include, firstly, the fan 120, but also, for example, a filter 135 of the fume extraction device 100 for filtering intake air, such as fumes 115. When fumes 115 containing water vapor are extracted, evaporated liquid condenses, for example, on the filter 135, so that the filter 135 becomes wetted during operation of the fume extraction device 100. The fume extraction device 100 is therefore designed, in addition to its primary function of extracting fumes 115, to dry components 130 located in the interior 110.

[0023] To accomplish this, the fume extraction device 100, according to this embodiment, has a sensor unit 140 for detecting a humidity level in the interior 110 and / or a heating device 145 for drying the components 130 located in the interior 110, or a control unit 150, which is coupled, in particular, to the fan 120, the sensor unit 140, and / or the heating device 145. Accordingly, the sensor unit 140 is, for example, designed as a humidity sensor located adjacent to the filter 135. According to this embodiment, the filter 135 is arranged at an angle in the fume extraction device 100. The heating device 145, for example, has a heat-conducting material for conducting the residual heat of the cooktop 105 into the interior 110 of the mobile extractor hood 100 when the extractor hood 100 is placed on the cooktop 105, as described, for example, in at least one of the following figures.In particular, the heating device 145 is arranged in or on the mounting plate 125. Additionally or alternatively, the heating device 145 has a heating element for generating heat to dry the interior 110 when the extractor fan 100 is placed on the hob 105, as is also shown in . Figure 4 shown.

[0024] The control unit 150 is, for example, designed to control and / or execute a procedure for operating the mobile fume extraction device 100, as is the case, for example, in Figure 5 is described in more detail.

[0025] In other words, the mobile extractor hood 100, also known as a range hood, is moved onto the hot cooktop 105 after cooking. The base, described here as a mounting plate 125, is heat-conducting, so that the residual heat from the cooktop 105 is transferred to the mobile extractor hood 100 and rises by natural convection. This dries the extractor hood 100 and the filter 135. Additionally or alternatively, the extractor hood 100 has a heating element above the base 125.

[0026] More precisely, after the fan 120 is switched off, the user is prompted to place the mobile extractor hood 100 on a still-warm cooktop 105. This prompt is issued, for example, from the instruction manual, via an LED, or through an app. The sensor unit 140, which functions as a humidity sensor, in the mobile extractor hood 100 monitors the success of the drying process. For example, the user, or alternatively an automatic system, switches on the heating element after the fan 120 is switched off or after an evaluation by the sensor 140. If, for example, an axial fan is used in the mobile extractor hood 100, it can be rotated 180° for drying, thus reversing the airflow direction. This enhances heat convection.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device 100, which is described in Figure 1 The described vapor extraction device 100 corresponds to this. According to this embodiment, the vapor extraction device 100 is located in the same position next to the cooktop 105 as in Figure 1 According to this embodiment, a cooking process has ended and a cooking vessel placed on the cooktop has been removed. To remove the moisture contained in the steam extraction device 100, residual heat 200 from the cooktop 105 can be used. To carry out this drying process, the user is prompted to move the steam extraction device 100 onto the cooktop 105, which is symbolically represented in this embodiment for clarity.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device 100, which is described in the Figures 1 to 2The described vapor extraction device 100 corresponds to this. According to this embodiment, the mobile vapor extraction device 100 stands on the hob, so that the residual heat 200 is conducted through the mounting plate 125 into the interior 110 of the vapor extraction device 100.

[0029] According to the Figures 1 to 3 In the described embodiment, the mobile vapor extraction device 100 stands on the hob, so that the residual heat 200 is directed through the mounting plate 125 into the interior 110 of the vapor extraction device 100, where it dries components 130 of the vapor extraction device 100.

[0030] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a mobile fume extraction device 100 with a heating device 145, which has a heating element for generating heat in order to dry the interior 110 and thus all components 130 in the interior 110, in particular the filter 135.

[0031] Figure 5shows a flowchart of a method 500 for operating a mobile fume extraction device, which is used, for example, in at least one of the Figures 1 to 4 The described vapor extraction device corresponds to the method 500. Method 505 comprises a step 505 of issuing a prompt to a user, representing the movement of the mobile vapor extraction device onto the heated cooktop, responding to an operating signal representing the switching off of the vapor extraction device's fan, and / or responding to a sensor signal representing a humidity level inside the vapor extraction device, in order to dry any moisture present inside the vapor extraction device.

[0032] According to this embodiment, method 500 optionally includes a step 510 of controlling a heating element of the fume extraction device using a fan signal and / or a sensor signal. In particular, the heating element is controlled when the sensor signal represents a humidity value greater than a threshold value, in order to heat the air in the interior. Furthermore, optionally, in step 510 of the control process, the fan is also controlled to reverse the fan's direction of airflow compared to an extraction process for fumes.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the call to action in step 505 of the output process is issued to the user by means of a display device, a light source and / or wirelessly to a mobile device.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a control unit 150 according to an exemplary embodiment, as used, for example, in Figure 1as part of the extractor hood. The control unit 150 has an output unit 600 configured to issue a user instruction 605, which represents moving the mobile extractor hood onto the heated cooktop, responding to an operating signal 610, which represents switching off the extractor hood's fan, and / or responding to a sensor signal 615, which represents a humidity level inside the extractor hood, in order to dry any moisture present inside the extractor hood. The instruction 605 is issued to the user, for example, by means of a display device 620, a light source (LED) 625, and / or wirelessly to a mobile device 630.According to this embodiment, the control unit 150 additionally comprises a control unit 635, which is configured to additionally control a heating device 145 of the fume extraction system using the operating signal 610 and / or using the sensor signal 615, particularly when the sensor signal 615 represents a humidity value greater than a threshold value, in order to heat the air in the interior. Furthermore, the control unit 640 is optionally configured to additionally control the fan 120 of the fume extraction system in order to reverse the direction of airflow of the fan 120 compared to an extraction process of fumes.

Claims

1. Method (500) for operating a mobile fume extraction device (100) for a cooktop (105), wherein the mobile fume extraction device (100) has an interior (110) for guiding fumes (115), a fan (120) for generating an airflow, and a mounting plate (125) for placement on the heated cooktop (105), wherein the method (500) comprises the following steps: - issuing (505) a prompt (605) to a user, representing the movement of the mobile fume extraction device (100) onto the heated cooktop (105), in response to an operating signal (610) representing the switching off of the fan (120) of the fume extraction device (100), and / or in response to a sensor signal (615) indicating a humidity level in the interior (110) of the fume extraction device. (100) represents the purpose of drying any moisture present in the interior (110) of the fume extraction device (100).

2. Method (500) according to claim 1, comprising a step (510) of controlling a heating device (145) of the fume extraction device (100) using the operating signal (610) and / or using the sensor signal (615), in particular wherein in the step (510) of controlling the heating device (145) is controlled when the sensor signal (610) represents a humidity value that is greater than a threshold value in order to heat air in the interior (110).

3. Method (500) according to claim 2, wherein in step (510) of the control, the fan (120) is additionally controlled to reverse a conveying direction of the fan (120) compared to an extraction process of vapors (115).

4. Method (500) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (505) of output the action request (605) is output to the user by means of a display device (620), a light source (625) and / or wirelessly to a mobile terminal device (630).

5. Control unit (150) configured to perform and / or control the steps (505, 510) of the method (500) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units (600, 635).

6. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (500) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (150) according to claim 5.

7. Mobile vapor extraction device (100) for a cooktop (105), wherein the mobile vapor extraction device (100) has the following features: - an interior (110) for guiding vapors (130); - a fan (120) arranged in the interior (110) for generating an airflow for extracting vapors (130); and - a mounting plate (125) for placement on a heated cooktop (105), wherein the mounting plate (125) is designed as a stand to heat air in the interior (110) in order to dry components (130) of the vapor extraction device (100) in the interior (110) and the interior (110).

8. Mobile vapor extraction device (100) according to claim 7, comprising a sensor unit (140) for detecting a humidity level in the interior (110) and / or a heating device (145) for drying the components (130) present in the interior (110) or a control unit (150) according to claim 5, in particular coupled with the fan (120), the sensor unit (140) and / or the heating device (145).

9. Mobile vapor extraction device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the heating device (145) has a heat-conducting material for conducting residual heat (200) from the cooktop (105) into an interior (110) of the mobile vapor extraction device (100), in particular wherein the heating device (145) is arranged in or on or above the base plate (125).

10. Mobile vapor extraction device (100) according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the heating device (145) has a heating element for generating heat to dry the interior (110).

11. Mobile vapor extraction device (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the fan (120) is designed as an axial fan.

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