Range hood

Abstract

To provide a range hood capable of improving satisfaction of a user with respect to an automatic operation function.SOLUTION: A first adjustment part 21 adjusts a ventilation air amount of an exhaust fan 4 at four stages on the basis of a measurement temperature T based on the temperature detected by a temperature detection part 6 and preset three threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, Ave.3. A second adjustment part 22 adjusts the ventilation air amount of the exhaust fan 4 on the basis of the instruction from a user. In the case where the ventilation air amount of the exhaust fan 4 is switched by the second adjustment part 22, a record part 23 associates the measurement temperature T with the ventilation air amounts before switching and after switching and records them. An update part 24 updates the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, Ave.3 on the basis of the record of the record part 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a range hood that is installed above a cooking appliance and that sucks in oily smoke, odors, and the like that are generated during cooking and expels them outdoors. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a range hood equipped with an automatic operation function that determines the ambient temperature of the cooking appliance or the temperature of the food being cooked, compares it with a threshold temperature, and controls the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan (for example, Patent Document 1). The threshold temperature is set at the time of manufacture to a value determined in advance by the manufacturer through experiments, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-24446 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there was a problem that if there was a difference between the specifications of the automatic driving function, which is executed based on a predetermined threshold temperature, and the user's preferred usage, the user may not be satisfied with the automatic driving function.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a range hood that can improve user satisfaction with the automatic operation function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve this object, the range hood of the present invention is installed above a cooking appliance and includes an outlet section, an intake section, an exhaust fan, a temperature detection section, a first adjustment section, a second adjustment section, a recording section, and an updating section. The outlet section is connected to the outdoors. The intake section draws in airflow (air) generated by the exhaust fan. The exhaust fan is installed in an air passage connecting the outlet section and the intake section and exhausts the air drawn in from the intake section through the outlet section. The temperature detection section detects the temperature in an area including the surface of the cooking appliance. The first adjustment section adjusts the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan in multiple stages based on an index based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection section and one or more set thresholds. The second adjustment section adjusts the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan in multiple stages based on an instruction from a user. When the second adjustment section switches the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan, the recording section records the index and at least the ventilation airflow after the switch in association with each other. The updating section updates the threshold based on the record in the recording section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the range hood of the present invention, it is possible to improve the user's satisfaction with the automatic operation function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the range hood, and FIG. 2(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the first adjustment unit of the range hood. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a log recorded in the recording unit of the range hood, and Figure 3(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the identification symbols used in the log recorded in the recording unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the automatic operation learning mode process executed by the control unit when the range hood is in the automatic operation learning mode. [Figure 5]Figure 5(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for calculating the average value of the measured temperature when switching to a specified ventilation air volume by the calculation unit of the range hood, and Figure 5(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the updating of the threshold temperature by the update unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a required air volume table for the range hood. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a temperature and air volume table of the range hood. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a heating power / air volume table for the range hood. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each of the embodiments described below illustrates a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, etc., shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0010] First, the schematic configuration of a range hood R according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the range hood R. Fig. 2(a) is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the range hood R, and Fig. 2(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of a first adjustment unit 21 of the range hood R. Fig. 3(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a log recorded in a recording unit 23 of the range hood R, and Fig. 3(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining an identification symbol used in the log recorded in the recording unit 23.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the range hood R is installed above the cooking appliance 1 and sucks in oily smoke, odors, and the like generated during cooking and expels them outdoors. The range hood R has a main body 11 and a hood 12 provided below the main body 11 and facing the upper surface of the cooking appliance 1. The range hood R also has a discharge section 2, a suction section 3, an exhaust fan 4, a temperature detection section 6, an operation section 14, and a control section 7.

[0012] Discharge section 2 communicates with the outdoors from the inside of main body section 11. Intake section 3 is provided in hood section 12 and draws in air around cooking appliance 1. Exhaust fan 4 is provided in a ventilation passage inside main body section 11 that connects discharge section 2 and intake section 3, draws in air through intake section 3 and exhausts it from discharge section 2.

[0013] The temperature detection unit 6 is provided in the hood unit 12 facing the upper surface of the cooking appliance 1, and detects the temperature within a detection area (temperature within the area) that includes the surface of the cooking appliance 1. The temperature detection unit 6 is configured, for example, by a thermoelectric temperature sensor with a built-in monocular element.

[0014] The operation unit 14 is provided on the hood unit 12 and is configured with various buttons that accept operations from the user on the range hood R. The operation unit 14 has an operation button 14a and an air volume change button 14b.

[0015] The operation button 14a is a button that accepts commands to start and stop the operation of the range hood R. When the user presses the operation button 14a for a short period of time while the range hood R is not in operation, the range hood R enters an operating state and rotates the exhaust fan 4. Furthermore, when the user presses the operation button 14a for a short period of time while the range hood R is in operation, the range hood R enters a non-operating state and stops the rotation of the exhaust fan 4.

[0016] The operation button 14a also serves as a button for instructing the start and end of the "automatic driving learning mode," which will be described later. When the range hood R is in operation and not in the automatic driving learning mode, if the user presses the operation button 14a for a long period of time (a so-called "long press"), the "automatic driving learning mode" is started. On the other hand, when the range hood R is in operation and in the automatic driving learning mode, if the user presses the operation button 14a for a long period of time (a so-called "long press"), the "automatic driving learning mode" is ended.

[0017] The airflow change button 14b is a button that accepts changes to the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4. The ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4 can be adjusted in three stages: "weak," "medium," and "strong." The ventilation airflow relationship is "weak" < "medium" < "strong." When the user operates the airflow change button 14b when the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4 is "weak," the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4 is changed to "medium." When the user operates the airflow change button 14b when the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4 is "medium," the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4 is changed to "strong." When the user operates the airflow change button 14b when the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4 is "strong," the ventilation airflow of the exhaust fan 4 is changed to "weak."

[0018] The control unit 7 controls the operation of the range hood R. The control unit 7 is composed of a microcomputer which is a calculation device, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which stores programs and the like executed by the microcomputer, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) which temporarily stores data and the like used in executing the programs (none of which are shown).

[0019] The control unit 7 executes the program stored in the ROM to configure a first adjustment unit 21, a second adjustment unit 22, an instruction unit 25, a recording unit 23, and an update unit 24 shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0020] The first adjustment unit 21 automatically adjusts the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4. The first adjustment unit 21 adjusts the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 from a total of four levels, including three levels of "weak," "medium," and "strong," as well as "off," which stops the exhaust fan 4 and sets the ventilation air volume to 0 (zero).

[0021] First adjustment unit 21 receives information indicating the temperature within the detection area including the surface of cooking appliance 1, detected by temperature detection unit 6. From the received information, first adjustment unit 21 calculates, as measured temperature T, one of the temperatures related to cooking performed by cooking appliance 1, such as the ambient temperature of cooking appliance 1 and the temperature of the food being cooked in cooking appliance 1. When calculating the temperature of the food as measured temperature T, for example, the calculation method described in Patent Document 1 may be used. This measured temperature T corresponds to the "index" of the present invention.

[0022] The first adjustment unit 21 also has a plurality of threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 set therein. These threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 correspond to the thresholds of the present invention. These threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 are set at the time of manufacture to values ​​determined in advance by the manufacturer through experiments, etc. Furthermore, in the "autonomous driving learning mode," these threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 are newly calculated and updated through learning, which will be described later. In other words, the "autonomous driving learning mode" is a learning mode in which the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 are learned.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2(b), the first adjustment unit 21 adjusts the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 to "off" when the measured temperature T is less than the threshold temperature Ave.1. The first adjustment unit 21 adjusts the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 to "low" when the measured temperature T is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature Ave.1 and less than the threshold temperature Ave.2. The first adjustment unit 21 adjusts the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 to "medium" when the measured temperature T is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature Ave.2 and less than the threshold temperature Ave.3. The first adjustment unit 21 adjusts the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 to "high" when the measured temperature T is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature Ave.3.

[0024] If the user presses the operation button 14a of the operation unit 14 for a short period of time while the range hood R is not in operation, the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 is adjusted by the first adjustment unit 21, and the range hood R starts operating. Furthermore, even after the "automatic operation learning mode" is terminated in the range hood R and the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 are updated, the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 is adjusted by the first adjustment unit 21 using the updated threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3. Then, when the range hood R is in operation, the control unit 7 adjusts the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 by the first adjustment unit 21 unless the airflow rate change button 14b is pressed.

[0025] The second adjustment unit 22 adjusts the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 based on an instruction from the user generated by the user operating the operation unit 14. That is, when the user presses the air volume change button 14b of the operation unit 14, the second adjustment unit 22 changes the ventilation air volume as described above based on the previous ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4. Also, when the user presses the operation button 14a of the operation unit 14 for a short period of time while the range hood R is in operation, the second adjustment unit 22 changes the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 to "off," i.e., 0 (zero).

[0026] In this embodiment, once the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 is changed by the second adjustment unit 22, adjustment of the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 by the first adjustment unit 21 is not executed thereafter, and only the change in ventilation air volume by the second adjustment unit 22 is valid, until the user presses the operation button 14a for a short time to stop the operation of the range hood R, or until the "automatic operation learning mode" is ended.

[0027] The change in the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 by the second adjustment unit 22 may be enabled only during the "autonomous driving learning mode." In this case, the adjustment of the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 by the first adjustment unit 21 may be disabled during the "autonomous driving learning mode."

[0028] The instruction unit 25 instructs the recording unit 23 and the update unit 24 to start and end the "automatic driving learning mode" based on instructions from the user generated by the user operating the operation button 14a of the operation unit 14. That is, when the range hood R is in operation but not in the automatic driving learning mode, if the user presses the operation button 14a for a long period of time, the instruction unit 25 instructs the recording unit 23 and the update unit 24 to start the "automatic driving learning mode." Also, when the range hood R is in operation but in the automatic driving learning mode, if the user presses the operation button 14a for a long period of time, the instruction unit 25 instructs the stopping of the "automatic driving learning mode."

[0029] During the period from when the instruction unit 25 issues an instruction to start the "autonomous driving learning mode" to when the instruction unit 25 issues an instruction to end the "autonomous driving learning mode," whenever the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 is switched by the second adjustment unit 22, i.e., by the user, the recording unit 23 records a log such as that shown in FIG. 3(a) in RAM. That is, the date and time when the ventilation airflow rate was switched, the airflow rate before and after the switch, and the measured temperature T at the time of the switch are associated and recorded as a log. In FIG. 3(a), the ventilation airflow rate before and after the switch are directly recorded, but in reality, they are recorded in the log using identification symbols as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0030] In other words, if the ventilation air volume after switching is "off," the identification symbol "A" is recorded in the log if the ventilation air volume before switching was "weak," the identification symbol "B" is recorded if the ventilation air volume before switching was "medium," and the identification symbol "C" is recorded in the log if the ventilation air volume before switching was "strong."

[0031] In addition, if the ventilation air volume after switching is "weak," if the ventilation air volume before switching was "off," the identification symbol "D" will be recorded in the log; if the ventilation air volume before switching was "medium," the identification symbol "E" will be recorded; and if the ventilation air volume before switching was "strong," the identification symbol "F" will be recorded in the log.

[0032] In addition, if the ventilation air volume after switching is "medium," if the ventilation air volume before switching was "off," the identification symbol "G" will be recorded in the log; if the ventilation air volume before switching was "weak," the identification symbol "H" will be recorded; and if the ventilation air volume before switching was "strong," the identification symbol "I" will be recorded in the log.

[0033] When the air volume change button 14b is pressed multiple times in succession and the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 is changed in multiple stages, the recording unit 23 records the changes in the ventilation air volume before and after the predetermined time together in a log. The recording unit 23 determines that the air volume change button 14b has been pressed multiple times in succession if a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has not elapsed between the time the air volume change button 14b is pressed and the time the button is pressed again.

[0034] For example, when the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 is "high," pressing the air volume change button 14b twice in succession switches the ventilation air volume from "high" before the operation to "low" and then to "medium." In this case, the recording unit 23 records in the log the date and time when the final change in the ventilation air volume was made (in this example, when the ventilation air volume was changed to "medium"), the identification symbol "I" indicating the ventilation air volume "high" before the change and the ventilation air volume "medium" after the change, and the measured temperature T when the change was made to "medium," in association with each other.

[0035] However, if the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 is not changed as a result of pressing the air volume change button 14b three times in succession, the recording unit 23 does not record the change in the log.

[0036] When the instruction unit 25 instructs the end of the "autonomous driving learning mode", the update unit 24 determines new threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 based on the record (log) of the recording unit 23, and updates the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 set in the first adjustment unit 21. The update unit 24 includes a calculation unit 24a.

[0037] The calculation unit 24a calculates average values ​​as representative values ​​of the measured temperatures T when the ventilation air volume is switched to a predetermined value from the records (logs) of the recording unit 23. Specifically, the calculation unit 24a calculates an average value Ave.1 of the measured temperatures T when the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 is switched to "off," an average value Ave.2 of the measured temperatures T when the ventilation air volume is switched to "weak," and an average value Ave.3 of the measured temperatures T when the ventilation air volume is switched to "medium."

[0038] The update unit 24 updates the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, Ave.3 at which the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 is switched by the first adjustment unit 21 to the average values ​​Ave.1, Ave.2, Ave.3 calculated by the calculation unit 24a.

[0039] Next, the operation of the range hood R configured as above in the automatic operation learning mode will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the automatic operation learning mode process executed by the control unit 7 when the range hood R enters the automatic operation learning mode. Fig. 5(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for calculating the average value of the measured temperature T when switching to a predetermined ventilation airflow rate by the calculation unit 24a of the range hood R, and Fig. 5(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the updating of the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 by the update unit 24.

[0040] The automatic driving learning mode process is started by the microcomputer constituting the control unit 7 when the instruction unit 25 issues an instruction to start the "automatic driving learning mode."

[0041] 3(a) (S1). That is, as described above, in the process of S1, when the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 is switched by the second adjustment unit 22, the date and time when the ventilation air volume was switched, identification symbols indicating the ventilation air volumes before and after the switch, and the measured temperature T when the ventilation air volume was switched are associated with each other and recorded as a log in the recording unit 23.

[0042] The control unit 7 then determines whether or not there is an instruction from the instruction unit 25 to end the "autonomous driving learning mode" (S2), and if there is no instruction to end the "autonomous driving learning mode" (S2: No), repeats the process of S1. The control unit 7 that executes the processes of S1 and S2 constitutes the recording unit 23.

[0043] As a result of the processing of S2, if it is determined that an instruction to end the "autonomous driving learning mode" has been given by the instruction unit 25 (S2: Yes), the average value of the measured temperature T when the second adjustment unit 22 switched to a predetermined ventilation air volume is calculated for each ventilation air volume (S3). The control unit 7 that executes the processing of S3 constitutes the calculation unit 24a.

[0044] 5(a), the control unit 7 extracts, from the log recorded in the recording unit 23, the measured temperatures T at the time of switching that are associated with the identification symbols "A," "B," and "C," which are data indicating that the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 has been switched to "off" by the second adjustment unit 22, and calculates an average value Ave.1. The control unit 7 also extracts, from the log recorded in the recording unit 23, the measured temperatures T at the time of switching that are associated with the identification symbols "D," "E," and "F," which are data indicating that the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 has been switched to "low," and calculates an average value Ave.2.

[0045] In addition, from the log recorded in the recording unit 23, the measured temperature T at the time of switching is extracted, which is associated with the identification symbols "G," "H," and "I," which are data indicating that the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 has been switched to "medium" by the second adjustment unit 22, and the average value Ave.3 is calculated.

[0046] In addition, if the second adjustment unit 22 does not switch to one ventilation air volume during the "automatic driving learning mode" and there is no record of this in the log, in the processing of S3, the average value of the measured temperature T when switching to that one ventilation air volume is set to "N / A" to indicate that the average value is not available.

[0047] For example, if the log recorded in recording unit 23 is the one shown in FIG. 3(a), as shown in FIG. 5(a), an average value Ave. 1 of 47°C is calculated from three measured temperatures T (50°C, 30°C, 60°C) associated with the post-switch ventilation airflow rate "off" (identification symbols "A," "B," and "C"), and an average value Ave. 3 of 134°C is calculated from five measured temperatures T (100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 160°C, and 180°C) associated with the post-switch ventilation airflow rate "medium" (identification symbols "G," "H," and "I").

[0048] 3(a) and 5(a), the ventilation airflow rate is not switched to "weak" by the second adjustment unit 22 during the autonomous driving learning mode, and there are no logs associated with the identification symbols "D," "E," or "F" among the logs recorded by the recording unit 23. In such a case, the average value Ave.2 of the measured temperature T when the ventilation airflow rate was switched to "weak" is set to "N / A," indicating that it is unavailable.

[0049] After completing the process of S3, the control unit 7 updates the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 used in the first adjustment unit 21 to the new average values ​​Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 calculated in the process of S3 (S4). After completing the process of S4, the control unit 7 ends the autonomous driving learning mode process. The control unit 7 that executes the processes of S3 and S4 constitutes the update unit 24.

[0050] When the control unit 7 executes the processing of S4, if there is an average value of the measured temperature T for which "N / A" is set, the control unit 7 updates the setting so that the first adjustment unit 21 does not adjust the ventilation air volume after switching to the value corresponding to the average value of the measured temperature T for which "N / A" is set.

[0051] Specifically, if "N / A" is set as the average value Ave.1 of the measured temperature T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to "off," the first adjustment unit 21 updates the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 so that it is not adjusted to "off." In this case, the ventilation airflow rate is updated to "weak" in all cases where the measured temperature T is less than the threshold temperature Ave.2.

[0052] Furthermore, if "N / A" is set as the average value Ave.2 of the measured temperature T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to "weak," the first adjustment unit 21 updates the value so that it does not adjust the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 to "weak." In this case, the ventilation airflow rate is updated to "medium" in all cases where the measured temperature T is equal to or greater than the threshold temperature Ave.1 and less than the threshold temperature Ave.3.

[0053] Furthermore, if "N / A" is set as the average value Ave.3 of the measured temperature T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to "medium," the first adjustment unit 21 updates the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 so that it is not adjusted to "medium." In this case, the ventilation airflow rate is updated to "strong" in all cases where the measured temperature T is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Ave.2.

[0054] The processing of S4 will be explained using the examples shown in Figures 3(a) and 5(a). In this example, the processing of S3 calculates that the average value Ave.1 of the measured temperatures T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to "off" is 47°C, the average value Ave.2 of the measured temperatures T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to "low" is "N / A," and the average value Ave.3 of the measured temperatures T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to "medium" is 134°C. In this case, the processing of S4 updates the threshold temperature Ave.1 to 47°C and the threshold temperature Ave.3 to 134°C. Then, in the processing of S4, the first adjustment unit 21 is updated so that the ventilation air volume is not adjusted to "weak" by adjusting it to "off" when the measured temperature T is below the threshold temperature Ave.1=47°C, adjusting it to "medium" when the measured temperature T is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Ave.1=47°C and lower than the threshold temperature Ave.3=134°C, and adjusting it to "strong" when the measured temperature T is equal to or higher than the threshold temperature Ave.3=134°C.

[0055] The range hood R according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as above provides the following effects.

[0056] (1) The range hood R performs post-learning operation (automatic operation) in which the first adjustment unit 21 automatically adjusts the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 to one of four levels—off, low, medium, or high—based on the measured temperature T, which is based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 6, and the threshold temperatures Ave. 1, Ave. 2, and Ave. 3. Meanwhile, the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 can be changed based on instructions from the user by pressing the operation button 14a or the airflow rate change button 14b. This allows the exhaust fan 4 to be adjusted to a ventilation airflow rate that matches the user's preference, even if the exhaust fan 4 is operating at a ventilation airflow rate different from the user's preference in the post-learning operation.

[0057] When the ventilation airflow rate is switched by the second adjustment unit 22, the range hood R records in the recording unit 23 a log associating the measured temperature T at that time with at least the ventilation airflow rate after the switch. Based on the log, the control unit 7 updates the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 used by the first adjustment unit 21 using the update unit 24. This allows the first adjustment unit 21 to perform post-learning operation according to the user's preferences, thereby improving the user's satisfaction with the post-learning operation function.

[0058] (2) The update unit 24 includes a calculation unit 24a that calculates, from the log recorded by the recording unit 23, a representative value (average value) of the measured temperature T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to a predetermined value. The first adjustment unit 21 then updates the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 at which the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 is switched to the representative value calculated by the calculation unit 24a. In this way, the updated threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 are representative values ​​calculated from the measured temperature T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to the predetermined value, so that the first adjustment unit 21 can perform post-learning operation in accordance with the user's preferences with high accuracy. In particular, in the present embodiment, the average value is used as the representative value, so that the accuracy of the post-learning operation in accordance with the user's preferences by the first adjustment unit 21 can be further improved.

[0059] (3) The range hood R has an instruction unit 25 that, based on a user instruction, instructs the start and end of an automatic operation learning mode in which the threshold temperatures Ave. 1, Ave. 2, and Ave. 3 are learned. Furthermore, during the period from when the instruction unit 25 instructs the start of the automatic operation learning mode to when the instruction unit 25 instructs the end of the automatic operation learning mode, when the second adjustment unit 22 changes the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4, the recording unit 23 records a log that associates the measured temperature T at that time with at least the ventilation airflow rate after the change. This allows log collection only in the "automatic learning operation mode" set according to the user's intention. Therefore, the collected log represents information when the user operates the operation unit 14 to learn the threshold temperatures Ave. 1, Ave. 2, and Ave. 3 and changes the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 using the second adjustment unit 22. Therefore, the threshold temperatures Ave. 1, Ave. 2, and Ave. 3 are updated based on the log, allowing the first adjustment unit 21 to perform post-learning operation more in line with the user's preferences.

[0060] The control unit 7 may also be configured to include a determination unit (not shown).

[0061] The judgment unit judges dangerous conditions that may pose a risk to the user during post-learning operation. When the judgment unit judges a dangerous condition during post-learning operation, the control unit 7 performs safety operation to avoid the danger. Note that the user refers to the person using the range hood R and the person in the room where the range hood R is installed.

[0062] During post-learning operation, operation is performed based on the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 updated in the automatic operation learning mode. However, depending on the updated threshold temperatures, the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 may be insufficient to exhaust harmful gas components generated by cooking with the cooking appliance 1 outdoors. This may increase the airborne concentration of harmful gas components in the room where the range hood R is installed, potentially posing a risk to the user by reaching a dangerous concentration that could pose a health risk to humans. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a determination unit that determines whether or not the danger may arise from continued operation of the cooking appliance 1 and the range hood R, and to configure the control unit 7 to perform safety operation to avoid the danger. The airborne concentration of harmful gas components can be calculated using the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4, the amount of harmful gas components generated per unit time, and the duration of post-learning operation.

[0063] The first, second and third dangerous conditions are specific examples of dangerous conditions, and the safe driving corresponding to each of them will be described below.

[0064] When cooking with a stove that uses a fuel such as flammable gas as cooking appliance 1, carbon dioxide, a harmful gas component, is generated from cooking appliance 1 due to the combustion of the fuel. The amount of carbon dioxide generated per unit time varies depending on the combustion amount (heat setting) of cooking appliance 1. Furthermore, as the heat setting of cooking appliance 1 changes, the temperature within the area of ​​cooking appliance 1 also changes, so it is possible to predict the amount of carbon dioxide generated per unit time from the temperature detected by temperature detection unit 6.

[0065] The first danger condition occurs when, during post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21, the temperature detection unit 6 detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined danger temperature, and the exhaust fan 4 operates at an airflow rate lower than the predetermined minimum ventilation airflow rate for a predetermined first danger time. If post-learning operation is continued after the first danger condition is met, the airborne carbon dioxide concentration will reach a danger concentration. For example, the danger temperature is 200°C, the minimum ventilation airflow rate is set to "strong," and the first danger time is 15 minutes.

[0066] When the determination unit determines that the first dangerous condition exists, the control unit 7 switches from the post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21 to the first safety operation.

[0067] The first safety operation is to operate the exhaust fan 4 at a predetermined first forced exhaust air volume for a predetermined first required time. For example, the first forced exhaust air volume is set to "strong" exhaust air volume, and the first required time is 10 minutes. After the predetermined first required time has elapsed, the control unit 7 switches to post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21. The airborne carbon dioxide concentration that increased under the first dangerous condition is reduced by performing the first safety operation.

[0068] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the concentration of harmful gas components in the air in the room where the range hood R is installed from rising to a dangerous concentration that could pose a health hazard to humans during post-learning operation. This makes it possible to provide a safe range hood that can perform post-learning operation according to the user's preferences.

[0069] When cooking with the cooking appliance 1, it is assumed that the heat setting is low, the cooking time is long, and harmful gas components are generated from the food being cooked. For example, smoking cooking. In this cooking, the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 6 is low, so the first danger condition is not met and the first safety operation may not be performed. In this case, the airborne concentration of harmful gas components generated from the food being cooked continues to increase. Therefore, regardless of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 6 and the airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4, it is desirable to perform safety operation when the cooking appliance has been operated for a predetermined long period of time.

[0070] The second danger condition occurs when the first adjustment unit 21 continues the post-learning operation for a predetermined second danger time regardless of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 6 or the airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4. If the second danger condition is met and the post-learning operation is continued, the concentration of harmful gas components in the air will reach a dangerous concentration. For example, the second danger time is 60 minutes.

[0071] When the determination unit determines that the second dangerous condition exists, the control unit 7 switches from the post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21 to the second safety operation.

[0072] The second safety operation is to operate the exhaust fan 4 at a predetermined second forced exhaust air volume for a predetermined second required time. For example, the second forced exhaust air volume is set to "strong" exhaust air volume, and the second required time is five minutes. After the predetermined second required time has elapsed, the control unit 7 switches to post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21. The airborne concentration of harmful gas components that increased under the second dangerous condition is reduced by implementing the second safety operation.

[0073] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the concentration of harmful gas components in the air in the room where the range hood R is installed from rising to a dangerous concentration that could pose a health hazard to humans during post-learning operation. This makes it possible to provide a safe range hood that can perform post-learning operation according to the user's preferences.

[0074] The cooking appliance 1 may also be configured to include a heat setting unit (not shown) that allows the user to adjust the heat power to multiple levels, and an output unit (not shown) that outputs a signal (heat power signal) indicating which of the multiple levels of heat power the appliance is operating at, and the range hood R may also be configured to include a receiving unit (not shown) that receives the heat power signal output from the output unit. Note that the communication means for transmitting and receiving the heat power signal between the output unit and the receiving unit may be either wired or wireless, and can be selected as appropriate by the person practicing the invention.

[0075] The receiving unit is installed on the outer casing of the range hood R, receives the heating power signal from the output unit, and transmits information included in the heating power signal to the control unit 7.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 7 is provided with a required air volume table.

[0077] The required air volume table records the heating power signal for each stage in association with the required air volume corresponding to that signal. The required air volume is the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 that can be exhausted so as not to increase the air concentration of harmful gas components (e.g., carbon dioxide) generated by the cooking appliance 1 in the room where the range hood R is installed. If the exhaust fan 4 continues to operate at an air volume lower than the required air volume, the air concentration of harmful gas components in the room where the range hood R is installed will increase. Figure 6 is an example of a required air volume table.

[0078] The third danger condition occurs when, during post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21, the exhaust fan 4 operates for a predetermined third danger time at an airflow rate lower than the required airflow rate determined based on the heating power signal and the required airflow rate table. If post-learning operation is continued after the third danger condition is met, the exhaust fan 4 will operate at an airflow rate lower than the required airflow rate, causing the airborne concentration of harmful gas components to reach a dangerous concentration. For example, in the required airflow rate table of Figure 6, this occurs when the heating power signal is set to "medium" and the exhaust airflow rate is set to "small" for 30 minutes.

[0079] When the determination unit determines that the third dangerous condition exists, the control unit 7 switches from the post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21 to the third safety operation.

[0080] The third safety operation operates the exhaust fan 4 at a predetermined third forced exhaust air volume for a predetermined third required time. For example, the third forced exhaust air volume is set to "strong" exhaust air volume, and the third required time is five minutes. After the predetermined third required time has elapsed, the control unit 7 switches to post-learning operation by the first adjustment unit 21. The airborne concentration of harmful gas components that increased under the third dangerous condition is reduced by implementing the third safety operation.

[0081] With the above configuration, the required airflow table can be used to determine dangerous conditions for each of the multiple heating power levels. This prevents the airborne concentration of harmful gases in the room where the range hood R is installed from rising to a dangerous concentration that could pose a health risk to humans during post-learning operation. This makes it possible to provide a safe range hood that can perform post-learning operation according to the user's preferences.

[0082] The control unit 7 may also be configured to have an exclusion condition that is a condition under which the threshold value is not updated in the autonomous driving learning mode.

[0083] The exclusion condition is a condition in which, in the automatic operation learning mode, the exhaust fan 4 is operating at an air volume that is not sufficient to exhaust to the outdoors harmful gas components generated by cooking in the cooking appliance 1. When operating under the exclusion condition, the control unit 7 does not update the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3.

[0084] With the above configuration, the threshold temperature is not updated under the exclusion condition, so that in post-learning operation, the exhaust fan 4 does not operate at an air volume that is insufficient to exhaust to the outdoors harmful gas components generated by cooking in the cooker 1. This makes it possible to provide a safe range hood that can perform post-learning operation according to the user's preferences.

[0085] The first and second exclusion conditions, which are specific examples of the exclusion conditions, will be described below.

[0086] The first exclusion condition is that the exhaust fan 4 is operated at an air volume lower than a first required minimum air volume determined based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 6 and the temperature air volume table.

[0087] The temperature and airflow table records the temperatures detected by the temperature detection unit 6 in association with the first required minimum airflow rates corresponding to those temperatures, and is provided in the control unit 7. Fig. 7 is an example of the temperature and airflow table.

[0088] The first required minimum air volume is the lowest ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 that can be exhausted so as not to increase the air concentration of harmful gas components (e.g., carbon dioxide) generated from the cooking appliance 1 in the room where the range hood R is installed, and an air volume corresponding to each detected temperature of the temperature detection unit 6 is set.

[0089] With the above configuration, the control unit 7 does not update the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 under the exclusion conditions based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 6 and the temperature and airflow table. This makes it possible to provide a safe range hood that can operate after learning according to the user's preferences.

[0090] Next, the second exclusion condition will be explained.

[0091] The second exclusion condition is that the exhaust fan 4 operates at an airflow rate lower than a second minimum required airflow rate determined based on the multiple-stage heating power signal received by the receiver and the heating power airflow rate table. Figure 8 shows an example of the heating power airflow rate table.

[0092] The second required minimum air volume is the lowest ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 that can be exhausted so as not to increase the air concentration of harmful gas components (e.g., carbon dioxide) generated from the cooking appliance 1 in the room where the range hood R is installed, and the air volume corresponding to each of the multiple stages of the heat signal is set.

[0093] With the above configuration, the control unit 7 does not update the threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 under the exclusion conditions based on the multi-level heating power signal and heating airflow table received by the receiving unit. This makes it possible to provide a range hood that is safe and can operate after learning according to the user's preferences.

[0094] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is easily understood that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, each embodiment may be modified by adding or replacing a part or parts of the configuration of another embodiment with that embodiment. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​given in each of the above embodiments are merely examples, and other numerical values ​​may of course be adopted.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the first adjustment unit 21 compares the measured temperature T with three threshold temperatures Ave.1, Ave.2, and Ave.3 to adjust the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 in four stages. However, the number of stages to which the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 can be adjusted may be any number equal to or greater than two. Accordingly, the number of threshold temperatures compared with the measured temperature T may be one or any number greater than one.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the first adjustment unit 21 sets the threshold temperatures (Ave. 1, Ave. 2, Ave. 3) regardless of the current ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4. Alternatively, a different threshold temperature may be set for each current ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4. In this case, for each combination of the current ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 and the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 after the change, in other words, for each identification symbol shown in FIG. 3(b), the calculation unit 24a may calculate an average value of the measured temperature T when the second adjustment unit 22 changes the ventilation airflow rate from one ventilation airflow rate indicated by the identification symbol to another ventilation airflow rate. Then, each average value of the measured temperature T calculated for each combination of the current ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 and the ventilation airflow rate of the exhaust fan 4 after the change is set as the threshold temperature used by the first adjustment unit 21. This allows the first adjustment unit 21 to use threshold temperatures that more precisely reflect the user's preferences, thereby enabling the first adjustment unit 21 to perform automatic operation more in line with the user's preferences.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the calculation unit 24a calculates an average value as a representative value of the measured temperature T when the ventilation airflow rate is switched to a predetermined level from the log recorded by the recording unit 23. When calculating this average value, the maximum and minimum values ​​may be excluded from the calculation of the average value, or the standard deviation σ of the objects for which the average value is to be calculated may be calculated and objects for which the standard deviation does not fall within 3σ may be excluded from the calculation of the average value. This reduces the difference between the user's preference and the average value, thereby enabling automatic operation by the first adjustment unit 21 to be more responsive to the user's preference.

[0098] Furthermore, instead of the average value, the median value may be calculated as the representative value of the measured temperature T when the ventilation air volume is switched to a predetermined value. This eliminates the need for complex calculations, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 7 (microcomputer).

[0099] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which information indicating the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 before switching is also recorded in the log recorded by the recording unit 23, but the calculation of the average value by the calculation unit 24a according to the above embodiment does not require information on the exhaust fan 4 before switching. Therefore, in this case, the log recorded in the recording unit 23 does not need to include information indicating the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan 4 before switching.

[0100] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which information indicating the date and time when the ventilation airflow rate was switched is also recorded in the log recorded by the recording unit 23, but the information does not have to indicate the date and time. For example, a serial number may be used instead of the information indicating the date and time. [Industrial Applicability]

[0101] The range hood according to the present invention can improve user satisfaction with the automatic operation function, and is therefore useful not only for home use but also for commercial use in restaurants, hotels, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] R Range Hood 1 Cooker 2 Discharge part 3. Intake section 4 exhaust fans 6 Temperature detection unit 7 Control Unit 11 Main body 12 Hood section 14 Control section 14a Operation button 14b Air volume change button 21 1st adjustment section 22 2nd adjustment section 23 Recording Section 24 Update section 24a Calculation part 25 Instruction section

Claims

1. an intake portion for sucking air; a discharge part for communicating with the outdoors; an exhaust fan that guides air from the suction portion to the discharge portion; a temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature within the area; a first adjustment unit that adjusts the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan in multiple stages based on an index based on the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and one or more set threshold values; a second adjustment unit that adjusts the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan in the plurality of stages based on an instruction input; a recording unit that, when the second adjustment unit switches the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan, records the index in association with at least the ventilation air volume after the switch; an updating unit that updates the threshold value based on the record of the recording unit.

2. The range hood described in claim 1, characterized in that the update unit includes a calculation unit that calculates a representative value of the index when the ventilation air volume is switched to a predetermined ventilation air volume from the record in the recording unit, and updates the threshold value at which the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan is switched to the predetermined ventilation air volume by the first adjustment unit to the representative value calculated by the calculation unit.

3. The range hood according to claim 2, wherein the representative value calculated by the calculation unit is an average value of the index when the predetermined ventilation air volume is switched from the record of the recording unit.

4. an instruction unit that instructs the start and end of a learning mode for updating the threshold value based on an instruction input from a user; A range hood as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan is switched by the second adjustment unit during the period from when the instruction unit instructs the start of the learning mode to when the instruction unit instructs the end of the learning mode, the recording unit records the indicator in association with at least the ventilation air volume after the switch.

5. a control unit for controlling the operation of the exhaust fan; The control unit a post-learning operation in which the first adjustment unit adjusts the ventilation air volume of the exhaust fan after the threshold value is updated in the learning mode; a determination unit that determines a dangerous condition that may pose a risk to a user during driving after learning, The range hood according to claim 4, wherein, when the determining unit determines that the dangerous condition exists during the post-learning operation, a safety operation is performed to avoid the danger.

6. the danger condition is that the exhaust fan operates at an air volume lower than a predetermined minimum ventilation air volume for a predetermined first danger time in a state where the temperature detection unit detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined danger temperature, The range hood according to claim 5, wherein the safety operation is performed by operating the exhaust fan at a predetermined first forced exhaust air volume for a predetermined first required time.

7. the danger condition is that the post-learning operation is performed for a predetermined second danger time regardless of the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and the air volume of the exhaust fan, The range hood according to claim 5, wherein the safety operation is to operate the exhaust fan at a predetermined second forced exhaust air volume for a predetermined second required time.

8. a receiving unit that receives a signal indicating which of the multiple levels of heating power output from another device the device is operating at, The control unit includes a required air volume table that stores the signals of the plurality of heating power levels received by the receiving unit in association with the required air volumes corresponding to the signals, the danger condition is that the exhaust fan operates for a predetermined third danger time at an air volume lower than the required air volume determined based on the signal and the required air volume table, The range hood according to claim 5, wherein the safety operation is to operate the exhaust fan at a predetermined third forced exhaust air volume for a predetermined third required time.

9. The range hood according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit includes an exclusion condition that is a condition for not updating the threshold value in the learning mode.

10. the control unit includes a temperature and airflow table that stores an area temperature detected by the temperature detection unit and a first required minimum airflow rate corresponding to the area temperature in association with each other, The range hood of claim 9, wherein the exclusion condition is that the exhaust fan operates at an air volume lower than the first required minimum air volume determined based on the temperature in the area and the temperature air volume table.

11. The control unit an exclusion condition that is a condition under which the threshold value is not updated in the learning mode; a heating power airflow table in which the signals of the plurality of levels of heating power received by the receiving unit and second required minimum airflow rates corresponding to the signals are recorded in association with each other; The range hood of claim 8, wherein the exclusion condition is that the exhaust fan operates at an airflow rate lower than the second minimum required airflow rate determined based on the signal and the thermal power airflow rate table.

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