Range hood

Abstract

To provide a range hood that takes appropriate action on a cleaning tank when an error occurs during cleaning and prevents various problems from occurring.SOLUTION: A range hood comprises a fan, a fan casing, a cleaning tank, and a control unit. The fan is provided in the fan casing. The cleaning tank is detachably attached. The control unit executes a cleaning mode to control cleaning of the fan, and further comprises a cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor that detects attachment / detachment of the cleaning tank. The control unit determines the attachment / detachment of the cleaning tank based on detection information of the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor, and when the cleaning tank is attached after a predetermined period of time or more has passed since the cleaning tank was removed, determines that liquid supply work and / or liquid drain work has been performed on the cleaning tank.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a range hood.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, a range hood equipped with an automatic cleaning function for a fan is known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the cleaning function of the range hood according to the above-mentioned prior art, when an error occurs during cleaning, such as the tank that stores the cleaning liquid before use or the tank that stores the drained liquid after cleaning comes off, the control is insufficient. When an error occurs during cleaning, if appropriate measures are not taken for the tank, sufficient cleaning may not be possible, or it may cause malfunctions in the cleaning mechanism, fan, or fan casing, or there is a risk that the cleaning liquid or dirty liquid may leak from the range hood. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a range hood that does not cause the above problems when an error occurs during cleaning.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the range hood of the present invention includes a fan, a fan casing, a cleaning tank, and a control unit. The fan is provided inside the fan casing. The cleaning tank is detachably mounted, the control unit executes a cleaning mode that controls the cleaning of the fan, and further includes a cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor that detects the attachment / detachment of the cleaning tank, and the control unit, If an error occurs that requires the removal or attachment of the cleaning tank, the cleaning mode is stopped. Based on the detection information from the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor, the system determines whether the cleaning tank has been attached or detached. If the cleaning tank is attached after a predetermined time has elapsed since it was removed, the system determines that the cleaning tank has been refilled and / or drained. Then, restart the cleaning mode. It is characterized by doing ru.

[0006] Preferably, the control unit stops the cleaning mode when the cleaning tank can no longer be detected by the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor.

[0007] The cleaning tank includes at least a liquid supply tank, the liquid supply tank contains cleaning liquid, the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor includes at least a liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor, the cleaning mode has an introduction process of introducing the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply tank into the fan casing, and the control unit preferably stops the cleaning mode if the liquid supply tank can no longer be detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor during the introduction process.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit is equipped with a notification unit, and if the cleaning tank is detected again within a certain period of time after it has become undetectable by the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor, the control unit restarts the cleaning mode, and if it is not detected again within a certain period of time, the control unit terminates the cleaning mode and instructs the notification unit to issue a notification indicating that the cleaning tank should be processed.

[0009] The cleaning tank includes a liquid supply tank and a drainage tank, the liquid supply tank containing the cleaning liquid and the drainage tank containing the drained liquid after cleaning. The control unit terminates the cleaning mode prematurely if an error occurs that causes the cleaning mode to be terminated prematurely, and if the cleaning mode is terminated prematurely, it is preferable to instruct the notification unit to issue a notification suggesting that both the liquid supply tank and the drainage tank be drained.

[0010] The cleaning mode comprises multiple steps, and if an error occurs that causes one of the steps to stop, the control unit preferably stores the step in which the error occurred, stops the step in which the error occurred, and, upon determining that a recovery operation corresponding to the error has been performed, resumes the step from the beginning of the stored step or from the point in time when the stored step stopped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] With the above configuration, the present invention can provide a range hood that prevents the above-mentioned problems from occurring when an error occurs during cleaning. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] (a) is a view of the range hood 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention from the front, and (b) is a view of the same range hood 1 from the side. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of range hood 1, seen from the front. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the range hood 1, taken from the rear. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the range hood 1, seen from the side, showing the drain tank section. (a) is an overall view, and (b) is an enlarged view of the tank storage section 8. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 3. [Figure 6] (a) is a perspective view of the liquid supply tank 6, and (b) is a perspective view of the drainage tank 7. [Figure 7]It is a view of the tank storage part 8 seen from above, and the liquid supply tank 6 and the liquid discharge tank 7 are shown by phantom lines. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view of the range hood 1 seen from below. (a) shows the state where the lid part 62 is closed, and (b) shows the state where the lid part 62 is open. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the first and second modification examples of the range hood 1. (a) shows a configuration in which, in the range hood 1a which is the first modification example, a liquid discharge receiving part 82a separate from the tank storage part 8a is provided above the tank storage part 8a having an upper surface, and (b) shows a configuration in which, in the range hood 1b which is the second modification example, a liquid discharge receiving part 82a separate from the tank storage part 8b is provided above the tank storage part 8b not having an upper surface. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram of the control system 9 of the range hood 1. [Figure 11] It is a view of the operation part 14 of the range hood 1. [Figure 12] It is a view of the display part 15 of the range hood 1. [Figure 13] It is a view showing the sequence of optional cleaning. [Figure 14] It is a view showing the sequence of regular cleaning. [Figure 15] It is a view showing the sequence of long-term non-cleaning. [Figure 16] It is a view showing the sequence of re-cleaning. [Figure 17] It is a view showing a cleaning process table.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, the range hood 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate parts having the same function, and duplicate descriptions in each drawing are omitted as appropriate. The following describes in detail each component of the range hood 1, but the sections that are particularly relevant to the features of the present invention are

[0092] to

[0093] and

[0124] to

[0126] . Needless to say, there are also descriptions of the specific features of the present invention in other sections.

[0014] [Basic configuration of a range hood] As shown in Figure 1, the range hood 1 comprises a main body case 10, a flue member 2 provided inside the main body case 10, a fan casing 3 provided to communicate with the flue member 2, a fan 4 pivotally supported inside the fan casing 3, a nozzle 5 provided on the front surface 31 of the fan casing 3, and a liquid supply tank 6 and a drainage tank 7 provided below the fan casing 3 as cleaning tanks. Furthermore, the range hood 1 has an automatic cleaning function for the fan 4, and as will be described later, it is designed to operate automatically in various modes. Furthermore, the present invention also includes a range hood that automatically cleans a fan filter, which is an integrated fan and filter.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the main case 10 is composed of a hood section 11 with an opening at the bottom, a rectifier plate 12 provided at the lower end of the hood section 11, and a fan housing section 13 provided on the rear half side of the hood section 11 so as to protrude upward.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), the hood portion 11 is formed in a flat, concave shape with a downward-facing opening. As shown in Figure 1, the front end of the hood section 11 is provided with an operation section 14 for performing operations related to automatic cleaning and normal operation of the range hood 1, and a display section 15 for displaying various information.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2, 4(a), and 8, the rectifier plate 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape in plan view and is suspended within the opening of the hood portion 11, with a gap between it and the upper inner part of the hood portion 11, as well as a gap between it and the inner side of the hood portion 11.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4(a), the fan housing section 13 is formed in a box shape, and the fan casing 3 is built inside this fan housing section 13. Alternatively, a control unit 16 is located inside the fan housing 13, and this control unit 16 controls the automatic cleaning operation (cleaning mode).

[0019] [Configuration of flue components] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flue member 2 is provided on the front inside of the fan housing 13 so as to communicate with the intake port 30 of the fan casing 3, and is a member that guides oil mist, exhaust gas, etc. collected from the hood 11 toward the intake port 30. The flue member 2 is formed with a surface (rear surface) that communicates with the intake port 30 of the fan casing 3, a surface opposite to it (front surface), sides (left and right sides) that connect these two surfaces, and a surface (top surface) that closes the upper parts of the rear surface, front surface, and left and right sides.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the flue member 2 is inclined so that its left and right sides become narrower towards the top (tapering upwards), and the inclined portion on the left is a nozzle avoidance section 20 that avoids the nozzle 5 attached to the front surface 31 of the fan casing 3. The sloping portion on the right side is a guide surface 21 that guides oil mist, exhaust gas, etc., toward the intake port 30 of the fan casing 3, and an opening 22 facing the intake port 30 is provided on the inner rear surface.

[0021] The inclined nozzle avoidance section 20 is shaped and positioned so that the nozzle 5, which is provided to penetrate the front surface 31 of the fan casing 3, does not interfere with the nozzle 5, and also guides oil mist, exhaust gas, etc., toward the intake port 30 of the fan casing 3. The inclination angle is more preferably in the range of 20 to 70 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the nozzle avoidance portion 20 and the lower end of the guide surface 21 of the flue member 2 are connected to straight sections 201 and 211 that extend downward via corners 200 and 210, respectively. Furthermore, the upper surface 23 of the flue member 2 and the nozzle avoidance portion 20 are connected via a corner portion 231, and the upper surface 23 and the guide surface 21 are connected via a corner portion 232. The angles of corners 200, 210, 231, and 232 are preferably greater than 90 degrees, from the viewpoint of ensuring a high guide function for oil mist and exhaust gas towards the intake port 30 of the fan casing 3 and facilitating cleaning of corners 200 and 210. The straight sections 201 and 211 secure a collection space for oil mist and exhaust gas within the flue member 2, and also guide the oil mist and exhaust gas upwards.

[0023] The diameter of the opening 22 of the flue member 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the fan 4, allowing the fan 4 to be attached and detached from the front. Furthermore, the diameter of the opening 22 is large enough to accommodate the attachment of a bell mouth b (see Figure 4(a)). Furthermore, when bellmouth b is installed, the inner diameter of bellmouth b is smaller than the outer diameter of fan 4, preventing fan 4 from being attached or detached through opening 22. However, by removing bellmouth b, fan 4 can be removed.

[0024] The nozzle avoidance section 20 is located in a space above a plane that includes a surface formed by moving a virtual straight line (hereinafter referred to as the "virtual line"), which is an infinite extension of the central axis (rotation axis) 40 of the fan 4, in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction from left to right in the illustration, that is, the vertical direction of the vertical plane including the virtual line) in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction from left to right in the illustration). In other words, the nozzle avoidance section 20 is provided such that a portion of its upper part is located above the central axis 40 of the fan 4. Furthermore, the nozzle avoidance section 20 is provided such that the other part, which is continuous with the upper part at the same inclination angle, extends below the center of the flue member 2 (to the vicinity of the lower end of the flue member 2 in the illustration). In the illustration, the nozzle avoidance section 20 is formed as a plane at the same angle, but it is not limited to this shape; examples include a shape formed by connecting multiple planes at different angles, a curved surface, and so on. This allows for a wider opening at the bottom of the flue component, increasing the suction area and improving the suction function for oil fumes and exhaust gases. Furthermore, by widening the opening, it becomes easier to reach inside the flue component 2, thus facilitating cleaning. The position of the corner portion 210 of the flue member 2 is above the central axis 40 of the fan 4, but the position of this corner portion 210 may be positioned below the central axis 40 of the fan 4.

[0025] [Fan casing configuration] As shown in Figures 2 to 4(a), the fan casing 3 has an air intake port 30 on its front surface 31, an exhaust port 32 at the top, and a drain hole 33 at the bottom.

[0026] A mounting section 50 equipped with an upstream connection section 51 for the nozzle 5 is attached to the front surface 31 of the fan casing 3. The upstream connection section 51 for the nozzle 5 is mounted on the front surface of the mounting section 50 so that it is exposed from the fan casing 3, allowing the nozzle 5 to be attached, detached, cleaned, and replaced from the front.

[0027] The center of the air intake port 30 is positioned above the center of the flue member 2 in the height direction. This allows the air intake port 30 to be positioned above the flue member 2, making it easier to draw in oil mist, exhaust gas, etc. that have flowed above the opening 22 of the flue member 2. Furthermore, since the diameter of the air intake port 30 is smaller than the outer diameter of the bell mouth b, it is large enough to accommodate the bell mouth b. Furthermore, when bellmouth b is installed, the inner diameter of bellmouth b is smaller than the outer diameter of fan 4, preventing fan 4 from being attached to or detached from the intake port 30. However, by removing bellmouth b, fan 4 can be removed. Furthermore, in a front view, the center of the air intake 30 is located slightly to the right (one side) of the center of the range hood 1, which allows the exhaust 32 to be located near the left-right center of the range hood 1. The nozzle avoidance section 20 is located to the left (the other side), opposite to the aforementioned one side.

[0028] The drain hole 33 is located directly above the first storage recess opening 81a of the storage recess 80 of the tank storage section 8, allowing the drained liquid discharged from the drain hole 33 to flow down into the first storage recess opening 81a.

[0029] [Fan composition] The fan 4 has a horizontal central axis (rotation axis) 40 extending in the front-rear direction and is supported by a motor m within the fan casing 3. Driven and rotated by the motor m, it draws in oil mist, exhaust gas, etc. from the intake port 30 and forcibly transports them toward the exhaust port 32. The central axis 40 of the fan 4 is horizontal in the front-rear direction, but it may be inclined. The inclination angle is more preferably in the range of 45 degrees or less with respect to the horizontal plane. Alternatively, although the fan 4 is a sirocco fan, other types of fans may be used.

[0030] [Nozzle configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, nozzle 5 is for introducing the cleaning solution into the fan casing 3. The nozzle 5 is mounted so that its inlet 52 (see Figure 5) faces the inside of the fan casing 3 from the front surface 31 of the fan casing 3, which is exposed by the nozzle avoidance section 20, and sprays cleaning fluid from the inlet 52 toward the fan 4. In the present invention, the configuration is not limited to spraying the cleaning liquid from the inlet 52 of the nozzle 5 toward the fan 4, but may also be configured to flow the cleaning liquid from the inlet 52 of the nozzle into the fan casing 3. In this case, the cleaning solution is accumulated in the fan casing 3 to the extent that it comes into contact with a portion of the fan 4, and as the fan 4 rotates, the entire fan 4 is cleaned with the cleaning solution.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the upstream connection section 51 is connected to the connection port 60 of the liquid supply tank 6 via a pump p, and the pump p is used to spray the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply tank 6 towards the fan 4 from the inlet 52. The pump p is controlled by the control unit 16 to switch on and off during automatic cleaning.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the nozzle 5 is positioned diametrically outward from the outer circumference of the fan 4. This prevents the cleaning fluid from leaking out of the fan casing 3 through the intake port 30, even when the cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the rotating fan 4. Furthermore, the upstream connection section 51 and the inlet 52 are located in a space above the plane that includes the surface created by moving the central axis 40 of the fan 4 horizontally to the left and right (see Figure 3). In other words, the nozzle 5 is configured such that the upstream connection part 51 and the inlet 52 are located above the central axis 40 of the fan 4. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the inlet 52 of the nozzle 5 is located near the exhaust port 32 of the fan casing 3, specifically, in a front view, to the left (right in Figure 3) and above the central axis 40 of the fan 4.

[0033] This allows the nozzle 5's inlet 52 to be positioned above the fan casing 3, where less oil and other substances can drip down from the fan casing 3, thus reducing clogging caused by oil and other substances adhering to the inlet 52. Alternatively, the front of the fan casing 3 and the vicinity of the exhaust port 32 are suitable locations for the placement of the nozzle 5 because the pressure due to the rotation of the fan 4 tends to be lower there, thus having less impact on the spray from the nozzle inlet 52.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle 5 is provided with an induction hole 53 that draws air that has not passed through the flue member 2 into the fan casing 3 when the fan 4 is blowing air. It is preferable that the inlet 52 is located downstream of the airflow within the fan casing 3 during normal exhaust operation of the induction hole 53. During normal exhaust operation of range hood 1, air flows within the fan casing 3 due to the fan 4. Therefore, air (outside air) that has not passed through the flue member 2, which is drawn into the fan casing 3 from the intake hole 53, flows downstream of the intake hole 53, carried by the airflow generated by the fan 4. With the arrangement of the inlet 52 and intake hole 53 described above, clean air that has not passed through the flue member 2, which is drawn into the fan casing 3 from the intake hole 53, flows near the inlet 52. In other words, outside air passing near the inlet 52 prevents oil fumes and dust sucked into the fan casing 3 from coming into contact with the inlet 52, thereby preventing clogging of the inlet 52.

[0035] In this embodiment, during normal exhaust operation of the range hood 1 (forward rotation of the fan 4), air flows in the direction of the fan 4's forward rotation near the inlet 52 inside the fan casing 3. Therefore, the induction hole 53 is positioned in a location that is in the opposite direction of rotation of the fan 4 with respect to the inlet 52 (in Figure 5, it is below and to the right of the inlet 52). In other words, the attraction holes 53 are provided in the positions described below. First, on the inner surface of the fan casing 3 where the inlet 52 is provided, the inlet 52 is taken as the origin, the horizontal axis is the x-axis, and the vertical axis is the y-axis. Consider an xy coordinate system where, as viewed from the inner surface of the fan casing 3, the positive direction is the direction away from the fan 4 on the x-axis, and the positive direction is the upward direction on the y-axis. Next, on the inner surface of the fan casing 3 where the inlet 52 is provided, we consider a circle that passes through the inlet 52, which is a circle centered on the central axis 40 of the fan 4. We set a vector that lies tangent to this circle at the inlet 52 and points in the same direction as the reverse rotation direction of the fan 4, starting from the inlet 52. Furthermore, among the first to fourth quadrants of the xy coordinate system, the induction hole 53 is provided at a position within the quadrant where the above vector exists (in this embodiment, the fourth quadrant). Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the nozzle 5 is located near the exhaust port 32, air flows in the direction of the fan 4's forward rotation and upward toward the exhaust port 32 near the inlet 52 inside the fan casing 3. Therefore, it is even more preferable that the induction hole 53 be located on the side of the circle closer to the center of the circle than on the arc of the circle from the inlet 52 in the reverse rotation direction of the fan 4, within the fourth quadrant. Furthermore, it is preferable that the induction holes 53 be placed near the inlet 52, for example, within 10 cm, or even within 5 cm, of the inlet 52, so that sufficient outside air can be supplied to the vicinity of the inlet 52. This allows outside air to be drawn into the fan casing 3 through the induction hole 53 during normal exhaust operation (forward rotation of fan 4), and the drawn outside air can pass near the inlet 52.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the nozzle 5 is equipped with a first guiding projection 54 on the upper part of the inlet 52 and a second guiding projection 55 on the upper part of the induction hole 53.

[0037] The first guide projection 54 prevents oil, water droplets, etc. that drip down the wall surface inside the fan casing 3 after exhaust operation from entering the inlet 52. It is formed to surround the top and sides of the inlet 52 in order to guide the oil, water, etc. to flow downwards towards the fan casing 3, and is also formed so as not to interfere with the spraying of the cleaning fluid.

[0038] The second induction projection 55 prevents oil, water droplets, etc., that drip down the wall surface inside the fan casing 3 after exhaust operation from entering the induction hole 53. It is formed to surround the upper part and side of the induction hole 53 in order to guide them to flow downwards towards the fan casing 3.

[0039] The first guiding projection 54 prevents clogging of the inlet 52, ensuring reliable spraying of the cleaning solution, and the second guiding projection 55 prevents clogging of the draw hole 53, ensuring reliable draw-in of outside air. The nozzle 5 may also be mounted on the rear surface of the fan casing 3 (opposite the surface with the air intake) and near the exhaust port 32. This position is also suitable for the placement of the nozzle 52 because the pressure due to the rotation of the fan 4 tends to be low, thus minimizing the influence of spray from the nozzle 52's inlet. Furthermore, the induction holes 53, the first guiding projection 54, and the second guiding projection 55 may be provided on the fan casing 3.

[0040] [Fluid Tank Configuration] As shown in Figures 3, 7, and 8, the liquid supply tank 6 is detachably stored in a tank storage section 8 located below the fan casing 3 by opening an opening / closing lid 85 located on the underside of the range hood 1.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 7, the liquid supply tank 6 has the aforementioned connection port 60 on its rear side, and a suction path (not shown) extends from the connection port 60 into the interior of the liquid supply tank 6. The suction port (not shown), which is the end of the suction path, opens at the bottom of the liquid supply tank 6, allowing for almost complete suction out of the cleaning liquid inside the liquid supply tank 6. Furthermore, the top of the liquid supply tank 6 is provided with a liquid inlet 61 and a lid 62 for opening and closing the liquid inlet 61. The lid 62 can close the liquid inlet 61, thus preventing the cleaning solution from leaking out of the liquid inlet 61 when attaching or detaching the liquid supply tank 6 to the tank storage unit 8. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, a detection unit 63 is provided on the side of the liquid supply tank 6, which is detected by a liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa, which is a cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor provided in the tank storage unit 8. The liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa is, for example, a proximity sensor. The control unit 16 controls the sensor to detect the detection unit 63 when the liquid supply tank 6 is properly stored in the tank storage unit 8, and when this detection occurs, the sensor controls the pump p to operate. The detection unit 63 can use a magnet.

[0042] [Configuration of the drainage tank] As shown in Figures 3, 7, and 8, the drainage tank 7 is detachably stored in a tank storage section 8 located below the fan casing 3 by opening an opening / closing lid 85 located on the underside of the range hood 1.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, a detection unit 73 is provided on the side of the drainage tank 7, which is detected by a drainage tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb located in the tank storage unit 8. The drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb is, for example, a proximity sensor, and is controlled by the control unit 16 to detect the detection unit 73 when the drain tank 7 is properly stored in the tank storage unit 8. When this detection occurs, the pump p is controlled to operate. The detection unit 63 can use a magnet.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4, 6(b), and 7, a tank recess 71 is formed on the upper surface of the drainage tank 7, which is even more recessed than the upper surface of the drainage tank 7, and a drainage port 70 is formed in the tank recess 71. A wall section 72 is erected around the top surface of the drainage tank 7 to prevent the drainage liquid that flows from the fan casing 3 and is received on the top surface of the drainage tank 7 from leaking out from the surrounding area.

[0045] The drain port 70 is connected to the inside of the drain tank 7, and the received drain is allowed to flow down into the drain tank 7. As shown in Figure 6(b), the drain port 70 is provided at the bottom 710 of the tank recess 71 and has a first drain port 701 and a second drain port 702.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4(b) and 7, the first drain port 701 is located directly below the opening 81a of the first storage recess 80 in the tank storage section 8. The drained liquid from the drain hole 33 of the fan casing 3 passes through the opening 81a of the first storage recess 81a to the first drain port 701, and is then drained into the drain tank 7 from the first drain port 701. A packing 810 attached to the recessed opening 81a of the first storage section is in contact with the edge of the first drain port 701, preventing the drained liquid discharged from the recessed opening 81a of the first storage section to the first drain port 701 from leaking outside the first drain port 701. Here, the packing 810, while attached to the recessed opening 81a of the first storage section, has its upper end in contact with the area around the drain hole 33 of the fan casing 3, and its lower end in contact with the area around the edge of the first drain port 701 of the drain port section 70, thereby preventing leakage of drainage fluid in the drainage path from the drain hole 33 to the first drain port 701.

[0047] The second drain port 702 is positioned adjacent to the first drain port 701 on the front side, and is formed with a narrower front-to-back width than the first drain port 701.

[0048] The first drain port 701 and the second drain port 702 are connected in the front-rear direction by a connecting groove 703. Even if a large amount of liquid is suddenly drained from the first storage recess opening 81a of the storage recess 80 provided in the tank storage section 8 into the first drain port 701, which is waterproofed by contact with the lower end of the packing 810, the liquid is directed through the connecting groove 703 to the second drain port 702, ensuring that the liquid flows smoothly without backflow. The packing 810 of the recessed opening 81 of the storage section provides a certain degree of waterproofing effect even if it is separated from the edge of the first drain port 701 by a small distance, and the liquid can flow to the second drain port 702 through the connecting groove 703. However, to obtain a reliable waterproofing effect, it is preferable that the packing 810 of the recessed opening 81 of the storage section is in contact with the first drain port 701.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the tank recess 71 has inclined surfaces 711, 712, 713, and 714 that extend from the upper perimeter towards the bottom 710, guiding the drained liquid from the outside of the tank recess 71 towards the bottom 710. Even if a large amount of drained liquid flows in and cannot be completely drained through the second drain port 702, the drained liquid can be stored in the tank recess 71, allowing it to flow into the drain tank 7.

[0050] Of the inclined surfaces 711, 712, 713, and 714, the rear inclined surface 711 has the gentlest and longest slope, so that even if the drained liquid flows to the rear, its momentum is gradually reduced and the drained liquid is smoothly guided toward the bottom 710. Furthermore, the bottom portion 710 is provided with an inlet groove 704 that connects from the rear inclined surface 711 to the first drain port 701. Even if the drained liquid flows to the rear inclined surface 711, it can be smoothly guided to the first drain port 701 through the inlet groove 704 without flowing back to the second drain port 702.

[0051] [Configuration of the tank storage area] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the tank storage section 8 is located on the lower side of the fan casing 3. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the tank storage section 8 is designed so that the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 can be detachably installed inside the tank storage section 8 from below the range hood 1 by opening the opening / closing lid 85 provided on the underside of the range hood 1. As shown in Figure 4(b), the tank storage section 8 has a drainage receiving section 82 on a part of the upper surface of the tank storage section 8, a storage section recess 80 is provided on the upper surface 820 of the drainage receiving section 82, and a storage section recess opening 81 is provided at the bottom of the storage section recess 80. Depending on the size and structure of the tank housing 8 and its positional relationship with the fan casing 3, it is also possible to make the entire top surface of the tank housing 8 into a drainage receiving section 82.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 and 4(b), the storage recess 80 is provided such that the first storage recess opening 81a, which serves as the storage recess opening 81, is located directly below the drain hole 33 of the fan casing 3, and is designed to receive most of the drainage liquid discharged from the drain hole 33.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 4, and 7, a second storage recess opening 81b is provided on the outside of the packing 810 of the storage recess 80, which serves as a storage recess opening 81 for draining water that has leaked from a source other than the drain hole 33 of the fan casing 3 into the tank recess 71. As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the second storage recess opening 81b is located inward from the upper outer circumference of the tank recess 71 of the drain tank 7 when viewed from the vertical direction, so that the drained liquid discharged from the second storage recess opening 81b flows outside the packing 810 and through the second drain port 702 to the drain tank 7. As shown in Figure 7, the first storage compartment recess opening 81a is positioned inward from the upper outer circumference of the tank recess 71 of the drainage tank 7 when viewed from above in a vertical direction, making it difficult for the drainage liquid discharged from the drainage hole 33 to flow onto the upper surface of the drainage tank 7 other than the tank recess 71. In this way, the wastewater received by the wastewater receiving section 82 is collected in the storage section recess 80 and then stored in the wastewater tank 7 through the storage section recess opening 81.

[0054] In addition, the drainage from the drainage hole 33 of the fan casing 3 may be drained into the drainage tank 7 via the first storage recess opening 81a of the storage recess 80, or it may be drained directly into the drainage tank 7 from the drainage hole 33 by piping or the like, or it may be drained into the drainage tank 7 by any other arbitrary drainage means.

[0055] The drainage receiving section 82 also serves as the upper surface of the tank storage section 8, separating the fan casing 3 side from the storage areas for the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7. If drainage fluid leaks from the fan casing 3, it may travel along the outer surface of the fan casing 3 to the bottom of the fan casing 3, then along the packing 810 to the recessed part 80 of the storage section, and may also drip from the outer surface of the fan casing 3, including the area around the bottom. Therefore, the upper surface 820 of the drainage receiving section 82 includes the area directly below the lowest part of the fan casing 3 and has an area capable of receiving leaked drainage from the fan casing 3. Furthermore, the upper surface 820 of the drainage receiving section 82 may be sloped downwards toward the recessed storage section 80, thereby facilitating the guidance of any leaked drainage onto the upper surface 820 of the drainage receiving section 82 into the recessed storage section 80.

[0056] In this type of tank storage section 8, the storage section recess 80 provided in the drainage receiving section 82 receives the drainage liquid discharged from the fan casing 3, thereby suppressing splashing of the drainage liquid onto the upper surface 820 of the drainage receiving section 82. Even if drainage leaks from the fan casing 3, the drainage receiving section 82 will receive the drainage, preventing it from leaking to the supply tank 6 or the drainage tank 7. In other words, it prevents the drainage from flowing into the drainage tank 7 and instead dripping from the range hood 1 onto the stove or onto cooking utensils on the stove. The drainage liquid that reaches the drainage receiving section 82 can be guided to the storage section recess 80 by the inclination of the upper surface 820 of the drainage receiving section 82, thus preventing any drainage liquid from remaining on the upper surface 820 of the drainage receiving section 82.

[0057] [Variation 1 of range hoods] Next, the range hood 1a of the modified example 1 will be explained based on Figure 9(a). The range hood 1a of this modified example 1 includes a drain receiving section 82a located on the lower side of the fan casing 3, and a tank storage section 8a located separately below the drain receiving section 82a. In other words, while the range hood 1 of the above embodiment had a drain receiving section 82 on the upper surface of the tank storage section 8, the range hood 1a of this modified example differs in that it has a drain receiving section 82a that is separate from the tank storage section 8a. The drainage receiving section 82a is located above the tank storage section 8a and is separated from the drainage tank 7 by the upper surface of the tank storage section 8a.

[0058] The tank storage section 8a is similar to the tank storage section 8 in that it includes a storage section recess 80 (including a storage section recess opening 81 which includes the first storage section recess opening 81a and the second storage section recess opening 81b) of the drainage receiving section 82, but differs in that it does not include the drainage receiving section 82 itself. In other words, the storage section recess 80 is provided on the upper surface of the tank storage section 8a. Therefore, the names and drawing numbers of each component of the tank storage section 8a are the same as those of the tank storage section 8, except for the drainage receiving section 82 and its upper surface 820. The liquid supply tank 6 and drainage tank 7 of range hood 1a are the same as the tank storage compartment 8, liquid supply tank 6, and drainage tank 7 of range hood 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the upper surface 820a of the drain receiving section 82a has the same configuration as the upper surface 820 of the drain receiving section 82 of the tank storage section 8, and includes the area directly below the lowest part of the fan casing 3, and has the capacity to receive any leaked drainage from the fan casing 3. A drainage receiving recess 83 (with the same configuration as the storage recess 80) is provided on the upper surface 820a of the drainage receiving section 82a, and a first drainage receiving recess opening 84a and a second drainage receiving recess opening 84b are provided at the bottom of the drainage receiving recess 83, which serve as drainage receiving recess openings 84.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9(a), the drainage receiving recess 83 is provided such that the first drainage receiving recess opening 84a is located directly below the drainage hole 33 of the fan casing 3, and is designed to receive almost all of the drainage discharged from the drainage hole 33. A packing 810a is attached to the first drain receiving recess opening 84a, the upper end of the packing 810a is in contact with the area around the drain hole 33 of the fan casing 3, the middle part is attached to the first storage recess opening 81a of the tank storage 8a, and the lower end is in contact with the area around the edge of the first drain port 701 of the drain port 70 of the drain tank 7. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9(a), the second drain receiving recess opening 84b is provided on the outside around the packing 810a of the drain receiving recess 83, allowing drainage leaking from anywhere other than the drain hole 33 of the fan casing 3 to be drained into the tank recess 71 via the second storage recess opening 81b.

[0061] In addition, the drainage from the drain hole 33 of the fan casing 3 may be discharged into the drain tank 7 via the first drain receiving recess opening 84a of the drain receiving recess 83, or it may be discharged directly into the drain tank 7 from the drain hole 33 via piping or the like, or it may be discharged into the drain tank 7 by any other drainage means.

[0062] [Another example of variation 1] (1) A simple configuration is also possible in which, instead of providing a storage recess 80 (including a storage recess opening 81 which includes the first storage recess opening 81a and the second storage recess opening 81b) on the upper surface of the tank storage section 8a, there is simply one opening large enough to allow the drainage from the drainage receiving recess opening 84 to pass through. Furthermore, it goes without saying that various other examples can be appropriately considered, taking into account the objective of reliably containing the drainage from the fan casing 3 into the drainage tank 7.

[0063] (2) Instead of providing a drain receiving recess 83 (including a drain receiving recess opening 84 which includes the first drain receiving recess opening 84a and the second drain receiving recess opening 84b) on the upper surface 820a of the drain receiving section 82a, a simple configuration is also possible in which an opening and an inclined surface extending from the periphery of the drain receiving section 82a toward the opening are provided so that the drainage from the fan casing 3 can be collected and flowed into the storage recess 80 of the tank storage section 8a. Furthermore, it goes without saying that various other examples can be appropriately considered in consideration of the objective of reliably containing the drainage from the fan casing 3 in the drainage tank 7.

[0064] The range hood 1a described above can be expected to have the same effects and benefits as the range hood 1 described above.

[0065] [Variation of range hood 2] Next, the range hood 1b of the modified example 2 will be explained based on Figure 9(b). The range hood 1b in this modification 2 differs from the range hood 1b in that, unlike the range hood 1, the tank storage section 8a has an upper surface, whereas the tank storage section 8b does not have an upper surface and is open at the top. The liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are detachably supported in a tank storage section 8b, which has an open top.

[0066] The range hood 1b described above can be expected to have the same effects and benefits as the range hood 1 mentioned earlier.

[0067] [Control mechanism] Figure 10 is a block diagram of the control system 9 that controls the operation of the range hood 1. The control system 9 includes a control unit 16, a liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa, a drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, a current sensor ps for measuring the drive current of the pump p, and a rectifier plate attachment / detachment sensor (not shown).

[0068] [Control Unit] The control unit 16 is a standard control system that includes a CPU 160, memory 161, timer 162, and the like. The CPU 160 is a processor that processes all information of the control system, and the memory 161 stores information such as the cumulative usage time of the range hood 1 and the progress of the cleaning mode. Additionally, timer 162 is used to measure the usage time of range hood 1, etc.

[0069] [Operation section] Figure 11 is a diagram of the control panel 14 of the range hood 1. The control unit 14 is located in a position easily accessible to the user, such as on the front of the range hood 1. The control unit 14 is equipped with multiple control buttons. The control buttons include an operation button, an airflow button, a residual operation button, a cleaning button, and a lighting button. Additionally, an LED lamp is installed above each button to indicate the operating status.

[0070] The power button switches the operation on and off when pressed. The LED lamp located above the power button lights up when the operation is on and turns off when the operation is off. Each time the fan speed button is pressed, the fan speed cycles through automatic, low, medium, high, automatic, and so on, with the corresponding LED lamps illuminating. The fan speed may also be configured to be continuously adjustable. For example, an increase button and a decrease button could be provided, with the fan speed continuously increasing when the increase button is pressed and continuously decreasing when the decrease button is pressed. Alternatively, a rotating knob could be provided, allowing the fan speed to be continuously increased or decreased by its rotation. When the residual operation button is pressed during operation, the system will continue operating for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes) before ending operation. The LED lamp on the residual operation button will light up during residual operation. The predetermined time may be selectable from multiple time options (e.g., 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc.). Pressing the cleaning button starts the cleaning mode (described later). The LED lamp on the cleaning button lights up when the cumulative usage time of range hood 1 reaches a predetermined time, blinks when the cleaning button is pressed to start cleaning, and turns off when cleaning is finished. When the light button is pressed, the light (not shown) installed in range hood 1 turns on, and when pressed again, it turns off. The LED lamp installed on the light button lights up while the light is on.

[0071] [Display] Figure 12 shows the display unit 15 of the range hood 1. A display unit 15 is provided in a location easily visible to the user, such as the front of the range hood 1. The display unit 15 uses a display device that displays information by illuminating LEDs on the back of a display panel on which translucent characters and symbols are arranged, with LEDs corresponding to each character and symbol. Figure 12 shows the state in which all characters and symbols on the display unit 15 are illuminated. In Figures 12 to 16, white characters indicate the illuminated state, and black characters indicate the unlit state. In addition, other display devices such as 7-segment LED displays and liquid crystal displays can also be used. Furthermore, a combination of these multiple types of display devices may be used.

[0072] The display unit 15 has letters and symbols such as "Cleaning," "Cleaning Complete," "Re-cleaning," "Filling," "Draining," "Tank Check," "Not Cleaned for a Long Time," "Error," "1," "2," and "3." The characters and displays on the display unit 15 can be used individually or in combination. For example, "Error" and "1", "2", and "3" can be used in combination. In this case, "1", "2", and "3" individually or in combination indicate an error code, and the nature of the error can be understood by referring to the explanation of the error indicated by the error code described in the instruction manual. For example, as described later, "Error" and "1" indicate that the drainage was not completed, "Error" and "2" indicate that the cleaning mode was terminated midway due to a liquid supply error, and "Error" and "3" indicate that the liquid supply tank 6 and drainage tank 7 were not reattached after being detached. Thus, the display unit 15 is used as a notification unit to notify of errors. In addition to the display unit 15, the notification unit can also use known notification means such as means for generating warning sounds like a buzzer, means for notifying errors by voice, or means for notifying errors by flashing light like a rotating beacon. These multiple notification means can also be used in combination as appropriate.

[0073] [Fluid tank attachment / detachment sensor, drain tank attachment / detachment sensor] The tank storage section 8 is equipped with a liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa and a drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb, which are cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensors for detecting the attachment / detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drain tank 7. The liquid supply tank 6 and the liquid drain tank 7 are equipped with magnets, which are the detection units 63 and 73, respectively, and the tank storage unit 8 is equipped with magnetic sensors, which are the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa and the liquid drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb. When the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are installed in the tank storage unit 8, the magnetic sensors in the tank storage unit 8 detect the magnets of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, turn ON, and detect that the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 have been installed. When the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are detached from the tank storage unit 8, the magnetic sensors in the tank storage unit 8 fail to detect the magnets of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, turn OFF, and detect that the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 have been detached.

[0074] [Other examples of liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensors and drainage tank attachment / detachment sensors] In addition, the following known sensors can also be used. A mechanical switch that detects the attachment or detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 when a portion of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 presses (or releases) the switch, and when the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are removed, a portion of these liquid supply tanks 6 and the drainage tank 7 releases (or presses) the switch.

[0075] An electrical sensor that detects the attachment or detachment of a liquid supply tank 6 and a drainage tank 7 by, when the liquid supply tank 6 and drainage tank 7 are installed, a portion of these tanks conducts (or disconnects) the circuit, and when the liquid supply tank 6 and drainage tank 7 are removed, a portion of these tanks conducts (or connects) the circuit.

[0076] A light sensor is installed in the tank storage section 8, and when the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are installed, a portion of these tanks blocks light, thereby detecting the attachment and detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7.

[0077] The liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are equipped with light-reflecting members, and light-emitting and light-receiving elements are installed in the tank storage section 8. When the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are installed, the light-reflecting members of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 reflect light from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element, thereby detecting the attachment and detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7.

[0078] A weight sensor that detects the weight of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, and detects the removal of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 by detecting that the weight can no longer be detected (the weight becomes almost 0) when the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are removed.

[0079] [Current Sensor] The pump p is equipped with a current sensor ps that measures the drive current of the pump p. The current sensor ps may also be provided on the control unit 16 that controls the pump p. The current sensor ps detects a large drive current when the load on pump p increases, and a small drive current when the load on pump p decreases. The current sensor ps is used as a pump load sensor to detect the operating load of the pump. When the pump load is light, the pump is running idle, and thus idle running is detected. In other words, when the pump load is light and the measurement value of the current sensor ps is lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 16 determines that the pump is running idle, and therefore the current sensor ps is used as an idle running detection unit. Pump p can be any known pump, such as a diaphragm pump.

[0080] [Other examples of idle detection units] In addition to the current sensor ps, dry running detection can also be performed by detecting the load on pump p by detecting the rotational speed of pump p or the torque of the rotational shaft of pump p, or by detecting the flow rate of the cleaning fluid, or by detecting the remaining amount of cleaning fluid in the supply tank 6 using a float.

[0081] [Rectifier plate attachment / detachment sensor] This sensor detects whether the rectifier plate 12 is attached to the range hood 1. It uses the same type of sensor as the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa and the drainage tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb, but a different type of sensor may be used.

[0082] [Range hood cleaning control] The control unit 16 can execute a cleaning mode to clean the range hood 1. When the cleaning button located on the control panel 14 of the range hood 1 is pressed, the cleaning mode is started. There are three cleaning modes available: optional cleaning, scheduled cleaning, and long-term no-cleaning. Optional cleaning is performed when the user chooses to clean the range hood 1 when its cumulative usage time is less than a predetermined notification value. This is initiated by pressing and holding the cleaning button (for approximately 2-4 seconds, for example, 3 seconds). Periodic cleaning is performed when the cumulative usage time is above a predetermined notification value but less than twice that value, and the user initiates cleaning periodically. This cleaning is started by briefly pressing the cleaning button on the control panel 14. When the cumulative usage time exceeds the predetermined notification value, the LED lamp on the cleaning button on the control panel 14 lights up to notify the user. A long-term uncleaned device will be cleaned when the cumulative usage time exceeds twice the specified notification value, the LED lamp on the cleaning button lights up, and an indicator showing that it has not been cleaned for a long time is displayed. The cleaning process starts when the user briefly presses the cleaning button.

[0083] The cumulative usage time is the total time the range hood 1 is in use, i.e., the time the fan 4 is running. The running time of fan 4 includes the time it is running for cooking or other ventilation purposes, as well as the time it is running when used for 24-hour ventilation operation. In addition, the cumulative usage time may not simply be the sum of the fan's running time, but rather a coefficient may be set according to the airflow and fan speed during operation, and the fan's running time may be multiplied by this coefficient and then summed up.

[0084] [Optional cleaning] Figure 13 shows the sequence of optional cleaning. Optional cleaning is initiated when the cumulative usage time of range hood 1 does not exceed a predetermined notification value and the LED lamp of the cleaning button on the control panel 14 is off. Optional cleaning is performed when the user notices dirt on range hood 1 or wants to clean it more frequently. First, as preparation for cleaning, cleaning fluid must be placed in the fluid supply tank 6. When the user removes the fluid supply tank 6 for this purpose, the fluid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa turns OFF, and the "Fluid Supply" and "Tank Confirmation" indicators on the display unit 15 light up. When the user puts cleaning fluid into the fluid supply tank 6 and reattaches the fluid supply tank 6 to its original location, the fluid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa turns ON, and the "Fluid Supply" and "Tank Confirmation" indicators on the display unit 15 turn OFF.

[0085] Upon confirming that the light has turned off, the user presses and holds the cleaning button on the control panel 14 for 2 to 4 seconds or more (for example, 3 seconds or more). This starts the cleaning mode, the LED lamp on the cleaning button on the control panel 14 changes to blinking, and the cleaning process begins. The cleaning process will be described later. When the cleaning process is complete, the LED lamp on the cleaning button on the control unit 14 lights up, the "Cleaning" indicator on the display unit 15 turns off, and the "Cleaning Complete," "Drainage," and "Tank Check" indicators light up. Once the user confirms that the cleaning process is complete, they remove the drain tank 7 (the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb turns OFF). After that, the user performs the draining work, such as discarding the used cleaning fluid accumulated in the drain tank 7 and cleaning the drain tank 7, and then reattaches the drain tank 7 to its original location (the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb turns ON). At this time, if the time from OFF to ON of the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb is less than a predetermined time (approximately 10 to 30 seconds, for example, 10 seconds), the control unit 16 determines that appropriate treatment has not been performed on the drain tank 7 and remains in standby mode with the "Cleaning Complete," "Drainage," and "Tank Confirmation" indicators on the display unit 15 lit. Meanwhile, the control unit 16 determines that the processing of the drain tank 7 is complete when the time from OFF to ON of the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb is longer than a predetermined time (approximately 10 to 30 seconds, for example, 10 seconds), and turns off the LED lamp of the cleaning button on the operation unit 14 and the "Cleaning Complete," "Drainage," and "Tank Confirmation" indicators on the display unit 15. Finally, the display unit 15 clears the accumulated usage time and the liquid supply error counter (described later), and then exits the cleaning mode.

[0086] [Regular cleaning] Figure 14 shows the sequence of periodic cleaning. Regular cleaning is initiated when the cumulative usage time of range hood 1 exceeds a predetermined notification value (but does not exceed twice the predetermined notification value) and the LED lamp of the cleaning button on the control panel 14 is lit. Periodic cleaning is performed when the user notices that the cleaning lamp on the control panel 14 has illuminated after the cumulative usage time exceeds a predetermined notification value, and the user decides to perform cleaning. The regular cleaning process is almost the same as the optional cleaning process described above, the main difference being that the cleaning button is pressed briefly rather than held down for 2-4 seconds or longer (for example, 3 seconds or more).

[0087] [Unwashed for a long period of time] Figure 15 shows the first half of the sequence during the long period of non-cleaning, and Figure 16 shows the second half of the sequence during re-cleaning. The state at the end of Figure 15, where the "Re-cleaning" indicator on the display unit 15 is lit (the LED lamp on the cleaning button on the operation unit 14 is also lit), and the state at the beginning of Figure 16, where the LED lamp on the cleaning button on the operation unit 14 is lit and the "Re-cleaning" indicator on the display unit 15 is lit, represent the same state. A "long-term uncleaned" cleaning is performed when the cumulative usage time exceeds a predetermined notification value, the LED lamp of the cleaning button on the operation unit 14 remains lit, and the cumulative usage time continues to accumulate until it exceeds a time longer than the predetermined notification value (approximately 1.5 to 3 times the predetermined notification value, for example, twice the predetermined notification value), and the "long-term uncleaned" indicator lights up. Long-term non-cleaning is performed when the user notices that the cumulative usage time exceeds twice the predetermined notification value and the "re-clean" indicator on the display unit 15 lights up, and decides to clean the device. The process for long-term non-cleaning is almost the same as the periodic cleaning process described above, but it differs significantly in that the cleaning process is performed twice. The control unit 16, similar to optional and scheduled cleaning, determines whether the drain tank 7 has been properly treated based on the time from OFF to ON of the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb. When the control unit 16 determines that the proper treatment has been performed, it turns off the LED lamp of the cleaning button on the operation unit 14, the "Cleaning Complete," "Drainage," "Tank Confirmation," and "Long-Term Uncleaned" indicators on the display unit 15, and turns on the "Re-clean" indicator.

[0088] When the user sees the "Re-cleaning" indicator on the display unit 15 illuminated, they add cleaning solution to the liquid supply tank 6 again and start the re-cleaning process. After the second cleaning cycle is completed, the user processes the drain tank 7. As a result, the control unit 16 determines from the time it takes for the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb to switch from OFF to ON that the drain tank 7 has been properly processed. It then turns off the LED lamp on the cleaning button on the operation unit 14, the "Cleaning Complete," "Drainage," and "Tank Confirmation" indicators on the display unit 15, clears the accumulated usage time and the liquid supply error counter (described later), and ends the cleaning mode.

[0089] While the above three modes have been described as cleaning modes, it goes without saying that you may set a different mode, and the contents of each mode can vary considerably.

[0090] [Washing process] Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating each step of the cleaning process. The cleaning process includes the following four steps, each of which includes various processes. • First step - Executing the liquid supply error determination process 1 • Second step - The process of performing cleaning process 1 • Third step - The process of executing the cleaning process 2 after the liquid supply error determination process 2. • Fourth step - Process to execute the discharge completion determination process, drying process, and drainage waiting process.

[0091] [Fluid supply error detection process 1] The liquid supply error determination process 1 is a process that checks whether cleaning liquid is being supplied from the liquid supply tank 6 to the pump p. The control unit 16 rotates the fan 4 in the forward direction at a low speed (clockwise when viewed from the front of the range hood 1). After confirming that the fan speed has stabilized at a predetermined speed, the control unit 16 drives the pump p for a predetermined time (approximately 2 to 4 seconds, for example, 3 seconds) to determine whether the cleaning solution has reached the pump p, that is, whether the pump p is supplying liquid normally. Furthermore, the liquid supply error detection process 1 in the first step also serves to lightly wet the entire fan 4 with cleaning solution.

[0092] When the control unit 16 determines that the liquid supply is being performed normally, it terminates the liquid supply error determination process 1. When the control unit 16 determines that a liquid supply error has occurred, it stops the fan 4 and pump p, stops the cleaning mode, lights up the "Liquid Supply," "Tank Check," and "Error" indicators on the display unit 15, and adds 1 to the liquid supply error counter, which counts the number of liquid supply error detections. The user removes the liquid supply tank 6 (the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa turns OFF), checks whether the liquid supply tank 6 contains the required amount of cleaning fluid, replenishes any missing cleaning fluid (liquid supply operation), and then reattaches the liquid supply tank 6 to its designated position (the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa turns ON). At this time, if the time from OFF to ON of the liquid tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa is less than a predetermined time (approximately 10 to 30 seconds, for example, 10 seconds), the control unit 16 determines that appropriate action has not been taken with respect to the liquid tank 6, and keeps the "Liquid Supply," "Tank Confirmation," and "Error" indicators on the display unit 15 lit, while also not driving the fan 4 and pump p. Note that other notification means (notification unit) may be used in addition to the display unit 15.

[0093] If the time from OFF to ON of the liquid tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa is longer than a predetermined time (approximately 10 to 30 seconds, for example, 10 seconds), the control unit 16 determines that appropriate action has been taken with respect to the liquid tank 6, turns off the "Liquid Supply," "Tank Confirmation," and "Error" indicators on the display unit 15, and restarts the liquid supply error determination process from the beginning. The liquid supply error determination process may be restarted from where it stopped.

[0094] The control unit 16 determines a liquid supply error using the measurement value of the current sensor ps (idle detection unit). If the measurement value of the current sensor ps falls below a predetermined threshold (first threshold) even once during a predetermined time (approximately 2 to 4 seconds, for example, 2 seconds), it is detected that the load on the pump p is light, and the control unit 16 determines that liquid supply is not being performed normally.

[0095] In this case, depending on the pump and current sensor ps used, variations in the measured values ​​may cause the control unit 16 to determine a liquid supply error simply because the current sensor's measured value temporarily falls below a predetermined threshold (first threshold), which may result in an inaccurate determination of the liquid supply error. Therefore, it may be possible to determine a liquid supply error more accurately if the control unit 16 determines a liquid supply error when the average value of the current measured values ​​over a predetermined period falls below a predetermined threshold, or when the current measured values ​​remain below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period.

[0096] Furthermore, the pump p is unstable at the beginning of operation, making it prone to liquid supply error detection. Therefore, if the control unit 16 waits for the pump p to stabilize (about 1-2 seconds, for example, 1 second) after the pump has started operating before beginning the detection, more stable liquid supply error detection can be performed. In this case, the liquid supply error was detected by using a current sensor ps as a pump load sensor to detect the load on pump p. However, the load on pump p can also be detected by detecting the drive speed or drive torque of pump p, or by directly detecting the flow rate of the cleaning fluid.

[0097] In the above-described system, the attachment and detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 was detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa to determine whether appropriate treatment had been performed on the liquid supply tank 6. However, a similar configuration can be used when the attachment and detachment of the cleaning tank is detected by the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor to determine whether appropriate treatment had been performed on the cleaning tank.

[0098] [Fluid supply error detection process 2] The liquid supply error detection process 2 is also a process that checks whether cleaning liquid is being supplied from the liquid supply tank 6 to the pump p. The fluid supply determination process 2 is almost the same as the fluid supply determination process 1, but differs in that the fan 4 is rotated in the reverse direction at high speed instead of rotating forward at low speed.

[0099] As described above, the attachment and detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 was detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa, and it was determined whether appropriate action had been taken with respect to the liquid supply tank 6. However, a similar configuration can be used when the attachment and detachment of the cleaning tank is detected by the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor, and it is determined whether appropriate action had been taken with respect to the cleaning tank.

[0100] [Modified versions of the liquid supply error detection processes 1 and 2] Even if the control unit 16 determines that a liquid supply error has occurred and stops the cleaning mode, and also lights up the "Liquid Supply," "Tank Check," and "Error" indicators on the display unit 15, the user may not notice for some reason. If the user fails to notice a liquid supply error and the cleaning mode remains stopped for a certain period of time, the cleaning process will be left incomplete. This can lead to problems such as the used or unused cleaning solution becoming damaged, or, if the cleaning solution is hot water, the cleaning solution cooling down. Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to terminate the cleaning mode prematurely.

[0101] Therefore, if it is determined that a liquid supply error has occurred, the liquid supply error will be notified for a predetermined time (approximately 1 to 3 minutes, for example, 2 minutes). If no action is taken to address the liquid supply error during this error notification period, i.e., if the liquid supply tank 6 is not detected to have been detached by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa, the cleaning mode will be terminated prematurely, and the error notification will also be terminated. Conversely, if the liquid supply tank 6 is detected to have been detached by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa during the error notification period, the liquid supply error determination process will continue. In this case, the condition is that the liquid supply tank detachment sensor 8sa did not detect the detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 during the error notification period. However, the condition may also be that the liquid supply tank detachment sensor 8sa did not detect the detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 within a predetermined time after the error determination, independently of the error notification period. In this case, the error notification period and the predetermined time after the error determination may be the same or different.

[0102] Furthermore, during the error notification period, or within a predetermined time after error detection, it is possible that after the detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 is detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa, the user may not reattach the liquid supply tank 6 for some reason, and a certain period of time may pass. In this case as well, the same problems as described above may occur. Therefore, in this case as well, it is preferable to terminate the cleaning mode midway. Therefore, if the detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 is detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa during the error notification period, and the attachment of the liquid supply tank 6 is not detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa during the error notification period, the cleaning mode is terminated prematurely, and the error notification is also terminated. Conversely, if the attachment of the liquid supply tank 6 is detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa during the error notification period, the liquid supply error determination process is continued (cleaning mode is restarted). In addition, the condition is that the liquid supply tank 6 was not detected being installed by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa during the error notification period. However, the condition may also be that the liquid supply tank 6 was not detected being installed by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa within a predetermined time after the error was detected, independently of the error notification period. In this case, the error notification period and the predetermined time after the error was detected may be the same or different. Furthermore, the condition may also be that the liquid supply tank 6 was not detected being installed by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa within a predetermined time after the liquid supply tank 6 was detected being detached by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa.

[0103] [Cleaning Process 1] Cleaning process 1 is the process of supplying sufficient cleaning solution to the fan to remove dirt. The control unit 16 rotates the fan 4 in the forward direction at a low speed (clockwise when viewed from the front of the range hood 1), and after confirming that the rotation speed has stabilized at a predetermined speed, it causes the pump p to be driven and stopped at predetermined intervals t1. After the control unit 16 has repeated the driving and stopping of the pump p for a predetermined time t2, it terminates the cleaning process 1.

[0104] [Cleaning Process 2] Cleaning process 2 is a process that removes dirt from the fan by blowing it away with the cleaning solution. The control unit 16 rotates the fan 4 in reverse at high speed (counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the range hood 1), and after confirming that the rotation speed has stabilized at a predetermined speed, it causes the pump p to operate repeatedly at predetermined intervals t3. After the control unit 16 has repeated the operation and stopping of the pump p for a predetermined time t4, it terminates the cleaning process 2.

[0105] [Discharge Completion Determination Process] The discharge completion determination process is a process that determines whether the unused cleaning solution remaining in the liquid supply tank 6 after cleaning by cleaning process 1 or cleaning process 2 has been discharged from the liquid supply tank 6. The control unit 16 rotates the fan 4 in the reverse direction at high speed (counterclockwise when viewed from the front of the range hood 1), and after confirming that the rotation speed has stabilized at a predetermined speed, it drives the pump p. The control unit 16 determines that discharge is complete if, within a predetermined time (approximately 30 to 90 seconds, for example, 60 seconds) from the start of the discharge completion determination process, the measured value of the current sensor ps falls below a predetermined threshold (this predetermined threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold) (i.e., it detects idle operation). Immediately after determining that discharge is complete, the control unit 16 stops the operation of the pump p and terminates the discharge completion determination process. At this time, even if the measured value of the current sensor ps falls below the predetermined threshold, no error notification using the display unit 15 is performed, unlike in the liquid supply error determination process 1 or liquid supply error determination process 2. In other words, the discharge completion determination process is executed at a time when liquid supply error determination process 1 or liquid supply error determination process 2 is not being executed. In other words, when dry running is detected, it means that the cleaning fluid in the supply tank 6 has been used up. Therefore, the pump p will continue to supply fluid at least until dry running is detected, but after dry running is detected, the pump p will not supply fluid.

[0106] However, if discharge is not determined to be complete even after a predetermined time (approximately 30 to 90 seconds, for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the discharge completion determination process, the control unit 16 stops the pump p at the end of the predetermined time (approximately 30 to 90 seconds, for example, 60 seconds) and terminates the discharge completion determination process. Preferably, the capacity of the liquid supply tank 6 is designed to be such that discharge is completed with ample margin during the discharge completion determination process (all the cleaning liquid in the liquid supply tank 6 is used) so that all discharge is completed within a predetermined time (approximately 5 to 30 seconds, for example, 10 seconds) since the start of the discharge completion determination process. If, despite using such a liquid supply tank, discharge is still not determined to be complete even after a predetermined time (approximately 30 to 90 seconds, for example, 60 seconds), it is possible that some kind of error has occurred, so the control unit 16 stops the pump p at the end of the predetermined time (approximately 30 to 90 seconds, for example, 60 seconds). At this time, there is a possibility that cleaning solution remains in the liquid supply tank 6. If cleaning solution remains in the liquid supply tank 6 and is left unattended, the cleaning solution may spoil, the cleaning solution may deteriorate the liquid supply tank 6, and the cleaning solution may be spilled when removing the cleaning tank to refill the liquid supply tank 6 before the next cleaning. Therefore, to alert the user, the "Liquid Supply," "Tank Check," "Error," and "1" indicators on the display unit 15 are illuminated.

[0107] The completion of drainage is determined using a current sensor ps (idle detection unit). The control unit 16 determines that drainage is complete if the measured value of the current sensor ps falls below a predetermined threshold at any point during a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds). In this manner, the pump p repeatedly delivers liquid until the idle detection unit detects idle operation. In this case, depending on the variability of the current sensor ps's measurement values, if the control unit 16 determines that discharge is complete simply because the current sensor ps's measurement value temporarily falls below a predetermined threshold, the determination of discharge completion may not be accurate. Therefore, it may be possible to determine discharge completion more accurately by determining it when the average value of the drive current measurement values ​​over a predetermined period falls below a predetermined threshold, or when the drive current measurement values ​​fall below a predetermined threshold for a certain period of time within the predetermined period, or when the drive current measurement values ​​remain below a predetermined threshold for the entire predetermined period.

[0108] Furthermore, the pump p may not operate stably at the beginning of its operation, making it prone to incorrect determination of discharge completion. Therefore, if the control unit 16 waits for the pump p to stabilize (about 1-2 seconds, for example, 1 second) after the pump has started operating before making a determination, a more stable determination of discharge completion can be made. Furthermore, while the determination of discharge completion was performed by detecting the load of pump p using a current sensor ps, similar to the determination of liquid supply errors, it can also be performed by detecting the load of pump p by detecting the rotation speed of pump p or the torque of the rotation shaft of pump p, as well as by detecting the flow rate of the cleaning liquid or by detecting the remaining amount of cleaning liquid in the liquid supply tank 6 using a float.

[0109] In addition to the above, the discharge completion determination process may also involve continuing to drive the pump p until discharge completion is determined without setting a predetermined time, or, to prevent backflow from the inlet, even if discharge completion is determined before reaching the predetermined time, the pump p may continue to drive until the predetermined time is reached, or until a specific process or step is completed.

[0110] [Drying process] The drying process is the process of drying the cleaned fan. After the discharge completion determination process is finished, the control unit 16 keeps the fan 4 rotating in reverse at high speed until a predetermined time has elapsed to dry the fan 4, and then stops the fan 4 after the predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time may be set as, for example, 120 seconds from the start of the discharge completion determination process, or as, for example, 60 seconds from the start of the drying process, or in any other way.

[0111] [Drainage waiting process] The drainage waiting process is the process of allowing the cleaning fluid remaining in the fan casing to flow down into the drainage tank. In the final step of the cleaning process, the control unit 16 confirms that the fan 4 and pump p have stopped, waits for a predetermined time (approximately 30 to 60 seconds, for example, 30 seconds) to allow the cleaning liquid remaining in the fan casing to flow into the drain tank 7, and then terminates the cleaning process.

[0112] [Changes in each process] The processes described above are merely examples, and the fan's rotation direction and speed, the pump's operating method (start and stop timing, operating time, etc.), thresholds, and other numerical values ​​in each of these processes can be designed as appropriate. Furthermore, during the cleaning process, a liquid supply confirmation process, i.e., a liquid supply error determination process, may be performed temporarily or continuously by detecting that the pump p is running dry.

[0113] [Drive the fan and pump] The following describes a cleaning process that combines the first four steps described above with the seven processes explained above, creating a single continuous process. When the first step, liquid supply error determination process 1, is started, the control unit 16 starts the fan 4 rotating forward at a low speed. Once the fan 4's rotation speed stabilizes, the pump p is driven for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the liquid supply error determination process 1 determines that liquid supply is being performed normally, the liquid supply error determination process 1 is terminated and the next step, the second step, cleaning process 1, is started. In the next step, the cleaning process 1, the fan 4 rotates forward at a low speed, just like in the liquid supply error determination process 1. Therefore, even when the liquid supply error determination process 1 is terminated, the fan continues to rotate forward at a low speed, and the cleaning process 1 of the second step is started, and the pump p is started to drive.

[0114] When the control unit 16 has driven the pump p for a predetermined time in the second cleaning process 1, it stops the pump p to end the second cleaning process 1 and starts the next third liquid supply error determination process 2. Unlike the cleaning process 1, the third liquid supply error determination process 2 involves high-speed reverse rotation. Therefore, at the end of the cleaning process 1, the fan 4 is temporarily stopped, and at the start of the liquid supply error determination process 2, it starts high-speed reverse rotation.

[0115] When the rotation speed of the fan 4 stabilizes, the control unit 16 drives the pump p for a predetermined time and then stops it. If the liquid supply error determination process 2 of the third step determines that the liquid supply is being performed normally, the liquid supply error determination process 2 is terminated and the next third step, the cleaning process 2, is started. In the next third step, the cleaning process 2, the fan 4 is rotated in reverse at high speed, just like in the liquid supply error determination process 2. Therefore, even when the liquid supply error determination process 2 is terminated, the fan is kept rotating in reverse at high speed, and the cleaning process 2 of the third step is started, and the pump p is started to drive.

[0116] When the control unit 16 has driven the pump p for a predetermined time in the third step, the cleaning process 2, it stops the pump p to end the third step, the cleaning process 2, and starts the next fourth step, the discharge completion determination process. In the fourth step, the discharge completion determination process, just like in the cleaning process 2, the fan 4 is rotated in reverse at high speed. Therefore, even at the end of the cleaning process 2, the fan 4 is kept rotating in reverse at high speed, and the discharge completion process of the fourth step is started, and the pump p is started to be driven.

[0117] When the control unit 16 determines that discharge is complete in the discharge completion determination process of the fourth step, or when a predetermined time has elapsed, it stops the pump p, terminates the discharge completion determination process of the fourth step, and starts the next fourth step, the drying process. In the drying process of the fourth step, as with the discharge completion determination process, the fan 4 is rotated in reverse at high speed. Therefore, even when the discharge completion determination process is terminated, the fan 4 is kept rotating in reverse at high speed, and the drying process of the fourth step is started.

[0118] When the drying process of the fourth step is completed, the control unit 16 starts the drainage standby process of the next fourth step. Since the fan 4 is not rotated during the drainage standby process of the fourth step, the fan 4 is stopped when the drainage standby process of the fourth step is completed, and the drainage standby process of the fourth step is started. In the fourth step, the drainage waiting process, neither fan 4 nor pump p is driven.

[0119] It is also possible to set up different processes other than those described above. Furthermore, the cleaning process is not limited to the combinations described above, and it goes without saying that a variety of cleaning processes can be set up by freely combining the various processes described above. Furthermore, each of the above processes may be executed simultaneously as a single process, as well as as multiple processes, or in any combination or manner.

[0120] [A variation of fan operation] Between each of the above-mentioned steps 1 through 4, or between each process, if the fan 4 rotates in the same direction, it is possible to move to the next step or process without stopping the fan 4, or to temporarily stop the rotation of the fan 4 at the end of each step or process. Alternatively, when fan 4 is driven continuously between processes or steps where the direction of rotation of fan 4 is the same, it is necessary to confirm that the rotation speed of fan 4 has stabilized at a predetermined speed at the initial start of rotation, but this confirmation can be omitted at the beginning of subsequent processes or steps.

[0121] [Other error detection processes] In addition to the liquid supply error detection process 1 and liquid supply error detection process 2, which are performed during the cleaning process, the following processes are set to be executed as needed during the cleaning mode: liquid supply error detection process 3, liquid supply tank / drain tank detachment detection process, rectifier plate detachment detection process, blockage error detection process, and motor error detection process. Needless to say, various other error detection processes can also be set as needed. Furthermore, the various error determination processes described above may be executed one at a time, multiple at a time, one or more error determination processes and one or more other processes that are not error determination processes may be executed simultaneously, or they may be executed in any combination or manner.

[0122] [Fluid supply error detection process 3] The liquid supply error detection process 3 is a process to terminate the cleaning mode prematurely if liquid supply errors detected multiple times during the cleaning mode by the liquid supply error detection process 1 or liquid supply error detection process 2, which may indicate a malfunction in pump p or a major error such as a leak of cleaning fluid from the piping between the liquid supply tank and the pump. When a liquid supply error is detected in liquid supply error detection process 1 and liquid supply error detection process 2, 1 is added to the liquid supply error counter. When the value of this liquid supply error counter reaches a predetermined value (approximately 3 to 5, for example, 3), the control unit 16 terminates the cleaning mode prematurely. However, if the cleaning mode is terminated midway, the control unit 16 will perform a liquid supply error detection and, in order to inform the user that the cleaning mode has been terminated midway, it may light up "Error" or "2" on the display unit 15 to prompt the user to process the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7. The user then sees the error message and takes action, such as dealing with the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, inspecting and repairing the equipment themselves, or requesting inspection and repair from a repair company.

[0123] [Interruption and Stopping] Furthermore, "interruption" of the cleaning mode means that the stopped cleaning mode will not be restarted ("restarting" here means that the control unit 16 starts the cleaning mode again, and it does not include the user pressing the "cleaning mode" button on the operation unit 14 to start the cleaning mode from the beginning). On the other hand, "stopping" in the liquid supply error determination process 1 and liquid supply error determination process 2, where the cleaning mode is stopped, is different from the fact that the cleaning mode may be restarted by the control unit 16 (but not necessarily). The same applies to "interruption" and "stop" as used below.

[0124] [Fluid supply tank / drain tank detachment determination process] The liquid supply tank / drain tank detachment detection process is a process that stops the cleaning process when it detects that the liquid supply tank 6 and drain tank 7 have become detached, that is, when the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa and the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb can no longer detect the liquid supply tank 6 and drain tank 7. The attachment and detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa and the drainage tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb, respectively. When the detachment of at least one of them is detected, the control unit 16 stops the cleaning process and stores the time of the stop (process, etc.) in the memory 161. After detecting the detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, and then detecting that they have been reattached, the control unit 16 resumes from the beginning of one of the processes from the 1st to 4th processes that was in operation at the time of the stop. In processes that consist of multiple steps, such as the 3rd and 4th processes, the system may resume from the beginning of the process that was in operation at the time of the stop. Alternatively, the system may resume from the point of the stop. The liquid supply tank / drain tank detachment determination process may be performed continuously during the cleaning mode, or it may be performed only at specific timings, for example, when cleaning liquid is being supplied from the liquid supply tank 6 to the nozzle 5 during the cleaning process (during the introduction process). Alternatively, the periods for executing the liquid supply tank detachment determination process and the drain tank detachment determination process may be set separately, such as executing the liquid supply tank detachment determination process during the installation process and continuously executing the drain tank detachment determination process during the cleaning mode.

[0125] Furthermore, if the user forgets to reattach the liquid supply tank 6 and drainage tank 7 after removing them, or if the liquid supply tank 6 and drainage tank 7 are not properly attached and become detached due to vibration during the cleaning process, the user may not notice that the cleaning process has stopped, and the cleaning process may remain stopped for a predetermined time or longer. In such cases, problems may occur, such as difficulty in removing dirt or, if hot water is used for the cleaning solution, the cleaning solution cooling down. Therefore, the control unit 16 should restart the cleaning mode from the beginning rather than restarting from where it stopped. For this reason, the cleaning mode may be terminated midway, and only if the tanks are reattached within the predetermined time may the process be restarted from the beginning of the process or the point at which it stopped. However, if the cleaning mode is terminated midway, the control unit 16 will determine that the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 have been detached, and to inform the user that the cleaning mode has been terminated midway, it is preferable to light up "Liquid Supply," "Drainage," "Tank Confirmation," "Error," and "3" on the display unit 15 to prompt the user to process the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7. The user then sees the error message, processes the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, and takes appropriate action, such as restarting the cleaning mode.

[0126] As described above, the attachment and detachment of the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7 are detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa and the drainage tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb, respectively, to determine whether appropriate treatment has been performed on the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7. However, a similar configuration can be used when the attachment and detachment of the cleaning tank is detected by the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor, and it is determined whether appropriate treatment has been performed on the cleaning tank.

[0127] [Rectifier plate detachment detection process] The rectifier plate 12 broadly covers the underside of the range hood 1, and if, for any reason, the cleaning solution leaks downward through the air intake 30 of the fan casing 3, it can receive the cleaning solution and prevent it from leaking further downward. If the rectifier plate 12 is detached, it will not be able to receive the cleaning fluid that has leaked downwards through the intake port 30 of the fan casing 3, and the cleaning fluid will end up dripping onto the stove or cooking utensils on the stove. Therefore, a rectifier plate detachment determination process can be provided, which involves the rectifier plate attachment / detachment sensor detecting the attachment / detachment of the rectifier plate 12 and stopping the cleaning mode if it is determined that the rectifier plate 12 has detached. As the rectifier plate attachment / detachment sensor, the same sensor as the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sa and the drain tank attachment / detachment sensor 8sb can be used. The rectifier plate detachment detection process may be performed continuously while the fan is running, continuously during cleaning mode, or only at specific timings.

[0128] In the rectifier plate detachment detection process, similar to the liquid supply tank / drain tank detachment detection process, if detachment of the rectifier plate is detected, the control unit 16 stops the cleaning process and stores the time of the stop (process, etc.) in the memory 161. After detecting the detachment of the rectifier plate, if it is detected that it has been reattached, the control unit 16 resumes from the beginning of one of the processes from the 1st to 4th processes that was in operation at the time of the stop. In processes that consist of multiple steps, such as the 3rd and 4th processes, the system may resume from the beginning of the process that was in operation at the time of the stop. Alternatively, the system may resume from the point of the stop. Furthermore, if the rectifier plate 12 is not properly installed and comes off due to vibration during the cleaning process, and the user does not notice that the cleaning process has stopped, and the cleaning process remains stopped for a predetermined time or longer, the control unit 16 may terminate the cleaning mode prematurely. The system may then restart from the beginning of the process or from the point of the stop only if the rectifier plate 12 is installed within the predetermined time. However, if the control unit 16 terminates the cleaning mode prematurely, the rectifier plate 12 detaches, and the display unit 15 lights up "Error," "1," or "2" to inform the user that the cleaning mode has been terminated prematurely. The user, upon seeing the error message, takes appropriate action, such as processing the liquid supply tank 6 and the drain tank 7, correctly installing the rectifier plate, and restarting the cleaning mode.

[0129] [Jump Error Detection Process] While the liquid supply error determination process 1 and liquid supply error determination process 2 determine whether or not the cleaning liquid has reached the pump p, the clogging error determination process determines whether or not the cleaning liquid has reached the pump p but is able to be delivered to the nozzle 5. In other words, the blockage error detection process determines whether the cleaning fluid sent from pump p is not being delivered properly due to blockages in the piping or nozzle 5. The blockage error detection process is performed during the cleaning process.

[0130] The blockage error detection process is almost the same as the fluid supply error detection process 1 and the fluid supply error detection process 2. However, while the fluid supply error detection process 1 and the fluid supply error detection process 2 make a determination when the measured value of the current sensor ps falls below a predetermined threshold (first threshold), the blockage error detection process makes a determination when the measured value of the current sensor ps exceeds a predetermined threshold (second threshold). Since blockages in the pipes or nozzle 5 cannot be easily repaired, the control unit 16 terminates the cleaning mode prematurely when a blockage error is detected. However, if the cleaning mode is terminated midway, the control unit 16 will determine that a blockage has occurred and will illuminate "Error," "1," and "3" on the display unit 15 to inform the user that the cleaning mode has been terminated midway, prompting them to process the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7. The user then sees the error message and takes action such as processing the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, inspecting and repairing the equipment themselves (for example, removing dirt attached to the nozzle inlet), or requesting inspection and repair from a repair company.

[0131] [Motor Error Detection Process] The motor error detection process determines errors in the motor m that drives the fan 4, and detects motor lock, such as when the fan 4 is stuck for some reason and the motor m does not rotate. Motor lock is determined by the drive current of motor m. The drive current of motor m is measured, and if it exceeds a predetermined threshold, a motor lock occurs and is determined to be a motor error. The motor error detection process may run continuously while fan 4 is running, or it may run only at specific times. If a motor error is detected, the control unit 16 terminates the cleaning mode prematurely. However, if the cleaning mode is terminated midway, the control unit 16 will perform a motor error detection and, in order to inform the user that the cleaning mode has been terminated midway, will light up "Error," "2," or "3" on the display unit 15 to prompt the user to process the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7. The user will see the error message and take appropriate action, such as dealing with the liquid supply tank 6 and the drainage tank 7, inspecting and repairing the equipment themselves, or requesting inspection and repair from a repair company.

[0132] [Variations in the cleaning process] The cleaning process is not limited to the four steps described above. The types of processes and the order in which they are executed are not limited to those described above. For example, there may be cleaning processes different from cleaning processes 1 and 2, there may be one or more cleaning processes, and various execution orders for multiple types of cleaning processes are possible. Furthermore, the liquid supply error detection process may be executed at specific timings, at predetermined intervals during the cleaning process, or continuously while cleaning processes such as cleaning process 1 and cleaning process 2 are being executed. Thus, various processes can run simultaneously in multiple locations.

[0133] Although the range hood 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, the aforementioned embodiments can be combined by utilizing each other's technologies, as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in their purpose, configuration, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0134] 1, 1a, 1b Range hood 10 Main unit case 11. Food section 12 Rectifier plate 13. Fan storage compartment 14 Control section 15 Display 16 Control Unit 160 CPU 161 memory 162 Timer 2 Flue members 20 Nozzle avoidance section 200 corner 201 Straight section 21 Guide surface 210 corner 211 Straight section 22 Opening 23 Top side 231 Corner 232 corners 3. Fan casing 30 Air intake 31 Front 32 Exhaust vents 33 Drainage holes 4 Fans 40 center axis 5 nozzles 50 Mounting part 51 Upstream connection 52 Inlet 53 Induction holes 54 First guidance convex section 55 Second guidance protrusion 6. Liquid supply tank 60 connection ports 61 Liquid supply port 62 Lid 63 Detected part 7. Drainage tank 70 Drainage port 701 First drain port 702 Second drain port 703 Connection groove 704 Inflow groove 71 Tank recess 710 Bottom 711 Slope 712 Slope 713 Slope 714 Slope 72 Wall 73 Detected part 8, 8a Tank storage section 80 Storage compartment recess 81 Storage compartment recess opening 81a First storage compartment recess opening 81b Second storage compartment recess opening 810, 810a packing 82, 82a Drainage receiving section 820, 820a Upper surface of drainage receiving section 82, 82a 83 Recessed section for receiving drainage fluid 84 Drainage receiving recess opening 84a First drainage receiving recess opening 84b Second drainage receiving recess opening 85 Opening and closing lid 8sa Liquid Tank Removal Sensor 8sb Drain Tank Removal Sensor b Bellmouth m motor p pump PS current sensor

Claims

1. It comprises a fan, a fan casing, a cleaning tank, and a control unit. The fan is provided inside the fan casing. The aforementioned cleaning tank is detachably mounted. The control unit executes a cleaning mode that controls the cleaning of the fan, Furthermore, it includes a cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor that detects the attachment / detachment of the cleaning tank, The control unit, If an error occurs that requires the removal or attachment of the aforementioned cleaning tank, the cleaning mode is stopped. A range hood characterized by determining whether the cleaning tank has been attached or detached based on detection information from the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor, and restarting the cleaning mode when the cleaning tank is attached after a predetermined time has elapsed since the cleaning tank was removed, and it is determined that the cleaning tank has been refilled and / or drained.

2. The range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit stops the cleaning mode when the cleaning tank can no longer be detected by the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor.

3. The cleaning tank includes at least a liquid supply tank, The aforementioned liquid supply tank contains cleaning liquid, The cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor includes at least a liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor. The cleaning mode includes an introduction process of introducing the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply tank into the fan casing. The range hood according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit stops the cleaning mode when the liquid supply tank can no longer be detected by the liquid supply tank attachment / detachment sensor during the introduction process.

4. Furthermore, it is equipped with a news department, The control unit, after the cleaning tank can no longer be detected by the cleaning tank attachment / detachment sensor, If detected again within a certain period of time, the cleaning mode will be restarted. The range hood according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that if detection is not performed again within a certain period of time, the cleaning mode is terminated and the notification unit is instructed to issue a notification indicating that the cleaning tank should be processed.

5. Furthermore, it is equipped with a news department, The aforementioned cleaning tank includes a liquid supply tank and a drainage tank. The aforementioned liquid supply tank contains cleaning liquid, The aforementioned drainage tank contains the drainage after cleaning. If an error occurs that causes the cleaning mode to terminate prematurely, the control unit terminates the cleaning mode prematurely. The range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that if the cleaning mode is terminated midway, the notification unit is instructed to provide notification indicating that drainage work should be performed on both the liquid supply tank and the drainage tank.

6. The aforementioned cleaning mode comprises multiple steps, If an error occurs that causes the aforementioned process to stop, The control unit stores the process in which the error occurred and stops the process in which the error occurred. The range hood according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, upon determining that a recovery operation corresponding to the error has been performed, it resumes from the beginning of the stored process or from the point in time when the stored process stopped.

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