Range hood

Abstract

To provide a range hood that determines an air volume in accordance with a use feeling of a user at the time of automatic operation.SOLUTION: A range hood includes: an exhaust blower 11; and temperature sensing means 8 for sensing temperature of a cooked object 6 at a top surface of a heat cooker 2, where a control unit 9 controls an air volume notch, the temperature sensing means 8 calculates a cooked object temperature T, and an air volume notch at the time of automatic operation is determined on the basis of a first temperature threshold TA and the cooked object temperature T. When the air volume notch is switched to manual operation, the first temperature threshold TA is changed in accordance with an amount of change in air volume notch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a range hood that senses the temperature of food on the upper surface of a cooking appliance and determines the air volume notch of a blower having a fan motor.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a range hood that calculates the food temperature from an infrared sensor and a temperature sensor and determines the air volume from the calculated food temperature.

[0004] This range hood has a blower whose air volume can be changed, an infrared sensor that detects the average temperature of the food temperature and the ambient temperature of the food on the upper surface of the cooking appliance, and a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the cooking appliance.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Conventional range hoods sense the temperature of food by temperature sensing means such as infrared sensors and temperature sensors, and automatically determine the air volume from the food temperature calculated based on the sensed temperature.

[0007] When operating automatically, the temperature threshold serving as a criterion for changing the air volume is a value determined in advance by experiments or the like by the manufacturer and is set at the time of manufacture.

[0008] If the airflow determined by this automatic operation does not match the user's (cook's) preference (too little airflow or too much airflow), the user will manually adjust it to their preferred level. In other words, there is a possibility that the user may not be satisfied with the airflow adjustment provided by the automatic operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above problems, a range hood is provided that includes a blower with a fan motor and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of food being cooked on the upper surface of a cooking appliance, wherein a control unit controls the airflow notch of the fan motor, the control unit calculates the food temperature T based on the food temperature sensed by the temperature sensing means, determines the airflow notch during automatic operation based on the first temperature threshold TA and the food temperature T, and if the airflow notch is switched manually, the first temperature threshold TA is changed according to the amount of change in the airflow notch when switching from automatic to manual operation. This achieves the intended objective. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the airflow according to the user's preferences, thus providing a range hood that allows users to be more satisfied with the airflow adjustment through automatic operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A schematic cross-sectional diagram showing a range hood according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Flowchart showing the processing flow of the range hood [Figure 3] Figure showing the same change in fn. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the processing flow of a range hood according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure showing the same change in fn. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The range hood according to the present invention is a range hood comprising a blower having a fan motor and a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of food being cooked on the upper surface of a cooking appliance, wherein the control unit controls the airflow notch of the fan motor, the control unit calculates the food temperature T based on the food temperature sensed by the temperature sensing means, determines the airflow notch during automatic operation based on the first temperature threshold TA and the food temperature T, and if the airflow notch is manually switched, the control unit changes the first temperature threshold TA according to the amount of change in the airflow notch when switching from automatic operation to manual operation.

[0013] This allows the airflow to be determined according to the user's preferences, resulting in a more satisfying user experience during automatic operation.

[0014] Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to lower the first temperature threshold TA if the change is positive, and to raise the first temperature threshold TA if the change is negative.

[0015] As a result, if the user feels the airflow is too low and manually increases it (changes it to a positive value), the first temperature threshold TA decreases, and the airflow is determined at a lower food temperature T. Conversely, if the user feels the airflow is too high and manually decreases it (changes it to a negative value), the first temperature threshold TA increases, and the airflow is determined at a higher food temperature T. This has the effect of giving the user greater satisfaction during automatic operation.

[0016] Alternatively, the control unit may have a memory unit, and the control unit may add the change amount to the memory unit and store it. If the cumulative value of the change amount stored in the memory unit becomes equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the first temperature threshold TA is lowered. If the cumulative value of the change amount stored in the memory unit becomes equal to or less than a second predetermined value, the first temperature threshold TA is raised.

[0017] As a result, when the user feels that the experience of the automatic driving does not suit them multiple times, the first temperature threshold TA will be changed. Thus, in the automatic driving that encompasses the ambiguity of the user experience, the user can obtain a greater sense of satisfaction.

[0018] Also, the second temperature threshold TB is a threshold different from the first temperature threshold TA. The control unit determines the air volume notch during automatic driving based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB, and the temperature T of the cooked food. It may be configured such that when the change amount is positive, the second temperature threshold TB is lowered, and when the change amount is negative, the second temperature threshold TB is raised.

[0019] As a result, when the user feels that the air volume is too small and manually increases the air volume (changes it to positive), the first temperature threshold TB decreases, and the air volume is determined at a lower temperature T of the cooked food. When the user feels that the air volume is too large and manually decreases the air volume (changes it to negative), the first temperature threshold TB increases, and the air volume is determined at a higher temperature T of the cooked food. Therefore, the user can obtain a greater sense of satisfaction during automatic driving.

[0020] Also, the second temperature threshold TB is a threshold different from the first temperature threshold TA. The control unit determines the air volume notch during automatic driving based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB, and the temperature T of the cooked food. It may be configured such that when the integrated value of the change amount stored in the storage unit becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the second temperature threshold TB is lowered, and when the integrated value of the change amount stored in the storage unit becomes equal to or less than the second predetermined value, the second temperature threshold TB is raised.

[0021] As a result, when the user feels that the experience of the automatic driving does not suit them multiple times, the first temperature threshold TB will be changed. Thus, in the automatic driving that encompasses the ambiguity of the user experience, the user can obtain a greater sense of satisfaction.

[0022] Alternatively, the control unit may be configured such that if the time the airflow notch is maintained when switched to manual operation exceeds a predetermined time, it adds the change amount to the memory unit and stores it, but if the time the airflow notch is maintained when switched to manual operation is less than the predetermined time, it does not add the change amount to the memory unit.

[0023] This provides a grace period for the user to determine whether switching to manual operation was an intentional operation or an error, resulting in an automated operation that takes the user's operability into account when adding changes to the memory.

[0024] Alternatively, the initial values ​​of the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB can be set arbitrarily by the user.

[0025] This eliminates the need to switch from automatic to manual operation to change the first and second temperature thresholds TA and TB. Instead, the first and second temperature thresholds TA and TB are changed from the start, allowing users to begin using the system in a state closer to the ideal user experience. As a result, users will experience greater satisfaction when using the system in automatic mode.

[0026] Alternatively, the second temperature threshold TB may be set to a different threshold from the first temperature threshold TA, the airflow notch may include a first notch and a second notch, the second notch may be set to a larger value than the first notch, the control unit may determine the airflow notch during automatic operation based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB and the food temperature T, and during automatic operation, the airflow notch may be set to the first notch when the food temperature T is below the first temperature threshold TA, and the airflow notch may be set to the second notch when the food temperature T is above the first temperature threshold TA, and if the airflow notch is manually switched from the first notch to the second notch or from the second notch to the first notch, the first temperature threshold TA may be changed according to the amount of change in the airflow notch when switching from automatic operation to manual operation without changing the second temperature threshold TB.

[0027] This allows for individual adjustment of the threshold for each different threshold, enabling the airflow to be determined according to the user's preferences, resulting in a more satisfying user experience during automatic operation.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the embodiments and modifications, the same or equivalent components and members will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the members in each drawing will be enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding. Furthermore, some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted from the drawings.

[0029] Furthermore, while terms including ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these terms are used solely to distinguish one component from others, and do not limit the components themselves.

[0030] (Embodiment 1) The range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0031] Figure 1 is a side view cross-sectional diagram illustrating the range hood of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the range hood of this embodiment.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the range hood 1 is installed above a cooking appliance 2 such as a stove, with the rear of the range hood 1 body fixed to the kitchen wall 3 with screws. The range hood 1 has a flow straightening section 5 with a cavity 4.

[0034] Then, on the side in front of the rectifier section 5, that is, on the side where the user stands (left side in Figure 1), an intake port 18 is provided to draw in ambient air 20 containing steam, smoke, oil fumes, and dust floating in the air generated when cooking from the food 6 (for example, a pot or frying pan) on the top surface of the cooking appliance 2.

[0035] A temperature sensing means 8 (shown in the figure as an example on the front side of the underside of the hood body 7) is provided on the underside of the hood body 7 that forms the intake port 18, to sense the temperature of the food 6 cooked on the upper surface of the cooking appliance 2. The temperature sensing means 8 is, for example, an infrared sensor.

[0036] An exhaust vent 13 is provided on the top surface of the range hood 1, which communicates with the outdoors via a duct 12.

[0037] An exhaust fan 11 is installed inside the range hood 1.

[0038] The exhaust fan 11 includes a fan motor 14 (electric motor), a rotating shaft 15 of the fan motor 14, an impeller 16 attached to the rotating shaft 15, and a casing 17 that encloses the impeller 16.

[0039] An air passage 19 is formed connecting the intake port 18 and the exhaust port 13 via the impeller 16.

[0040] The exhaust fan 11 is a sirocco fan (centrifugal fan) or a turbo fan, etc.

[0041] The fan motor 14 is an AC motor or a DC motor, etc.

[0042] A control unit 9 is provided, for example, inside the range hood 1.

[0043] The control unit 9 consists of a microcomputer and controls the airflow notch of the exhaust fan 11.

[0044] The airflow notch refers to the rotational speed level of the fan motor 14 (electric motor). The higher this level, the higher the rotational speed of the fan motor 14; the lower this level, the lower the rotational speed of the fan motor 14.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 9 calculates the food temperature T based on the temperature of the food 6 sensed by the temperature sensing means 8, and determines the airflow notch during automatic operation based on the first temperature threshold TA and the food temperature T.

[0046] In other words, automatic operation means automatically changing the airflow notch based on the cooking temperature T. Specifically, automatic operation means using a temperature threshold (such as the first temperature threshold TA) as a reference and automatically changing the airflow notch depending on whether the cooking temperature T is higher or lower than the temperature threshold.

[0047] The temperature threshold used to determine the airflow notch is set at the time of manufacture based on a value predetermined by the manufacturer through experiments or other means.

[0048] Referring to Figure 2, the processing flow of the automatic operation performed by the control unit 9 will be explained. In this embodiment, when the user starts cooking, the control unit 9 starts the automatic operation of the ventilation of the range hood 1.

[0049] Automated driving is initiated, for example, by the user operating the control unit 21 located on the hood body 7.

[0050] The control unit 21 may include, for example, a switch dedicated to automatic operation, or a switch that cyclically switches between automatic and manual operation each time it is pressed. The control unit 21 can employ known switch mechanisms such as tact switches or electrostatic touch switches.

[0051] Alternatively, the hood body 7 may start automatic operation by receiving a signal from the heating appliance 2, even without operating the control unit 21.

[0052] When starting the automatic operation, the first temperature threshold TA is set as TA = TA0 as the initial value of the first temperature threshold TA. During the automatic operation, the air volume notch during the automatic operation is determined based on the first temperature threshold TA and the temperature T of the cooked food. When the temperature T of the cooked food is less than the first temperature threshold TA, the air volume notch becomes the first notch, and when the temperature T of the cooked food is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold TA, the air volume notch becomes the second notch larger than the first notch.

[0053] Also, when a ventilation stop operation is performed by the operation unit 21 during the automatic operation, the ventilation is stopped simultaneously with the end of the automatic operation.

[0054] Also, the hood main body 7 may end the automatic operation by receiving a signal from the cooking appliance 2.

[0055] There may be a case where the user switches the air volume notch from the automatic operation to the manual operation because the air volume notch during the automatic operation does not suit the user's feeling of use. That is, "the air volume notch X during the automatic operation ≠ the air volume notch Y during the manual operation". Here, the air volume notch X and the air volume notch Y are the air volume notches expressed for convenience and refer to the first notch, the second notch, etc.

[0056] The control unit 9 changes the first temperature threshold TA according to the change amount from the air volume notch X during the automatic operation to the air volume notch Y during the manual operation. The changed first temperature threshold TA is updated as the first temperature threshold TA = TA1 (<TA0) or TA2 (>TA0) etc. at the start of the next automatic operation.

[0057] Specifically, when the user switches the air volume notch from the automatic operation to the manual operation because the air volume notch during the automatic operation does not suit the user's feeling of use, in the case of "the air volume notch X during the automatic operation < the air volume notch Y during the manual operation", the change amount of the air volume notch is positive, and since the user feels that the ventilation air volume is small, the control unit 9 lowers the first temperature threshold TA. The changed first temperature threshold TA is updated as the first temperature threshold TA = TA1 (<TA0) etc. at the start of the next automatic operation. As a result, during the automatic operation, the air volume notch changes at a lower temperature T of the cooked food.

[0058] When the user switches the air volume knob to manual operation, if "the air volume knob during automatic operation X > the air volume knob during manual operation Y", the change amount of the air volume knob is negative. Since the user feels that the ventilation air volume is large, the control unit 9 increases the first temperature threshold TA. The changed first temperature threshold TA is updated as the first temperature threshold TA = TA1 (>TA2) etc. at the start of the next automatic operation. As a result, the air volume knob will change at a higher temperature.

[0059] In this way, the changed first temperature threshold TA is updated as the first temperature threshold TA = TA1 (<TA0) or TA2 (>TA0) etc. at the start of the next automatic operation. Also, the first temperature threshold TA has a plurality of patterns stored in the control unit 9 with values determined in advance by experiments etc. by the manufacturer.

[0060] With the above configuration, the air volume knob is determined according to the user's sense of use, so the user can obtain more satisfaction during automatic operation.

[0061] The above configuration has been described for an operation that can be established even without having a storage unit 10 that stores the integrated value Fn of the change amount fn of the air volume knob described later.

[0062] Next, the case where the control unit 9 has the storage unit 10 will be described.

[0063] The control unit 9 has the storage unit 10.

[0064] When the user switches the air volume knob from the air volume knob X during automatic operation to the air volume knob Y during manual operation, the change amount f1 is added to the storage unit 10. At this time, the integrated value of the change amount to the storage unit 10 is F1 = f1. However, for example, if "the second predetermined value < F1 < the first predetermined value", the manual operation state will continue as it is.

[0065] After that, when there is a ventilation stop operation and ventilation is completed, and then the operation of the range hood 1 is started again and it enters the automatic operation state, the integrated value F1 remains stored in the storage unit 10.

[0066] At this time, when the air volume notch is manually switched, the change amount f2 when the user switches the air volume notch from the air volume notch X during automatic operation to the air volume notch Y during manual operation is added to the storage unit 10. At this time, the integrated value of the change amount in the storage unit 10 is F2 = f2 + f1. However, for example, if "the second predetermined value < F2 < the first predetermined value", the manual operation state continues as it is.

[0067] In this way, the change amount f1 is added to the storage unit 10 as the first change amount, the change amount f2 is added as the second change amount, and the change amount fn is added as the nth change amount. That is, the integrated value of the change amount Fn = fn + ··· + f2 + f1 is stored in the storage unit 10. n is an integer of 1 or more.

[0068] In this way, the change amount fn of the nth air volume notch calculated from the air volume notches X and Y is stored in the storage unit 10 as the integrated value Fn.

[0069] When "the integrated value Fn ≥ the first predetermined value" is satisfied, the first temperature threshold TA is lowered. When "the integrated value Fn ≤ the second predetermined value" is satisfied, the first temperature threshold TA is raised. The integrated value Fn is reset when the first temperature threshold TA is changed (the integrated value Fn = 0 and n = 0). After that, the manual operation state continues. However, when automatic operation is started again, automatic operation is performed based on the first temperature threshold TA after the change.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when switching from the first notch of automatic operation to the second notch (> the first notch) of manual operation, f1 = +1 and Fn = +1 according to the change amount. When the same operation is performed in the next automatic operation, f2 = +1 and Fn = f2 + f1 = +1 + 1 = +2. If the first predetermined value is +2, then Fn ≥ the first predetermined value, so the first temperature threshold TA decreases.

[0071] Conversely, if the system switches from the second notch of autonomous driving (> first notch) to the first notch of manual driving, f1 becomes -1 and Fn becomes -1 depending on the amount of change. If the same operation is performed in the next autonomous driving cycle, f2 becomes -1 and Fn = f2 + f1 = -1 - 1 = -2. If the second predetermined value is -2, then Fn ≤ second predetermined value, and the first temperature threshold TA increases.

[0072] Thus, the modified first temperature threshold TA is the first temperature threshold TA = TA1(<TA0)またはTA2(> The value is updated to TA0, etc., and the accumulated value Fn is also reset. After that, manual operation continues, but when automatic operation is started again, the automatic operation will be performed based on the changed first temperature threshold TA.

[0073] With this configuration, if the user feels that the user experience of the autonomous driving system is unsatisfactory on multiple occasions, the first temperature threshold TA will be changed. This allows for autonomous driving that incorporates the ambiguity of the user's subjective experience, leading to greater user satisfaction.

[0074] The control unit 9 differentiates its subsequent operations depending on whether the state after switching to manual operation is maintained for a predetermined time; however, this will be explained together in the common items section below.

[0075] (Embodiment 2) Parts with the same configuration as in Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0076] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing flow in the range hood of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, in addition to the first temperature threshold TA, a second temperature threshold TB may be provided as the temperature threshold for automatic operation.

[0077] The relationship between the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB is TA < TB. Similar to the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB is set to TB = TB0 as the initial value of the second temperature threshold TB when starting automatic operation.

[0078] During automatic operation, the airflow notch is determined based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB, and the food temperature T.

[0079] If the food temperature T is above the first temperature threshold TA but below the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch will be set to the second notch. If the food temperature T is above the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch will be set to the third notch.

[0080] Furthermore, the third notch is set to be larger than the second notch. When the user switches to manual operation of the airflow notch because the airflow notch in automatic operation does not suit their needs, if "airflow notch X in automatic operation < airflow notch Y in manual operation", the amount of change in the airflow notch is positive, and the user feels that the ventilation airflow is small, so the control unit 9 lowers the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB. As a result, the airflow notch changes at a lower temperature during automatic operation.

[0081] When the user switches the airflow notch to manual operation, if "airflow notch X during automatic operation > airflow notch Y during manual operation," the change in the airflow notch is negative, and the user perceives the ventilation airflow as high. Therefore, the control unit 9 increases the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB. As a result, the airflow notch will change at a higher temperature during automatic operation. The changed first temperature threshold TA and second temperature threshold TB are, respectively, the first temperature threshold TA = TA1(<TA0)またはTA2(> TA0) etc, second temperature threshold TB=TB1(<TB0)またはTB2(> It will be updated as TB0, etc.

[0082] Furthermore, the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB are predetermined values ​​determined by the manufacturer through experiments, and multiple patterns are stored in the control unit 9. With this configuration, the airflow notch is determined according to the user's preference, allowing the user to experience greater satisfaction during automatic operation.

[0083] The above configuration describes an operation that can be achieved even without a storage unit 10 that stores the cumulative value Fn of the change amount fn of the airflow notch, which will be described later.

[0084] Next, we will describe the case where the control unit 9 has a storage unit 10.

[0085] The memory unit 10 adds the change amount f1 when the user switches from the airflow notch X during automatic operation to the airflow notch Y during manual operation. The change amount fn of the nth airflow notch, calculated from the airflow notches X and Y, is stored in the memory unit 10 as an integrated value Fn.

[0086] If this accumulated value Fn exceeds the first predetermined value, the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB are lowered. If it falls below the second predetermined value, the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB are raised.

[0087] The cumulative value Fn is reset when the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB are changed (cumulative value Fn = 0, n = 0).

[0088] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, when switching from the first notch of automatic driving to the third notch of manual driving, f1 becomes +2 depending on the amount of change, and F1 becomes +2. If the same operation is performed in the next automatic driving, f2 becomes +2, and F2 = f2 + f1 = +2 + 2 = +4. If the first predetermined value is +3, then Fn ≥ first predetermined value, so the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB decrease.

[0089] Conversely, if the system switches from the third notch of automatic driving to the first notch of manual driving, f1 becomes -2 depending on the change, and F1 becomes -2. If the same operation is performed in the next automatic driving cycle, f2 becomes -2, and F2 = f2 + f1 = -2 - 2 = -4. If the first predetermined value is -3, then Fn ≤ second predetermined value, and the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB will increase.

[0090] Thus, the modified first temperature threshold TA and second temperature threshold TB will be the first temperature threshold TA = TA1(<TA0)またはTA2(> TA0) etc, second temperature threshold TB=TB1(<TB0)またはTB2(> The values ​​are updated as TB0, etc., and the accumulated value Fn is also reset. After that, manual operation continues, but when automatic operation is started again, the automatic operation will be performed based on the changed first temperature threshold TA and second temperature threshold TB.

[0091] With this configuration, if the user feels that the user experience of the autonomous driving system is unsatisfactory on multiple occasions, the first temperature threshold TA will be changed. This allows for autonomous driving that incorporates the ambiguity of the user's subjective experience, leading to greater user satisfaction.

[0092] (Embodiment 3) In Embodiment 2, we described whether to increase or decrease both the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB after a predetermined condition. In this embodiment, we will describe the case where one of the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB is not changed, while the other is changed.

[0093] Components with the same names as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 are considered to be essentially the same, and the same components are assigned the same reference numerals. Detailed explanations are omitted.

[0094] In addition to the first temperature threshold TA, there is also a second temperature threshold TB for initiating automatic operation, and the relationship between the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB is first temperature threshold TA < second temperature threshold TB.

[0095] Furthermore, if the cooking temperature T falls below the first temperature threshold TA, the airflow notch will be set to the first notch; if the cooking temperature T is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold TA but less than the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch will be set to the second notch; and if the cooking temperature T is equal to or greater than the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch will be set to the third notch.

[0096] In other words, the airflow rate is determined to be either the first or second notch based on the first temperature threshold TA. The airflow rate is determined to be either the second or third notch based on the second temperature threshold TB.

[0097] If the user switches from automatic to manual operation and the value exceeds the first temperature threshold TA, that is, if the integrated value Fn exceeds the first predetermined value simply by switching the airflow from the first notch to the second notch, or from the second notch to the first notch, the second temperature threshold TB remains unchanged, and only the first temperature threshold TA is lowered. Conversely, if the integrated value Fn falls below the second predetermined value, the second temperature threshold TB remains unchanged, and only the first temperature threshold TA is raised.

[0098] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, this refers to the case where the change in fn is added by only +1 or -1, and the cumulative value Fn is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value or less than or equal to the second predetermined value.

[0099] Furthermore, if the user's switch from automatic to manual operation only involves crossing the threshold of the second temperature threshold TB, the first temperature threshold TA will remain unchanged, and only the second temperature threshold TB will be modified. The modified first temperature threshold TA or second temperature threshold TB will be used when the first temperature threshold TA = TA1(<TA0)またはTA2(> TA0) etc., or second temperature threshold TB=TB1(<TB0)またはTB2(> It will be updated as TB0, etc.

[0100] Furthermore, the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB are predetermined values ​​determined by the manufacturer through experiments, etc., and multiple patterns of these values ​​are stored in the control unit 9.

[0101] This configuration allows for individual adjustment of the threshold for each different threshold, enabling the airflow to be automatically determined according to the user's preferences, thus ensuring user satisfaction during automatic operation.

[0102] (Common matters) Having described each embodiment above, the following will explain matters common to each embodiment.

[0103] The control unit 9 can measure the elapsed time during which the airflow notch is switched from the automatic operation notch X to the manual operation notch Y and maintained at the Y setting.

[0104] If the elapsed time since switching to the airflow notch Y during manual operation exceeds a predetermined time, the change amount fn is added to the memory unit 10 according to the amount of change in the airflow notch.

[0105] Furthermore, if the elapsed time is less than a predetermined time, the change amount fn is not added to the storage unit 10.

[0106] The predetermined time is a grace period to determine whether the user's switch to manual operation was an intended operation or an error, and should therefore be set in advance to approximately 5 seconds to 1 minute.

[0107] This configuration provides a grace period for the user to determine whether switching to manual operation was an intended operation or an error. As a result, the addition of the change amount fn to the memory unit 10 becomes more appropriate. Consequently, an automatic operation that more closely matches the user's preference can be obtained.

[0108] Furthermore, the initial values ​​of the first temperature threshold TA and / or the second temperature threshold TB, which are set during manufacturing, can be arbitrarily changed by the user while using the range hood. Multiple patterns of values ​​for the first temperature threshold TA and / or the second temperature threshold TB, which have been determined in advance by the manufacturer through experiments, are stored in the control unit 9. Therefore, the user can perform a predetermined operation to change the temperature threshold and reset any of the multiple patterns to the initial values ​​of the first temperature threshold TA and / or the second temperature threshold TB.

[0109] This configuration eliminates the need to switch from automatic to manual operation to change the first and second temperature thresholds TA and TB; instead, the first and second temperature thresholds TB are changed from the start. As a result, automatic operation can begin from a state closer to the ideal user experience, leading to greater user satisfaction during automatic operation.

[0110] Furthermore, while Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the case where the change amount fn is +1 or -1, it is not limited to these cases. For example, if the user manually raises the airflow notch by one step and then immediately (or before a predetermined time has elapsed) raises it by another step (raising it by a total of two steps), the change amount fn will be counted as +2 and stored in the memory unit 10. In this way, including cases where the airflow notch is manually raised or lowered by two or more steps, the memory unit 10 stores the cumulative value of the change amount Fn = fn + ... + f2 + f1.

[0111] Note that while we have used "First predetermined value = +2, +3" and "Second predetermined value = -2, -3," etc., the first predetermined value may be set to +2 or more, +3 or more, +4 or more, and the second predetermined value may be set to -2 or less, -3 or less, -4 or less, etc.

[0112] The accumulated value Fn is reset when the first temperature threshold TA and / or the second temperature threshold TB are changed (accumulated value Fn=0, n=0). However, it is not reset unless the first temperature threshold TA and / or the second temperature threshold TB are changed. In other words, if the ventilation operation of range hood 1 is terminated midway, the accumulated value Fn before termination is stored in the storage unit 10, and the flow shown in Figures 2 and 4 starts.

[0113] While TA and TB are subject to change, they may each have a lower or upper limit to prevent them from changing beyond that point. This allows for proper autonomous driving.

[0114] In this embodiment, during automatic operation, the airflow notch is set to the second notch when the food temperature T falls below the second temperature threshold TB, and to the third notch when the food temperature T exceeds the second temperature threshold TB. However, a fourth notch smaller than the first notch may be provided, so that during automatic operation, the airflow notch is set to the fourth notch when the food temperature T falls below the second temperature threshold TB, and to the first notch when the food temperature T exceeds the second temperature threshold TB.

[0115] Although the range hood according to the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Within the scope of the present invention, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of are applied to these embodiments, as well as forms constructed by combining components from different embodiments, are also included without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0116] The range hood according to the present invention is useful as an exhaust device installed in a kitchen, as it can determine the airflow according to the user's preference during automatic operation. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 1. Range Hood 2 Cooker 3 room wall 4 cavities 5 Rectifier 6 Cooked food 7. Hood body 8 Temperature sensing means 9. Control Unit 10 Storage section 11 Exhaust fan 12 ducts 13 Exhaust vent 14 Fan motor 15 Rotation axis 16 Impeller 17 Casing 18 Inlet 19 Ventilation duct 20 Air 21 Control section

Claims

1. A blower with a fan motor, A range hood equipped with a temperature sensing means for sensing the temperature of food being cooked on the upper surface of a heating appliance, The control unit controls the airflow notch of the fan motor. The aforementioned airflow notch includes a first notch and a second notch. The second notch is larger than the first notch. The control unit, Based on the temperature of the cooked food sensed by the temperature sensing means, the temperature T of the cooked food is calculated. The airflow notch during automatic operation is determined based on the first temperature threshold TA and the cooking temperature T. During automatic operation, when the cooking temperature T falls below the first temperature threshold TA, the airflow notch is set to the first notch, and when the cooking temperature T exceeds the first temperature threshold TA, the airflow notch is set to the second notch. If the airflow notch is manually switched, the first temperature threshold TA is changed according to the amount of change in the airflow notch when switching from automatic operation to manual operation. A range hood characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, If the amount of change is positive, the first temperature threshold TA is lowered. If the amount of change is negative, the first temperature threshold TA is increased. The range hood according to feature 1.

3. The control unit has a storage unit, The control unit, The amount of change is added to the storage unit and stored, If the cumulative value of the change amount stored in the memory unit becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, then the first Lower the temperature threshold TA. If the cumulative value of the change stored in the memory unit falls below a second predetermined value, the first temperature threshold TA is raised. The range hood according to feature 2.

4. The second temperature threshold TB is set to be a threshold greater than the first temperature threshold TA. The aforementioned airflow notch includes a third notch. The third notch is larger than the second notch. The control unit, The airflow notch during automatic operation is determined based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB, and the cooking temperature T. During automatic operation, when the cooking temperature T falls below the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch is set to the second notch, and when the cooking temperature T exceeds the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch is set to the third notch. If the amount of change is positive, the second temperature threshold TB is lowered. If the aforementioned change is negative, the second temperature threshold TB is increased. The range hood according to feature 2.

5. The second temperature threshold TB is set to be a threshold greater than the first temperature threshold TA. The aforementioned airflow notch includes a third notch. The third notch is larger than the second notch. The control unit, The airflow notch during automatic operation is determined based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB, and the cooking temperature T. During automatic operation, when the cooking temperature T falls below the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch is set to the second notch, and when the cooking temperature T exceeds the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch is set to the third notch. If the cumulative value of the change stored in the memory unit becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the second temperature threshold TB is lowered. If the cumulative value of the change stored in the memory unit falls below a second predetermined value, the second temperature threshold TB is raised. The range hood according to feature 3.

6. The control unit, If the time during which the airflow notch is maintained when the operation is switched to manual mode exceeds a predetermined time, the amount of change is added to the storage unit and stored. If the time during which the airflow notch is maintained when the operation is switched to manual mode is less than a predetermined time, the amount of change is not added to the storage unit. The range hood according to claim 3 or 5.

7. The range hood according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the initial values ​​of the first temperature threshold TA and the second temperature threshold TB can be arbitrarily set by the user.

8. The second temperature threshold TB is set to be a threshold greater than the first temperature threshold TA. The aforementioned airflow notch includes a third notch. The third notch is larger than the second notch. The control unit, The airflow notch during automatic operation is determined based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB, and the cooking temperature T. During automatic operation, when the cooking temperature T falls below the second temperature threshold TB, the wind The volume notch is set to the second notch, and when the cooking temperature T exceeds the second temperature threshold TB, the air volume notch is set to the third notch. If the airflow notch is manually switched from the first notch to the second notch or from the second notch to the first notch, the second temperature threshold TB is not changed, and the first temperature threshold TA is changed according to the amount of change in the airflow notch when switching from automatic operation to manual operation. The range hood according to feature 1.

9. The second temperature threshold TB is a threshold smaller than the first temperature threshold TA. The aforementioned airflow notch includes a fourth notch. The fourth notch is smaller than the first notch. The control unit, The airflow notch during automatic operation is determined based on the first temperature threshold TA, the second temperature threshold TB, and the cooking temperature T. During automatic operation, when the cooking temperature T falls below the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch is set to the fourth notch, and when the cooking temperature T exceeds the second temperature threshold TB, the airflow notch is set to the first notch. If the airflow notch is manually switched from the first notch to the second notch or from the second notch to the first notch, the second temperature threshold TB is not changed, and the first temperature threshold TA is changed according to the amount of change in the airflow notch when switching from automatic operation to manual operation. The range hood according to feature 1.

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