Method and system for controlling a fume extraction device, and fume extraction device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fume extraction device (1) and to a system and a method for controlling a fume extraction device (1) for a hob (2) having at least one cooking zone (21-24), comprising: detecting properties of vapours generated at the hob (2) and controlling the fan (10) of the fume extraction device (1). The method is characterised in that at least one condition of the cooking process, which indicates the activation of the hob (2), the number of cooking zones (21-24) of the hob (2) used and / or the cooking method of the cooking process, is determined and the rotational speed of the fan (10) is adjusted on the basis of at least one of the detected properties of the vapour and at least one of the determined conditions.

Description

[0001] Method and system for controlling an extractor device and extractor device

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling an extractor device and to an extractor device.

[0003] Extractor hoods equipped with sensors for detecting vapor characteristics and controlling the speed of a fan based on sensor data are known from the prior art. For example, KR2020090001828U discloses a control device for controlling the speed of a fan based on an odor sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a gas sensor.

[0004] A disadvantage is that current extractor hoods usually control the fan speed imprecisely. In this context, imprecise means that the speed is set either too high or too low. Too high a speed results in unnecessarily high energy consumption and an unnecessarily high noise level. Too low a speed, on the other hand, results in insufficient extraction of the steam. This imprecise control results from the fact that the actual cooking process is not sufficiently taken into account.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially eliminated.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a method for controlling an extractor device for a hob with at least one cooking zone, comprising: detecting properties of vapors generated on the hob and controlling the fan of the extractor device. The method is characterized in that at least one condition of the cooking process, which indicates the activation of the hob, the number of cooking zones used on the hob, and / or the cooking method of the cooking process, is determined, and the speed of the fan is adjusted based on at least one of the detected properties of the vapors and at least one of the determined conditions.

[0007] The extractor can be located above the hob, integrated into the hob, or adjacent to it. An extractor located above the hob is also called an extractor hood and draws air upwards from the space above the hob. An extractor located in the hob or adjacent to the hob is also called a downdraft extractor and draws air downwards from the space above the hob.

[0008] The extractor hood has a fan. The extractor hood's fan, which can also be referred to as a ventilator or blower, is used to suck in the vapors. The fan comprises at least one impeller driven by a motor. The fan is preferably a radial fan. The impeller can be housed in a housing, in particular a spiral housing. The air is sucked in through an axial intake opening and expelled through a radial outlet opening. Control of the extractor hood particularly refers to the actuation of the fan, in particular the fan's motor. This sets the fan's rotational speed and thus adjusts the fan's speed. The fan's rotational speed can, for example, be controlled or adjusted in stages or continuously.

[0009] The extractor device may comprise an extractor housing with an intake opening. The extractor device's fan may be arranged in the extractor housing.

[0010] A hob is a household appliance on which cooking vessels such as pans and pots can be placed for cooking. A hob usually has several cooking zones, although commercially available hobs for domestic use often have four cooking zones. However, the number of cooking zones can be higher or lower. A cooking zone is the part of the hob on which a cooking vessel and the food contained therein can be heated. For this purpose, a heat source such as a gas burner, a heating element or an induction module is provided, preferably in or under a cover plate of the hob in the area of ​​the cooking zone. A cooking zone can be, for example, a gas cooking zone, an electric cooking zone or an induction cooking zone.

[0011] According to the invention, the method comprises detecting properties of vapors generated on the cooktop. Vapors are the cooking air generated during a cooking process. This cooking air may contain water droplets or other aerosols (solid or liquid suspended particles), in particular fat particles. According to the invention, the properties of the vapors may be, for example, the temperature of the vapor, the moisture contained in the vapor, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in the vapor, and / or the indoor air quality (IAQ).

[0012] According to the invention, the properties of the vapor can be detected by appropriate sensors or derived from sensor data from these sensors. The sensor or sensors used to detect the properties of the vapor are referred to below as property sensors.

[0013] According to the invention, at least one condition of the cooking process is determined, which indicates the activation of the cooking hob, the number of cooking zones of the cooking hob used and / or the cooking method of the cooking process.

[0014] One or more sensors can be used to determine each of these conditions. This sensor or these sensors are also referred to below as condition sensors. In particular, contactless sensors are preferably used. For example, an infrared sensor and / or a camera can be used as a condition sensor. The current condition can then be derived and determined from the sensor data acquired by these condition sensors.

[0015] According to the invention, the speed of the fan, in particular the motor of the fan, is adjusted on the basis of at least one of the detected properties of the vapor and at least one of the determined conditions.

[0016] By taking into account both at least one property of the vapor and at least one condition of the cooking process according to the invention, the control of the extractor extraction device can be more precise than with an extractor extraction device according to the prior art. In particular, an algorithm calculation stored in the extractor extraction device, in particular an algorithm calculation stored in a control unit, via which the extractor extraction device is controlled, can be adapted to the cooking process and / or measurement data relating to the property of the vapor can be prioritized depending on the cooking process and / or processed measurement data relating to the property of the vapor can be parameterized. Furthermore, by taking into account the condition for activating the hob, the start of the cooking process can be detected and the extractor extraction device can be switched on at an early point in the cooking process.Finally, the fan speed can be adjusted by taking into account the number of cooking zones used, whereby the speed is higher when there are more cooking zones in use than when there are fewer cooking zones in use.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the condition of the cooking process is determined based on sensor data from a condition sensor. The condition sensor can, for example, be a sensor arranged on an extractor device located above the cooking surface. Alternatively or additionally, the condition sensor can be provided on the cooking surface and, for example, detect the activation of one or more cooking zones. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one condition sensor can be arranged separately from the extractor device and the cooking surface. In this case, the condition sensor is connected to the extractor device for transmitting data to the extractor device, in particular to a processing unit or control unit of the extractor device. This connection can be wired or wireless.

[0018] The condition sensor can, for example, be an infrared sensor (IR sensor). This IR sensor, which can be located on an extractor hood, for example, and directed toward the cooktop, can detect the temperature on the cooktop. In particular, the activation of a cooking zone and / or multiple cooking zones can be detected. Furthermore, the IR sensor can detect the current temperature in one or more cooking vessels. This temperature can be used to determine the current cooking process. For example, a distinction can be made between boiling and frying.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, a camera can be used as a condition sensor. The images captured by the camera can be used to determine the activation of the hob, the number of activated cooking zones and / or the cooking method of the cooking process.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, a condition sensor is arranged on the hob or integrated into it. In this case, the condition sensor can be part of a control unit of the hob. For example, the activation of the hob can be detected by the control unit of the hob. Furthermore, the number of cooking zones in use can also be detected by the control unit of the hob. The condition sensor on the hob can additionally or alternatively represent a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of one or more cooking zones or the temperature of a cooking vessel placed on the cooking zone(s).

[0021] Preferably, the cooking method is determined based on a temperature of the cooking zone and / or a cooking vessel on the cooking zone and / or a cooking item in the cooking vessel on the cooking zone.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the properties of the vapor are weighted when controlling the fan based on the cooking method. The cooking method can be determined, for example, using sensor data from an IR sensor. Cooking methods can include, for example, boiling, stir-frying (i.e. briefly frying while stirring), and deep-frying. For each of these cooking methods, the speed at which the vapor appears and the quantity and composition of the resulting vapor are different. By determining the cooking method, the fan speed calculation can be adapted to the corresponding cooking method. In particular, the measurement data from one or more property sensors can be given a higher weighting than the measurement data from other property sensors. This makes it possible to focus on the most important sensor data when calculating the fan speed and thus when controlling the extractor fan.For example, a higher weighting, i.e., a greater focus, can be placed on sensor data from a humidity sensor if it detects that water is being boiled (e.g., soup). Alternatively, a higher weighting, i.e., a greater focus, can be placed on sensor data from a VOC sensor if it detects that frying is taking place.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the minimum speed of the fan, which was determined based on at least one property of the vapor and / or another of the at least one condition of the cooking process, is adjusted based on the number of cooking zones used when controlling the speed of the fan.

[0024] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an extractor device for a hob with at least one cooking zone. The extractor device comprises a fan with a variable speed. The extractor device is characterized in that the extractor device is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. Advantages and features described with regard to the extractor device apply - where applicable - correspondingly to the method and system according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the extractor device comprises at least one property sensor and at least one condition sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the extractor device is connected to at least one property sensor and / or at least one condition sensor. The connection can be wireless or wired.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the property sensors comprise a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor and / or a volatile organic compound sensor and / or an indoor air quality sensor.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the condition sensor represents at least one infrared sensor for measuring the temperature of at least one cooking zone and / or a cooking vessel on the cooking zone and / or a cooking item in the cooking vessel on the cooking zone.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the extractor device comprises a control unit for controlling the fan. The control unit can be connected directly or indirectly to the sensors (condition sensor(s) and property sensor(s)). Preferably, the control unit is part of a central unit of the extractor device. In addition to the control unit, the central unit can comprise a processing unit. In this case, the processing unit is connected to the control unit, and the sensors are connected to the processing unit. The processing unit preferably serves to process sensor data from the at least one property sensor and / or the at least one condition sensor.

[0029] The processing of the sensor data may include comparison, evaluation and / or weighting.

[0030] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a system for controlling an extractor hood. The system is characterized in that the system is designed to carry out the method according to the invention. According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises an extractor hood, a hob, at least one condition sensor, and at least one property sensor.

[0031] The present invention will be described again below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show:

[0032] Fig. 1: a block diagram of an embodiment of the extractor device according to the invention and a cooking hob,

[0033] Fig. 2: a block diagram of an embodiment of the system according to the invention with extractor device and hob,

[0034] Fig. 3: a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling an extractor device for a hob and

[0035] Fig. 4: a flow chart of a further embodiment of the method according to the invention for controlling an extractor device for a hob.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the extractor device 1 according to the invention in the form of a block diagram. In this example, the extractor device 1 serves to extract the vapors from a hob 2 with four cooking zones 21-24. The cooking zones 21-24 can be, for example, electric cooking zones, gas cooking zones, or induction cooking zones. All cooking zones 21-24 can be of the same type. However, it is also possible for one or more cooking zones 21-24 to represent different types of cooking zones than the other cooking zones 21-24. For example, two cooking zones of the cooking zones 21-24 can be gas cooking zones and the other two cooking zones of the cooking zones 21-24 can be induction cooking zones. Although only four cooking zones 21-24 are shown in the embodiment shown, it is also within the scope of the invention for the hob 2 to have more than four cooking zones.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the extractor device 1 can, for example, be an extractor hood arranged above the hob 2. Alternatively, the extractor device 1 can be a downdraft ventilation system partially arranged within the hob 2, with its fan 10 located below the hob 2. The extractor device 1 has a fan 10 that can be operated, for example, at three speed levels.

[0038] The extractor device 1 further comprises a central unit 11, which in the embodiment shown comprises a control unit 110 and a processing unit 111. However, it is also within the scope of the invention for the central unit 11 to have only a control unit 110 and a communication interface (not shown) for communication with a processing unit 111 separate from the central unit.

[0039] In addition to the fan 10 and the central unit 11, the extractor device 1 in the embodiment shown has at least one condition sensor 30 and at least one property sensor 31. The condition sensor 30 can, for example, be an infrared sensor 300 or a camera 301. However, it is also possible for both an infrared sensor 300 and a camera 301 to be provided as the condition sensor 30 in the extractor device 1. The property sensor 31 can be a humidity sensor 310, a VOC sensor 311, an IAQ sensor 312, a temperature sensor 313, a particulate matter sensor 314, or a gas sensor 315. It is preferred that multiple property sensors 31 be provided. Particularly preferably, the multiple property sensors 31 are different property sensors 31. The particulate matter sensor 314 can, in particular, be a PM2.5 sensor. The IAQ sensor 312 can also be called an indoor air quality sensor.The VOC sensor 311 can also be referred to as a sensor for volatile organic compounds (volatile organic components).

[0040] The property sensor(s) 31 are preferably arranged downstream of the fan 10 in the flow direction and measure the temperature, humidity, particulate matter content, the proportion of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the vapor and the indoor air quality (IAQ).

[0041] The condition sensor(s) 30 are preferably arranged in the extractor device 1 such that they are directed toward the hob 2. For this purpose, the condition sensor(s) 30 can be arranged on the underside of the extractor device 1, which is a cooker hood.

[0042] The condition sensor(s) 30 and the property sensor(s) 31 are connected to the central unit 11 and in particular to the processing unit 111 for communication. In particular, measurement data from the sensors 30, 31 can be transmitted to the central unit 11, in particular to the processing unit 111.

[0043] The processing unit 111 is used to process the sensor data and is preferably designed to generate control signals. The processing results or the control signals can be transmitted to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 can control the fan 10 based on the control signals generated from the processing results or based on the received control signals.

[0044] In addition to the condition sensors 300 and 301, Figure 1 shows a hob sensor 302, which can be arranged on the hob 2. The hob sensor 302 can be used alternatively or in addition to the condition sensors 300 or 301. The hob sensor 302 can communicate with the central unit 11, in particular the processing unit 111. Communication with the hob sensor 302 can take place via a wired connection between the hob 2 and the extractor hood 1. Alternatively, this communication can take place wirelessly. Via the communication, sensor data from the hob sensor 302 can be transmitted to the processing unit 111 of the central unit 11. Alternatively, the sensor data from the hob sensor 302 can be transmitted to a separate processing unit (not shown), from which the processed sensor data can be transmitted to the control unit 110 of the extractor hood.

[0045] The extractor hood 1 together with the hob 2 and the hob sensor 302, if provided, can also be referred to as a system.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a system according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 only in the arrangement of the property sensors 31. In the embodiment according to Figure 2, the property sensors 31 are arranged separately from the extractor device 1. However, in this embodiment, the property sensors 31 are also designed for communication with the central unit 11. In particular, sensor data or processed sensor data can be transmitted to the central unit 11. This communication can be wired or wireless.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the system, not shown, as an alternative to or in addition to the property sensors 31, the condition sensors 30 can also be arranged separately from the extractor device 1 and configured solely for communication with it. This communication can also be wired or wireless.

[0048] For communication with separately arranged condition sensors 30 and / or property sensors 31, the extractor device 1 may have a communication interface (not shown).

[0049] Figure 3 schematically shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention. According to this embodiment, property sensor data and condition sensor data are acquired. The cooking method being performed on the cooktop is determined from the condition sensor data. The acquired property sensor data are weighted depending on the determined cooking method. The fan is controlled based on the thus weighted property sensor data. In particular, the fan speed is adjusted based on the thus weighted property sensor data.

[0050] Figure 4 schematically shows another embodiment of the method. In this embodiment, the start of a cooking process on the cooking surface 2 is detected by recording sensor data. The sensor data is preferably the sensor data of a condition sensor 30 or cooking surface sensor 302. Upon or after the start of a cooking process is detected, the number of cooking zones 21-24 in use is monitored. This monitoring can also preferably be carried out by a condition sensor 30 or a cooking surface sensor 302. According to one embodiment, for example, several infrared sensors are provided on the extractor device or in the system, and each infrared sensor is arranged to monitor a cooking zone. Alternatively, however, all cooking zones can be monitored, for example, via an infrared sensor or a camera. In addition, the cooking method being performed on the cooking surface 2 is determined.The cooking method can also be determined by the sensor data of the condition sensor 30 or the cooking surface sensor 302.

[0051] The fan speed can be adjusted depending on the determined cooking method and the number of cooking zones used. In particular, a fan speed set by an automatic process can be adjusted. If no automatic process is stored in the extractor device, in particular the control unit, the fan speed can be adjusted depending on the determined cooking method and the number of cooking zones used. Subsequently, the additional sensor data, in particular the property sensor data, can be weighted depending on the cooking method and the number of cooking zones used.

[0052] Based on the weighted property sensors, the fan control can then be further adjusted.

[0053] The steps of monitoring or determining the number of cooking zones used and determining the cooking method can also be carried out in a different order than that shown in Figure 4.

[0054] The cooking method can be determined, for example, based on sensor data from one or more infrared sensors. The infrared sensor(s) can detect the temperatures of the cooking vessels located on cooking zones 21-24 and / or the food in the cooking vessels. Based on the temperatures of the cooking vessels and / or the food in the cooking vessels, the cooking method on the cooking zone(s) 21-24 can be determined. This determination can be made in a processing unit of the extractor hood.

[0055] Different levels for controlling the fan can be stored in the extractor device, particularly in the control unit. For example, the speed levels can be "low," "medium," and "high." Furthermore, an algorithm for automatically controlling the fan based on sensor data can be stored in the extractor device, for example in the processing unit or the control unit. For example, if a high level of vapor is detected, e.g., by the humidity sensor, the fan speed can be adjusted, particularly increased.

[0056] According to a preferred embodiment, various sensors, in particular temperature, humidity, VOC / IAQ, infrared, and / or other environmental sensors, are used. The measurement data acquired by these sensors are correlated to create an automatic fan speed controller that offers the following features.

[0057] 1) Immediate automatic switching on of the fan when cooking on the hob starts. This can be done using an infrared sensor, for example, to detect heat on the hob. 2) Monitoring the number of cooking zones in use on the hob. This can also be done using an infrared sensor, for example.

[0058] 3) Adjusting the fan speed depending on the cooking method and / or cooking behavior. For example, the cooking method or cooking behavior can be boiling, stir-frying, or deep-frying. The cooking method / cooking behavior can also be determined using an infrared sensor.

[0059] 4) Using the information from features 2) and 3), the fan speed calculation can be adjusted using measurement data from the temperature, humidity, and / or VOC / IAQ sensors, focusing on the most important sensor data. For example, greater focus can be placed on humidity values ​​if boiling liquids, such as water or soup, is detected. Conversely, if frying is detected, greater focus can be placed on data from the VOC sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the minimum fan speed can be adjusted according to the number of cooking zones in use.

[0060] The sensors can be integrated into the extractor hood or optionally connected to the extractor hood as additional elements via wired or wireless connections.

[0061] In the present invention, various sensors can be connected to a central unit of the extractor device. The central unit comprises a control unit and preferably a processing unit. The connection between the sensors and the central unit can be wired or wireless. The wireless connection can be established, for example, via IoT (Internet of Things). The central unit, and in particular the processing unit, receives the measurement data from the various sensors. Depending on the information from the individual sensors, the central unit can, for example, adapt a calculation algorithm stored there and / or prioritize the measurement data in order to control the fan according to the method according to the invention. Alternatively or additionally, sensors connected to the extractor device can be parameterized if the sensors provide preprocessed data.A possible pre-processing algorithm for sensor data can also be adapted according to the determined cooking method and / or the number of cooking zones used and / or other environmental information from other connected sensors.

[0062] The present invention has a number of advantages.

[0063] In particular, greater precision and improved output of the control algorithm of an automatic fan speed controller provided to the user to assist with fan speed control can be achieved. This can improve user comfort by requiring less or no manual user interaction to adjust the fan speed according to the current cooking process. This can provide faster response to cooking behaviors and cooking types and more precise fan speed calculation in a provided automatic fan speed mode.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] 1 extractor hood

[0066] 10 fan

[0067] 11 Central unit

[0068] 110 Control unit

[0069] 111 Processing unit

[0070] 2 hobs

[0071] 21 cooking zones

[0072] 22 cooking zones

[0073] 23 cooking zones

[0074] 24 cooking zones

[0075] 3 sensors

[0076] 30 condition sensors

[0077] 300 infrared sensor

[0078] 301 Camera

[0079] 302 hob sensor

[0080] 31 Property sensor

[0081] 310 Humidity Sensor

[0082] 311 VOC sensor

[0083] 312 IAQ sensor

[0084] 313 Temperature sensor

[0085] 314 Fine dust sensor

[0086] 315 gas sensor

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Method for controlling an extractor device (1) for a hob (2) with at least one cooking zone (21-24), comprising: detecting properties of vapors generated on the hob (2) and controlling the fan (10) of the extractor device (1), characterized in that at least one condition of the cooking process, which indicates the activation of the hob (2), the number of cooking zones (21-24) used of the hob (2) and / or the cooking method of the cooking process, is determined and the speed of the fan (10) is set on the basis of at least one of the detected properties of the vapors and at least one of the determined conditions.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the cooking method is based on a Temperature of the cooking zone (21-24) and / or a cooking vessel on the cooking zone (21-24) and / or a cooking item in the cooking vessel on the cooking zone (21-24) is determined.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the determination of the condition of the cooking process is carried out on the basis of sensor data from at least one condition sensor (30).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the condition sensor (30) comprises a Infrared sensor (300) and the activation of the cooking surface (2), the number of cooking zones used (21-24) and / or the cooking method are determined based on sensor data from this infrared sensor (300).

5. Method according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the condition sensor (30) is arranged on the hob (2) or integrated therein and the sensor data relating to the activation of the hob (2), the number of cooking zones (21-24) used and / or the cooking method are transmitted to the extractor device (1).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein on the basis of the determined Cooking method, the properties of the vapor are weighted when controlling the fan (10).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, based on the number of cooking zones (21-24) used, the minimum speed of the fan (10) determined based on at least one property of the vapor and / or another of the at least one condition of the cooking process is adjusted when controlling the speed of the fan (10).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the properties of the Vapors, the temperature of the vapors and / or the humidity of the vapors and / or the proportion of volatile organic compounds in the vapors and / or the quality of the room air.

9. Extractor device (1) for a hob (2) with at least one cooking zone (21-24), comprising: a fan (10) with a variable speed, characterized in that the fume extraction device (1) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Extractor hood device according to claim 9, wherein the extractor hood device (1) has at least one property sensor (31) and at least one condition sensor (30) or is connected to these sensors (30, 31).

11. Extractor hood device according to claim 10, wherein the property sensor (31) represents a temperature sensor (313) and / or a humidity sensor (310) and / or a sensor for volatile organic compounds (311) and / or an indoor air quality sensor (312).

12. Extractor device according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the Condition sensor (30) at least one infrared sensor (300) for measuring the temperature of at least one cooking zone (21-24) and / or a cooking vessel on the cooking zone (21-24) and / or a cooking item in the cooking vessel on the cooking zone (21-24).

13. Extractor device according to claim 10 to 12, wherein the Extractor extraction device (1) has a control unit (110) for controlling the fan (10) and the control unit (110) is directly or indirectly connected to the sensors (30, 31).

14. Extractor device according to one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the Extractor extraction device (1) comprises a processing unit (111) for processing sensor data of the at least one property sensor (31) and / or the at least one condition sensor (30), which is connected to the control unit (110).

15. System for controlling an extractor device (1), characterized in that the system is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

16. System according to claim 15, wherein the system comprises an extractor device (1), a hob (2), at least one condition sensor (30) and at least one property sensor (31).

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