Mist collection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a mist collection device that, even when operated when a fan is not attached correctly, is capable of preventing engagement between a motor shaft of a filter motor and a shaft insertion hole for a filter, that can prevent the filter and another member from coming into contact and being damaged, and that can maintain an exhaust function provided by the fan.　Provided is a mist collection device comprising a fan (10) that is rotated by a fan motor (11) and a filter (12) that is attached by inserting a motor shaft (13a) of a filter motor (13) through a shaft insertion hole (12a), wherein: upon input of operation commencement, a filter attachment state determination means (25) determines the attachment state of the filter (12); and when the filter attachment state determination means (25) has determined that the attachment state of the filter (12) is not correct, a control unit (23) prevents rotation of the filter (12) by the filter motor (13) and continues rotation of the fan (10) by the fan motor (11).

Description

Mist collection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a mist collection device such as a range hood.

[0002] Conventionally, a range hood that is operated by rotating a filter and a fan with motors respectively is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a range hood that includes a fan rotated by a fan motor and a filter rotated by a filter motor. By rotating the fan, an air flow is generated in the hood to collect oil fumes, and by rotating the filter, the oil content contained in the oil fumes is captured, and the air without the oil content is discharged by the fan.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7341481

[0004] The filter has a shaft insertion hole through which the motor shaft of the filter motor is inserted. The shaft insertion hole is fitted onto the motor shaft of the filter motor for attachment, and the filter is rotated by driving the filter motor. The filter is attached in a correct attachment state so as to rotate integrally with the motor shaft, but it may be attached in an incorrect attachment state where the filter rotates relative to the motor shaft without rotating integrally. For example, when the filter is dirty, the filter is removed from the motor shaft for cleaning and then attached to the motor shaft again, sometimes in an incorrect attachment state. When the range hood is operated with the filter attached in an incorrect attachment state, the filter may swing and contact other members and be damaged, and at the same time, strong friction occurs between the motor shaft of the filter motor and the shaft insertion hole of the filter, causing scratches. The scratched part is welded by frictional heat, and the motor shaft and the shaft insertion hole are engaged, resulting in a problem that the filter cannot be removed or is difficult to remove.

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a mist collection device that can prevent the motor shaft of the filter motor from jamming with the shaft insertion hole of the filter, even when the filter is installed incorrectly, can prevent the filter from coming into contact with other components and being damaged, and can maintain the discharge function by the fan.

[0006] The mist collection device of the present invention is a mist collection device that collects and discharges mist, comprising a fan rotated by a fan motor and a filter mounted by inserting the motor shaft of a filter motor through a shaft insertion hole, and further comprising a control unit, an input unit for inputting operation start and operation stop to the control unit, and a filter mounting state determination means for determining the mounting state of the filter, wherein when operation start is input to the control unit, the filter mounting state determination means determines the mounting state of the filter, and if the filter mounting state determination means determines that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, the control unit prevents the filter from rotating by the filter motor, while the fan motor continues to rotate the fan.

[0007] In the mist collection device of the present invention, the filter mounting state determination means includes a storage unit that stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and a fan airflow change means that inputs a change in the rotation speed of the fan motor to the control unit. When the storage unit stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and an input for a change in the rotation speed of the fan motor is received, the rotation speed of the fan motor is changed to change the airflow of the fan, but the filter is kept from being rotated by the filter motor. With this configuration, the airflow of the fan can be changed even if the fan is not mounted correctly, so the airflow can be adjusted to match the amount of mist generated, ensuring proper mist discharge.

[0008] In the mist collection device of the present invention, the filter mounting state determination means is equipped with a storage unit that stores when it has determined that the filter is not in the correct mounting state. If the storage unit stores that it has determined that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, the mist collection device can be configured such that even if the input to start operation is received, the filter mounting state determination means does not determine the filter mounting state again. With a mist collection device configured in this way, the burden of determining the filter mounting state can be reduced. Since the operation that occurs when determining the filter mounting state is not performed multiple times, the user does not experience the discomfort caused by repeated operation during the determination process.

[0009] In the mist collection device of the present invention, the filter mounting state determination means includes a storage unit that stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, a filter rotation speed change means that inputs a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor to the control unit, and a notification means that notifies that the filter is not in the correct mounting state. When the storage unit stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and an input is made to change the rotation speed of the filter motor, the notification means notifies, and the mist collection device is configured to maintain that the filter is not rotated by the filter motor. With a mist collection device configured in this way, the user may find it unnatural if the filter does not rotate despite the operation to change the rotation speed of the filter. However, the user can learn that the filter is not mounted correctly through the notification from the notification means, and will not find it unnatural even if the filter does not rotate.

[0010] In the mist collection device of the present invention, when a stop operation is input to the control unit, the fan motor and the filter motor are stopped from rotating to terminate the operation of the mist collection device, and the memory in the storage unit that the filter is not mounted correctly is reset. With this configuration, by resetting the memory in the storage unit that the filter is not mounted correctly, the mist collection device can perform an operation to determine whether the filter is mounted correctly or incorrectly when the filter is reinstalled after the operation of the mist collection device has ended.

[0011] In the mist collection device of the present invention, if a preparation operation for removing the filter occurs during the operation of the mist collection device, the output to the filter motor can be stopped. With this configuration, the filter can be removed and installed while the motor shafts of the filter and the filter motor have stopped rotating, so the filter can be safely reinstalled.

[0012] In the mist collection device of the present invention, if there is a preparation operation for removing the filter, and thereafter the completion of the installation of the filter, or input of the completion of the installation of the filter and the start of operation, the mist collection device can be configured such that the filter installation status determination means determines the installation status of the filter. With this configuration, if the filter is reinstalled after the initial determination of the filter installation status, the filter installation status determination means can again determine whether the filter is in the correct installation state. Moreover, since the installation status is determined when the filter is fully installed, it is possible to prevent malfunctions from occurring due to the rotation of the filter.

[0013] The mist collection device of the present invention may have the following configuration: (1) A mist collection device that collects and discharges mist, comprising a fan rotated by a fan motor and a filter mounted by inserting the motor shaft of a filter motor through a shaft insertion hole, wherein the device comprises a control unit, an input unit for inputting operation start and operation stop to the control unit, and a filter mounting state determination means for determining the mounting state of the filter, wherein when operation start is input to the control unit, the filter mounting state determination means determines the mounting state of the filter, and if the filter mounting state determination means determines that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, the control unit prevents the filter from rotating by the filter motor, while the fan motor continues to rotate the fan.

[0014] (2) The mist collection device according to (1), wherein the filter mounting state determination means includes a storage unit that stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and the control unit includes a fan airflow change means that inputs a change in the rotation speed of the fan motor, and when the storage unit stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and an input for a change in the rotation speed of the fan motor is received, the rotation speed of the fan motor is changed to change the airflow of the fan, but the filter is kept from being rotated by the filter motor.

[0015] (3) The mist collection device according to (1) or (2), wherein the filter mounting status determination means has a storage unit that stores that it has determined the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and if the storage unit has stored that it has determined the filter is not in the correct mounting state, the filter mounting status determination means does not determine the mounting state of the filter again even if there is an input to start operation.

[0016] (4) A mist collection device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the filter mounting status determination means includes a storage unit that stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, a filter rotation speed change means that inputs a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor to the control unit, and a notification means that notifies that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and when the storage unit stores that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and an input for a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor is received, the notification means notifies and maintains that the filter is not rotated by the filter motor.

[0017] (5) The mist collection device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein when a stop operation is input to the control unit, the fan motor and the filter motor are stopped from rotating to terminate the operation of the mist collection device and the memory in the memory unit that the installation state of the filter is incorrect is reset.

[0018] (6) A mist collection device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein if a preparation operation for removing the filter occurs while the mist collection device is in operation, the output to the filter motor is stopped.

[0019] (7) A mist collection device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein if there is an operation to prepare for removal of the filter, and thereafter there is an input that the installation of the filter is completed, or that the installation of the filter is completed and the operation has started, the filter installation status determination means determines the installation status of the filter.

[0020] According to the mist collection device of the present invention, even if the filter is not properly installed, the filter will not be rotated by the filter motor when operation is started. This prevents the motor shaft of the filter motor from jamming with the shaft insertion hole of the filter, and also prevents the filter from coming into contact with other components and being damaged. Moreover, the fan continues to rotate and maintain its discharge function, allowing mist to be discharged continuously. Therefore, when installed above a cooking appliance, it can continue to discharge oil fumes and other substances generated by cooking, allowing cooking to continue.

[0021] This is an overall front view of the range hood. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the range hood shown in Figure 1, taken along line A-A. This is a bottom view of the range hood shown in Figure 1. This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the filter mounting area of ​​the range hood shown in Figure 2. This is a bottom perspective view of the range hood shown in Figure 1 with the filter removed. This is an explanatory block diagram of the range hood drive control device.

[0022] The configuration of the mist collection device of the present invention will be described based on Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. In this embodiment, the mist collection device is a range hood, so it will be described as a range hood. The mist collection device is not limited to a range hood. Mist refers to liquids such as water vapor and oil, and the mist collection device may be any of the following: an oil fumes collection device installed near a cooking appliance to collect oil fumes and water vapor generated by cooking; a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air; or a collection device that sucks in indoor air or mist and is installed in the middle of a duct or at the end of a duct.

[0023] Figure 1 is an overall front view of the range hood, Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the range hood shown in Figure 1 along line A-A, Figure 3 is a bottom view of the range hood shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the filter mounting area of ​​the range hood shown in Figure 2, and Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the range hood shown in Figure 1 with the filter removed. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the range hood 1 is equipped with a hood 2, and the hood 2 has a lower hood 2a and an upper hood 2b. The lower surface of the lower hood 2a is recessed upward, forming a recessed area 3 for collecting air, and an air circulation port 4 is formed in the recessed area 3. Air flowing into the recessed area 3 flows through the air circulation port 4 to the upper hood 2b, forming a flow path for air to flow inside the hood 2.

[0024] A rectifier plate 5 is detachably attached to the recessed portion 3 of the lower hood 2a. For example, a portion of the outer circumference of the rectifier plate 5 is attached to the recessed portion 3 by a hinge 6 so as to be able to swing between a horizontal and vertical orientation, and the other portion of the outer circumference of the rectifier plate 5 is provided with a locking / unlocking means 7 that can be locked and unlocked to the recessed portion 3. By engaging and fixing the rectifier plate 5 to the recessed portion 3 with the locking / unlocking means 7, the rectifier plate 5 is attached in a horizontal orientation. By releasing the engagement of the locking / unlocking means 7 and swinging downward with the hinge 6 as a pivot point, the rectifier plate 5 can be removed in a vertical orientation. Note that the rectifier plate 5 is supported in the recessed portion 3 in the vertical orientation and is not detached from the recessed portion 3, but for the purposes of this explanation, it will be treated as if it were detached. This is not limited to this, and the rectifier plate 5 may also be attached to the recessed portion 3 with bolts or the like. The lower hood 2a is provided with a rectifier plate removal detection means, which will be described later, for the purpose of detecting the attachment and removal of the rectifier plate 5.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the rectifier plate 5 is smaller than the recessed portion 3, and there is an air intake gap 8 between the outer peripheral surface 5a of the rectifier plate 5 and the opening peripheral surface 3a of the recessed portion 3. As shown in Figure 2, a fan 10 and a fan motor 11 are provided on the upper hood 2b. A filter 12 and a filter motor 13 are provided on the lower hood 2a. The filter 12 is a rotating body (disk) with many holes formed therein. Note that the filter 12 may be a rotating body (disk) without holes. An oil tray 14 is detachably attached around the air circulation port 4 of the recessed portion 3. The oil tray 14 has a ring-shaped upward recess 14a, and the upward recess 14a is attached so as to cover the outer peripheral portion of the lower surface of the filter 12.

[0026] The range hood 1 operates as follows: The range hood 1 starts operating when the fan motor 11 rotates the fan 10 and the filter motor 13 rotates the filter 12. The rotation of the fan 10 causes the oil fumes generated by cooking to flow into the recessed section 3 through the air intake gap 8, and the rotating filter 12 captures the oil contained in the oil fumes. The oil captured by the filter 12 flows outwards towards the outer edge due to the rotation of the filter 12 and accumulates in the oil tray 14. The fan 10 discharges the oil-captured fumes to the outside of the hood 2. In other words, the fan 10 has a discharge function that circulates oil fumes inside the hood 2 and discharges them outside the hood 2, and the filter 12 has an oil capture function.

[0027] As shown in Figure 4, the filter 12 has a shaft insertion hole 12a and a boss groove 12b through which the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13 is inserted. The filter 12 is attached to the motor shaft 13a by fitting the shaft insertion hole 12a onto the motor shaft 13a, engaging the motor pin 13b on the motor shaft 13a with the boss groove 12b, and locking the filter 12 with a locking mechanism 15 to prevent it from coming off the motor shaft 13a. By releasing the locking mechanism 15, the filter 12 can be removed from the motor shaft 13a. In this mounting configuration of the filter 12, the filter 12 is considered to be in the correct mounting state when the motor pin 13b and the boss groove 12b are engaged and the filter 12 is mounted in a state in which it rotates integrally with the motor shaft 13a. An incorrect mounting state of the filter 12 includes cases where the motor pin 13b and boss groove 12b do not engage, allowing the filter 12 and motor shaft 13a to rotate relative to each other, and cases where the filter 12 is not mounted on the motor shaft 13a. When the filter motor 13 rotates at high speed due to an incorrect mounting state of the filter 12, the filter 12 will move slightly (loosely) relative to the motor shaft 13a, causing strong friction between the motor shaft 13a and the shaft insertion hole 12a, resulting in damage. This damage then welds due to frictional heat, making it difficult or impossible to remove the filter 12. Note that if the mounting configuration of the filter 12 is different, the definition of a correct or incorrect mounting state of the filter 12 is not limited to this explanation.

[0028] The locking mechanism 15 is similar to the attachment / detachment device shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7248340. The locking piece 15a is movable between a locked position where it engages with the small diameter portion 13c of the motor shaft 13a to lock it, and an unlocked position where it releases the lock. The locking piece 15a is held in the locked position by a spring or the like. When the shaft insertion hole 12a of the filter 12 is fitted onto the motor shaft 13a, the locking piece 15a moves against the spring to the unlocked position. When the filter 12 is pushed along the motor shaft 13a and the locking piece 15a moves to the small diameter portion 13c of the motor shaft 13a, the locking piece 15a moves to the locked position and engages with the small diameter portion 13c, locking the filter 12 so that it does not come off the motor shaft 13a. To remove the filter 12, the locking piece 15a is manually moved to the unlocked position, and the filter 12 can be removed by pulling it off the motor shaft 13a.

[0029] The locking mechanism 15 is not limited to this configuration. For example, a screw groove may be formed at the tip of the motor shaft 13a, and a nut may be screwed into the screw groove to lock the filter 12 in place, and the lock may be released by loosening the nut, allowing the filter 12 to be removed. Alternatively, a locking pin may be inserted through the filter 12 onto the motor shaft 13a to lock the filter 12 in place, and the lock may be released by removing the locking pin from the motor shaft 13a, allowing the filter 12 to be removed from the motor shaft 13a.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the filter motor 13 is mounted on a mounting base 16 that straddles the air vent 4 in the recessed portion 3, and the motor shaft 13a protrudes downward from the mounting base 16. When installing or removing the filter 12, first the rectifier plate 5 is swung into a vertical position to remove it from the recessed portion 3, and then the oil tray 14 is removed from the recessed portion 3. After this, the lock mechanism 15 is released and the filter 12 is pulled out from the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13 to remove it. When installing the filter 12, the shaft insertion hole 12a of the filter 12 is fitted onto the motor shaft 13a and installed, then the oil tray 14 is installed, and finally the rectifier plate 5 is swung upward and fixed to the recessed portion 3 by the engagement / disengagement means 7 to install it in a horizontal position.

[0031] The engagement / disengagement means 7 includes a hook 7a provided on the rectifier plate 5 and an engagement hole 7b provided in the recessed portion 3. The hook 7a is pivotably attached to the mounting body 7c in an engaged position and an unlocked position, and is held in the engaged position by a spring (not shown) or the like, and can be manually pivoted to the unlocked position. By pivoting the rectifier plate 5 upward and pushing the hook 7a into the engagement hole 7b, the hook 7a engages with the engagement hole 7b and fixes the rectifier plate 5 in a horizontal position. In this state, the lock piece 15a is moved to the unlocked position to release engagement with the engagement hole 7b, and the rectifier plate 5 can be pivoted in a vertical position. The rectifier plate removal detection means described above includes a switch 17 on the lower hood 2a. When the rectifier plate 5 is installed in a horizontal position, the switch 17 is turned off by the hook 7a engaged in the engagement hole 7b, and when the rectifier plate 5 is removed in a vertical position, the hook 7a disengages from the engagement hole 7b and the switch 17 is turned on. The rectifier plate removal detection means is not limited to this configuration; any configuration that can detect when the rectifier plate 5 has been installed and when it has been removed is acceptable.

[0032] A range hood drive control device that drives and controls the fan 10 and filter 12 of the range hood 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory block diagram of the range hood drive control device. As shown in Figure 6, it includes a power supply 20, a fan motor drive unit 21 that controls the current supplied to the fan motor 11, a filter motor drive unit 22 that controls the current supplied to the filter motor 13, a control unit 23 that sends the target rotational speed of the fan motor 11 to the fan motor drive unit 21 and the target rotational speed of the filter motor 13 to the filter motor drive unit 22, an input unit 24 that inputs the start and stop of operation to the control unit 23, a filter mounting state determination means 25 that determines whether the mounting state of the filter 12 is correct or incorrect, a notification means 26, a storage unit 27, and means such as a fan airflow change means and a filter rotation speed change means, which will be explained later.

[0033] The fan motor drive unit 21 supplies a current to the fan motor 11 with a strength (current value) that rotates the fan motor 11 at the rotational speed sent from the control unit 23. The fan motor 11 rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the strength of the supplied current. In other words, the control unit 23 controls the output to the fan motor 11. As a result, the fan 10 rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the strength of the supplied current, and the airflow of the fan 10 is corresponding to the strength of the supplied current. The filter motor drive unit 22 supplies a current to the filter motor 13 with a strength (current value) that rotates the filter motor 13 at the rotational speed sent from the control unit 23. The filter motor 13 rotates at a rotational speed corresponding to the strength of the supplied current. In other words, the control unit 23 controls the output to the filter motor 13. The filter motor 13 has a function to feed back its rotational speed (rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a) to the filter mounting state determination means 25, and this function is a detection means that detects the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a. As a detection means for detecting the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a, a speed detector that directly detects the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a may also be used.

[0034] The input unit 24 includes an operation start input unit 24a that inputs operation start to the control unit 23, and an operation stop input unit 24b that inputs operation stop to the control unit 23. The operation start input unit 24a includes a high-speed operation start input unit 30 that inputs high-speed operation start to the control unit 23, a medium-speed operation start input unit 31 that inputs medium-speed operation start to the control unit 23, and a low-speed operation start input unit 32 that inputs low-speed operation start to the control unit 23. When high-speed operation start is input from the high-speed operation start input unit 30 to the control unit 23, the control unit 23 sends a high rotational speed to the fan motor drive unit 21. The fan motor drive unit 21 supplies a current strong enough to rotate the fan motor 11 at high speed to the fan motor 11, and the fan motor 11 rotates at high speed. The fan 10 rotates at high speed, and the airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 is strong.

[0035] When the medium operation start input unit 31 inputs medium operation start to the control unit 23, the control unit 23 sends a medium rotation speed to the fan motor drive unit 21. The fan motor drive unit 21 supplies a current strong enough to rotate the fan motor 11 at a medium speed, and the fan motor 11 rotates at a medium speed. The fan 10 rotates at a medium speed, and the airflow from the fan 10's rotation is medium. When the low operation start input unit 32 inputs low operation start to the control unit 23, the control unit 23 sends a low rotation speed to the fan motor drive unit 21. The fan motor drive unit 21 supplies a current strong enough to rotate the fan motor 11 at a low speed, and the fan motor 11 rotates at a low speed. The fan 10 rotates at a low speed, and the airflow from the fan 10's rotation is weak.

[0036] In this way, by inputting the start of operation to the control unit 23 using one of the strong operation start input unit 30, medium operation start input unit 31, or weak operation start input unit 32, the airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 can be changed. Moreover, while the range hood is in operation, the airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 can be changed by inputting the start of operation from a different operation start input unit than the one used to start the operation at the beginning of the operation. For example, when the range hood 1 is being operated with the fan 10 rotating at a high speed and the airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 set to strong, if the weak operation start input is input to the control unit 23 from the weak operation start input unit 32, the control unit 23 sends a low rotation speed to the fan motor drive unit 21, and the fan motor drive unit 21 supplies a current strong enough to rotate the fan motor 11 at a low speed, so the fan motor 11 rotates at a low speed, the fan 10 rotates at a low speed, and the airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 is changed to weak.

[0037] In other words, by making the operation start input unit 24a include a high-power operation start input unit 30 that inputs the start of high-power operation to the control unit 23, a medium-power operation start input unit 31 that inputs the start of medium-power operation to the control unit 23, and a low-power operation start input unit 32 that inputs the start of low-power operation to the control unit 23, the operation start input unit 24a constitutes a means for changing the fan airflow. Alternatively, a means for changing the airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 may be used, such as inputting different rotation speeds to the fan motor drive unit 21 separately from the operation start input unit 24a. The input unit 24 can be configured as follows. The cooking appliance is configured to emit a heating start signal when heating starts and a heating stop signal when heating ends, and a signal receiver is provided in the range hood 1. When the signal receiver receives the heating start signal, it inputs the start of operation to the control unit 23, and when the signal receiver receives the heating stop signal, it inputs the stop of operation to the control unit 23, thereby making the input unit 24 the input for starting and stopping the heating of the cooking appliance to the control unit 23. When the operation stop input unit 24b inputs operation stop to the control unit 23, the control unit 23 sends a rotation speed of zero to the fan motor drive unit 21 and the filter motor drive unit 22, causing the fan motor drive unit 21 and the filter motor drive unit 22 to stop supplying current to the fan motor 11 and the filter motor 13, and to stop outputting to the fan motor 11 and the filter motor 13. The filter mounting status determination means 25 starts determining whether the mounting status of the filter 12 is correct or incorrect when it receives a determination operation start message from the control unit 23.

[0038] Next, the operation of starting the range hood 1 will be explained. To start the range hood 1, the operation start input unit 24a of the input unit 24 is operated to input the start of operation to the control unit 23. The control unit 23 sends a predetermined rotational speed to the fan motor drive unit 21 and at the same time sends a determination operation start to the filter mounting state determination means 25. The fan motor drive unit 21 supplies a current to the fan motor 11 that is strong enough to rotate at the predetermined rotational speed. The fan motor 11 rotates at the predetermined rotational speed, and the fan 10 rotates at the predetermined rotational speed. As a result, the airflow of the fan 10 becomes the predetermined airflow, and oil fumes and the like are collected inside the hood 2 and the air containing the captured oil is discharged outside the hood 2, thus having a discharge function, and the range hood 1 starts exhaust operation.

[0039] When the filter mounting status determination means 25 receives a signal to start the determination operation, it begins the operation to determine the mounting status of the filter 12. If the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is not in the correct mounting state, the control unit 23 does not send rotational speed to the filter motor drive unit 22, and the filter motor drive unit 22 does not supply current to the filter motor 13, so the output to the filter motor 13 remains stopped. At this time, the control unit 23 continues to send a predetermined rotational speed to the fan motor drive unit 21, and the fan motor 11 continues to rotate, so the fan 10 also continues to rotate. In other words, if the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is not in the correct mounting state, the output to the filter motor 13 stops, and the fan 10 continues to rotate.

[0040] Therefore, if the filter 12 is not properly installed, the filter 12 will not be rotated by the filter motor 13 when the range hood 1 is started. This prevents the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13 from jamming with the shaft insertion hole 12a of the filter 12, and also prevents the filter from coming into contact with other components and being damaged. Moreover, the fan 10 continues to rotate, maintaining its exhaust function and allowing for the continued discharge of oil fumes and other contaminants. Furthermore, if the filter installation status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is not properly installed, the control unit 23 notifies the user via the notification means 26 that the filter 12 is not properly installed, and stores this determination in the storage unit 27. As a result, the user can detect that the filter 12 is not properly installed through the notification from the notification means 26.

[0041] The notification means 26 is a buzzer, lamp, sound generator, display unit, etc., that notifies the user that the filter 12 is not installed correctly using sound, light, voice, text, etc. The notification from the notification means 26 may be temporary or continuous, for example, by keeping the lamp lit. Alternatively, the notification means 26 may be a smartphone or a remote controller that remotely operates the range hood 1, and information that the filter 12 is not installed correctly may be transmitted to the smartphone or remote controller to notify the user that the filter 12 is not installed correctly.

[0042] When the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is correctly mounted, the control unit 23 sends a predetermined rotational speed to the filter motor drive unit 22. The filter motor drive unit 22 supplies a current strong enough to rotate at the predetermined rotational speed to the filter motor 13. The filter motor 13 rotates at the predetermined rotational speed, causing the filter 12 to rotate at the predetermined rotational speed. As a result, oil contained in the oil fumes and other substances collected inside the hood 2 is captured by the filter 12, and the air from which the oil has been captured can be discharged outside the hood 2. In other words, it becomes a range hood with an oil-capturing function.

[0043] The operation start operation of the range hood can also be as follows. To start the operation of the range hood 1, when the operation start input unit 24a of the input unit 24 is operated to input the operation start to the control unit 23, the control unit 23 sends the start of the determination operation to the filter mounting state determination means 25. When the filter mounting state determination means 25 receives the input of the start of the determination operation, it starts an operation to determine the mounting state of the filter 12. When the filter mounting state determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is not in the correct mounting state, the control unit 23 rotates the fan motor 11 as described above, but does not send the rotation speed to the filter motor drive unit 22, and the filter motor drive unit 22 does not supply current to the filter motor 13, so the rotation of the filter motor 13 remains stopped. At the same time, the notification means 26 notifies and stores in the storage unit 27 that it has been determined that the mounting state of the filter 12 is incorrect. When the filter mounting state determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is in the correct mounting state, the control unit 23 rotates the fan motor 11 and the filter motor 13 as described above.

[0044] That is, when the control unit 23 receives the operation start input from the input unit 24, it determines the mounting state of the filter 12 by the filter mounting state determination means 25. When the filter mounting state determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is not in the correct mounting state, the control unit 23 prevents the filter 12 from being rotated by the filter motor 13 and the fan 10 continues to rotate by the fan motor 11. With this configuration, even if the operation is started when the mounting state of the filter 12 is incorrect, the filter 12 is not rotated by the filter motor 13, so it is possible to prevent the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13 from engaging with the shaft insertion hole 12a of the filter 12, and it is possible to prevent the filter 12 from contacting other members and being damaged. Moreover, the fan 10 can continue to rotate and maintain the discharge function, and the oil smoke can continue to be discharged, so it is possible to continue the heating cooking because the oil smoke generated by the heating cooking can be continuously discharged.

[0045] Next, the change in airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 while the range hood 1 is in operation will be explained. After the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the mounting status of the filter 12 is incorrect, and the range hood 1 is operating with the fan 10 rotating at a high airflow, the medium operation start input unit 31 of the operation start input unit 24a is operated to input a medium operation start to the control unit 23, and the control unit 23 sends a medium rotation speed to the fan motor drive unit 21. The fan motor drive unit 21 supplies a current strong enough to rotate at a medium speed to the fan motor 11, and the fan motor 11 rotates at a medium rotation speed, so the rotation speed of the fan 10 becomes medium, and the airflow due to the rotation of the fan 10 is changed from high to medium. At the same time, the notification means 26 provides notification. Since the memory unit 27 has stored that the mounting status of the filter 12 is incorrect, the control unit 23 is prohibited from sending rotation speed to the filter motor drive unit 22 and maintains the output stop to the filter motor 13. Similarly, when changing the airflow from fan 10 from strong to weak, medium to strong, medium to weak, weak to strong, or weak to medium, the rotation speed of the fan motor 11 is changed, but the filter motor 13 is kept from rotating.

[0046] After the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is mounted correctly, if the range hood 1 is operating with the fan 10 rotating at a high speed, and the medium operation start input unit 31 of the operation start input unit 24a is operated to input a medium operation start to the control unit 23, the fan motor 11 is rotated at a medium speed in the same manner as described above, the rotation speed of the fan 10 is set to medium, and the airflow from the fan 10 is changed from high to medium. Since the memory unit 27 does not store that the filter 12 is mounted incorrectly, the control unit 23 sends a medium rotation speed to the filter motor drive unit 22. The filter motor drive unit 22 supplies a current strong enough to rotate at a medium speed to the filter motor 13, and the filter motor 13 rotates at a medium speed, so the rotation speed of the filter 12 becomes medium. Note that the rotation speed of the filter 12 and the rotation speed of the fan 10 are not the same; the rotation speed of the filter 12 is set according to the rotation speed of the fan 10. In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the filter 12 is changed in conjunction with the change in the rotation speed of the fan 10, and the fan 10 and the filter 12 operate in conjunction.

[0047] In other words, when changing the airflow by the rotation of the fan 10, if the memory unit 27 has determined that the filter 12 is not properly installed, and there is an input to change the rotation speed of the fan motor 11, the rotation speed of the fan motor 11 is changed to change the airflow of the fan 10, but the filter 12 is kept from being rotated by the filter motor 13. With this configuration, the airflow of the fan 10 can be changed even if the filter 12 is not properly installed, so that the airflow can be adjusted to match the amount of oil mist generated, ensuring proper discharge of oil mist.

[0048] Each time an operation start is input to the control unit 23, the filter attachment state determination means 25 determines the attachment state of the filter 12. However, there may be discomfort, so the control unit 23 is configured as follows. When an operation start is input while the storage unit 27 stores that the attachment state of the filter 12 is incorrect, the control unit 23 is configured to prohibit sending a determination operation start to the filter attachment state determination means 25. With this configuration of the control unit 23, even if the filter attachment state determination means 25 determines that the attachment state of the filter 12 is incorrect and then the operation start input unit 24a is operated to input an operation start to the control unit 23, the filter attachment state determination means 25 does not determine the attachment state of the filter 12. Therefore, the load associated with determining the attachment state of the filter 12 can be reduced, and the operations that occur during the determination of the attachment state of the filter 12 are not performed multiple times, so there is no discomfort caused by the repeated performance of the operations that occur during the determination.

[0049] The range hood 1 collects the oil fumes generated by cooking, captures the oil content contained in the collected oil fumes with the filter 12, and discharges the air without oil content outside the hood 2. The ability of the filter 12 to capture the oil content is better as the rotation speed is higher for filters 12 of the same shape. On the other hand, the amount of oil content contained in the oil fumes generated depends on the content of the cooking. From these facts, a filter rotation speed changing means for changing the rotation speed of the filter motor 13 may be provided to change the rotation speed of the filter 12 according to the content of the cooking so that the oil content contained in the oil fumes can be sufficiently captured.

[0050] For example, a filter rotation speed changing means is provided that allows the user to input a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor 13, such as high-speed rotation, medium-speed rotation, or low-speed rotation, to the control unit 23. The filter motor 13 rotates at high speed when high-speed rotation is input, at medium speed when medium-speed rotation is input, and at low speed when low-speed rotation is input. With this configuration, the user can change the rotation speed of the filter 12 according to the type of cooking being done. However, if the filter motor 13 rotates when the filter 12 is not properly installed, the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13 and the shaft insertion hole 12a of the filter 12 may become jammed.

[0051] To prevent this, the control unit 23 is configured as follows: After the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, if the range hood 1 is operating with the filter 12 still mounted incorrectly, and the filter rotation speed change means inputs a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor 13 to the control unit 23, the control unit 23 prohibits sending the rotation speed of the filter motor 13 to the filter motor drive unit 22 because the memory unit 27 stores that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, and maintains the output stop to the filter motor 13. At the same time, the control unit 23 is configured to notify the control unit 23 via the notification means 26 because it has received input for a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor 13 and the memory unit 27 stores that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly. Therefore, even if the filter rotation speed change means inputs a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor 13 to the control unit 23 while the range hood 1 is operating, the filter 12 will not be rotated by the filter motor 13, and the notification means 26 will notify the control unit 23.

[0052] In other words, the control unit 23 is configured such that, when the memory unit 27 has determined that the filter 12 is not in the correct mounting state, and there is an input to change the rotation speed of the filter motor 13, the notification means 26 will notify the user, and the filter 12 will not be rotated by the filter motor 13. With the control unit 23 configured in this way, the user may find it unnatural if the filter 12 does not rotate despite the user having changed the rotation speed of the filter 12. However, the user will know that the mounting state of the filter 12 is incorrect through the notification from the notification means 26, and will not find it unnatural if the filter 12 does not rotate.

[0053] As explained earlier, if the configuration of the control unit 23 is such that it prohibits sending a judgment operation start message to the filter mounting state determination means 25 when operation start is input when the memory unit 27 has stored information that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, then when the range hood 1 is started after the filter mounting state determination means 25 has determined that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, and then the filter 12 is removed for cleaning or other purposes after the operation is finished, and then reinstalled and the operation is started again, the filter mounting state determination means 25 will not be able to determine the mounting state of the filter 12. To solve this problem, the control unit 23 is configured such that when operation stop is input from the operation stop input unit 24b, it stops the output to the fan motor 11 and filter motor 13 without sending rotational speed to the fan motor drive unit 21 and the filter motor drive unit 22, and also resets the memory stored in the memory unit 27 that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly.

[0054] In other words, when a stop operation is input to the control unit 23, the fan motor 11 and the filter motor 13 are stopped from rotating, and the memory in the storage unit 27 that the mounting state of the filter 12 is incorrect is reset. With this configuration, if a stop operation is input to the control unit 23 from the stop operation input unit 24b while the range hood 1 is operating after the filter mounting state determination means 25 has determined that the mounting state of the filter 12 is incorrect, the control unit 23 will not send rotational speed to the fan motor drive unit 21 and the filter motor drive unit 22, will stop the rotation of the fan motor 11 and the filter motor 13, and will also reset the memory in the storage unit 27 that the mounting state of the filter 12 is incorrect.

[0055] After this, when the operation start input unit 24a inputs operation start to the control unit 23 in order to reinstall the filter 12 and then start operating the range hood 1, the memory unit 27 does not have a record of the determination that the installation state of the filter 12 is incorrect. Therefore, the control unit 23 sends a determination start message to the filter installation state determination means 25, and the filter installation state determination means 25 determines the installation state of the filter 12. Thus, when the filter 12 is reinstalled after the operation of the range hood 1 has finished, the filter installation state determination means 25 can determine whether the installation state of the filter 12 is correct or incorrect.

[0056] When the range hood 1 is in operation, if the filter 12 is to be removed from the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13 and then reattached, the rotation of the filter motor 13 should be stopped before doing so. However, it is dangerous to forget to stop the rotation of the filter motor 13 and to reattach the filter 12 while the filter motor 13 is still rotating. To prevent this, the range hood 1 is equipped with a filter removal preparation operation detection means, and when this detection means detects the filter 12 removal preparation operation, it is configured to stop the rotation of the fan motor 11 and the filter motor 13.

[0057] An embodiment of this configuration will now be described. As mentioned earlier, the filter 12 first swings the rectifier plate 5 into a vertical position to remove it from the recessed portion 3, and then removes the oil tray 14 from the recessed portion 3. Finally, the lock mechanism 15 is released and the filter 12 is removed by pulling it out from the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13. The filter 12 is installed in the reverse order of the removal operation. Thus, the filter 12 removal preparation operation includes the operation of removing the rectifier plate 5 from the recessed portion 3, the operation of removing the oil tray 14 from the recessed portion 3, and the operation of releasing the lock mechanism 15, and the rectifier plate removal detection means mentioned earlier corresponds to the filter removal preparation operation detection means. Note that the filter removal preparation operation detection means is not limited to detecting the operation of removing the rectifier plate 5 from the recessed portion 3, but may also detect the operation of removing the oil tray 14 from the recessed portion 3, the operation of releasing the lock mechanism 15, or a combination of multiple means.

[0058] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the on / off state of the switch 17 of the rectifier plate removal detection means is input to the control unit 23. When the control unit 23 receives an on signal for switch 17, the control unit 23 stops sending the rotational speed of the fan motor 11 to the fan motor drive unit 21 and stops sending the rotational speed of the filter motor 13 to the filter motor drive unit 22. In other words, it is configured to stop the output to the fan motor 11 and the filter motor 13. With this configuration, when the rectifier plate 5 is removed while the range hood 1 is operating with the fan 10 and filter 12 rotating, the switch 17 turns on, and that on signal is input to the control unit 23. When the ON signal is received from switch 17, the control unit 23 stops sending the rotational speed of the fan motor 11 to the fan motor drive unit 21 and stops sending the rotational speed of the filter motor 13 to the filter motor drive unit 22. As a result, the fan motor drive unit 21 no longer supplies current to the fan motor 11, and the fan 10 stops rotating due to the fan motor 11. As the filter motor drive unit 22 no longer supplies current to the filter motor 13, the filter 12 stops rotating due to the filter motor 13.

[0059] Therefore, when reinstalling the filter 12 while the range hood 1 is in operation, the motor shaft 13a of the filter motor 13 is not rotating, so the filter 12 can be safely reinstalled while the range hood 1 is in operation. The fan motor 11 may be configured to continue rotating when the rectifier plate 5 is removed. The filter removal preparation operation detection means is not limited to the rectifier plate removal detection means, but may also be means for detecting that the oil tray 14 has been removed, for example, a switch that turns on when the oil tray 14 is removed from the recessed part 3, a sensor that detects when a person's hand approaches the filter 12, means for detecting that the locking mechanism 15 has been unlocked, for example, a switch that turns on when the locking piece 15a moves to the unlocked position, or a filter removal button (not shown) provided on the input unit 24 that is operated when removing the filter 12.

[0060] The installation of the filter 12 is completed by attaching the oil tray 14 and the rectifier plate 5 after attaching the fan 10 to the motor shaft 13a. After this, as will be described later, the installation status of the filter 12 will be determined by rotating the filter 12. However, if the installation status of the filter 12 is determined without attaching the oil tray 14 and the rectifier plate 5, some malfunction may occur as the fan 10 rotates without the oil tray 14 and the rectifier plate 5 being attached. To solve this problem, the control unit 23 is configured as follows: A filter installation completion detection means is provided to detect when the installation of the filter 12 is complete, and the filter installation completion detected by the detection means is input to the control unit 23.

[0061] The control unit 23 is configured to send a judgment start signal to the filter mounting state determination means 25 when, after the filter removal preparation operation detection means inputs a filter removal preparation operation, the filter mounting completion detection means inputs a filter mounting completion operation. In this way, if the filter 12 is reinstalled after the initial determination of the filter mounting state, the filter mounting state determination means 25 can again determine whether the filter 12 is in the correct mounting state. Moreover, since the mounting state of the filter 12 is determined when the filter 12 with the oil tray 14 and rectifier plate 5 attached is fully installed, it is possible to prevent malfunctions caused by the fan 10 rotating. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may be configured to send a judgment start signal to the filter mounting state determination means 25 when, after the filter removal preparation operation detection means inputs a filter removal preparation operation, the filter mounting completion detection means inputs a filter mounting completion operation, and the operation start input unit 24a inputs an operation start operation.

[0062] An embodiment of this operation will be described. Filter installation is considered complete when the removed rectifier plate 5 is reinstalled, when the removed oil tray 14 is reinstalled, when the motor shaft 13a changes from having a filter 12 to having one, or when the locking piece 15a of the locking mechanism 15 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position and then back to the locked position. In this embodiment, the filter installation is considered complete when the removed rectifier plate 5 is reinstalled, the rectifier plate removal detection means is used as the filter installation completion detection means, and the filter installation is considered complete when the switch 17 turns on and then off. The filter 12 is then installed by removing the rectifier plate 5, removing the filter 12 from the motor shaft 13a, reinstalling it on the motor shaft 13a, and then reinstalling the rectifier plate 5. This operation causes the switch 17 to turn on and then off.

[0063] When the control unit 23 receives input to turn on the switch 17 and then input to turn off the switch 17, it sends a determination start signal to the filter mounting state determination means 25. Upon receiving the determination start signal, the filter mounting state determination means 25 rotates the filter 12 as described later to determine the mounting state of the filter 12. At this time, the rectifier plate 5 is attached, preventing malfunctions that would occur if the filter 12 were rotated without the rectifier plate 5 attached. Alternatively, the control unit 23 may send a determination start signal to the filter mounting state determination means 25 when it receives input to turn on the switch 17, then input to turn off the switch 17, and also when it receives input to start operation from the operation start input unit 24a.

[0064] Next, the filter mounting state determination means 25 will be described. When the filter 12 is mounted correctly, the motor shaft 13a and the filter 12 rotate together, so the moment of inertia of the motor shaft 13a (the moment of inertia of the sum of the moment of inertia of the motor shaft 13a and the moment of inertia of the filter 12) is large, and the motor shaft 13a is difficult to rotate, so it takes a long time to rise to a predetermined rotational speed, and it is also difficult to stop, so it takes a long time to stop. When the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, the motor shaft 13a and the filter 12 rotate relatively, so the moment of inertia of the motor shaft 13a is small, and the motor shaft 13a rotates easily, so it takes a short time to rise to a predetermined rotational speed, and it is also easy to stop, so it takes a short time to stop. The filter mounting state determination means 25 of this embodiment is configured to determine the mounting state of the filter 12 by focusing on this fact.

[0065] The filter mounting status determination means 25 of the first embodiment increases the rotational speed of the filter motor 13 and determines whether the filter 12 is mounted correctly or incorrectly based on the change in rotational speed. For example, it detects the time it takes for the rotational speed of the filter motor 13 to increase to a predetermined rotational speed, and if the detected time is longer than the set time, it determines that the filter 12 is mounted correctly; if it is shorter, it determines that the filter 12 is mounted incorrectly. Alternatively, it detects the rotational speed of the filter motor 13 after it has increased for a predetermined time, and if the detected rotational speed is slower than the set rotational speed, it determines that the filter 12 is mounted correctly; if it is faster, it determines that the filter 12 is mounted incorrectly.

[0066] The filter mounting status determination means 25 of the second embodiment increases the rotational speed of the filter motor 13, then decreases the rotational speed, and determines whether the filter 12 is mounted correctly or incorrectly based on the change in rotational speed. For example, the rotational speed of the filter motor 13 is increased to a predetermined rotational speed, then decreased, and the rotational speed after a predetermined time has elapsed is detected. If the detected rotational speed is slower than the predetermined rotational speed, it is determined that the filter 12 is mounted correctly; if it is faster, it is determined that the filter 12 is mounted incorrectly. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the filter motor 13 is increased to a predetermined rotational speed, then decreased, and the rate at which the rotational speed decreases is detected. If the detected rate of decrease is slower than the set rate of decrease, it is determined that the filter 12 is mounted correctly; if it is faster, it is determined that the filter 12 is mounted incorrectly. Note that if the filter 12 is not mounted on the motor shaft 13a, the situation is the same as when the filter 12 is mounted incorrectly, so it is possible to detect that the filter 12 has been forgotten to be mounted on the motor shaft 13a.

[0067] A specific example of the filter mounting status determination means 25 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. The strong operation start input unit 30 is operated to input the strong operation start to the control unit 23. Upon receiving the strong operation start input, the control unit 23 sends high-speed rotation to the fan motor drive unit 21 and also sends a determination start to the filter mounting status determination means 25. Upon receiving the high-speed rotation, the fan motor drive unit 21 sends a current strong enough to rotate the fan motor 11 at high speed to the fan motor 11. As a result, the fan motor 11 rotates at high speed. Upon receiving the determination start, the filter mounting status determination means 25 sends a determination rotation speed to the filter motor drive unit 22 via the control unit 23. Upon receiving the determination rotation speed, the filter motor drive unit 22 supplies a current strong enough to rotate the filter motor 13 at the determination rotation speed to the filter motor 13.

[0068] As a result, the filter motor 13 rotates at a judgment rotation speed, and the motor shaft 13a also rotates at a judgment rotation speed. The rotation speed of the motor shaft 13a is fed back to the filter mounting state determination means 25. The judgment rotation speed is a speed lower than the normal rotation speed determined by the rotation speed of the fan 10. For example, if the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, even if the filter motor 13 rotates, there is no risk of the shaft insertion hole 12a of the filter 12 and the motor shaft 13a becoming jammed. For example, a speed of 1000 rpm or less, more preferably 500 rpm or less.

[0069] When the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a, which is fed back to the filter mounting status determination means 25, reaches the determination rotational speed, the filter mounting status determination means 25 reduces the rotational speed sent from the control unit 23 to the filter motor drive unit 22 from the determination rotational speed to zero. Alternatively, instead of the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a, the rotational speed sent from the control unit 23 to the filter motor drive unit 22 may be reduced from the determination rotational speed to zero after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of determination was input. The filter motor drive unit 22 reduces the strength of the current supplied to the filter motor 13 to zero. As a result, the current supplied to the filter motor 13 becomes zero, and the output of the filter motor 13 stops.

[0070] As a result, no current is supplied to the filter motor 13, so the motor shaft 13a rotates only by its moment of inertia. After this, the filter mounting state determination means 25 measures the time since the output to the filter motor 13 was stopped, and after a specified time has elapsed, it compares the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a fed back from the filter motor 13 with a predetermined rotational speed. If the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a is less than or equal to the predetermined rotational speed, it determines that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly. In other words, if the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, the filter 12 and the motor shaft 13a rotate relative to each other, so the moment of inertia of the motor shaft 13a is small, and the time until the motor shaft 13a stops rotating is short, so the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a becomes slower than the predetermined rotational speed after a specified time has elapsed. If the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is not mounted correctly, it maintains the output stop to the filter motor 13, notifies the system using the notification means 26, and stores in the storage unit 27 that it has determined the filter 12 is not mounted correctly.

[0071] The filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is correctly mounted if the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a is faster than a predetermined rotational speed. In other words, when the filter 12 is correctly mounted, the filter 12 rotates together with the motor shaft 13a, so the moment of inertia of the motor shaft 13a is large, and the time until the motor shaft 13a stops rotating is long, so the rotational speed of the motor shaft 13a is faster than the predetermined rotational speed after a specified time. If the filter mounting status determination means 25 determines that the filter 12 is correctly mounted, the filter mounting status determination means 25 sends a normal rotational speed corresponding to the high-speed rotational speed of the fan motor 11 from the control unit 23 to the filter motor drive unit 22, and the filter motor drive unit 22 supplies a current strong enough to rotate the filter motor 13 at the normal rotational speed, and the filter motor 13 rotates at the normal rotational speed.

[0072] The range hood drive control device is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 6, and any configuration capable of performing the operations described in the specification is acceptable. For example, it may use a microcomputer having the functions of a control unit 23, a filter mounting state determination means 25, and a memory unit 27. The range hood drive control device of the present invention can be applied to range hoods in which the airflow and the rotation of the filter 12 are linked, and the rotation speed of the filter 12 changes when the airflow is changed, or to range hoods in which the airflow and the rotation of the filter 12 are independent of each other and can be selected separately, or to range hoods that monitor the cooking state and operate automatically.

[0073] 1...Range hood, 2...Hood, 3...Recessed section, 5...Rectifier plate, 10...Fan, 11...Fan motor, 12...Filter, 12a...Shaft insertion hole, 13...Filter motor, 13a...Motor shaft, 14...Oil tray, 15...Locking mechanism, 17...Switch, 20...Power supply, 21...Fan motor drive unit, 22...Filter motor drive unit, 23...Control unit, 24...Input unit, 25...Filter mounting status determination means, 26...Notification means, 27...Storage unit.

Claims

1. A mist collection device that collects and discharges mist, comprising a fan rotated by a fan motor and a filter mounted by inserting the motor shaft of a filter motor through a shaft insertion hole, wherein the device comprises a control unit, an input unit for inputting operation start and operation stop to the control unit, and a filter mounting state determination means for determining the mounting state of the filter, wherein when operation start is input to the control unit, the filter mounting state determination means determines the mounting state of the filter, and if the filter mounting state determination means determines that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, the control unit prevents the filter from rotating by the filter motor and causes the fan to continue rotating by the fan motor.

2. A mist collection device according to claim 1, comprising: a storage unit that stores that the filter mounting state determination means has determined that the filter is not in the correct mounting state; and a fan airflow change means that inputs a change in the rotational speed of the fan motor to the control unit, wherein when the storage unit has stored that it has determined that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and an input for a change in the rotational speed of the fan motor is received, the rotational speed of the fan motor is changed to change the airflow of the fan, but the filter is kept from being rotated by the filter motor.

3. A mist collection device according to claim 1, wherein the filter mounting state determination means includes a storage unit that stores a determination that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and if the storage unit stores a determination that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, the filter mounting state determination means does not determine the mounting state of the filter again, even if the input to start operation is received.

4. A mist collection device according to claim 1, comprising: a storage unit that stores that the filter mounting state determination means has determined that the filter is not in the correct mounting state; a filter rotation speed change means that inputs a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor to the control unit; and a notification means that notifies that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, wherein when the storage unit has stored that it has determined that the filter is not in the correct mounting state, and an input for a change in the rotation speed of the filter motor is received, the notification means notifies and maintains that the filter is not rotated by the filter motor.

5. A mist collection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein when a stop operation is input to the control unit, the fan motor and the filter motor are stopped from rotating to terminate the operation of the mist collection device, and the memory in the storage unit that the mounting state of the filter is incorrect is reset.

6. A mist collection device according to claim 1, wherein if a preparation operation for removing the filter occurs while the mist collection device is in operation, the output to the filter motor is stopped.

7. A mist collection device according to claim 1, wherein if there is an operation to prepare for removal of the filter, and thereafter there is an input that the installation of the filter is completed, or that the installation of the filter is completed and the operation has started, the filter installation status determination means determines the installation status of the filter.

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