WO2016020382A1 - Odor filter module, range hood device, and method for operating a range hood device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an odor filter module for a range hood device (1), comprising at least one odor filter element (43) and at least one throttle element (44) for adjusting the air flow through the odor filter module (4); an interface for connecting the throttle element (44) and a control device for controlling the throttle element (4) in accordance with at least one operating condition of at least one component of the range hood device (1) is provided on the odor filter module (4). Also described are a range hood device (1) comprising an odor filter module (4) of said type and a method for operating a range hood device (1) of said type.

Description

 Odor filter module, extractor device and method for operating a fume extraction device

The present invention relates to an odor filter module, a vapor extraction device with odor filter module and a method for operating such a vapor extraction device.

In extractor devices, in particular extractor devices for the kitchen area, it is known to use odor filters to filter or eliminate odors from the sucked in fumes and vapors. These odor filters are usually arranged in the hood of the extractor device, for example in the chimney of an extractor hood. In this way, the extractor device and in particular the extractor hood can be operated as in recirculation mode, that is, the purified air in the extractor device can be returned to the room in which the extractor device is operated, especially in the kitchen.

Furthermore, circulating air modules are known, which can be arranged on an extractor hood, for example, can be placed above the chimney and then the recirculation mode of the hood is enabled. A disadvantage of these known circulating air modules is that they do not allow a switch to exhaust air operation in the rule. Finally, DE 199 23 993 A1, for example, describes an extractor hood which can be switched over as a function of the outside temperature between exhaust air operation and recirculated air operation. For this purpose, a switching device is used, by means of which the odor filter lying in the air stream in recirculation mode is removed from the air path when switching to exhaust air mode. The construction of the hood is therefore complex. Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution by means of which in a simple way a targeted treatment of the air, which is sucked by a cooker hood, implemented can. The invention is based on the finding that this object can be achieved by a trained for air flow odor filter module can be integrated in a suitable manner in a ventilation system, in particular a cooker hood for kitchens. According to a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to an odor filter module for extractor device, which has at least one odor filter element and at least one throttle element for adjusting the air flow through the odor filter module and at the odor filter module an interface for connecting the throttle element and a control device for controlling the throttle element as a function of at least one Operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device is provided.

As a vapor extraction device according to the invention a ventilation system for adjusting desired air conditions in a room, especially a kitchen understood. In particular, air is drawn in through at least one component of the extractor device, in particular an extractor hood, and freed by this component or another component of the extractor device from at least liquid and particulate contaminants, for example by a grease filter on an extractor hood. As an odor filter module according to the invention a component of the extractor device is referred to, which is a separate component to the other components, which can be connected to one or more of the other components of the extractor device. In particular, the odor filter module can be connected to the extractor hood so that an air flow from the extractor hood to the odor filter module is made possible. For this purpose, the odor filter module can be placed on or at an extractor hood and is fluidically connected to it.

The odor filter module has according to the invention at least one odor filter element. The odor filter element may be an active or passive odor filter element. In particular, the odor filter element can be, for example, an activated carbon filter element, which can be designed, for example, as a mat, molded body, in particular wave-shaped molded body. Alternatively or additionally, the odor filter element can also be an air treatment unit which, for example, effects the treatment of air by means of high energy. In that case, the odor filter element may be, for example, a plasma source for generating the high energy.

The odor filter module has an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening. In addition, at least in an operating state of the odor filter module, air can also escape from the odor filter module via the at least one odor filter element.

According to the invention, the odor filter module has at least one throttle element for adjusting the air flow through the odor filter module. In this case, a throttle element is understood to mean a component which is suitable for at least partially blocking an air flow path. The throttle element may therefore also be referred to as a closure element and may, for example, constitute one or more flaps. As adjustment of the air flow through the odor filter module, the invention therefore at least partially blocks or at least partially opens one or more possible flow paths in the odor filter module. In particular, the supply of air to the odor filter element and / or an air outlet opening of the odor filter module is understood as adjusting the air flow through the odor filter module. Thus, by adjusting the air flow through the odor filter module between a recirculation mode in which the air exits via the at least one odor filter element from the odor filter module and an exhaust air operation in which the air is optionally passed, bypassing the odor filter element to an air outlet, be switched. Preferably, intermediate states can also be set in which a partial flow is conducted to the odor filter element and a further partial flow is conducted to the outlet opening. According to the invention, the odor filter module has an interface for connecting the throttle element to a control device which serves to control the throttle element. The interface can be a physical interface. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide an interface for optical or electromagnetic signals. This interface can therefore also be used to receive wireless be suitable transmitted signals. As connecting the throttle elements and the control device via the interface is therefore also understood a connection for signal transmission, via which, for example, control signals can be transmitted to the throttle element.

The control device to which the throttle element has an interface may be provided on the odor filter module itself. However, it is also possible to use a control unit to separate the odor filter module control unit. This separate from the odor filter module control unit may for example be a control unit of the hood of the extractor device. In this case, the interface to the odor filter module can serve as a receiving unit and / or transmitting unit.

The interface to the control unit, which consists of the odor filter module, serves to control the throttle element as a function of at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device. Under control is understood in this context, in particular the setting of a desired state of the throttle element or the throttle elements. Thus, in the odor filter module according to the invention at least one throttle element is provided on the odor filter module itself and this throttle element can be controlled or adjusted depending on at least one operating condition of at least one other component of the extractor device, a number of advantages can be achieved. In particular, a flexible adaptation of a fume extractor to the structural conditions and / or the cooking habits of the user of the extractor device can be done.

In particular, with the odor filter module according to the invention a switching from recirculation mode to exhaust mode or vice versa can be reliably performed. Since for the adjustment or control of the throttle element which in turn determines the air flow in the odor filter module, the operating conditions of at least one other component of the extractor device are taken into account, the appropriate air flow can be set in the odor filter module early or preventive. For example, in the adjustment of the throttle element in dependence of Operating condition of a window switch as another component, to be detected immediately, whether the window is closed and the throttle element are switched directly according to circulating air. A separate check of the pressure in the room is not necessarily required. Further advantages will be described below with reference to embodiments.

In addition, since the throttle element is provided on the odor filter module, the desired air flow can be achieved quickly after controlling the throttle element, in particular the setting of the throttle element. In contrast to shut-off which may be provided in ventilation ducts, for example on a wall box and which usually have a large distance to the hood can be done quickly in the present invention switching between exhaust and recirculation mode. According to one embodiment, the throttle element is arranged on the odor filter module at an air opening. The odor filter module has as air openings the inlet opening, which is also referred to as air inlet opening, air inlet opening or inlet opening, and an outlet opening, which is also referred to as air outlet opening, air outlet opening or outlet opening on. In addition, air may leave the odor filter module via the odor filter element. However, this is not referred to as air opening in the sense of the invention and for better understanding and better delineation hereinafter. If a throttle element is provided on the odor filter module, then this may be arranged at the air inlet opening or the air outlet opening. According to the invention, it is also possible to provide a throttle element both at the air inlet opening and at the air outlet opening. This provision of two throttle elements can be used, for example, in an odor filter module in which a plasma source is used as the odor filter element. In this case, the odor filter module may also be referred to as an air conditioning device, which will be described in more detail later.

By arranging the throttle element (s) on the air vent (s) of the odor filter module, a number of advantages can be achieved. On the one hand, the air openings are externally accessible, so that Einsteilvorrichtungen can easily act on the throttle element. In particular, a guide is the Einsteilvorrichtung through the interior of the odor filter module is not required. On the other hand, in the case of a pivotable attachment of flaps to an air opening by pivoting the flaps into the interior of the odor filter module, an at least partial shielding of the odor filter elements by the flaps can be achieved. However, the throttle element is also arranged in this embodiment at the air opening and therefore can be easily adjusted. In addition, the air opening can be directly closed by the throttle element, in particular by the pivotally mounted flaps.

The throttle element used in accordance with the invention can be an adjustable, convertible and / or controllable throttle element. As adjustable throttle elements in this case is a throttle element that can be set at least during installation to a specific position. This can be adapted to the application in the installation of the extractor device, which can also be referred to as a ventilation system. Threshold elements which can be brought from one state "open" into another state "closed" and vice versa are referred to as convertible throttle elements. The setting of intermediate states is not possible with this type of throttle elements. As controllable throttle elements throttle elements are referred to, which enable a division of the air flow, which enters the odor filter module, in exhaust / Umluftstromes in the odor filter module. Preferably, in these throttle elements, the division into exhaust air flow and circulating air flow in this embodiment is infinitely possible.

According to a preferred embodiment, an adjusting device for the throttle element is arranged on the odor filter module. This embodiment is particularly preferred with convertible and adjustable throttle elements. However, it may also be provided according to the invention in an adjustable throttle element that this is moved from the particular position determined during installation by an adjusting device. About the adjusting device can simultaneously set a plurality of throttle elements, in particular changed their position. For example, according to one embodiment, a throttling element provided at an air outlet opening of the odor filter module, which for example constitutes a rotatable flap, can be positioned simultaneously with other throttling elements arranged laterally on the Odor filter module are provided and by means of which the odor filter elements can be closed, are operated.

The adjusting device may allow mechanical actuation, for example by means of levers, via shift linkage or pull cables. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible that the adjusting device represents a motor device in which the one or more throttle elements is actuated by means of one or more actuators. This motorized adjusting device can be switched manually. Preferably, however, the adjusting device is actuated by means of the control device with which the throttle element is connected via the interface.

The throttle element can represent, for example, an iris or one or more flaps. The advantage of using an iris diaphragm as a throttle element is that the cross section of the air opening, which is open on the odor filter module can be accurately adjusted via such a diaphragm and thereby the air flow entering or exiting through this air opening can be precisely adjusted. In addition, in this embodiment, the throttle element is in the same plane in each state. This means that the throttle element does not protrude into the odor filter module or projects beyond the air opening.

If a flap is used as the throttle element, this is preferably a flap which is rotatably mounted in the air opening and which corresponds to the area of the air opening and can thereby cover it. This embodiment has the advantage that the flap can be easily changed to its position.

If several flaps are used, they may, for example, together correspond to the area of the air opening and be, for example, semicircular. Alternatively, however, it is also possible, for example, to use flaps which extend from the air opening into the interior of the odor filter module and are rotatably mounted on the air opening or in the region of the air opening. In this case, the area of each of the flaps preferably corresponds to the inner surface of one of the odor filter elements. In this embodiment, the flaps can then completely cover in one position the odor filter elements from the inside and thus prevent leakage of air through the odor filter elements. In another end position are preferably the free ends of the flaps, that is, the ends, which are opposite the rotatably mounted end of the respective flap against each other and thus obstruct the airway to the air opening at which the flaps are rotatably mounted. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the odor filter elements are protected from accumulation of impurities or the deposition of odors by only two throttle elements, in particular the two flaps and thus the life of the odor filter elements can be improved.

According to one embodiment, the odor filter module is a preassembled or pre-assembled unit. As a preassembled or preassembled unit is referred to a unit within the meaning of the invention, which can be installed as a part in the extractor device. In particular, it is not necessary during the installation or installation of the extractor device to introduce the odor filter and the throttle element in the extractor device or to mount in this. This embodiment has the advantage that on the one hand the installation or assembly of the extractor device is simplified and on the other hand that retrofitting of extractor devices with the odor filter module according to the invention is possible. Since all parts of the odor filter module, which are necessary for its function, are pre-assembled in one unit, a structural change of other parts, such as an exhaust duct of the extractor device is not required.

According to one embodiment, the at least one odor filter element is arranged on the odor filter module parallel to the main flow direction in the odor filter module. Preferably, the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening are located on opposite sides of the odor filter module. The odor filter elements are therefore provided in this embodiment in the odor filter module between these two air openings. In a box-shaped odor filter module, the odor filter elements are therefore provided, for example, on two, three or four sides of the box-shaped odor filter module when the air openings are in the top and bottom of the odor filter module. The arrangement of the odor filter elements parallel to the main flow direction has the advantage that in a setting of the throttle elements, in which the air outlet opening is open, the air flows past the odor filters and the risk of deposition or deposition of impurities in the odor filters is low. The odor filter element (s) may preferably be released from the odor filter module perpendicular to the main flow direction in the odor filter module. This has the advantage that when the odor filter module is installed with a vertical main flow direction, the odor filter elements can be removed in the horizontal direction. Since the odor filter module is usually provided above a fume hood in the extractor device, such a removal in the horizontal direction for the user is easier possible than a removal in the vertical direction, in particular upwards.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a fume extraction device. The extractor device is characterized in that it has at least one odor filter module according to one of the preceding claims, at least one extractor hood and at least one control device for controlling at least one throttle element of the extractor device as a function of at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device.

The extractor hood of the extractor device can represent an extractor hood with viewing hood or vapor shield and chimney. But it is also possible that the hood represents a blower module. The control device of the extractor device may be the control device of the extractor hood or a control device provided separately for this purpose. The control device is connected via the interface of the odor filter module with the throttle element and can control this in response to at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device.

By means of this construction of the extractor device, a targeted venting guide can be realized in the odor filter module and thereby also in the other components of the extractor device. For example, the air flow, which is supplied to an exhaust duct, can be adjusted specifically.

According to one embodiment, the control device comprises a control unit and a control line to an adjusting device for actuating the throttle element. The adjusting device is used for actuating the throttle element and in particular for Setting a desired position or position of the throttle element. By adjusting a position or position of the throttle element, the cross-section through the air is determined through the air opening at which the throttle element is provided. Thus, by adjusting the position or position of the throttle element, the air flow that can flow through this air opening is determined and thus also determines the air flow that can flow through further air paths in the odor filter module or other components of the extractor device. The control unit may represent the control unit of the hood. The adjusting device is preferably provided on the odor filter module itself. The control unit in this embodiment is for receiving information about the operating conditions of one or more components of the extractor device and the generation of drive signals for the adjustment device on the basis of the received information. The control line can be implemented as a cable or as a wireless control line.

The advantage of providing a control unit and an adjusting device connected via a control line is firstly that the control unit can be provided at a distance from the odor filter module. On the other hand, the adjusting device can be provided in a position in the vicinity of the throttle element or elements, whereby the operation of the throttle element or elements is simplified.

According to a preferred embodiment, the extractor hood of the extractor device has a fan and the odor filter module downstream of the fan. By arranging the odor filter module after the blower of the extractor hood, the air flowing through the odor filter module air can be output directly, for example, directed into an exhaust duct or discharged into the environment. According to one embodiment, at least two odor filter modules are provided in the extractor device and these are connected in series. Preferably, the air outlet opening of an odor filter module is in each case connected to the air inlet opening of the next odor filter module. This means that the exhaust air flow of an odor filter module can be supplied to the next odor filter module. The use of multiple serially connected odor filter modules has a number of advantages. For example, this embodiment can be used with the use of high volume blowers. Due to the series connection of the odor filter modules, in this case the delivery volume is distributed to a plurality of odor filter modules and thus to a larger filter surface, which is formed by the odor filter elements provided in the odor filter modules. In addition, the filter result, in particular the deposition rate of odors and / or the service life of the individual odor filter elements can be improved.

According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating a fume extraction device according to the invention. The method is characterized in that at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device is determined at a control device and at least one throttle element of at least one odor filter module of the extractor device is activated as a function of the determined operating condition.

Determining the at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device on the control device can be effected by receiving signals from further components of the extractor device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one operating condition can be determined from information present at the control device. For example, an operating state that is detected or queried on the component whose control device is used for the method according to the invention. The conversion of the determined operating condition in a control signal for controlling the throttle element or the throttle elements of one or more odor filter modules is preferably carried out in the control device itself. According to a preferred embodiment is switched by activation or adjustment of the throttle element between a supply air operation and an exhaust air operation of the extractor device. This means that by setting the throttle element preferably at least one Abluftluftweg or a Umluftluftweg can be closed. Preferably, the switching takes place continuously. This means that any intermediate operations of the extractor device are possible. In particular, the Abluftluftweg and / or the Umluftluftweg, for example, be only partially closed. The distribution of the air flow in recirculated air and exhaust air can be selectively adjusted.

The component whose operating condition is determined can be, for example, the extractor hood, a cooking appliance, a window switch and / or a further odor filter module, in particular an air treatment device. As a cooking appliance in this context, a cooking device is referred to, which is involved in the control of the extractor device, in particular their operation can be monitored by the extractor device. A window switch is a switch that monitors the opening or closing of a room window. An air freshening device is an active odor filter module. For example, an odor filter module can be used with a plasma source, by which a high energy for the treatment of the air and in particular the odors in the air can be effected.

By taking into account the operating condition of one or more of these components in the control of the throttle element, a distribution or classification of the air flow in exhaust air and recirculated air, which is appropriate to the currently prevailing conditions of the extractor device, can be achieved.

According to one embodiment, the operating condition indicates the operating state of the component. The operating state here is both the actuation or deactivation of the component and the mode in which it is operated. The mode may specify a power level of the component that is set. Additionally or alternatively, however, the mode may also be a program executed by the component. For example, an interval ventilation of the fan of an extractor hood can be referred to as the operating state of the component.

Additionally or alternatively to the operating state of the component, parameters detected or monitored on the component may also be referred to as the operating condition of the component. For example, a time indication that is recorded on a component, for example the extractor hood In particular, a calendar entry will be used as the operating condition of the extractor hood. As a result, for example, a change from summer to winter can be detected and the throttle element can be controlled accordingly. According to one embodiment, the operating condition is therefore a time-dependent condition. In addition to the mentioned calendar time or time, an operating period or operating periods can also be referred to as a time-dependent condition. The operating life of the extractor hood, for example, provide information about the expected degree of saturation of the odor filter elements. The operating periods may be, for example, intervals of an interval ventilation program.

By taking into account time-dependent operating conditions, the adjustment of the throttle elements can be particularly flexible and in real time. Examples of the operating conditions of components of the extractor device, which are taken into account for adjusting or the throttle elements, the fan speed of the fan of the hood, a calendar in a control unit of the hood, a time measurement in a control unit of the hood, a state of a window switch, an operating status information a cooking appliance and / or an operating state indication of an air treatment device.

Advantages and features which are described with respect to the odor filter module according to the invention also apply, as far as applicable, to the extractor device according to the invention and to the method according to the invention and in each case vice versa. The features and advantages may therefore be described only with reference to one of the aspects of the invention, but also apply without explicit explanation to the other two aspects of the invention. The invention will be explained again below with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective bottom view of a first embodiment of an odor filter module according to the invention; FIG. 2 shows a schematic, perspective side view of the embodiment of the odor filter module according to the invention according to FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a schematic, perspective plan view of a second embodiment of an odor filter module according to the invention;

FIGS. 4a to 4c show three states of a third embodiment of an odor filter module according to the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the extractor device according to the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the extractor device according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the extractor device according to the invention; and FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the extractor device according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the odor filter module 4 according to the invention. The filter module consists of a frame 40, which may also be referred to as a housing. The frame 40 has a box shape. In this frame 40, up to five odor filter elements 43 can be provided. In particular, all side walls and the top of the odor filter module 4 can be formed or covered by odor filter element 43. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the odor filter module 4 has only two odor filter elements 43 on two opposite side walls. In the bottom of the frame 40, an air inlet opening 41 is provided, which is formed in the illustrated embodiment by a pipe socket and with a cooker hood (not shown) can be connected. At the top of the frame 40 of the odor filter module 4 is a Air outlet opening 42 (see Figure 2) is provided, which is also formed by a pipe socket.

In the air outlet opening 42, a throttle element 44 is arranged. In the first embodiment of the odor filter module 4 according to Figures 1 and 2, the throttle element 44 is a round flap, which is rotatably mounted in the air outlet opening 42, in particular in the pipe socket. In this case, the axis of rotation of the throttle element 44 lies in the area of the air outlet opening 42 and extends through the center of the air outlet opening 42. FIG. 2 shows the throttle element 44 in the position pivoted to the surface of the air outlet opening 42. In this position, the air outlet opening 42 is open, that is, is not blocked by the throttle element 44. This condition is also referred to as exhaust air condition or exhaust air operation. By pivoting the throttle element 44, the air outlet opening 42 can be blocked and thus the air flow in the odor filter module 44 instead of through the air outlet opening 42 through the odor filter elements 43 are performed. This condition, in which the flap lies in the surface of the air outlet opening 42 and closes it, is also referred to as recirculation or recirculation mode, since the air leaving the odor filter elements 43 can be returned to the room in which the extractor device is operated. By the throttle element 44 thus the air flow can be adjusted by or in the odor filter module 4.

In addition to the throttle element 44 in the air outlet opening, in the first embodiment of the odor filter module 4, additional lateral throttle elements (not shown) may additionally be provided which close the odor filter elements 43 in the exhaust air state. A possible embodiment of such lateral throttle elements 44 is shown in FIG.

On the odor filter module, in particular on the frame 40, an adjusting device 45 is provided in the vicinity of the air outlet opening 42. This adjusting device 45 serves to set a desired position or position of the throttle element 44. In the illustrated embodiment, the angular position of the flap in the air outlet opening 42 is set via the adjusting device 45. To the setting device 45, a control line (not shown) can be connected, which is connected to a control device of the extractor device. Alternatively, you can the adjusting device may also be provided with a receiving device for receiving wirelessly transmitted control signals from a control device. In this embodiment, the adjusting device or the connection of the control line or the receiving device therefore serves as an interface for connecting the throttle element 44 with a control device. Via this interface, the throttle element 44 can be controlled as a function of at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device and via the adjusting device 45, the desired state of the throttle element 44 can be set.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the odor filter module 4 according to the invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 only by the configuration of the throttle element 44. Instead of the rotatable flap used in the first embodiment, an iris diaphragm is arranged in the air outlet opening 42 in the second embodiment as a throttle element 44. In this case, a throttle element 44 is designated as the iris diaphragm, in which at least disk parts are arranged in the area of the air outlet opening 42 so that they can reduce the open cross section of the air outlet opening 42 by sliding against each other in the area of the air outlet opening 42 and close it in the circulating air state. By moving the disk parts in the opposite direction, the open cross section of the air outlet opening 42 can be increased continuously until it is completely released.

Also in this second embodiment, in addition to the throttle element 44 in the air outlet opening 42 lateral throttle elements (not shown) may be provided which close the odor filter elements 43 in the exhaust air state. A possible embodiment of such lateral throttle elements 44 is shown in FIG.

The configured as an iris throttle element 44 of the second embodiment is also controlled by an adjusting device (not shown in Figure 3) and the adjusting device 45 has an interface for connection to a control device via which the throttle element 44 in response to at least one operating condition of at least one component of Extractor device can be controlled. About the adjusting device 45, the desired state of the throttle element 44 is set.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the odor filter module 4. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments only by the throttle element 44 used. Instead of a rotatable flap in the air outlet 42 and an iris in the air outlet 42 is in the third embodiment as a throttle element 44, a pair of flaps on the underside of the air outlet 42 at the Rim rotatably mounted. The plate-shaped flaps of the flap pair, which preferably have a rectangular shape, extend into the interior of the frame 40 of the odor filter module 4th

FIGS. 4a to 4c show three states of this third embodiment of the odor filter module 4 according to the invention. The circulating air state is shown in FIG. 4a. In this state, the flaps of the throttle element 44 are pivoted against each other so that their free ends abut each other. This orientation of the flaps obstructs the air path to the air outlet opening 42 and the entire air flow entering the odor filter module 4 via the air inlet opening 41 is conducted via the odor filter elements 43. Thus, the recirculation rate in this setting of the throttle element 44 is 100% and this setting is therefore also referred to as recirculation condition. In the figure 4b, the flaps of the throttle element 44 are pivoted against each other so that their free ends are spaced apart, but the flaps do not yet abut the inner sides of the odor filter elements 43. This orientation of the flaps partially opens the airway to the air outlet opening 42 and another portion of the incoming airflow is directed over the odor filter elements 43. Thus, the air flow at this position of the throttle element 44 is divided into a proportion of exhaust air and a recirculated air and this setting is therefore also referred to as an intermediate state. In Figure 4c, the flaps of the throttle element 44 are aligned so that they rest completely against the inner sides of the odor filter elements 42 and cover them so completely from the inside. In this state, the entire air flow entering the odor filter module 4 via the air inlet opening 41 is guided via the air outlet opening 42, that is to say that the exhaust air portion is 100% and this setting is also referred to as the exhaust air condition. FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of a vapor extraction device 1 according to the invention. In the embodiment shown, the extractor device 1 comprises an extractor hood 2 in the form of a blower unit and an odor filter module 4. The odor filter module 4 is connected downstream of the blower 3 provided in the extractor hood 2 and is arranged in particular with the air inlet opening 41 at an air outlet of the extractor hood 2. The odor filter module 4 is an odor filter module 4 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the extractor hood a control device (not shown) is provided. This control device can serve to control the extractor hood 2. In addition, however, the control device serves to control the throttle element 44 as a function of at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device 1. For this purpose, the controller is connected to the adjusting device 45 of the odor filter module 4, for example via a control line. The adjusting device 45 or at least the connection to the control line therefore serves as an interface to the control device.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the extractor device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, two odor filter modules 4 are connected in series. Also in the second embodiment, the hood 2 is represented as a blower unit. At the air outlet of the hood 2, a first odor filter module 4 is arranged with the air inlet opening 41. To the air outlet opening 42 of the first odor filter module 4, a further odor filter module 4 is connected to the air inlet opening 41. In the illustrated embodiment, in each case a throttle element 44 may be provided on the first odor filter module 4 at the air outlet opening 42 and on the second odor filter module 4 at the air outlet opening 42. Such a fume extractor 1 with odor filter modules 4 connected in series can be advantageous, for example, when using blowers 3 with a high volume flow. Here, the delivery volume is distributed to a larger filter surface, namely the odor filter elements 43 of the first and the second odor filter module 4.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the extractor device 1 according to the invention. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment of the extractor device 1 only by the Embodiment of the extractor hood 2. In the third embodiment, the extractor hood 2 is a dining, at the chimney in which the blower 3 is located, the odor filter module 4 connects. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the control line 46, which connects the adjustment device 45 to the control device (not shown) of the extractor hood 2, is indicated schematically.

FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the extractor device 1 according to the invention. Also in this embodiment, the hood 2 is a dining. The Esse are two series connected odor filter modules 4 downstream. In this fourth embodiment, the first odor filter module 4 represents an air treatment device, for example a plasma filter. The second odor filter module 4 represents a passive odor filter module 4 according to one of the figures 1 or 3. In the embodiment shown, the first odor filter module 4 at the air inlet opening 41 a Throttle element 44 is provided. At the air outlet opening 42 of the first odor filter module 4, preferably no throttle element 44 is provided. According to the first or second embodiment of the odor filter module 4, the second odor filter module 4 has a throttle element 44 at its air outlet opening 42. By this structure, a backflow of air from the first odor filter module 4 can be prevented by the hood 2. In the air treatment device, which is used as the first odor filter module 4, chemical substances can be generated as a side effect, which must not enter the room air in higher concentrations. In the embodiment of the extractor device according to FIG. 8, these substances can be broken down again in the second odor filter module 4, which may have activated carbon filters as odor filter elements 43, for example. As a result, for example, gaseous substances which are formed during operation of the first odor filter module 4 designed as a plasma filter can be removed in the second odor filter module 4. If the air treatment device is an electrostatic filter or an odor filter module 4 equipped with UV tubes, ozone from the air can be removed in the second odor filter module 4, for example. For safety reasons, in such arrangements, an outflow of air in the direction of flow opposite direction must be prevented. This is ensured by the upstream throttle element 44 in the first odor filter module 4. The throttle element 44 or the invention can be actuated either mechanically or by motor. For example, a lever can be used as an adjusting device 45 for the mechanical actuation. This type of adjusting device can be used, for example, in the immediate vicinity of the throttle element, for example in the case of odor filter modules, which are arranged freely in the space under the ceiling when the adjusting device is arranged. Alternatively or additionally, a shift linkage or traction cable may be used as the adjustment device 45. This type of setting device is for example advantageous if the throttle element is integrated, for example, in the chimney of an extractor hood. These types of setting devices 45 can be operated manually by the user of the extractor device in addition to the control according to the invention by a control device of a component of the extractor device. Thus, for example, a manual switch between summer and winter by the user can be done.

The motor actuation of the throttle element 44 can also be done manually in addition to the actuation effected by the control device. For this purpose, an electrical switch can be provided in the access area of the user, via which the user can switch over the throttle element, for example, can switch from recirculation to exhaust air operation. The adjustment of the throttle element in conjunction with a control device can be done in particular by using an existing electronic control, such as the control device of the hood. Here, for example, the summer / winter conversion can be done with an electronic control with integrated clock and Dateitionitionalität the control device of the hood. The switchover takes place, for example, calendar-controlled.

In the following, some embodiments of the method according to the invention will be explained again. According to a preferred embodiment, controllable throttling elements are used for the method according to the invention, since by these an active control of the extractor device, which can also be referred to as a ventilation system, can be realized with frequent switching operations. The throttle elements are not only operated in the two end positions "open" and "closed", but can also control intermediate positions.

According to the invention, for example, a step-dependent changeover can take place. The conversion is carried out automatically in certain operating conditions of the extractor device 1, that is, at least one component of the extractor device 1. For example, if an extractor hood 2 of the extractor device 1 is used in stage 1 -3 are operated in pure recirculation mode, that is, the entire air flow over the Odor filter element 43 of the odor filter modules or 4 are passed. If the intensive level of the extractor hood 2 is set, it can be switched to pure exhaust air operation or as a bypass solution to partial exhaust air operation. At the end of the duration of the intensive stage, the throttle element 44 closes automatically. The control of the throttle element 44 of the odor filter module 4 thus takes place as a function of the operating condition, in particular the operating state of the extractor hood 2 as a component of the extractor device. 1 In addition, depending on the mechanical design of the throttle element 44, the partial exhaust air operation can basically be set by means of variable throttle element position, in particular flap position, in each operating stage of the fan 3 of the extractor hood 2 and is not restricted to the intensive level.

In addition or as an alternative to the adjustment of the throttle element 44 as a function of the operating state of the extractor hood 2, a time-controlled switching of the throttle element 44 can take place, for example. For example, the change-over may be coupled to the "ventilation ventilation" functionality of the extractor hood 2. This means that the hood 2 is activated for the purpose of room ventilation a certain time interval per hour - regardless of the suction in connection with a cooking process seeks an exchange of room air, the recirculation mode is not effective and it is therefore via the interface to the throttle element 44 of the control device of the hood 2 automatically set a position of the throttle element 44, which brings the odor filter module 4 in an exhaust state.

Furthermore, the control of the throttle element or 44 can be made depending on the system. In this case, the changeover occurs depending on the configuration of the fume extractor 1, whereby the configuration of the entire kitchen environment can be taken into consideration.

For example, a window switch can be considered as a component of the extractor device. In this application, the throttle element 44 is always set to exhaust air. To the control device, which may be, for example, the control unit of the extractor device 1, a so-called "window switch" is connected, which detects whether a sufficient supply air is ensured if a room-air-dependent fireplace in accordance with the chimney sweep regulation in the ventilation system of the kitchen is present be the case, that is, for example, the window is closed, the controller automatically switches the throttle element to circulating air.

The temperature of a hearth as a component of the extractor device can be taken into account in the control of the throttle element. A temperature sensor detects whether a hearth in the sense of the chimney sweep regulation room-dependent fire is in operation. If not, the sensor can bridge the functionality "window switch." According to the invention, cooking appliances can also be included as components of the cooker hood If kitchen appliances are used in the kitchen environment where smoke may develop, for example a grill, this smoke can not be removed by the odor filter elements of the oven When the appropriate cooking appliance is put into operation, the control device therefore automatically switches the throttle element to exhaust air.

In addition to the control according to the invention as a function of at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device, a sensor-controlled changeover can also take place. The conversion will be done automatically in Dependence of one of the measuring signal of a sensor element connected to the controller. For example, there may be a coupling with an air quality sensor. In addition to starting the fan stages, a bypass solution with a partial or even complete exhaust air operation can be used at high volume flows.

For example, gas sensor may be coupled to the control device used according to the invention. The exhaust air operation is activated as a function of the CO / CO 2 concentration determined in the room. The CO / CO 2 is produced by the operation of room-air-dependent gas hobs and represents a health hazard. A monitoring and conversion depending on the outside temperature can be performed in addition to the method according to the invention. Switching to exhaust air takes place as a function of the outside temperature or the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor temperature.

The present invention has a number of advantages.

Among other things, it is possible with the present invention to adjust the exhaust air recirculation proportion according to the wishes of the user. A change in the entire extractor device is not required here, since the odor filter module is provided as a separate component. In addition, the length of the exhaust air line and its flow losses can be taken into account when setting the system. It is possible to adapt the exhaust air volume flow to normative specifications, for example the 300 cfm limit in the US building codes, without reducing the total volume flow specified in the catalogs and thus impairing the extraction behavior, especially of large extractor hoods.

Since the exhaust air volume flow is lower than the total volume flow of the extractor hood, the exhaust air piping can be made in a smaller nominal size than the standard recommended NW150. In this case, especially in older buildings existing pipe systems can be used in NW125 or even NW100.

Furthermore, it is on the one hand possible the modular concept of the present invention flexible to the structural conditions and the cooking habits of the user adapt. This can be done in addition to an electronic control and a manual control. With the throttle option according to the invention normative specifications, such as building codes can be adhered to without significantly deteriorating the total volume flow of the cooker hood. The control options according to the invention also allow a volumetric flow-dependent adaptation of the system characteristic curve, that is, a distribution of volumetric flow rates in exhaust air and recirculated air. With the present invention also working in different plant characteristics depending on different factors is possible. For example, time specifications such as summer / winter changeover or day / night operation can be taken into account. Furthermore, functionalities such as interval ventilation can be taken into account. In addition, it is possible according to the invention to configure the cooking appliances used. Finally, the control possibilities that can be realized according to the invention make it possible to implement safety-relevant functionalities.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 extractor device

2 extractor hood

3 blowers

 4 odor filter module

40 frames

 41 air intake opening

42 air outlet opening

43 odor filter element

44 throttle element

45 setting device

46 control line

Claims

1 . Odor filter module for extractor device (1) having at least one odor filter element (43) and at least one throttle element (44) for adjusting the air flow through the odor filter module (4) and at the odor filter module (4) an interface for connecting the throttle element (44) and a Control device for controlling the throttle element (44) in response to at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device (1) is provided. 2. odor filter module according to claim 1, characterized in that the throttle element (44) on at least the odor filter module (4) at an air opening (41, 42), in particular at the inlet opening (41) and / or the outlet opening (42) of the odor filter module ( 4) is arranged. 3. odor filter module according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the throttle element (44) is an adjustable, umstellbares and / or controllable throttle element (44) and on the odor filter module (4) preferably an adjusting device (45) for the throttle element ( 4) is arranged. 4. odor filter module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the throttle element (44) is an iris or one or more flaps. 5. odor filter module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the odor filter module (4) is a preassembled or pre-assembled unit. 6. odor filter module according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one odor filter element (43) on the odor filter module (4) parallel to the main flow direction in the Odor filter module (4) is arranged and can be solved preferably perpendicular to the main flow direction in the odor filter module (4) of the odor filter module (4). 7. extractor device, characterized in that this at least one odor filter module (4) according to one of the preceding claims, at least one extractor hood (2) and at least one control device for controlling at least one throttle element (44) of the extractor device (1) in response to at least one operating condition at least a component of the extractor device (1). 8. Vapor extraction device according to claim 7, characterized in that the control device comprises a control unit and a control line (46) to the adjusting device for actuating the throttle element (44). 9. Vapor extraction device according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the extractor hood (2) of the extractor device (1) has a fan (3) and the odor filter module (4) is connected downstream of the fan (3). 10. Vapor extraction device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that in the extractor device (1) at least two odor filter modules (4) are provided and these are connected in series. 1 1. A method for operating a fume extraction device, which is configured according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that at least one operating condition of at least one component of the extractor device (1) is determined on a control device and at least one throttle element (44) at least one odor filter module (4) the extractor device (1) is controlled in dependence of the determined operating condition. 12. The method according to claim 1 1, characterized in that by driving the throttle element (44) between a supply air operation and an exhaust operation of the extractor device (1), preferably can be switched continuously. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the component whose operating condition is determined, the extractor hood (2), a cooking appliance, a window switch and / or another odor filter module (4), in particular an air treatment device. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that the operating condition indicates the operating state of the component. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14, characterized in that the operating condition is a time-dependent condition. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that the operating condition is a fan speed of the blower (3) of the hood (2), a calendar in a control unit of the hood (2), a time measurement in a control unit of the hood ( 2), a state indication of a window switch, an operating state indication of a cooking appliance and / or an operating state indication of an air treatment device (4).