IMPROVED CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A RANGE HOOD AND HOB

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a control system (1) for matching an electrical hob (3) having plurality of cookers (31) and a range hood (2) having a fan motor (M) via wireless communication and controlling performance of said range hood (2) based on cooking activities over said hob (3), comprising at least one transmitter unit (12) configured to be connected to the hob (3) and a receiver unit (11) configured to be connected to the range hood (2); wherein the transmitter unit (12) comprises a measurement unit (121) measuring the electrical current towards the electrical hob (3) and producing a signal (123) proportional thereto, and said receiver unit (11) is configured to receive said signals (123) and produce a corresponding control signal for adjusting speed of the motor (M).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates an improved control system for matching a range hood and hob via wireless communication whereby performance of the range hood is adjusted automatically based on a measurement of electrical current supplied to the hob. The invention also relates to a novel method for controlling performance of a range hood as well as a combination of a hob and range hood comprising the above mentioned control system.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Cooker hobs and range hoods are widely used in domestic and industrial kitchens in daily life. Most range hoods, however, are installed and set up independently from the cooktop such that range hood and cooktop are activated or deactivated manually and separately. This causes numerous problems in many aspects for the users.

[0003] It is known that an intense smell occurs during cooking in the kitchen. Range hoods are needed to be operated timely upon activation and after deactivation of the hob for keeping desired quality of air in the kitchen. That is the range hood needs to be activated upon start of the cooking process and it needs to be operated for a while after finishing of the cooking. The air extraction of the hood during cooking is very important for the ambient air. Intense smells for children and elderly as well as people with certain diseases are quite harmful and annoying. In addition, overloaded range hood causes too much machine noise.

[0004] It is also important to increase or decrease performance of the range hood depending on intensity of the smoke generated in the oven or multiple cookers of the hob in the cooking process. More particularly the range hood needs to be operated in a more powerful mode if multiple cookers are operated simultaneously, and in a mode with lower extraction if number of the activated cookers are low or none. Range hoods are conventionally equipped with level buttons for operation in different modes whereby rotation speed of the fan motor is adjusted to predetermined levels. Operation modes of the range hood are adjusted manually by the user and therefore user's particular care is required continuously in the course of cooking so that range hood may not be unduly overloaded or insufficiently operated.

[0005] In order to provide solution to some of the problems specified above, there have been certain attempts in prior art for the automatization of the range hood and matching it with the cooking hob.

[0006] CN 101871658-A, for instance, is related to a combination of a cooktop with burners and a range hood, comprising a controller and a wireless communication module wherein an activation signal is produced upon activation of the cooktop and sent to the range hood. CN 204115012-U is related to a linkage control circuit for a range hood and a gas stove. The gas stove circuit is provided with a Bluetooth transmitting module and the range hood circuit is provided with a Bluetooth receiving module matched with the Bluetooth transmitting module. The main problem of the above arrangements is that performance of the range hood cannot be adjusted automatically depending on number of the cookers used and activated in cooking of foodstuff.

[0007] DK 201600085-U3 discloses a control unit for controlling extraction during cooking, comprising one or transmitter units built into a food source (i.e. hob or oven) wherein each transmitter unit is configured to transmit a wireless electromagnetic "switch" signal (6) when the transmitter unit is activated. Accordingly, a receiver is provided on the range hood which is configured to receive a transmitted wireless electromagnetic "on" signal (6) from one or more transmitter units. This document embodies two or more transmitter units and corresponding receivers for multiple cooking units in order to produce an on-off signal for activating or deactivating of the range hood. However, this system also suffers of the main problem of failing to adjust performance of the range hood automatically depending on number of the cookers activated in a particular point of time. Furthermore, this system needs multiple transmitters allocated for each cooker which may certainly add an additional complexity as well as additional costs for the production.

[0008] Therefore, there has been a long felt need for a combination of range hoods and hobs which may practically ensure wireless communication therebetween in a manner such that range hood may be activated and deactivated based on activities on the hob and performance of the range hood would be adjusted automatically depending on such activities. The present invention provides solution to these problems with a control system, and a combination of range hood and hob comprising such system according to the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0009] Contrary to the conventional systems in prior art, the present invention provides a control system (1) which successfully allows adjustment of the performance of a range hood in the course of cooking foodstuff on a hob.

[0010] More particularly, the present invention provides a control system (1) for matching an electrical hob (3) having plurality of cookers (31) and a range hood (2) having a fan motor (M) via wireless communication and controlling performance of said range hood (2) based on cooking activities over said hob (3), comprising at least one transmitter unit (12) configured to be connected to the hob (3) and a receiver unit (11) configured to be connected to the range hood (2). The transmitter unit (12) disclosed herein comprises a measurement unit (121) measuring the electrical current towards the electrical hob (3) and producing a signal (123) proportional thereto, and said receiver unit (11) is configured to receive said signals (123) and produce a corresponding control signal for adjusting speed of the motor (M).

[0011] The transmitter unit (12) mentioned above may comprise a built-in wireless transmitter (122) and said receiver unit (11) may comprise a built-in receiver (113) for receiving the signals (123) emitted by the wireless transmitter (122). The communication protocol disclosed herein between the wireless transmitter (122) and the corresponding receiver (113) can be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Infrared, but more preferably Bluetooth.

[0012] The receiving unit (11) comprises a circuitry (111) configured to categorize the incoming signal (123) to a plurality of levels and produce a control signal corresponding thereto. A controller (112) may be provided for adjusting speed of the fan motor (M) in predetermined levels based on said control signals. The measurement unit (121) on the other hand is adapted to generate an "on" signal upon activation of one of the cookers (31) on the hob (3).

[0013] In preferred embodiments, control system (1) further comprises a timer producing a control signal for continuation of working of the motor (M) for a predetermined time interval after the cookers (31) in the hob (3) are switched off. The timer is preferably incorporated into the receiver unit (11). It is also preferred that said timer is configured to generate a control signal for gradually decreasing speed of the motor (M) after the cookers (31) in the hob (3) are switched off.

[0014] The control system (1) of the present invention is preferably built into a combination of an electrical hob (3) and range hood (2). However, it can also be supplied as a separate kit for installation onto the existing range hoods and hobs.

[0015] In further aspects, the present invention relates to a combination of an electrical hob (3) and a range hood (2) comprising the control system (1) as provided hereinabove; use of the control system (1) according this invention in manufacturing of an electrical hob (3) and range hood (2); as well as a method for matching an electrical hob (3) having plurality of cookers (31) and a range hood (2) having a fan motor (M) via wireless communication and controlling performance of said range hood (2) based on cooking activities over said hob (3).

Brief Description of the Figures

[0016] 

Figure 1 is a general view of a range hood (2) and a hob (3) installed in a kitchen and matched with means for a wireless communication.

Figure 2 is a layout of the circuitry belonging to the control system (1) of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0017] The present invention provides a control system (1) for matching an electrical hob (3) and a range hood (2) and controlling performance of said range hood (2) based on activity of the hob (3). A general view of a range hood (2) and hob (3) matched with wireless communication means is shown in Fig. 1. Said control system (1) is shown in more detail in Fig. 2.

[0018] Accordingly, the control system (1) of the present invention generally comprises at least one transmitter unit (12) configured to be connected to a hob (3), and a receiver unit (11) configured to be connected to a range hood (2). The transmitter unit (12) advantageously comprises a measurement unit (121) measuring the electrical current towards electrical hob (3) and producing a signal proportional thereto. The transmitter unit (12) further comprises a wireless transmitter (122) producing a wireless signal (123) corresponding to the signal received from said measurement unit (121). Therefore, the signal generated by the measurement unit (121) shall be representative of the cooking activities conducted on the hob (3). Such activities may be categorized based on the electricity consumed by the cookers (31) in different levels. The user may, for instance, activate one or more cookers (31) in a heating mode with minimal energy consumption (lower electrical current) or cooking mode with higher energy consumption (higher electrical current). It is an object of the present invention to provide varying performance of the range hood such that a higher extraction is provided when needed, but undue performance of the range hood is also avoided.

[0019] The receiver unit (11) is adapted to receive the signals (123) emitted by the wireless transmitter (122) by way of a receiver (113). Said receiver unit (11) further comprises a circuitry (111) for this purpose along with a controller (112) for converting signals (123) to control signals for the operation of the fan motor (M) belonging the range hood (2). The control unit (122), therefore, produces control signals corresponding to the electrical currenttowards the hob (2). The circuitry (111) mentioned herein is configured to categorize the incoming signals (123) to a plurality of levels and produce a control signal corresponding thereto so that the controller (112) can be adjusting speed of the fan motor (M) in predetermined levels based on said control signals.

[0020] Therefore, the control system (1) according to the present invention enables to adjust speed of the fan motor (M) and eventually optimize the extraction performance of the range hood (2) based on an electrical current supplied to the hob (3). One skilled in the art would appreciate that speed of the fan motor (M) can be adjusted according to different modes based different categories of the electrical currency towards the hub (3).

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the control system (1) according to the present invention is configured to operate in different modes from lowest to highest levels of extraction, for instance; Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. Accordingly, the measurement unit (121) is adapted to generate an "on" signal upon activation of one of the cookers (31) on the hob (3). The receiving unit (11) then produces a signal for switching on and operating the range hood (2) automatically in Level 2 extraction mode. The user may then provide further input to the hob (3) such as increasing the heating power in a cooker (31) or activate additional cookers (31) of the hob (3) which causes an increase of electrical current in the power supply line. As a response thereto, the measurement unit (121) detects the increase in the current and generates a corresponding signal (123) which is emitted by the wireless transmitter (122). Said signal (123) is then received by the receiver (113), processed by the circuitry (111) and a control signal is generated proportional to the incoming signal (123). The controller (112) then activates the relays (114) based on the control signal so generated for increasing speed of the motor (M) in the range hood (2). Likewise, if the user switches off one or more of the cookers (31) or lowers the heating function to a reduced level, the current towards cooking hob (3) is reduced and the above process is repeated in order to reduce speed of the fan motor (M) to a predetermined level such as Level 1 or Level 2.

[0022] In further embodiments, the control system (1) of the present invention is configured to involve a timer (not shown) for optimization of functioning of the range hood (2) after stopping heating functions of the hob (3). More particularly, the control system (1) is configured to ensure working of the fan motor (M) for a predetermined time interval even if the user switches off all utilities in the hob (3). This post-operation advantageously provides removal of smell and smoke in the kitchen remaining after the cooking process. The timer can be built in the circuitry (111) either as a hardware or software for carrying out the above-mentioned objectives.

[0023] The timer is preferably configured to adjust duration of the post-operation based on duration of usage of the hob (3). If the hob (3) is used for a short while such as one minute, the timer allows motor (M) of the range hood (2) to work for an additional duration of 1 min. after the hob (3) is switched off and reducing speed of the motor (M) to Level 1 (the lowest pre-set level). If the hob (3) is used for 1-8 minutes or more, post-operation of the range hood (2) may be set for a duration of 2 min. at Level 1, for instance. For longer durations of usage of the hob (3), the timer may be adapted to produce a control signal for decreasing speed of the motor (M) gradually. In this case, for instance, the rotation speed of the fan motor (M) may be gradually decreased every 30 or 60 seconds, for example from Level 3 to zero within 120 or 180 seconds. Preferably, the timer bears the additional functionality of controlling illumination on the range hood (2). For instance, the lamps on the range hood (2) may be automatically turned off after 120 seconds of stopping usage of the hob (3).

[0024] The communication protocol between the wireless transmitter (122) and the corresponding receiver (113) according to the present invention can be arranged as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Infrared. More preferably, said transmitter (122) and receiver (113) constitute a Bluetooth module such that a Bluetooth (i.e. radio) signal is generated in the transmitter unit (12) and sent to the receiver unit (11).

[0025] The control system (1) of the present invention can be built into a combination of an electrical hob (3) and range hood (2). However, it is also easy and applicable to adopt the control system (1) to the existing combinations already installed in kitchens.

[0026] In the context of the present invention, the "hob" mentioned herein refers to an electrical cooking device which may be a cooktop, oven or a combination thereof having plurality of cookers each of which is connected to a mains supply.

[0027] In further aspects, the present invention relates to a combination of an electrical hob (3) and a range hood (2) comprising the control system (1) as provided hereinabove; use of the control system (1) according this invention in manufacturing of an electrical hob (3) and range hood (2); as well as a method for matching an electrical hob (3) having plurality of cookers (31) and a range hood (2) having a fan motor (M) via wireless communication and controlling performance of said range hood (2) based on cooking activities over said hob (3).

[0028] Said method according to the present invention comprises the steps of:

• connecting at least one transmitter unit (12) to the hob (3),
• connecting a receiver unit (11) to the range hood (2),
• providing a measurement unit (121) in the transmitter unit (12),
• measuring the electrical current towards the electrical hob (3) and producing a signal (123) proportional thereto,
• receiving said signals (123) by way of said receiver unit (11) and producing a corresponding control signal for adjusting speed of the motor (M).

[0029] The foregoing method preferably comprises the further step of categorizing the signals (123) to a plurality of levels and producing a control signal corresponding thereto for adjusting speed of the fan motor (M) in predetermined levels.

[0030] The method may additionally comprise generating a control signal for gradually decreasing speed of the motor (M) after the cookers (31) in the hob (3) are switched off.

[0031] Further advantages and embodiments of the present invention shall be apparent for those skilled in the art in view of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control system (1) for matching an electrical hob (3) having plurality of cookers (31) and a range hood (2) having a fan motor (M) via wireless communication and controlling performance of said range hood (2) based on cooking activities over said hob (3), comprising at least one transmitter unit (12) configured to be connected to the hob (3) and a receiver unit (11) configured to be connected to the range hood (2) characterized in that; the transmitter unit (12) comprises a measurement unit (121) measuring the electrical current towards the electrical hob (3) and producing a signal (123) proportional thereto, wherein said receiver unit (11) is configured to receive said signals (123) and produce a corresponding control signal for adjusting speed of the motor (M).

2. The control system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the transmitter unit (12) comprises a built-in wireless transmitter (122) and said receiver unit (11) comprises a built-in receiver (113) for receiving the signals (123) emitted by the wireless transmitter (122).

3. The control system (1) according to claim 2 wherein the communication protocol between the wireless transmitter (122) and the corresponding receiver (113) is Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Infrared.

4. The control system (1) according to claim 1 wherein receiving unit (11) comprises a circuitry (111) configured to categorize the incoming signal (123) to a plurality of levels and produce a control signal corresponding thereto, and a controller (112) adjusting speed of the fan motor (M) in predetermined levels based on said control signals.

5. The control system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the measurement unit (121) is adapted to generate an "on" signal upon activation of one of the cookers (31) on the hob (3).

6. The control system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the system further comprises a timer producing a control signal for continuation of working of the motor (M) for a predetermined time interval after the cookers (31) in the hob (3) are switched off.

7. The control system (1) according to claim 6 wherein the timer is incorporated into the receiver unit (11).

8. The control system (1) according to claim 6 wherein the timer is configured to generate a control signal for gradually decreasing speed of the motor (M) after the cookers (31) in the hob (3) are switched off.

9. The control system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the control system (1) is built into a combination of an electrical hob (3) and range hood (2).

10. The control system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the hob (3) further comprises an electrical oven as a cooker (31).

11. A combination of an electrical hob (3) and a range hood (2) comprising the control system (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

12. Use of the control system (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 10 in manufacturing of an electrical hob (3) and range hood (2).

13. A method for matching an electrical hob (3) having plurality of cookers (31) and a range hood (2) having a fan motor (M) via wireless communication and controlling performance of said range hood (2) based on cooking activities over said hob (3), comprising the steps of:

- connecting at least one transmitter unit (12) to the hob (3),

- connecting a receiver unit (11) to the range hood (2),

- providing a measurement unit (121) in the transmitter unit (12),

- measuring the electrical current towards the electrical hob (3) and producing a signal (123) proportional thereto,

- receiving said signals (123) by way of said receiver unit (11) and producing a corresponding control signal for adjusting speed of the motor (M).

14. A method according to 13 wherein the method further comprises categorizing the signals (123) to a plurality of levels and producing a control signal corresponding thereto for adjusting speed of the fan motor (M) in predetermined levels.

15. A method according to 13 wherein the method further comprises the step of generating a control signal for gradually decreasing speed of the motor (M) after the cookers (31) in the hob (3) are switched off.

Drawing