EP3910247B1 - Vapour extractor with control module - Google Patents

Description

Control units are known for operating extractor hoods in which individual control elements, in particular in the form of buttons, are provided for operating different functional units of the extractor hood, in particular the fan and the lighting device. The buttons can, for example, be designed as touch sensors which are integrated in a display. A specific function can be stored for each button so that the function can be set by manually pressing the respective button or the touch sensor. To simplify operation and setting, the corresponding functions for the respective buttons are usually marked with printed symbols and such control elements are also generally arranged in the user's field of vision, for example on the front of the extractor hood.

However, the arrangement in the user's field of vision not only affects the appearance and acceptance of the extractor hood, but can also impair the user's further work under the extractor hood, so that the control unit is preferably arranged outside the user's field of vision after adjustment or even after operation of the extractor hood.

However, with such an arrangement outside the field of vision, a selective or specific selection and setting of the respective functions is not possible, so the control unit is switched off to prevent incorrect or unintentional settings and must be placed back in the field of vision to enable further setting of a function. Furthermore, to set the functions, regardless of the arrangement of the control unit, the control unit must first be switched on. Such operating processes are perceived by the respective user as cumbersome and not very intuitive, especially when simple functions such as operating the light, for example, have to be set in low light conditions.

Out of WO 2014/0165155 A1 A household appliance with a touch-sensitive display for information input is proposed, whereby the display can detect touch positions when touched by two fingers at the same time.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an extractor hood which enables simplified operation and adjustment of functions of the extractor hood.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an extractor hood according to claim 1, which comprises an operating module, wherein the operating module comprises a control panel for setting functions of the extractor hood coupled to the operating module. The control panel has at least two areas and the operating module is designed to set at least one respective specific function of the extractor hood in a first operating mode of the operating module and when a specific area is actuated. The extractor hood is characterized in that the operating module can also be operated in a second operating mode, wherein the operating module is designed to set at least one predetermined function of the coupled extractor hood in the second operating mode and when at least two areas are actuated.

The control module can be integrated into the extractor hood or connected to the extractor hood as a separate part. The control module can therefore be arranged in the housing of the extractor hood, which can also be referred to as the chassis of the extractor hood, for example, or it can be accommodated in a receptacle in the housing of the extractor hood, for example on the lower and/or a front or side surface of the extractor hood. The control module is communicatively coupled with the respective components required for the functions, so that the functions of the extractor hood can be set via the control panel of the control module. The control module can therefore be designed as a modular unit which is built into the extractor hood as standard or can be coupled to the extractor hood for retrofitting.

The control panel defines a section of the control module with which the specific functions can be set. The different areas can, for example, be designed as correspondingly marked buttons, whereby pressing the buttons generates a signal, for example an electromechanical signal, which is specific to the respective function. This means that a manual By activating or touching individual areas, the respective functions can be set. Instead of manual input, however, a pen or similar device can also be provided to enable the respective areas to be touched and the corresponding functions to be set.

The functions of the extractor hood include in particular the intake of air, fumes and vapors from a room below the extractor hood as well as the lighting of a room, in particular below the extractor hood. The function can also include a certain operating state, possibly under predetermined or specific operating conditions.

In this way, at least one function of the extractor hood can be carried out at least temporarily, thus defining an operating state. For example, normal ventilation can be carried out, in which a fan level is usually selected or set by the user. Another operating state is interval ventilation, in which the fan blower is only operated at spaced intervals. Post-ventilation is also an operating state of the extractor hood. Here, the fan blower continues to operate for a specified period of time after the extractor hood has been switched off. In the automatic ventilation operating state, the fan power or fan level is determined by sensor signals that have been recorded by an ultrasonic sensor, for example.

The above-mentioned operating states of the extractor hood all relate to the function of the extractor hood for sucking in air, vapors and fumes. However, the extractor hood can also be put into another operating state in which a room or area is illuminated by the lighting device. The different operating states of the extractor hood, which relate to sucking in air, vapors and fumes, as well as the operating state of the lighting can also be set in combination with one another, whereby the respective individual area of the control module must be operated, possibly several times, to set the specific function.

Furthermore, for each operating state, several operating conditions can exist, which in particular determine the duration and intensity of the heat generated by the extractor hood in this

Describe the function to be carried out in the operating state. The operating conditions are therefore in particular the intensity of the fan power and/or the lighting, the duration of the ventilation and/or lighting, the times of the ventilation and/or lighting, the generation of sensor signals by sensors and programs that set the operating conditions of the other functional units.

In order to prevent incorrect or accidental settings as far as possible, the operating module is designed to determine the operating mode of the operating module, which for the sake of simplicity is referred to below as the operating mode, and to enable the functions depending on the operating mode. In a first operating mode, as described above, a specific function can be set by operating a single area of the control panel. In other words, the user can, for example, set a specific operating state of the fan by pressing a corresponding button. It can also be provided that in the first operating mode, specific operating states or combinations of functions occur by operating several areas.

In the second operating mode, however, a function is only set when at least two areas are activated, so that activation of a single area does not result in a setting. This has the advantage that accidentally touching a single specific area in the second operating mode does not result in an undesired setting of a corresponding specific function. For example, in poor lighting conditions, targeted activation can be more difficult, so that instead of activating an area that is specific to the light setting, an area that is specific to the fan setting can be activated. In such cases, it is advantageous that the fan or the fan settings do not need to be adjusted, meaning that the user does not have to first undo accidental function settings or need several attempts to set the desired function.

Furthermore, the function in the second operating mode, unlike the first operating mode, is not specific but predetermined. This means that simple basic functions can also be set in the second operating mode by activating several areas.

The predefined function in the second operating mode preferably includes switching the light and/or ventilation on and off, preferably at a predefined intensity. For example, by activating at least two areas, a preset light intensity of at least one light source of the extractor hood and/or a predefined fan intensity can be set. The user can thus call up certain functions of the extractor hood under different conditions, for example to only enable a predefined or preset light function for a room atmosphere or mood or to switch the fan on with a predefined operating state or a predefined operating condition, for example if no special setting of the operating state is required and a standard program for working under the extractor hood is sufficient.

Preferably, the first operating mode is a normal operation for setting the respective specific functions of the coupled extractor hood and the functions are at least partially deactivated in the second operating mode. In other words, the first operating mode can enable an active and specific setting of the various functions, while this option is at least partially not available in the second operating mode. The first operating mode can correspond to a switched-on state of the operating module and the second operating mode can be, for example, a rest state, switched-off state, stand-by mode or power-saving mode of the operating module and, if applicable, the extractor hood.

Providing a predefined function in the second operating mode therefore has the further advantage that it is not necessary to switch on or activate the control module in order to enable certain functions of the extractor hood. The control module can therefore continue to be operated in the second operating mode, whereby, for example, a light function is still enabled as a basic function. This makes operation much easier for the user, especially since the user does not have to press a power button or a specific area and can simply set a predefined function by touching at least two areas.

By providing two areas, several predefined functions can be set or a distinction can be made between several predefined functions, for example based on a recorded different actuation duration or based on a recorded different actuation pressure. The areas or the buttons of the control panel can also be spaced apart from one another. However, the control panel preferably comprises at least three areas which are arranged in a row and adjacent to one another. Two or more areas can also be arranged in several adjacent rows so that the areas are arranged both next to one another and one above the other or form a matrix. The operating module can be set up to set the predefined function in the second operating mode independently of the respective functions of the actuated areas specific to the first operating mode.

Accordingly, even if a large number of areas or buttons are provided for setting specific functions in the first operating mode, the user can operate any two areas to set the specified function. In other words, the operation in the second operating mode is non-specific and the specified function can therefore be set in any combination of two areas. The row-like and adjacent arrangement also has the advantage that the areas are located directly next to each other, making it easier for the user to operate at least two areas, particularly in poor lighting conditions or when the control panel is difficult or only indirectly accessible.

The operating module can further be configured to set the predetermined function depending on a detected number of actuated areas, a detected sequence of actuated areas, a detected speed of a sequence of actuated areas, a specific actuation direction, and/or a detected actuation duration.

In this way, as described above, different predefined functions can be set, for example by a different actuation duration recorded by the operating module. In addition or alternatively, it can also be provided that more than two areas are actuated, for example when the Users operate the control panel with three or more fingers instead of touching it with two fingers, whereby an operation of two areas sets a predefined light setting, for example, and an operation of three or more areas sets a predefined fan intensity, for example.

Furthermore, simultaneous activation of the areas may be necessary to set a given function. A given function can also be set additionally or alternatively by activating several areas in sequence. For example, a single first area can be activated first and then an adjacent or adjacent second area, with the first area no longer being activated or touched. The operating module is preferably set up to record a temporal component of the activation, so that, for example, a distinction can be made between a targeted activation of several areas, a sequential activation or an accidental activation based on the duration of activation of the respective areas and/or a time interval between the activation of the respective areas.

With sequential actuation, an actuation direction can also be detected, which is characteristic of a given function of the extractor hood. With sequential actuation, a single area or several adjacent areas can be actuated in each state, so that, for example, a wiping movement with one finger or with two fingers of the user can be detected or determined. A wiping movement can therefore still be detected at the end areas of the control panel if, for example, the outer two areas at one end of the control panel are actuated first and then only the outermost area, whereby this is preferably detected depending on the duration of the actuation.

This provides the user with various options for setting the specified function or a variety of different specified functions. The advantage here is that almost the entire control panel can be used for this purpose and the user can set simple basic functions of the extractor hood without specific selection or complicated operation. Although the above-mentioned operating duration and operating sequence allow a variety of of functions, such different operations can also provide a certain degree of redundancy so that the user does not have to worry about the required operation when setting the predetermined function in the second operating mode.

The operating module is further preferably designed to set different predefined functions for static actuation and dynamic actuation. In other words, the operating module can distinguish between a flat actuation without sequence and a sequential actuation and thus, for example, between resting on the surface and a swiping motion of fingertips. In the case of a flat, static actuation, it can be provided, for example, that a preset or predefined light intensity of a light source is switched on, while a swiping motion sets a predefined fan intensity. The respective function can also be switched off again by repeated corresponding actuation, whereby switching on and off during a swiping motion can optionally be dependent on a detected actuation direction.

In order to provide an improved separation between the first and second operating modes, the operating module can further be configured to set a specific function in the first operating mode only when a single specific area is actuated. In addition, the operating module can automatically switch to the second operating mode after a predetermined time in which no setting is made, in which case only certain predetermined functions can be selected or set.

In such a configuration or design, it can also be provided that the predetermined function provided in the second operating mode can also be set by operating several areas in the first operating mode. For example, if the operating module automatically switches to the second operating mode, the light and/or the fan intensity can be easily operated without switching the operating module to the first operating mode and making a selective, specific selection of the respective area.

A communicative coupling can be provided for integrating the operating module in the extractor hood. The operating module preferably comprises a control and regulating unit communicatively coupled to the control panel or an interface for communicatively coupling the control panel to a control and regulating unit of the extractor hood for detecting an actuation of the areas and for setting the functions. The control and regulating unit can thus be at least partially outsourced so that the complexity of the operating module can be kept low. In such a case, the operating module can transmit electrical signals detected on the control panel to a central control and regulating unit via a corresponding interface for processing and controlling/regulating a functional unit of the extractor hood. For example, the connection between the operating module and the fan blower unit and the lighting unit can be via such a control unit, whereby the control unit can be a central extractor hood control or a specific fan control and a specific lighting control.

Alternatively, the operating module can also include the control and regulation unit intended for evaluating the recorded actuation, so that, for example, only one interface can be provided, which can be coupled to one or more functional units in order to enable direct setting of the respective function. In this way, the operating module can also be designed to easily retrofit or replace existing operating modules.

The connection between the operating module and a functional unit can therefore be direct or indirect, i.e. via other units or components. The connection can also be formed mechanically by wires or other signal transmission means or electronically by circuits.

Although the areas can be operated using buttons, each area preferably comprises one or more capacitive touch sensors, with the control panel preferably being designed as a touch panel matrix. Accordingly, surface-level operation is simplified, in particular through continuous and unlimited detection.

Furthermore, this makes it easier to carry out and record a wiping movement and the change in capacitance can also provide greater detection accuracy, making it easier to distinguish between an intentional flat and dynamic actuation. This makes operation much easier and reduces the detection of incorrect and/or unintentional actuations. Furthermore, such a design offers an intuitive operating option while at the same time making it easier to clean the control panel.

To change the operating modes, the operating module can be configured to change the operating mode by switching on and off and/or by changing the position of the control panel between a first and second position.

The control module can therefore be switched off, for example, when the extractor hood is to be switched off or when the setting of the specific functions is to be restricted. The position of the control panel can remain unchanged.

Changing the operating mode by changing the position of the control panel has the advantage that the control panel can be positioned out of sight in the second operating mode. Although the control module and, if applicable, the extractor hood can be switched off, the functions that have already been set can also be retained so that the extractor hood can continue to be operated. However, no targeted operation can be carried out in the second operating mode, so that the functions that can be set are at least partially restricted and, for example, fine adjustment of the light intensity or the fan intensity is not possible. However, basic functions can still be selected or switched via the predefined function by operating several areas.

Preferably, the control panel is arranged so as to be pivotable or sliding on a housing of the control module or on a housing of the extractor hood in order to change the position, wherein the control panel is preferably in the first position separated from the housing of the control module and/or the extractor hood and, in the second position, is substantially flush with at least one external surface of the housing.

The control panel can thus be pulled out of the control module or out of the extractor hood in order to set specific functions of the extractor hood in the first operating mode. The control panel can simply be placed in the second position during operation and after entering or selecting the respective function or to switch off the extractor hood in order to operate the control module in the second operating mode. Setting a specific function by operating an individual area is advantageously not provided, so that changing the position of the control panel and accidentally touching an area does not result in a function being set.

The flush arrangement also has the advantage that the user does not notice any visible obstacle when carrying out work under the extractor hood and is therefore not affected.

While switching off the control module in a fixed position of the control panel can cause a change in the operating mode, this is not necessary if the control panel is arranged in a movable manner. In order to facilitate the detection of a change in position and switching to the respective operating mode, the extractor hood can comprise a switching element which is designed to change the operating mode of the control module when the position of the control panel changes, wherein the switching element is designed as an electromechanical, capacitive, inductive or optical switching element.

The switching element can, for example, have a pressure element which is arranged on the control module or on the extractor hood in such a way that a pressure is detected when the control panel is in the second position, for example by folding or folding the control panel into a receptacle of the extractor hood. A circuit can also be provided which is connected to the control panel and which causes a relay switch by closing the circuit in a predetermined position.

Alternatively, the extractor hood can comprise a sensor for determining the position of the control panel and/or the control module, which is arranged in the control module and is designed to change the operating mode of the control module when the position of the control panel and/or the control module is changed. The sensor is preferably designed as a motion sensor or gyro sensor. The sensor can, for example, be connected directly to a control unit of the extractor hood or the control module, so that changing the operating state does not require any further switching or cabling.

The sensor or position sensor can, for example, be designed as a three-axis sensor so that the position of the operating module can be determined in relation to the center of the earth. This means that an exact change in position can be recorded without the need for complex calibration and an (absolute) orientation of the operating module or control panel can also be determined so that a distinction can be made between the positions.

Alternatively, however, metal elements can be provided which move relative to one another when the position of the control panel changes, whereby a corresponding change in the capacitance can be detected, which is characteristic of a change in position. Such a design can be integrated, for example, in a hinge or in a holder of the control panel or the control module or in surfaces that are opposite one another in the second operating mode. However, proximity switches or proximity sensors can also be provided.

An inductive circuit can also be provided, for example, by a coil integrated in a circuit of the extractor hood or the operating module, with a magnetic element being arranged on the control panel or integrated therein, for example. Optical circuits can be provided, for example, by providing an infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor or a light barrier, with the elements being arranged in such a way that a relative movement of the control panel to the extractor hood or the operating module is detected when the position of the control panel changes.

As described above, the control panel or the areas can also comprise one or more capacitive touch sensors for setting specific functions in the first operating mode and at least one predetermined function in the second operating mode. In an alternative embodiment, these capacitive touch sensors can also be set up to determine the position of the control panel and thus the operating mode. Accordingly, the control panel can be arranged on the control module and/or on the extractor hood in such a way that a change in the position of the control panel relative to the housing, preferably relative to a grounded element of the housing, causes a change in the total capacitance of at least part of the control panel, wherein the control module is set up to set the operating mode based on the detected total capacitance.

By changing the relative position of the control panel, a basic capacity of the respective areas can change, whereby this basic capacity and basic capacity change can be different for the respective areas due to the different arrangement of the areas. Although a change in the capacity of individual areas is possible in principle, a change in the total capacity is preferably recorded. In order to prevent any possible effects of electrical components in the extractor hood on the basic capacity of the control panel as far as possible, earthing can be provided on the housing, for example by attaching a metal plate to the chassis of the extractor hood. This can advantageously increase the accuracy of the detection of the basic capacity change and thus the position change, and additional elements, switches or complex sensors can be dispensed with.

As described above, the control panel can be movably arranged on the control module or on the extractor hood. Preferably, the control panel can also protrude from an outer surface of the extractor hood in the first operating mode and can be substantially flush with or substantially received by at least one outer surface of the extractor hood in the second operating mode.

This allows the control panel to be completely out of the user’s field of vision in the second operating mode. For example, the extractor hood have a recess or receptacle in a lower area, which is designed such that the control panel is accommodated therein in the second operating mode and does not protrude either from the underside or from the front of the extractor hood. The recess can also be dimensioned such that the complete control module is also contained therein.

The extractor hood can also have a panel so that the control panel can be arranged behind the panel in the second operating mode. This also creates or maintains a flat, continuous surface or front surface of the panel, thereby simplifying the construction of the extractor hood. In addition to being easier to manufacture, the continuous panel also has the advantage that it can be easily cleaned. While basic functions are retained in the second operating mode by non-specific operation of several areas, fine adjustment of the respective functions is still possible by simply changing the position or folding out the control panel.

The aperture can also be made of a material that can serve as a dielectric. In particular, a transparent dielectric is used. The aperture can therefore be made of glass or plastic, for example. By using this material, any position detection sensors provided can be designed as proximity sensors, for which the aperture serves as a dielectric.

The extractor hood can further comprise one or more functional units for carrying out functions of the extractor hood, wherein the control panel for setting the functions is communicatively coupled to the functional unit. Such a communicative coupling can be provided, for example, by an interface and/or a control and regulating unit. Functions of the extractor hood are to be understood in particular as the intake of air, fumes and vapors from a room below the extractor hood and the lighting of a room, in particular below the extractor hood.

The components required for this can be designed as functional units of the extractor hood, which perform the functions of the extractor hood directly or indirectly. Accordingly, the functional units can be designed as a fan blower unit, a lighting device, sensors, time measurement and monitoring units or an extractor hood control and can be provided in the extractor hood. These functional units usually comprise several functional elements, such as a blower motor, the fan blower, lighting elements, a lighting control, sensor elements, time recording elements, a timer, signal processing elements for signal processing for the extractor hood control.

• Figur 1: eine schematische Frontansicht eines Teils einer Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Dunstabzugshaube;
• Figur 2: eine schematische Schnittansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Dunstabzugshaube in einem ersten Betriebsmodus;
• Figur 3: eine schematische Schnittansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Dunstabzugshaube in einem zweiten Betriebsmodus;
• Figur 4: eine schematische Frontansicht des Bedienfelds bei Betätigung im ersten Betriebsmodus;
• Figuren 5A und 5B: eine schematische Frontansicht des Bedienfelds bei statischer Betätigung im zweiten Betriebsmodus;
• Figuren 6A bis 6C: eine schematische Frontansicht des Bedienfelds bei dynamischer Betätigung im zweiten Betriebsmodus;
• Figuren 7A und 7B: eine schematische Frontansicht des Bedienfelds bei einer alternativen dynamischen Betätigung im zweiten Betriebsmodus; und
• Figuren 8A und 8B: eine schematische Frontansicht einer alternativen Ausgestaltung des Bedienfelds bei einer alternativen dynamischen Betätigung im zweiten Betriebsmodus.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

• Figure 1 : a schematic front view of part of an embodiment of the extractor hood according to the invention;
• Figure 2 : a schematic sectional view of an extractor hood according to the invention in a first operating mode;
• Figure 3 : a schematic sectional view of an extractor hood according to the invention in a second operating mode;
• Figure 4 : a schematic front view of the control panel when operated in the first operating mode;
• Figures 5A and 5B : a schematic front view of the control panel during static operation in the second operating mode;
• Figures 6A to 6C : a schematic front view of the control panel during dynamic operation in the second operating mode;
• Figures 7A and 7B : a schematic front view of the control panel with an alternative dynamic actuation in the second operating mode; and
• Figures 8A and 8B : a schematic front view of an alternative design of the control panel with an alternative dynamic actuation in the second operating mode.

In Figure 1 a part of an extractor hood 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The extractor hood 1 comprises a viewing screen (not further identified), which is also referred to as a vapor screen or screen, as well as a chimney (also not further identified) extending upwards from the viewing screen. In the Figure 1 the section of the screen in the area below the chimney is shown. The screen has a flat box shape. The front of the screen can be formed by a panel, as described below.

An operating module 2 is arranged on an underside and on the front area of the extractor hood 1, which has a control panel 3. The control panel 3 has a plurality of areas A1-A7. However, the number of areas A1-A7 is not limited to the number shown and can also include fewer or more areas A1-A7, for example only two or three areas A1-A7. The arrangement shown is also not limited to a row-like arrangement and it is not absolutely necessary for the areas A1-A7 to be adjacent to one another. The areas A1-A7 can be designed as simple buttons, but in this case are designed as capacitive touch sensors. Accordingly, an actuation can be recorded as a change in capacitance and a movement on the surface of the respective areas A1-A7 can be unlimited or unhindered and preferably stepless, depending on the design of the respective touch sensors.

A specific function of the extractor hood 1 is stored for each button or each area A1-A7, so that a user can set this by operating the respective area A1-A7. It can also be provided that a specific area is provided for switching the control module 2 and/or the extractor hood 1 on and off. Alternatively, this can optionally also be provided by a specific actuation combination and/or actuation method.

To set the respective functions, a communicative coupling can be provided, as shown, for example, in the exemplary schematic embodiments according to the Figures 2 and 3 Thus, a switching element 4 can be arranged in the extractor hood 1, as shown in Figure 2 shown. The switching element 4 forms an interface for the operating module 2 and is also communicatively connected to a central control and regulating unit 5 of the extractor hood 1. The operating module 2 and the control panel 3 can thus communicate with the control and regulating unit 5 via the switching element 4. For this purpose, for example, communicative lines (not shown) can be provided between the operating module 2 and the switching element 4, which run over a fastening point of the operating module 2 and are connected to the operating module 2. However, separate lines can also be provided so that the operating module 2 can at least partially communicate directly with the control and regulating unit 5.

The control and regulating unit 5 is also connected to at least one functional unit 6, so that actuation of the control panel 3 of the operating module via the switching element 4 or the interface and the control and regulating unit 5 causes a function of the extractor hood 1 to be set. The control and regulating module 2 can thus be used to control and regulate a light output and/or fan output.

The operating module 2 is in accordance with Figure 2 is also arranged pivotably on the extractor hood 1 by means of a hinge and is in an unfolded state. In this embodiment, the control panel 3 is still connected to the control module 2, so that a relative movement between the control panel 3 and the control module 2 does not take place when the pivot position changes. The control panel 3 can also be arranged in such a way that a separate positioning of the control panel 3 is possible if the control module 2 is connected to the extractor hood 1, for example, and the control panel 3 is arranged movably on the control module 2.

In this unfolded state, the control module 2 is in a first operating mode, so that a user can operate specific individual areas of the control panel 3 in order to activate corresponding specific functions of the extractor hood 1. In other words, the functionality of the control panel 3 and thus also of the control module 2 and the extractor hood 1 is not restricted in the first operating mode and specific functions and/or fine adjustments of the respective functions can be selected as desired.

When folded, as in Figure 3 shown, the operating module 2 is in the second operating mode, wherein the functionality is restricted or the functions to be set are at least partially deactivated. The control and regulation unit 5 and/or the operating module 2 determine the corresponding change in position of the control panel 3 by means of the changed capacitance value, so that the operating module 2 is accordingly operated in the second operating mode. This change in position can be determined under the influence of the switching element 4 or by corresponding elements which are integrated in the hinge 7 and coupled to the switching element 4, for example by an integrated Hall element or two elements which are arranged for relative capacitance measurement.

In this state, the control panel 3 is not in the user's field of vision and indirect operation of the control panel 3 is still only possible behind a panel 8, which is intended for concealment. Accordingly, in this state or in the second operating mode, targeted selection of individual areas is not possible. In order to nevertheless guarantee functionality of the control module 2 and the extractor hood 1, it is provided that a predetermined function can be set by non-specific activation of several areas or of two or more areas, for example switching a light function on and off. The user can therefore continue to set basic functions without having to fold out the control panel 3 and/or switch on the control module 2.

Examples of such operations for setting functions are shown in the figures and explained below.

In the embodiment according to Figure 4 the control panel 3 is shown in the first operating mode, whereby the respective areas A1-A7 can be operated and selected in order to set or select a corresponding specific function, as indicated by the continuous white area. In this case, a single area A4 is operated, as indicated by the hatching. Accordingly, by touching area A4, the user can set a specific function of the extractor hood stored for area A4. Repeatedly operating this area A4 can either fine-tune this function or switch the corresponding function off. Likewise, any individual areas A1-A7 can be operated to set alternative functions or to make adjustments to the selected function.

In the embodiment according to Figure 5A the control panel 3 or the control module is in the second operating mode, so that the individual specific functions are at least partially and in this case completely deactivated, as indicated by the fine hatching of the areas A1-A3 and A5 to A7. In this case, actuation of an individual area A4 causes the following: Figure 1 marked with different hatching, no setting of the specific function stored for area A4. Such an actuation can therefore be ignored by the operating module or temporarily stored until a sequential actuation, so that, for example, unintentional touches do not result in a setting and manual positioning of the control panel 3 does not trigger or set a function.

An actuation of several areas in the second operating mode, i.e. a surface actuation, causes a setting of a predetermined function, such as switching on the light with a predetermined intensity. In Figure 5B To do this, areas A4 and A5 are touched. However, any areas A1-A7 can be selected or operated to set the specified function and it can also be provided that the setting is made when more than two areas A1-A7 are operated. Only one surface operation is required. However, it can optionally be provided that the intensity, for example the light intensity, depends on the number of areas A1-A7 operated, depending on the presetting and/or preference of the user.

Instead of a static operation, as in the Figures 4 to 5 As shown, dynamic actuation can also be carried out, as shown in the Figures 6 to 8 is shown.

In the embodiment according to the Figures 6A to 6C two areas A2, A3 can be activated first and a movement and activation sequence to the right can take place, as indicated by the corresponding hatched arrow. Then the areas A3, A4 and finally only area A5 are activated, as shown in the Figures 6B or 6C. Accordingly, the operating module or a control and regulating unit determines a wiping movement to the right. It is irrelevant that at the end of the movement only one area A5 is actuated, especially since several areas were actuated and the sequence of the actuated areas enables the direction of movement to be determined. The wiping movement can be carried out up to the end area of the control panel 3. However, this is not necessary for determining the direction of movement and for setting the specified function.

An alternative wiping motion is available in the Figures 7A and 7B shown. Here, areas A6 and A7 are touched or actuated first and then only area A7. In this case, too, it is possible to determine a wiping movement even at an end area of the control panel 3, especially since an actuation sequence to the right can be detected, as indicated by the correspondingly hatched arrow.

However, to improve the differentiation between a swiping motion and a static actuation, an actuation duration can be recorded so that a swiping motion can be distinguished from a tapping motion, where the actuation by two fingers does not occur completely simultaneously. Several touch sensors can also be provided in each area A1-A7 so that a more precise actuation sequence can be recorded via the capacitance detection and a better distinction can be made between a static, flat actuation and a short swiping motion.

Another alternative wiping motion is in the Figures 8A and 8B shown. In this embodiment, the control panel 3 comprises further areas B1-B7, which are also arranged in a row and adjacent to each other. Furthermore, the areas B1-B7 border on the areas A1-A7, so that a continuous, two-row touch panel matrix is provided. However, such a matrix is not limited to the number shown in both directions and thus can comprise any number of rows and columns.

In this embodiment, a wiping movement within the columns is also possible. First, the areas A4, A5, A6 and then the areas B4, B5, B6 are activated, so that a touch direction perpendicular to the rows can be detected, as indicated by the corresponding hatched arrow. This also makes it possible to set a predetermined function, for example a fan output at a predetermined intensity or level. Although three areas A4, A5, A6 are activated during the wiping movement, a setting can also be made by activating two areas.

The flat operation means that at least one predefined function can be set in the second operating mode, so that simple operation and provision of basic functions of the extractor hood is also possible when the operating module and in particular the control panel are not in the field of vision or are indirectly accessible. Furthermore, it is not necessary to switch on the operating module or select a specific function to set the predefined function, so that the user can, for example, easily activate or set a light function even when the extractor hood is switched off, even in poor lighting conditions.

The different types of operation, whereby either static or dynamic operation takes place and/or whereby the number of operated areas can vary, also allow different predefined functions of the extractor hood to be set. The number of operated areas, for example two or three, or the direction of a wiping movement can therefore correspond to respective, different predefined functions.

However, it can also be provided that these different types of actuation represent at least partial redundancy in order to further simplify operation. For example, the same specified function can be set both for a static actuation of two areas and for three areas and a swipe within the row can be set to the same predefined function as a swipe within a column. In the latter case, an opposite direction can still be detected, for example to switch off the predefined function.

In this way, different operations can be differentiated from one another and different predefined functions can be provided for the user even in the second operating mode, while at the same time accidental or even incorrect operations are effectively avoided or ignored.

List of reference symbols

1

Extractor hood

2

Operating module

3

Control panel

4

Switching element or circuit

5

Control and regulation unit

6

Functional unit

7

hinge

8th

cover

A1-A7

Areas

B1-B7

Areas

Claims (14)

1. Vapour extractor (1) with a control module (2), wherein the control module (2) comprises a control panel (3) for setting functions of the vapour extractor (1) coupled to the control module (2), wherein the control panel (3) has at least two regions (A1, ..., B7) and wherein the control module (2) is designed to set at least one respective specific function of the vapour extractor (1) in a first operating mode of the control module (2) and upon actuation of a specific region (A1, ..., B7), characterised in that the control module (2) can further be operated in a second operating mode, wherein the first operating mode is a normal operation for setting the respective specific functions of the coupled vapour extractor and the second operating mode is a rest state of the control module, wherein the functions in the second operating mode are at least partially deactivated and wherein the control module (2) is designed to set at least one predetermined function of the coupled vapour extractor (1) in the second operating mode only upon actuation of at least two regions (A1, ..., B7).
2. Vapour extractor (1) according to claim 1, wherein the control panel (3) comprises at least three regions (A1, ..., B7), which are arranged in at least one row and adjacent to one another, wherein the control module (2) is designed to set the predetermined function in the second operating mode independently of the respective functions, which are specific to the first operating mode, of the actuated regions (A1, ..., B7).
3. Vapour extractor (1) according to claim 2, wherein the control module (2) is designed to set the predetermined function as a function of a detected number of actuated regions (A1, ..., B7), a detected sequence of the actuated regions (A1, ..., B7), a detected speed of a sequence of the actuated regions (A1, ..., B7), a determined actuation direction and/or a detected actuation duration.
4. Vapour extractor (1) according to claim 3, wherein the control module (2) is designed to set different predetermined functions for a static actuation and a dynamic actuation.
5. Vapour extractor (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control module (2) is designed to set a specific function only upon actuation of an individual specific region (A1, ..., B7) in the first operating mode.
6. Vapour extractor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (2) for detecting an actuation of the regions (A1, ..., B7) and for setting the functions comprises an open and closed-loop control unit which is coupled communicatively to the control panel (3) or an interface for communicatively coupling the control panel (3) to an open or closed-loop control unit (5) of the vapour extractor.
7. Vapour extractor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each region (A1, ..., B7) comprises one or more capacitive touch sensors, wherein the control panel (3) is preferably embodied as a touch field matrix.
8. Vapour extractor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (2) is designed to change the operating mode by switching on and off and/or by changing the position of the control panel (3) between a first and second position.
9. Vapour extractor (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control panel (3) is arranged so as to be pivotable or slidable on a housing of the control module or on a housing of the vapour extractor (1), wherein the control panel (3) preferably projects in the first position from the control module and/or the vapour extractor (1) and in the second position is essentially flush with at least one outer surface of the housing.
10. Vapour extractor (1) according to claim 9, comprising
    a sensor for determining the position of the control panel and/or the control module, preferably a motion sensor or a gyro sensor, which is arranged in the control module and is designed to change the operating mode of the control module when the position of the control panel and/or the control module is changed, or a switching element (4) which is designed to change the operating mode of the control module (2) when the position of the control panel (3) is changed, wherein the switching element (4) is designed as an electromechanical, capacitive, inductive or optical switching element (4).
11. Vapour extractor (1) according to claim 9, wherein each region (A1, ..., B7) comprises one or more capacitive touch sensors and wherein the control panel (3) is arranged on the control module (2) such that a change in the position of the control panel (3) relative to the housing, preferably relative to an earthed element of the housing, brings about a change in the overall capacitance of at least one part of the control panel (3), wherein the control module (2) is designed to set the operating mode using the detected overall capacitance.
12. Vapour extractor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control panel (3) is arranged so as to be movable on the control module and/or on the vapour extractor (1) and in the first operating mode projects from an outer surface of the vapour extractor (1) and in the second operating mode is essentially flush with at least one outer surface of the vapour extractor (1) or is essentially accommodated therein.
13. Vapour extractor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a functional unit (6) for executing functions of the vapour extractor (1), wherein the control panel (3) is communicatively coupled to the functional unit (6) for setting the functions.
14. Vapour extractor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined function in the second operating mode comprises switching the light and/or the fan on and off, preferably with a predetermined intensity.

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