EP2444159B1 - Filter module and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a filter module for a domestic kitchen extractor hood for cleaning a fluid flowing through the filter module, for example a vapor stream.

As Wrasen the resulting during cooking and / or baking exhaust air is called. The essential components of Wrasens are air, water vapor, fat and organic odors. Filter modules of the type mentioned serve primarily to eliminate odors.

Domestic kitchen extractor filter modules have characteristic features such that filter apparatuses for other applications are generally not suitable for use in household kitchen extractor hoods. For example, household kitchen extractors have an air flow of a uniform magnitude. The space for the filter modules is usually limited by the dimensions of the household kitchen extractor hood. In addition, care must be taken that the fat particles still contained in the vapor stream behind the grease filter do not impair the functionality of the filter module.

Filter modules, which are designed especially for use in commercial kitchens, and thus in particular in terms of space and air flow rate are much larger, are for example from the publications DE 10 2004 053030 A1 . DE 10 2008 062415 A1 and DE 10 2009 012680 A1 known.

The document describes DE 10 2004 053030 A1 a method for filtering out odors from an air flow and a filter device with an odor filter. An odorant-containing air stream is passed through a filter device with an odor filter. The odor filter has a filter material, for example activated carbon. At least a portion of the particles contained in the airflow is ionized and / or dissociated prior to entering the odor filter.

The publication DE 10 2008 062415 A1 shows an ionization device for air treatment plants. The ionization device has two electrodes connected to a an alternating voltage generating high voltage source can be connected and between which dielectrically impeded discharge for generating a plasma can be brought about. Each electrode has a deformable structure with an electrical conductor encased in a dielectric material. The two deformable structures touch each other at least partially or have a sufficiently small distance from each other in order to bring about the dielectrically impeded discharge can.

The publication DE 10 2009 012680 A1 describes a method for cleaning an air flow and a cleaning device. Method for cleaning an air flow. In this case, a dielectrically impeded discharge is forced into an air flow containing impurities and odors. As a result, a plasma is generated before the air flow is then passed through activated carbon or a similar filter material. The air flow is deflected in an entrance area. Subsequently, the flow rate is reduced to force a centrifugal force deposition of particulate impurities.

In the KR 2009 0105417 A For example, there is disclosed an odor control apparatus, a cooking apparatus and an air purifier including the same. The device for odor control comprises a part for plasma production and a filter region, by means of which, in particular, the ozone and nitrogen oxide formed as a by-product in plasma production are removed.

Furthermore, the disclosure US 2004/110458 A1 a fume extractor and its use. The extractor device has a housing which is divided into four chambers. The inflow openings are arranged in the lowest chamber. In the first treatment chamber disposed above Ölabscheidefilter are arranged. In the second treatment chamber arranged above a dust collector is arranged and in the third treatment chamber, a photocatalytic unit 61 and the fan 207 are arranged. Furthermore, it is disclosed that the dust collector is an electric dust collector in which discharge electrodes and dust collector electrodes are arranged and in which the photocatalytic unit comprises a photocatalytic filter.

The WO 01/00301 A1 discloses a filter apparatus and method for treating a contaminated air stream. The filter device comprises a channel defining an endless passage which extends through a preliminary condensation and impact filter; a second oil separation filter; a corona discharge filtration unit, an ozone filter, an air-conveying unit in the form of a blower, and an exhaust collecting device. In one embodiment, it is disclosed that the ozone filter comprises a polyurethane matrix with an activated carbon to remove the ozone that can flow out through the corona discharge unit.

Furthermore, the disclosure US 5,540,761 a filter for particles in gaseous fluids. In one embodiment, a cylindrical filter constructed of three layers of electrodes is disclosed. The filter is arranged in a housing. The prefilter material is disposed on the electrode. The air / fluid carrying the particles is introduced into the chamber through an inlet. The air / fluid is passed through the prefilter material, the electrodes, the filter material and the electrode into the last chamber and then discharged through the outlet into the environment.

The DE 10 2008 063 052 A1 discloses a device for purifying room air and a container. The device comprises a housing, on which at least one opening for the intake of ambient air is formed. The ambient air is sucked into a chamber in which a device for generating plasma is provided. In one embodiment it is disclosed that a shaped body is arranged in the chamber, on which two Einkopplungselektroden are arranged and on the opposite side of the plate-shaped molded body, a discharge electrode is arranged. By applying a voltage to the decoupling electrodes, an electrical discharge is generated at the discharge electrode, so that there forms ozone-containing plasma. This ozone-containing plasma is then mixed with the ambient air and can react there to achieve the desired cleaning effect.

The present invention has for its object to provide a concept for an improved filter module for a domestic kitchen extractor of the type mentioned.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the filter module is equipped with a field region having an alternating electric field and a separate reaction region arranged downstream of the field region, the flow cross section of the field region being smaller than the flow cross section of the reaction region. Because the flow cross section of the field region is smaller than the flow cross section of the reaction region, the field region is limited relative to the reaction region. An inflow region upstream of the field region is provided for directing the detected flowing fluid into the field region. The inflow region has at least one sensor for detecting the flowing fluid. Furthermore, the filter module has a control device for controlling the alternating electric field and for receiving sensor signals of the at least one sensor.

Consequently, there is a forced guidance of the fluid through the limited field area. The confined field region effects an improved mixing or turbulence of the fluid sub-products split by the alternating electric field, e.g. the molecules of the vapor. The improved mixing or turbulence in turn causes improved reaction possibilities for the fluid partial products and prevents phase formation.

In the reaction zone of the filter module, the short-lived reaction products of the fluid, in particular of the vapor, can degrade and convert remaining substances of the fluid. The filter module or air cleaner module is especially adapted for extractor hoods and kitchen odors and is suitable as an accessory. In particular, the filter module is adapted to be arranged directly or indirectly above a fan box of a fume hood.

According to the invention results from the optimization of the flow in the filter module, a significant reduction in the noise level compared to the conventional extractor in recirculation mode. Depending on the fan used, the delivery volume through the filter module, compared to a conventional extract air extractor, according to the extractor standard (IEC 61591 standard), can be increased significantly. The odor reduction is measured according to extractor standard especially better than conventional convection extractors. Consequently, there is a significantly higher efficiency in the odor reduction compared to conventional adsorbers.

Accordingly, a filter module is proposed for cleaning of a fluid flowing through the filter module, in particular vapor, with a field region and a reaction region which is separate from the field region and arranged downstream in the flow direction of the fluid. The field region is set up to expose the fluid to an alternating electric field for producing fluid partial products. In the downstream reaction region, the fluid sub-products react with each other or with a filter medium. The flow area of the field area is smaller than a flow area of the reaction area. Thereby, the field region becomes a guiding device for the fluid flow device. The fluid is forced into the field area for mixing and interaction with the field.

According to the invention, an inflow region upstream of the field region is provided for guiding the detected flowing fluid into the field region. In the inflow region, at least one sensor for detecting the flowing fluid is arranged according to the invention.

Preferably, the inflow region has at least one pair of sensors for detecting the flowing fluid.

In addition, the inflow region in particular has at least one flap for guiding the flowing fluid into the field region which actuates the sensor or the sensors.

The filter module is in particular configured to generate an alternating field as a function of a flow velocity of the fluid, wherein the fluid in the field region is exposed to the alternating field.

In particular, the sensor can also activate the generation of the alternating electric field in the field region. Consequently, the detection of the fluid or Wrasenstromes acts as a trigger for the activation of the alternating electric field. In this case, a flap controls at least two sensors that trigger upon detection of the flowing fluid from a predetermined flow rate. That is, the alternating field is activated only from the predetermined flow rate.

Preferably, the volume of the field region is smaller than the volume of the reaction region. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction area surrounds the field area. This results in a compact design for the filter module.

For example, the field region and the reaction region are arranged in a single housing. In particular, the outer walls of the housing limit the reaction area.

A control device for controlling the electrodes of the field region and for receiving sensor signals of the at least two sensors is preferably arranged in a further housing.

In particular, the electrodes provided in the field region are arranged to generate the alternating electric field at a predetermined frequency. Preferably, the control device is designed to control the electrodes such that the alternating field generated has a field strength which is suitable for generating plasma and ionized particles in the fluid flowing through.

The filter medium is provided in a preferred embodiment exclusively in the reaction area. In particular, the filter medium has activated carbon and / or a catalytic material.

In a preferred embodiment, the reaction region has at least one filter receptacle for receiving at least one filter element or a filter medium.

Furthermore, at least one security element is preferably provided, which ensures the insertion of a predetermined type of filter module into the filter receptacle and prevents re-insertion of a used filter medium into the filter receptacle, in particular by destroying a recognition feature during initial insertion. Furthermore, operation without a filter is prevented.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a household kitchen extractor is proposed, which has a filter module according to the invention as explained above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for operating a filter module for cleaning a fluid flowing through the filter module, wherein the fluid in a field region is exposed to an electric field for generating fluid subproducts and the fluid subproducts are separated in a region separated from the field region Flow direction of the fluid downstream reaction region react with each other or with a filter medium. The flow cross section of the field region is formed smaller than the flow cross section of the reaction region. The flowing fluid is conducted into the field region by at least one inflow region upstream of the field region. In this case, the flowing fluid is detected by at least one sensor in the inflow region and a signal is passed on by the at least one sensor to a control device.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Filtermoduls; und

Fig. 2

ein schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben eines Filtermoduls.

Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the schematic figures. Showing:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter module; and

Fig. 2

a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a filter module.

In the Fig. 1 a representation of an embodiment of a filter module 1 for cleaning of a fluid flowing through the filter module 1 is shown. The fluid consists for example of vapors. The filter module 1 has a field region 2 and a reaction region 4 which is separate from the field region 2 and arranged downstream in the flow direction 3 of the fluid. In the field region 2, the fluid is exposed to an alternating electric field for producing fluid partial products. In the reaction region 4, the generated fluid partial products react with each other and / or with a designated filter medium.

The flow cross section 5 of the field region 2 is smaller than the flow cross section 6 of the reaction region 4. In particular, the volume of the field region 2 is smaller than the volume of the reaction region. 4

As in Fig. 1 shown, the reaction area 4 surrounds the field area 2 completely. This results in a compact construction of the filter module 1. The field region 2 and the reaction region 4 are provided in a housing 8 of the filter module 1. The housing 8 has an opening 9, in which an inflow region 7 is provided for detecting the flowing fluid and for guiding the detected flowing fluid into the field region 2.

For example, the inflow region 7 is equipped with a sensor for detecting the flowing fluid or with at least one flap for guiding the flowing fluid and for controlling the sensors. For generating the alternating electric field, the field region 2 is equipped with electrodes (not shown).

The Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment for operating a filter module for cleaning a fluid flowing through the filter module.

In step S1, the flow is detected in the inflow and passed from the sensors a signal to the control electronics.

In step S2, the fluid in a field region is exposed to an alternating electric field for generating fluid partial products.

In a step S3, the fluid partial products produced are conducted into a reaction region arranged downstream of the field region in the direction of flow, so that the fluid partial products produced react with one another or with a filter medium provided in the reaction region.

In this case, the flow cross-section of the field region is formed such that it is smaller than the flow cross section of the reaction region and is given a thorough mixing and intensive interaction with the field.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

filter module

2

field area

3

Flow direction

4

reaction region

5

Flow cross-section of the field area

6

Flow cross-section of the field area

7

inflow

8th

casing

9

opening

S1-S3

step

Claims (14)

1. Filter module (1) for a household kitchen extractor hood for cleaning fluid passing through the filter module (1) with a field area (2) with an electric alternating field for generating fluid sub-products and a reaction area (4) separated from the field area (2) and arranged downstream in the through-flow direction (3), in which the generated fluid sub-products react with one another or with a fluid filter medium, wherein a flow cross-section (5) of the field area (2) is smaller than a flow cross-section (6) of the reaction area (4) and an inflow area (7) arranged upstream of the field area (2) is provided for routing the flowing fluid into the field area (2), characterised in that the inflow area (7) has at least one sensor for identifying the flowing fluid and the filter module also comprises a control apparatus for controlling the electric alternating field and for receiving sensor signals of the at least one sensor.
2. Filter module according to claim 1, characterised in that the field area (2) embodies a guide apparatus for guiding the flow of the fluid.
3. Filter module according to claim 1, characterised in that the inflow area (7) has a flap and at least one sensor pair actuated by the flap for identifying the flowing fluid in the field area (2).
4. Filter module according to claim 3, characterised in that the filter module (1) is designed to generate an alternating field as a function of a flow speed of the fluid, wherein the fluid in the field area (2) is exposed to the alternating field.
5. Filter module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a volume of the field area (2) is smaller than a volume of the reaction area (4).
6. Filter module according to claim 5, characterised in that the reaction area (4) surrounds the field area (2).
7. Filter module according to claim 6, characterised in that the field area (2) and the reaction area (4) are arranged in a housing (8), wherein the external walls of the housing (8) bound the reaction area (4).
8. Filter module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the field area (2) has electrodes for generating the electric alternating field.
9. Filter module according to claim 8, characterised in that the control apparatus is designed to actuate the electrodes such that the generated electric alternating field has a field strength and/or a frequency which is suited to generating plasma and ionised byproducts from the fluid.
10. Filter module according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the filter medium is provided exclusively in the reaction area (4).
11. Filter module according to claim 10, characterised in that the reaction area (4) has at least one filter holder for receiving at least one filter medium.
12. Filter module according to claim 11, characterised in that at least one safety element is provided, which ensures the insertion of a predetermined type of filter medium into the filter holder and/or prevents a reinsertion of a used filter medium into the filter holder.
13. Household kitchen extractor hood with a filter module according to one of claims 1 to 12.
14. Method for operating a filter module of a household kitchen extractor hood for cleaning fluid passing through the filter module, wherein the fluid in a field area (2) is exposed (S2) to an electric alternating field for generating fluid sub-products and the generated fluid sub-products in a reaction area (4) separated from the field area (2) and arranged downstream in the through-flow direction react (S3) with one another or with a filter medium, wherein a flow cross-section of the field area (5) is embodied as smaller than a flow cross-section of the reaction area (6) and the flowing fluid is routed from at least one inflow area (7) arranged upstream of the field area (2) into the field area, characterised in that the flowing fluid is identified by at least one sensor in the inflow area (7) and a signal is fed (S1) to a control apparatus by the at least one sensor.

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