JP4670295B2 - Ventilation equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ventilation device installed in an environment that is easily contaminated with oil or the like.

  In recent years, the switch operation part of a ventilator that is installed in a kitchen or kitchen and exhausts oily smoke generated during cooking is provided on the outer front part of the ventilator installed in a relatively high place, and the operation surface is obliquely downward A structure that is easy to operate by a user standing in front of a cooking appliance is widespread. In addition, in order to ensure the collection efficiency of the ventilation device, the size of electrical parts such as a switch operation unit and a lighting unit adjacent to the capture space is currently limited.

  The structure of the switch operation unit in this type of conventional ventilator has a structure in which an opening is provided in the metal product outer shell, the switch operation unit is fitted from the back, and the button unit or the design frame of the switch operation unit is projected. In addition, there has been known a structure in which an illumination unit is provided above the switch operation unit in order to secure a collection space as much as possible. Hereinafter, the configuration of the ventilator will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, in order to discharge oily smoke generated during cooking by the cooking device 108, a switch operation unit 103 is disposed near the front surface of a hood-shaped main body 102 provided with a blower 101 therein, and the blower 101 and the illumination An operation mode switch for setting the operation 104 projects from the front surface of the main body 102. In addition, the mechanisms around the electrical unit are integrated, the illumination 104 that irradiates the cooking appliance 108 is provided above the switch operation unit 103, and a metal bottom cover 105 is provided to prevent oil from entering the electrical unit. is, oil smoke sucked from the collection space 107 formed in the lower portion of the main body 102 is discharged to the outside through the duct by the blower 101 through the filter 106.
JP-A-9-89335

  In such a conventional ventilator, the hood-like main body 101 requires the design frame of the switch operation unit 103 or the opening for the operation mode switch, so that the switch is caused by oil entering from the gap generated by the design frame or the opening. There is a problem that the operability is lowered and the operation surface is uneven, so that it is difficult to clean, and even if it is cleaned, dust easily collects in the gap.

  In addition, since the structure of the switch itself uses a mechanical contact, there is a problem that the switch operability is deteriorated due to the intrusion of oil or the like, or the contact wear due to the mechanical contact is caused and the life is shortened. there were.

  The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and it is possible to improve cleaning performance by eliminating irregularities and gaps of the switch operation section for setting the operation mode, and to reduce operability due to intrusion of oil. It aims at providing the ventilator which can prevent.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a ventilation device that can be used semipermanently without causing contact wear by using a switch mechanism that does not require a mechanical contact.

In order to solve the above problems, a ventilator according to the present invention is a ventilator provided above a cooking appliance and provided with a blowing means for discharging oil smoke generated during cooking to the outside, and the operation of the blowing means an operation switch unit for setting, and a control unit for detecting a switch signal from the operation switch section, wherein the control unit, the operation surface of the operation switch section made of a light-transmitting insulating material through it, a ventilation apparatus for detecting a change in capacitance due to proximity or contact of a person's finger, the operation surface of the operation switch section so as to cover the lower side of the operation switch section toward the cooking appliance side of the lower A white light-emitting diode that extends and arranges a light-transmitting insulator and irradiates downward is provided inside the operation switch unit .

  Another means is characterized in that a conductive electrode is provided inside the light transmissive insulator, and the light transmissive insulator and the electrode are integrated.

  Another means is characterized in that the electrode is provided inside or on the back side of the light-transmitting insulator, and the electrode also serves as a display indicating an operation mode.

  Another means is characterized in that the electrode is formed of a light-transmitting conductor.

  The other means is characterized in that a display means for displaying an operating state of the air blowing means is disposed on the back surface of the light-transmissive insulator.

  Another means is characterized in that a receiving section capable of receiving an infrared signal is disposed on the back surface of the light-transmitting insulator.

  The other means stores a voltage value when the operation surface of the operation switch unit is not operated, and a capacitance when a human finger approaches or touches the stored voltage value. The switch input is determined when the voltage change due to the change in voltage reaches a specific change amount and the specific time change continues.

  The other means stores a voltage value when the switch is not operated, and a specific gradient in which there is a voltage change due to capacitance when a human finger approaches or touches the stored voltage value. The switch input is determined when a certain amount of change is reached and a certain time change continues.

  Further, the other means is characterized by comprising a criterion changing means capable of varying the voltage change amount, the voltage gradient amount, or the judgment time for determining the switch operation.

  As described above, according to the ventilator of the present invention, it is possible to improve the cleaning property by eliminating the unevenness and the gap of the switch operation part for setting the operation mode, and to prevent the operability from being deteriorated due to the intrusion of oil. it can.

  In addition, since a switch mechanism that does not require mechanical contacts can be used, it can be used semi-permanently without causing contact wear, and the number of parts can be reduced by eliminating the need for a moving part mechanism of the switch. The part can be formed small.

In the ventilator according to claim 1 of the present invention, the control unit is configured to reduce the electrostatic capacity caused by the approach or contact of a human finger through the operation surface of the operation switch unit formed of a light-transmitting insulator. It is characterized by detecting changes and can detect switch operation by detecting the capacitance of a person without using a mechanical contact, so that the operation surface can be moved without moving the switch operation surface. It can be made into a shape with no part. In addition, the light-transmitting insulator is extended so as to cover the operation switch unit having a white light emitting diode that irradiates the lower part of the ventilation device from below, and has a longer life than an incandescent bulb. By using the light-emitting diode to illuminate the lower part, it is possible to eliminate the need for a bulb replacement window, and the operation surface for setting the operation mode and the illumination irradiation window for the light-emitting diode are integrated into the light transmission. It can be formed of a conductive insulator.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the ventilator according to claim 1, wherein the electrode is provided inside or on the back side of the light-transmitting insulator, and the electrode also serves as a display indicating an operation mode. Even if the thickness of the insulator is as much as possible due to strength reinforcement etc., the distance between the human finger and the electrode can be matched to the sensitivity regardless of the thickness of the light transmissive insulator. Can be set arbitrarily.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the ventilator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrode provided inside or on the back side of the light-transmitting insulator also serves as a display indicating the operation mode. Therefore, the electrode and the display indicating the operation mode can be used together, and it is not necessary to separately print the name on the operation surface or the back side of the insulator.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the ventilator according to the third aspect, the electrode is formed of a light-transmitting conductor, and a character or symbol indicating an operation mode, or a switch Any part such as the outer frame can be made translucent.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ventilator according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a display means for displaying an operating state of the air blowing means is disposed on the back surface of the light transmissive insulator. The light can be transmitted through the light-transmitting insulator, and the user can effectively recognize the operation mode of the blower.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the ventilator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, characterized in that a receiving portion capable of receiving an infrared signal is disposed on the back surface of the light transmissive insulator. By receiving the signal through the light-transmitting insulator, it is possible to eliminate the need for a dedicated reception window that transmits the signal dedicated to the receiver.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the ventilator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the human finger approaches or approaches the voltage value stored when the operation surface of the operation switch unit is not operated. The product shape is characterized in that the switch input is determined when the voltage change due to the change in capacitance when touched reaches a certain amount of change and the change over time continues. Even when a weak potential fluctuation occurs due to different lead wire routing, storing the voltage as an initial voltage can prevent malfunction due to noise and realize stable switch operability.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the ventilator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the human finger approaches or approaches the voltage value stored when the operation surface of the operation switch unit is not operated. To determine the switch input when the voltage change due to the change in capacitance when touched changes over a certain slope, reaches a certain amount of change, and continues for a certain time. This is a feature, and when a voltage changes gently when an intermediate area of an adjacent switch is operated, the switch can be prevented from being accepted, and malfunction can be prevented.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the ventilator according to any of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a determination criterion varying means capable of varying a voltage change amount, a voltage gradient amount, or a determination time for determining the switch operation. The level can be arbitrarily set according to the installation status of the device and the switch responsiveness desired by the user, and the switch operability can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a ventilator installed above a cooking appliance 1 such as a gas stove or IH stove includes a blower 2 that is a blower that discharges oil smoke generated during cooking, and the blower 2. A blower unit 3 composed of a piping duct for guiding oil smoke to the outside, a metal hood part 4 for collecting oil smoke generated during cooking, an illumination 5 for irradiating the cooking equipment 1, a blower 2 on the front of the hood part 4 and An operation switch unit 6 for setting the operation mode of the illumination 5 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilator according to the present invention is also intended for a range hood type having a hood portion, and a device having no hood portion, such as a propeller type ventilation fan.

  In general, the operation switch unit 6 is often attached at a relatively high place, and it is difficult for an elderly person or a short person to operate. Therefore, in the present invention, in order to improve the operability of the operation switch unit 6 to be operated from below the ventilation device, the front surface of the hood unit 4 is inclined downward or the operation switch unit 6 is partially moved. It can be easily inclined and operated from below. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a light-transmissive insulator 7 is formed on the front surface of the operation switch unit 6, more specifically, on the operation surface side on which the user sets the operation mode. On the operation surface or back side of the conductive insulator 7, there are “OFF” switch 6a, “weak” switch 6b, “medium” switch 6c, “strong” switch 6d, “illumination OFF / ON” for stopping the operation of the blower 2. The name indicating the operation mode for operating the blower 2 or the illumination 5 such as the switch 6e is printed. Here, glass, acrylic, polycarbonate, or the like is used as an example of the light-transmitting insulator 7. Further, the entire front surface of the hood portion 4 may be constituted by the light-transmitting insulator 7, but this is not a limitation, and only the minimum necessary area that can cover the front surface of the operation switch portion 6 is provided. Alternatively, a light transmissive insulator 7 may be formed.

  A detailed configuration of the operation switch unit 6 is shown in FIGS. An electrode 8 is provided inside or on the back side of the light-transmitting insulator 7, a part of the electrode 8 extends to the opposite side of the operation surface, and is connected to a printed circuit board 9 disposed on the rear side. One-on-one for the name shown. Further, a light emitting diode 10 is mounted on the printed circuit board 9 so as to emit light toward the light transmissive insulator 7. Here, when it is difficult to position the light-transmitting insulator 7 and the printed circuit board 9 disposed behind, the portion connected from the electrode 8 to the printed circuit board 9 is formed in a spring shape or connected by a lead wire. This has been solved. Further, when the surface area of the electrode 8 is increased, or when the distance between the operation surface and the electrode 8 is adjusted, the change in capacitance can be adjusted, and the sensitivity can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode 8 is connected to a detection circuit 11 that detects that the electrostatic capacity of the human body is approaching by a voltage change, and a signal amplification circuit that amplifies a weak voltage change detected by the detection circuit 11. 12, the control unit 13 recognizes it as a switch signal. The control unit 13 also serves to control the operation stop of the blower 2 and the illumination 5 or the lighting / extinguishing of the light emitting diode 10. Here, since the voltage change detected by the detection circuit 11 increases as the surface area of the electrode 8 increases, the shape of the electrode 8 is changed to “OFF” switch 6a, “weak” switch 6b, “medium” switch 6c, “ It is desirable to set a range equal to or greater than the size of the “strong” switch 6d and the “illumination off / on” switch 6e. In addition, by adjusting the surface area of the electrode 8, it is possible to recognize the switch operation only by approaching the operation switch unit 6 without touching the finger.

  FIG. 7 shows a change in voltage output from the signal amplifier circuit 12. Here, the circuit configuration is such that the voltage drops when the operation surface of the operation switch unit 6 is operated, and the control unit 13 stores the voltage value V1 when the switch is not pressed. Since a voltage drop occurs when the switch is pressed, a voltage drop of ΔV or more with respect to V1 occurs, and when the switch continues for a time T or more, it is recognized for the first time that the switch is pressed. When the switches for setting the operation of the blower 2 are individually separated, such as “OFF” switch 6a, “weak” switch 6b, “medium” switch 6c, “strong” switch 6d, etc. It is good, but when the speed adjustment of the blower 2 is completed with one “air volume” switch and it is set to “low” → “medium” → “strong” every time the switch is pressed, the switch is continuously pressed. In order to improve the operability in this case, T is preferably about 0.05 to 0.1 seconds.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the control unit 13 stores the voltage value V1 when the switch is not pressed. In general, the intervals between the switches are often adjacent to each other, and it is expected that a part slightly shifted from the switch is touched. A voltage change gradient dV / dt2 when a position slightly deviated from the switch, for example, an intermediate area of a plurality of switches is operated is smaller than a voltage drop gradient dV / dt1 when the actual switch frame is operated (rising). It tends to be slow. Therefore, it can be recognized for the first time that the switch has been pressed when it is greater than dV / dt2 (falling early) and continues for a specific time T or longer.

  In the above-described configuration, the ventilator has a “OFF” switch 6 a, “weak” switch 6 b, “medium” switch 6 c, and “strong” printed on the light-transmitting insulator 7 provided to the operation switch unit 6 by the user. When the switch 6d or the “illumination off / on” switch 6e is operated, the electrostatic capacity of the human body is grounded from each electrode 8 disposed on the back side of each switch through the light-transmitting insulator 7. Since it is connected to the ground, the weak voltage change output from the detection circuit 11 that converts the change in capacitance into a voltage is amplified, and control is performed via a signal amplification circuit 12 for easily reading the change in signal. The final switch signal is input to the unit 13. The control unit 13 recognizes that one of the switches has been pressed, operates the blower 2 and the illumination 5 in response to the switch operation, and is a printed circuit board disposed behind the light-transmissive insulator 7. The light-emitting diode 10 on 9 is turned on and displayed so that the user can recognize the current operation mode through the light-transmitting insulator 7.

  As described above, in the present invention, the operation surface of the operation switch unit 6 is configured by the light-transmitting insulator 7 having no irregularities or gaps, and the switch configuration is configured to detect a change in capacitance without using a mechanical contact. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the switch mounted at a high position in an unreasonable posture, and the fan and the illumination can be operated by touching lightly, and the switch operability can be improved. In addition, the switch operation surface that is easily soiled with oil or the like has no irregularities and no gaps, so that cleaning can be easily performed. Further, since the switch structure does not use a mechanical contact, it is not necessary to worry about the life due to contact wear, and the life is long and can be used semipermanently. Moreover, since a movable part is unnecessary compared with what has a mechanical contact, a switch operation part can be formed in a small size, and the collection space of a ventilation apparatus can be taken large.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the other operation switch unit is configured by providing a light-transmissive insulator 7 on the front surface of the operation switch unit 6, more specifically, on the operation surface side where the user sets the operation mode. An “off” switch 6a, a “weak” switch 6b, a “medium” switch 6c, a “strong” switch 6d for setting the operation of the blower 2 are arranged inside or on the rear side of the light transmissive insulator 7. It is assumed that the electrode character 14 indicating the name of the operation mode for operating the blower 2 or the illumination 5 such as the “illumination off / on” switch 6e for setting the operation of the illumination 5 is formed and arranged. In addition, the light emitting diode 10 is mounted and configured to emit light toward the light-transmitting insulator 7 at the center of the back side of the electrode character 14 on the printed board 9. Here, if a light-transmissive conductor is used as the material of the electrode character 14, only the electrode character 14 transmits light from the light emitting diode 10, and printing is performed on an area including the switch frame other than the electrode character 14. It becomes the structure which does not permeate | transmit light. Further, by using a conductor that does not transmit light, the electrode character 14 can transmit light only in an area including the switch frame other than the electrode character 14 without transmitting light from the light emitting diode 10. Here, the light-transmitting conductor may be constituted by a single translucent electrode, or may be constituted by thin electrodes in a lattice shape. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, the switch names for setting the operation of the blower 2 and the illumination 5 of the operation switch unit 6 are formed by the electrode letters 14, and the electrode letters 14 are made of a conductor that transmits light or a conductor that does not transmit light. When configured, it is not necessary to print the switch name separately, the degree of freedom in the combination of the light display by the light emitting diode 10 can be given, and the design of the operation switch unit 6 is set according to the shape or concept of the product. can do.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, as another configuration of the operation switch unit, on the printed circuit board 9 disposed behind the light-transmissive insulator 7 configured on the front surface of the operation switch unit 6, The receiving unit 15 is mounted. In order to reduce the influence of external noise emitted from a lighting device such as a fluorescent lamp on the back side of the light transmissive insulator 7, an infrared transmissive ink 16 that transmits only infrared light having a specific wavelength is printed. If the printed circuit board 9 has enough space, the receiving unit 15 sets the operation of the “OFF” switch 6 a, “weak” switch 6 b, “medium” switch 6 c, “strong” switch 6 d, and illumination 5. It may be arranged in a space on the printed circuit board 9 except for the “illumination off / on” switch 6e. However, if the space of the operation switch unit 6 is limited and cannot be increased so much, the “off” switch 6a, “weak” The switch 6b, the “medium” switch 6c, the “strong” switch 6d, and the “illumination off / on” switch 6e for setting the operation of the illumination 5 may be arranged on the back side. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Thus, since it is difficult to operate the switch operation unit 6 that is installed above the cooking appliance 1 and attached at a high place, it is transmitted from a remote controller that is separately attached around the kitchen and can be remotely operated. When the receiving unit 15 for receiving the infrared signal is configured to receive via the light-transmitting insulator 7 without unevenness provided on the front surface of the operation switch unit 6, the dedicated receiving unit for the infrared receiving unit is used. A window can be eliminated, and the remote controller can be used without changing the design of the operation switch unit 6. In addition, since the light-transmissive insulator 7 also serves as a protective mechanism for preventing the receiving unit 15 from receiving external shocks, it is possible to reduce the need for separately providing external shock protection parts, and to A gap or the like necessary for fitting another part such as a molded product can be eliminated, and oil can be prevented from entering.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the configuration of another operation switch unit includes a variable switch or a variable volume having a voltage change amount, a voltage gradient amount, or a determination time for determining the switch operation provided outside the operation switch unit 6. The determination reference variable means 16 can be arbitrarily set. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  As described above, when the determination reference variable means 16 for changing the voltage change amount, the voltage gradient amount, or the determination time for determining the switch operation is provided, the level can be arbitrarily set according to the installation state of the device. It can be set freely to improve switch operability at installation sites that are susceptible to noise and the like emitted from externally connected devices.

  FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of another operation switch unit. A light transmissive insulator 7 is extended and arranged so as to cover the lower side of the operation switch unit 6 from the operation surface of the operation switch unit 6 toward the lower cooking appliance 1 side. A white light emitting diode 17 is mounted on the printed circuit board 9 disposed inside the operation switch unit 6 so as to face the cooking appliance 1 side. Instead of the white light emitting diode 17, a non-white light emitting body may be used, and the color of the light bulb may be used in consideration of the appearance of the dish. Here, a plurality of white light emitting diodes 17 may be arranged side by side in order to ensure the same illuminance as that of an incandescent bulb or a fluorescent lamp, but in order to irradiate light efficiently, the white light emitting diodes on the printed circuit board 9 are arranged. The necessary number of white light emitting diodes 17 can be reduced by applying white silk printing 18 for identifying electronic component numbers around 17. In addition, a lens mechanism may be provided around the white light-emitting diode 17 existing inside the light-transmitting insulator 7 to effectively irradiate light.

  In this way, the light emission of the white light-emitting diode, which is formed by extending from the operation surface for setting the operation mode to the lower part of the ventilation device with an integral light-transmitting insulator and having a longer life than incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps In the case where the light to be irradiated is irradiated through a light-transmitting insulator, it is possible to eliminate the need for an illumination replacement window that must be provided below the ventilation device that is most easily contaminated with oil or the like. Further, by using a white light emitting diode that generates less heat than an incandescent bulb or a fluorescent lamp, the operation switch unit and the illumination mechanism can be integrated, and the electrical unit can be downsized.

  The ventilator according to the present invention is configured with a light-transmitting insulator having no irregularities or gaps on the operation surface provided with a switch for setting an operation mode, and detects a change in capacitance without using a mechanical contact. Since the switch configuration is adopted, it is useful for a device in which the life of the electrical component is liable to be reduced due to adhesion or penetration of oil.

  Moreover, it is useful not only for the ventilator installed above the cooking table, but also for the ventilator in general that must be provided with a sealing structure due to the intrusion of liquid such as water into the electrical component.

Side sectional view which shows the structure of the ventilation apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention Front view showing the configuration of the ventilation device Sectional drawing which shows the case where the electrode of the ventilator is provided inside the light-transmissive insulator Sectional drawing which shows the case where the electrode of the ventilator is provided on the back of the light transmissive insulator Front view showing the operation switch part of the ventilation device Block diagram showing the configuration of the ventilation device The figure which shows the example of the voltage waveform at the time of switch operation in the ventilator The figure which shows the voltage waveform at the time of operating the inside of the switch frame in the ventilation device The figure which shows the voltage waveform at the time of operating outside the switch frame in the ventilation device Front view showing electrode letters in the ventilator Front view showing another example of electrode letters in the ventilator Front view showing the arrangement of infrared light receiving elements in the ventilation device Sectional drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the infrared light receiving element in the ventilation apparatus Block diagram of the ventilator equipped with variable criteria Sectional drawing which shows a structure at the time of providing the white light emitting diode in the ventilation apparatus Front view showing a conventional ventilator

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cooking equipment 2 Blower 6 Operation switch part 7 Light transmissive insulator 8 Electrode 13 Control part 15 Reception part 16 Judgment criteria variable means 17 White light emitting diode

Claims (9)

A ventilator provided above the cooking device and provided with a blowing means for discharging oil smoke generated during cooking to the outdoors, an operation switch part for setting the operation of the blowing means, and the operation switch part And a control unit that detects a switch signal from the control unit, wherein the control unit has a capacitance due to an approach or contact of a human finger via an operation surface of the operation switch unit configured of a light-transmitting insulator. a ventilation device that detect a change in the operation surface of the operation switch section is to extend the light-transmitting insulating material so as to cover the lower side of the operation switch section toward the cooking appliance side of the lower arrangement And a ventilator provided with a white light emitting diode for illuminating the lower part inside the operation switch unit . The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a conductive electrode is provided inside the light transmissive insulator, and the light transmissive insulator and the electrode are integrated. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode is provided inside or behind the light-transmitting insulator, and the electrode also serves as a display indicating an operation mode. The ventilation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the electrode is formed of a light transmissive conductor. The ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a display unit for displaying an operating state of the blower unit is disposed on a back surface of the light transmissive insulator. The ventilation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a receiving unit capable of receiving an infrared signal is disposed on the back surface of the light-transmissive insulator. The voltage value when the operation surface of the operation switch unit is not operated is stored, and the voltage change due to the capacitance when a human finger approaches or touches the stored voltage value is specified. The ventilator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch input is determined when the amount of change is reached and a specific time change continues. The voltage value when the switch is not operated is stored, and the voltage change caused by the electrostatic capacitance when a human finger approaches or touches the stored voltage value changes with a certain gradient, and is specified The ventilator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the switch input is determined when the amount of change is reached and a specific time change continues. The ventilation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a determination reference variable means capable of varying a voltage change amount, a voltage gradient amount, or a determination time for determining a switch operation.

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