CN220567319U

CN220567319U - Aspirator unit

Info

Publication number: CN220567319U
Application number: CN202223000197.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 萨基布·伊亚兹·萨迪克·巴伊瓦; 鲁洛夫·库尔; 德鲁·帕特里克·玛丽斯; 马克西米利亚诺·普洛德
Original assignee: Fischer Parker Home Appliances Co ltd
Current assignee: Fischer Parker Home Appliances Co ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-11
Filing date: 2022-11-10
Publication date: 2024-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-10
Also published as: CN219283413U

Abstract

An aspirator unit, comprising: at least one fan for drawing a suction air stream from the cooking area through the suction duct; a motor for driving the fan; and a controller. The aspirator unit is configured to operate in a plurality of modes, each mode being associated with a different flow or flow range of aspiration air streams. The controller is further configured to: receiving user input indicating a particular flow or flow range to be associated with at least one of the plurality of modes; and controlling the motor according to the user input when operating in the at least one mode.

Description

Aspirator unit

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to an aspirator unit for containing and/or aspirating exhaust gas from a cooking area, such as a cooktop or similar area.

Background

Cooktops for heating and cooking food and saucepan oil, fryers and the like produce exhaust gases in the form of steam and other gases with food particles and odors.

To keep the kitchen clean and prevent odors from being emitted through the kitchen, an aspirator unit is generally used. The aspirator units use fans to create an air flow to draw exhaust gases (cooking effluent) into the duct and expel them through the exhaust duct into the ambient air.

However, the air flow rate and installation conditions of the aspirator unit can significantly affect its aspiration performance and noise generated during operation. For example, if the aspirator unit is installed under conditions that result in high resistance to the flow of cooking effluent through the tube, aspiration performance may be compromised and excessive noise may be experienced.

Since the aspirator units are typically installed in various locations (e.g., in an apartment building, an independent house, or a commercial kitchen), the installation conditions under which the aspirator units operate may vary significantly. Because at least a portion of the piping that draws in cooking effluent is typically hidden from view, a user may not detect a poor installation condition. In some cases, the user may have little choice (e.g., due to inaccessible tubing and/or lack of knowledge) to make changes that would improve poor installation conditions, and thus may not be able to mitigate excessive noise and/or power consumption generated by the aspirator unit during operation.

It is therefore an object of the present utility model to provide an aspirator unit apparatus and/or method that ameliorates at least in some way the above problems, or at least provides the public with a useful choice.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the utility model may be said to consist of an aspirator unit comprising:

at least one fan for drawing a suction air stream from the cooking area through the suction duct;

a motor for driving the fan; and

the controller is used for controlling the operation of the controller,

wherein the controller is configured to, during operation of the aspirator unit:

receiving input from one or more sensors; and

a mounting quality output is generated from the input indicative of a mounting condition in which the aspirator unit is operating.

Optionally, the one or more sensors from which the controller is configured to receive input are sensors capable of detecting flow resistance through the conduit (backpressure sensors).

Optionally, the backpressure sensor:

is arranged on the aspirator unit; or (b)

Is mounted at a location remote from the aspirator unit and is configured to communicate with the controller.

Optionally, the backpressure sensor is mounted within the aspirator tube.

Optionally, the backpressure sensor comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a pressure sensor;

a flow sensor; and

an electric motor.

Optionally, the backpressure sensor is an electric motor, and wherein the installation quality output is determined using only inputs derived from the electric motor.

Optionally, the input for determining the installation quality output is one or more selected from motor torque, speed, position, power, voltage or current.

Optionally, the aspirator unit further comprises a display of the aspirator unit or a display in communication with the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the display is selected from one or more of the following:

a panel mounted on or near the aspirator unit; and

a screen of a remote electronic device, such as one or more selected from:

a notebook computer;

a cellular telephone; and

a tablet computer.

Optionally, the installation quality output is displayed to the user on a display of the aspirator unit or a display in communication with the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the aspirator unit further comprises a user interface configured to communicate user input to the controller.

Optionally, the controller is further configured to determine an improvement action output from the installation quality output, the improvement action output prompting an action for a physical change of the aspirator unit and/or a downstream conduit in communication with the aspirator conduit.

Optionally, the improvement action output is displayed to the user on a display of or in communication with the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the controller is further configured to compare the previously generated installation quality output with the subsequently generated installation quality output to determine if the installation quality has changed.

Optionally, the determination is displayed to the user on a display of the aspirator unit or a display in communication with the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the installation quality output is generated by estimating one or more selected from the following using inputs from one or more sensors:

the actual suction air flow rate;

pressure; and

system resistance curve.

Optionally, the installation quality output is generated by estimating a system resistance curve using inputs from one or more sensors.

Optionally, the installation quality output is generated by estimating a system resistance curve using inputs from one or more sensors and comparing the estimated system resistance curve to a known reference resistance curve.

In another aspect, the utility model may be said to reside in a system comprising an aspirator unit and a mobile device as described above.

In this aspect of the utility model, the options described above with respect to the aspirator units are equally applicable to the system.

In another aspect, the utility model may be said to consist in a method of determining information about the quality of installation of an aspirator unit, the method comprising the steps of:

receiving input from one or more sensors; and

Optionally, the aspirator unit includes:

a motor for driving the fan; and

and a controller.

the actual suction air flow rate;

pressure; and

system resistance curve.

Optionally, the installation quality output is a quantitative indication of the installation conditions in which the aspirator unit is operating, such as a numerical rating or rating.

Optionally, the sensor or sensors from which the input is derived are sensors capable of detecting the resistance to flow through the conduit (backpressure sensors).

Optionally, the backpressure sensor:

is arranged on the aspirator unit; or (b)

Is mounted at a location remote from the aspirator unit and is configured to communicate with a controller of the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the backpressure sensor is mounted within an aspirator tube of the aspirator unit.

a pressure sensor;

a flow sensor; and

a motor driving a fan of the aspirator unit to draw a suction airstream from the cooking area via the aspirator tube.

Optionally, the input for determining the installation quality output is one or more selected from motor torque, power, voltage or current.

Optionally, the display is selected from one or more of the following:

a panel mounted on or near the aspirator unit; and

A screen of a remote electronic device, such as one or more selected from:

a notebook computer;

a cellular telephone; and

a tablet computer.

Optionally, the installation quality output is transmitted remotely and/or stored on a server or cloud.

Optionally, the aspirator unit includes a user interface configured to communicate user input to a controller of the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of: from the installation quality output, an improvement action output is determined that prompts an action of a physical change of the aspirator unit and/or a downstream conduit in communication with the aspirator conduit.

Alternatively, the improvement action output is determined by comparing the installation quality output with an installation quality output threshold and determining the improvement action output based on whether the threshold is met.

Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of: the previously generated installation quality output is compared with the subsequently generated installation quality output to determine if the installation quality has changed.

In another aspect, the utility model may be said to consist in an aspirator unit comprising:

a motor for driving the fan; and

the controller is used for controlling the operation of the controller,

wherein the aspirator unit is configured to operate in a plurality of modes, each mode being associated with a different flow or flow range of the aspiration flow, and

wherein the controller is configured to receive a user input indicating a particular flow or flow range to be associated with at least one of the plurality of modes;

and controlling the motor according to the user input when operating in the mode.

Optionally, the controller is configured to receive a user input indicating a particular flow or flow range to be associated with each of the plurality of modes.

Optionally, the controller generates one or more outputs to control the motor in accordance with the user input.

Optionally, the controller generates one or more outputs to control the motor:

driving a fan to achieve a target extraction airflow rate (or range of rates), optionally as a volumetric flow rate; and/or

Driving a fan to achieve an actual extraction airflow flow (or range of flows), optionally as a volumetric flow; and/or

Driving the fan at an operating point (or window of operation) along a known fan pressure curve, efficiency curve, input power curve, and/or system drag curve; and/or

At a particular fan or motor speed, and/or from one or more selected from a particular motor torque, current, power, and voltage (or range of values for these parameters).

Optionally, the controller is configured to save the user input for future operation of the aspirator unit.

Alternatively, user settings may be assigned to one or each of the modes of operation.

Optionally, the controller is further configured to, during operation of the aspirator unit:

receiving input from one or more sensors; and

an actual suction air flow output is determined from the sensor input, the actual suction air flow output being indicative of an actual flow of suction air flow.

Optionally, the controller is configured to receive input derived from one or more sensors capable of detecting flow through the conduit (flow sensor).

Optionally, the flow sensor:

is arranged on the aspirator unit; or (b)

Optionally, the flow sensor is mounted within the aspirator tube.

Optionally, the flow sensor comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a flow sensor; and

an electric motor.

Optionally, the flow sensor is an electric motor, and wherein the actual suction flow output is determined using only inputs derived from the electric motor.

Optionally, the input for determining the actual suction airstream flow output is one or more selected from motor torque, power, voltage or current.

Optionally, the actual flow output is displayed to the user on a display of the aspirator unit or a display in communication with the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the display is selected from one or more of the following:

a panel mounted on or near the aspirator unit; and

a screen of a remote electronic device, such as one or more selected from:

A notebook computer;

a cellular telephone; and

a tablet computer.

Optionally, the user input received by the controller is constrained by a constraint condition.

Optionally, the user input received by the controller is constrained by constraints that depend on the actual suction airflow output.

receiving input from one or more sensors; and

a mounting quality output is generated from the input, the mounting quality output being indicative of a mounting condition for operation of the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the user input received by the controller is constrained by constraints that depend on the installation quality output, and optionally also by constraints that depend on the actual suction airflow output.

In another aspect, the utility model may be said to consist in a method of controlling an aspirator unit configured to operate in a plurality of modes, each mode being associated with a different flow or flow range of a suction airstream, wherein the method comprises:

receiving user input indicating a particular flow or flow range to be associated with at least one of the plurality of modes; and

When operating in this mode, the aspirator unit is controlled according to user input.

Optionally, the aspirator unit includes:

a motor for driving the fan; and

the controller is used for controlling the operation of the controller,

optionally, the method comprises: user input is received and the aspirator unit is controlled in accordance with the user input when operating in each mode, wherein the user input indicates a particular flow or flow range to be associated with each of the plurality of modes.

Optionally, the controller generates one or more outputs to control the motor in accordance with user inputs.

Optionally, the controller generates one or more outputs to control the motor:

Optionally, the method comprises the steps of: the user input is saved for future operation of the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of: user settings are assigned to one or each of the modes of operation.

Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of: operating the aspirator unit in at least one of the plurality of operating modes.

Optionally, the method further comprises the steps of: the aspirator unit is operated in a user-selected mode of operation.

Optionally, the method further comprises the following steps during operation of the aspirator unit:

receiving input from one or more sensors; and

an actual suction airflow flow output is determined from the sensor input, the actual suction airflow flow output being indicative of the actual flow of suction airflow in real time.

Optionally, the one or more sensors are sensors capable of detecting flow through the conduit (flow sensors).

Optionally, the flow sensor:

Is arranged on the aspirator unit; or (b)

Optionally, the flow sensor is mounted within an aspirator tube of the aspirator unit.

a flow sensor; and

a motor driving a fan of the aspirator unit to draw a suction air stream from the cooking area via the aspirator tube.

Optionally, the flow sensor is an electric motor, and wherein the actual suction airstream flow output is determined using only inputs derived from the electric motor.

Optionally, the aspirator unit includes a display of the aspirator unit or a display in communication with the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the display is selected from one or more of the following:

a panel mounted on or near the aspirator unit; and

a screen of a remote electronic device, such as one or more selected from:

a notebook computer;

a cellular telephone; and

a tablet computer.

Optionally, the actual suction airstream flow output is transmitted remotely and/or stored on a server or cloud.

Optionally, the aspirator unit further comprises a user interface configured to communicate user input to a controller of the aspirator unit.

Optionally, the user input is constrained.

Optionally, the user input is constrained by constraints that depend on the actual suction airflow flow output.

receiving input from one or more sensors; and

a mounting quality output is generated from the sensor input that is indicative of a mounting condition in which the aspirator unit is operating.

Optionally, the user input is constrained by constraints that depend on the installation mass output, and optionally also by constraints that depend on the actual suction airflow flow output.

Drawings

Embodiments will be described below, in which:

fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aspirator unit according to the present utility model;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show partial views of the aspirator unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a plurality of aspirator units mounted in communication with a central network of pipes of a building;

FIG. 4 illustrates, in diagrammatic form, an aspirator unit having a controller configured to drive a motor and fan and in communication with a sensor in accordance with various embodiments of the present utility model;

FIG. 5 illustrates additional features of the aspirator unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows, by way of example, various system resistance curves representing resistance to flow along a conduit at different volumetric flows;

fig. 7 and 8 show, by way of example, a fan performance curve (total pressure, efficiency, and input power) and a system resistance curve for a fan operating at a constant speed;

FIG. 9 shows, by way of example, a fan performance curve (total pressure) and a system resistance curve for fans operating at three different speeds;

FIG. 10 illustrates in diagrammatic form a high level method of controlling an aspirator unit to produce an output indicative of an installation condition in which the aspirator unit is operating;

FIG. 11 illustrates, in schematic form, a high level method of controlling an aspirator unit to determine an output indicative of an action of a physical change of the aspirator unit and/or a downstream conduit in communication with the aspirator conduit;

FIG. 12 illustrates, in diagrammatic form, a high level method of controlling an aspirator unit to determine a change in output indicative of an installation condition in which the aspirator unit is operating;

fig. 13 shows in a diagrammatic form a specific example of controlling an aspirator unit according to the broad method shown in fig. 10, 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model in which an output indicating the installation condition of the aspirator unit operation is displayed to a user on a screen of a mobile device;

FIG. 15A illustrates, in graphical form, a high level method of controlling an aspirator unit according to a user input indicating a flow (or range of flows) associated with a particular mode of operation of the aspirator unit;

FIG. 15B illustrates, by way of specific example, a series of flow threshold profiles corresponding to various modes of operation of the aspirator unit for a specific implementation of the method illustrated in FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 illustrates, in schematic form, a method of controlling an aspirator unit to produce an output indicative of actual flow of aspiration gas flow;

FIG. 17 illustrates in diagrammatic form a specific example of controlling an aspirator unit according to the broad method illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 16, using an output representative of the actual flow of aspiration air to limit user input;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model in which an output indicative of the actual flow of the aspiration flow is used to limit user input via the APP on the mobile device; and

fig. 19 shows, by way of specific example, a series of flow threshold profiles corresponding to various modes of operation of the aspirator unit, for a specific implementation of the method shown in fig. 17.

Detailed Description

1. Aspirator unit device

The utility model relates to an aspirator unit 1 for aspirating an aspiration air stream 2 from a cooking area 3 through an aspirator tube 120. The extractor unit 1 may be mounted near the cooking area 3, generating oil smoke at the cooking area 3, and operating the extractor unit 1 such that the oil smoke is entrained in the suction airstream 2 and sucked away from the cooking area 3. As used herein, the extraction air flow 2 includes ambient air extracted from within and around the cooking area 3 as well as entrained cooking fumes.

For example, as shown in fig. 1, the extractor unit 1 may be mounted above the cooktop 4 and may include a hood 130 that constrains the rising cooking fumes and/or directs the cooking fumes towards the extractor outlet 140 and into the extractor duct 120. As shown in fig. 1, 2A and 2B, the hood 130 may have a T-shaped profile, wherein a portion of the hood 130 extends substantially parallel to the cooktop 4 and is connected perpendicular to the aspirator tubes 120. However, the hood 130 may also have some other profile, such as an inclined profile (a portion of the hood extending at an angle relative to the cooktop 4, sloping downward from the rear of the hood to the front of the hood). Various other configurations of aspirator unit hoods 130 suitable for use with the present utility model are known in the art.

The suction airstream 2 may be driven by a blower or fan 110. The fan 110 may be, for example, centrifugal (such as a single inlet blower that curves back) or axial. The fan 110 may be housed within the hood 130 or an end region of the aspirator tube 120 (as shown in FIG. 2B), or may otherwise be in communication with the aspirator tube 120 to draw the aspiration flow 2 into the tube. In some embodiments, aspirator tube 120 can include multiple tube portions connected together, or can include only portions or regions of tube portions.

The aspirator tube 120 can include an outlet 5, or be connected to the outlet 5 or be in communication with the outlet 5, through which outlet 5 the aspiration flow 2 can exit. In some embodiments, aspirator tubes 120 may be part of the tube network 6, connected to the tube network 6, or in communication with the tube network 6. For example, as shown in fig. 3, aspirator tubes 120 may be in communication with a central tube network 6 (e.g., an apartment building) of a building 7, via which central tube network 6 the aspiration flow 2 may be expelled through vents 5 of the building 7. The network of pipes 6 may be in communication with a plurality of aspirator units, each via a respective aspirator pipe 120.

The aspirator unit 1 may include a motor 150 for driving the fan 110. For example, as shown in fig. 2B, the motor 150 may be housed above the shroud 130 with the fan 110 and may be connected to the fan 110 such that rotation of the motor 150 causes the fan 110 to rotate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative motor 150 positions and installations may be employed depending on the type of fan 110 to be driven.

Referring to fig. 4, the aspirator unit 1 may further include a controller 160. The controller 160 may control the motor 150 to drive the fan 110, among other things. For example, the controller 160 may control the speed of motor rotation (e.g., in RPM). The motor 150 may be controlled to drive the fan 110 in an attempt to obtain a desired flow of the suction air stream 2 (target suction air stream flow), which will achieve the effect of sufficiently sucking cooking fumes from the cooking area 3. The target suction airflow flow rate may be in the range of, for example, 6-20 m ³ And/min. In some embodiments, the target suction airstream flow may be in the range of 8-14 m ³ And/min.

The controller 160 may also be configured to receive and process inputs from the various sensors 170, 180 of the aspirator unit 1 and/or from the motor 150.

In some embodiments, aspirator unit 1 may include or be in communication with one or more sensors capable of detecting resistance to flow through a conduit (backpressure sensor 170). For example, these sensors may be differential pressure sensors. The sensor 170 may be mounted on the hood 130 or within the aspirator tube 120, or may be located elsewhere in the tube network 6 downstream of the aspirator tube 120, and may be in communication with the controller 160. In some embodiments, the motor 150 serves as a backpressure sensor 170. As the motor 150 drives the fan 110 against the back pressure of the suction airstream 2 through the aspirator tube 120, the output (e.g., torque, speed, position, voltage, or current) of the motor 150 can be used to detect a real-time change in flow resistance. Because it may be difficult or impractical to install the backpressure sensor 170 within the aspirator tube 120 and/or downstream tube network 6, there are advantages in using the motor 150 as the backpressure sensor 170 without having to install additional sensors.

In some embodiments, aspirator unit 1 may include or be in communication with one or more sensors capable of detecting flow through a conduit (flow sensor 180). For example, these sensors may be anemometers or differential pressure sensors. The sensor 180 may be mounted on the hood 130 or within the aspirator tube 120, or may be located elsewhere in the tube network downstream of the aspirator tube 120, and can be in communication with the controller 160.

As used herein, the term "flow sensor" refers to any sensor that provides an output from which flow can be determined, thus covering dedicated sensors for detecting flow and other sensors that provide an output from which flow can be determined but not dedicated to flow measurement. For example, in some embodiments, the motor 150 functions as a flow sensor 180. Because motor 150 drives fan 110 to generate suction air flow 2 through aspirator tube 120, the output of motor 150 (such as torque, voltage, or current) can be used to detect real-time changes in flow. Because it may be difficult or impractical to install the flow sensor 180 within the aspirator tube 120 and/or downstream tube network, there are advantages in using the motor 150 as the flow sensor 180 rather than having to install additional sensors dedicated to flow measurement.

The aspirator unit 1 may also include a display 190 and/or a user interface 200, or be in communication with the display 190 and/or the user interface 200, the display 190 may display information to a user, and the user may enable communication (user input) with the controller 160 through the user interface 200. For example, as shown in fig. 5, the display 190 may include a screen 191 mounted on the hood 130 of the aspirator unit 1, and a series of buttons 201 of the user interface 200. Alternatively or additionally, the display 190 and/or the user interface 200 may be provided remotely from the aspirator unit 1, for example on a mobile device 8 such as a phone, a laptop or a tablet.

The aspirator unit 1 may comprise means for communication with a remote sensor, controller, display, user interface and/or mobile device, and/or means for communication with a remote data storage, such as a server or cloud 9. Communication may be provided through a communication protocol or network (e.g., bluetooth, cellular network, or another network optionally including various configurations and protocols, including the internet, an intranet, a virtual private network, a wide area network, a local area network, a private network using a communication protocol that is specific to one or more companies-whether wired or wireless, or a combination thereof).

2. Background: installation quality

a. Air system curve

When air is blown along a fully open duct, there is a certain flow resistance (called system pressure or back pressure) that increases in a non-linear manner with any increase in air flow. However, if air is blown along a partially blocked duct, the resistance to flow or back pressure that the blower must resist will be greater. In the event that the duct is completely blocked, the flow through the duct may approach zero and the back pressure may become too high for the blower to work against the back pressure (i.e., it only increases the static pressure of the system while operating outside its design range when the fan motor increases RPM).

The relationship between increased volumetric flow and system pressure for a given ducted airflow system may be described by a system resistance curve 10. Fig. 6 shows a series of system drag curves 10 for a system: the system resistance curve labeled a relates to the system of flow conditions along a fully blocked conduit (system a), the system resistance curve labeled B relates to the system of flow conditions along a fully open conduit (system B), and the system resistance curves labeled C and D relate to the systems of intermediate conditions (systems C and D) of those approximated by systems a and B.

As further shown with reference to fig. 6, there are various ways to represent the relationship between the different system curves A, B, C and D. In one exemplary method, each system resistance curve 10 may be assigned a System Reference Number (SRN) that represents its relationship to a reference system resistance curve. For example, if curve a can be assigned the system reference number 1 and curve B can be assigned the system reference number 5 (the curves labeled a and B are then considered to be known reference curves), then the system reference numbers can be assigned to curves C and D by comparing them to known reference curves a and B, respectively. Because curve C is the middle of curves a and B, but closer to curve a, curve C may be assigned the system reference numeral 2. Because curve D is the middle of curves a and B, but is closer to curve B, curve D may be assigned the system reference number 4. In this manner, the system reference numbers are used as a comparison indicator of the resistance to flow through the systems A, B, C and D.

b. Installation quality

The installation quality is an index of the installation condition under which the aspirator unit 1 is operated. Poor quality of installation is considered in the event that the installation conditions create high resistance to the flow of suction air through the aspirator tubes 120. Installation quality is considered high where the installation conditions cause low or negligible resistance to drawing air through aspirator tubes 120. High installation quality is associated with lower operating noise and potentially better pumping performance. The quality of installation may be represented qualitatively (e.g., qualitatively good or poor) or quantitatively (e.g., by assigning a numerical rating or rating).

Since the aspirator units are typically installed in various locations (e.g., in an apartment building, an independent house, or a commercial kitchen), the installation conditions under which the aspirator units operate may vary significantly. The installation conditions may determine whether the aspirator unit 1 is operating in a system that approximates the conditions of the aspiration flow 2 along a fully closed conduit (similar to system a of fig. 6), a system that approximates the conditions of the aspiration flow 2 along a fully open conduit (similar to system B of fig. 6), or a system that approximates conditions intermediate those approximated by systems a and B (similar to systems C and D of fig. 6).

For example, if the extraction air flow 2 enters a duct having a plurality of bends or constrictions, the aspirator unit 1 is operated in a system that approximates the conditions of a highly constrained duct in which any increase in flow would encounter an even higher increase in back pressure. However, it is more advantageous to install the aspirator unit 1 as close to a completely open duct as possible (at least in terms of noise generated when the fan 110 is operated and/or power consumption and efficiency of the motor 150 driving the fan 110).

The position of the aspirator unit 1 relative to the outlet 5 is a factor that can affect the quality of the installation. Taking the plurality of aspirator units shown in fig. 3 as an example, the aspirator unit 1 connected to the central duct 601 of the duct network 6 at the position most downstream of the vent holes 5 may experience a greater resistance to the flow of the aspiration airflow 2 than the aspirator unit 1 connected to the duct network 6 at the position closest to the vent holes 5. This example also shows that some factors affecting the quality of the installation (e.g. the length and diameter of the central duct 601, or the number of aspirator units communicating as a common duct with the central duct 601) may be outside the control of the user (e.g. installer) of the aspirator units 1, not even known to the user. However, factors such as the path taken by aspirator tube 120 to central tube 601 may be wholly or partially within the control of the user (e.g., installer) to the extent that the user has access to the connection for making physical changes, which will improve installation quality.

In addition, the quality of the installation may vary over time. Taking the multiple aspirator units shown in fig. 3 as an example, the aspirator units 1 connected to the piping network 6 at the most downstream location of the exhaust port 5 may experience less or more resistance to the aspiration airflow 2 depending on whether one or more of the adjacently connected aspirator units are simultaneously operating to exhaust oil smoke through the exhaust port 5.

c. Curve of fan

The fan curves, such as shown in fig. 7, 8 and 9, are characteristics of a blower or fan and may be used to describe the performance or performance of a fan in a series of systems. In fig. 7 and 8, it is assumed that the fan is driven by the motor at a prescribed/constant RPM. As shown in fig. 9, the fan may have different performance curves (total pressure curve 12) at different operating speeds.

As shown in fig. 7, by comparing the fan input power at increased volumetric flow (input power curve 14) with the fan pressure at increased volumetric flow (fan total pressure curve 12), the most efficient flow or flow range (efficiency curve 13) for fan operation can be determined.

As shown in fig. 8, in the case of a fan having a known/characteristic total pressure curve 12 for a particular fan speed, the operating point 15 somewhere along curve C may be selected to give the desired volumetric flow. Naturally, the operating point 15 must be selected to provide a flow rate that exceeds the minimum flow rate required by the application, and typically, but not necessarily, the operating point 15 may be selected to coincide with the most efficient flow rate of the fan. Because in embodiments of the present utility model, fan 110 is driven by motor 150, data from the motor (such as motor torque, speed, position, voltage, power, and/or current, for example) may be used to estimate the flow at a particular operating point 15. For example, the flow may be estimated as a function of motor speed and suction current.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, a system resistance curve 10 consistent with the operating point 15 may be identified, the system resistance curve 10 (when compared to a known reference system resistance curve) may indicate the degree of flow resistance, i.e., whether the system is operating in a condition approaching a blocked or open conduit, or whether it is operating in an intermediate condition. If the flow resistance changes (e.g., the installation conditions change), the operating point 15 may move along the total pressure curve 12 and the volumetric flow changes accordingly.

3. The control method comprises the following steps: installation quality

At a broad level, as described with reference to fig. 10, the aspirator unit controller 160 is configured to receive the sensor input (step 310) and process the input (step 320) to produce an output (installation quality output) indicative of the installation conditions under which the aspirator unit 1 is operating. In some implementations, the installation quality output may then be displayed and/or otherwise communicated to the user (step 330).

As shown in fig. 11, in some embodiments, the installation quality output is used by the controller 160 to determine an output (step 340) that suggests an action that, if taken, may improve the installation conditions under which the aspirator unit 1 is operating (improve action output). In some implementations, the improvement action output may then be displayed and/or otherwise communicated to the user (step 350).

In further embodiments, the controller 160 is configured to compare the previously generated installation quality output with the subsequently generated installation quality output (step 360) to determine whether a change in installation quality has occurred. For example, as shown in fig. 12, the controller 160 may receive sensor inputs during operation of the aspirator unit 1 (step 310) and process these inputs to generate a first installation quality output (step 320). Then, after the user takes action to change the installation conditions, the controller 160 may receive additional sensor inputs during subsequent operation of the aspirator unit 1 (repeat step 310), which are processed to produce a second installation quality output (repeat step 320). The first installation quality output may be compared to the second installation quality output to determine if there is a change in installation quality (step 360 from which it may be inferred if the action taken by the user to change the installation conditions has been successful), and the results may be displayed to the user or otherwise communicated to the user (step 370).

In this way, various embodiments of the present utility model provide information benefits to a user, including:

a) The aspirator unit 1 is installed at its current installation site and operated under current installation conditions,

b) Given the current installation position and operating conditions of the aspirator units 1, action may be taken appropriately to improve the quality of the installation of the aspirator units 1, and/or

c) Whether the user operation has successfully improved the installation quality.

Further details of the aspirator unit 1 and its operation according to various embodiments of the present utility model will now be provided.

a. Receiving sensor input (step 310)

The controller 160 may receive sensor inputs. For example, the input may be derived from one or more sensors (backpressure sensor 170) capable of detecting flow resistance through the conduit. For example, these sensors may be differential pressure sensors. The sensor 170 may be mounted on the hood 130 or within the aspirator tube 120, or may be located elsewhere in the tube network 6 downstream of the aspirator tube 120, and can communicate with the controller 160 so that downstream information may still be indicative of conditions within the aspirator tube 120 itself.

In some embodiments, the motor 150 acts as a backpressure sensor. Because the motor 150 drives the fan 110 through the aspirator tube 120 against the back pressure of the aspiration flow 2, the output (e.g., torque, voltage, or current) of the motor 150 can be used to detect real-time changes in flow resistance. In some embodiments, the motor 150 is the only backpressure sensor that provides input to the controller 160 to generate a mounting quality output.

b. Generating a mounting quality output (step 320)

The controller 160 may process the sensor input so as to generate an output (installation quality output) indicative of the installation condition in which the aspirator unit 1 is operated.

For example, a signal or reading from the backpressure sensor 170 may provide a value of backpressure or resistance through the aspirator tube 120. A low back pressure value will indicate that the installation conditions are good (i.e., closely approaching flow through a fully open conduit) and the installation quality is high, while a high back pressure value will indicate that the installation conditions are bad (i.e., closely approaching flow through a fully closed conduit) and thus the installation quality is poor.

In another example, the input from the backpressure sensor 170 may be used to derive an estimate of the system resistance curve 10 (e.g., using the relationships explained with reference to fig. 7, 8, and 9). By comparing the estimated system resistance curve 10 with a known reference resistance curve, the system reference number 11 may be assigned (as explained with reference to fig. 6) and interpreted to provide an indication of the installation conditions under which the aspirator unit 1 is operating (e.g., whether these conditions are more closely approaching flow through a fully blocked or fully opened duct). In some embodiments, the motor 150 is used as a backpressure sensor 170, and motor data (such as motor speed along with power, voltage, current, and/or torque) is used as an input from which a real-time estimate of the system resistance curve 10 used to generate the installation mass output is derived. In some embodiments, the known reference resistance curve may be stored in a database or lookup table that the controller 160 may access to compare with the estimated system resistance curve 10.

In some embodiments, the installation quality output may be qualitatively and/or quantitatively indicated. For example, the installation quality output may be represented numerically, e.g., as a rating or grading, or may be represented on a spectrum or scale.

c. Display/send to user (step 330) and receive user input

The installation quality output may be displayed to the user on a display 190, the aspirator unit 1 including the display 190, or the display 190 may be in communication with the aspirator unit 1. For example, the installation quality output may be digitally displayed on a screen 191 (as shown in fig. 5) installed on the aspirator unit 1. Additionally, or alternatively, the installation quality output may be displayed to the user on the mobile device 8, for example, graphically through the APP (also shown in fig. 5).

The user to which the installation quality output is transmitted by means of a display or otherwise may be, for example, an installer, a repairer or an operator of the aspirator unit 1. For example, the installation quality output may be communicated to an installer or operator to alert the installer/operator of installation conditions, or damage to the unit, that may result in noise and/or suboptimal performance of the aspirator unit 1.

In some embodiments, the installation quality output may be transmitted remotely, for example via bluetooth or through the internet (e.g., via a LAN connection, wi-fi, or cellular communication network), and/or stored on the server 9 or cloud (as shown in fig. 5). For example, data indicating the position of the aspirator unit 1 may be remotely transmitted along with the installation quality output and received by a service or repair center so that service personnel may be dispatched to the position to correct problems identified by interpreting the installation quality output.

The aspirator unit 1 may also include a user interface 200 or be in communication with the user interface 200, the user interface 200 allowing a user to make inputs to the controller 160. For example, the aspirator unit 1 may include a series of buttons or input panels (as shown in FIG. 5) that enable a user to respond to installation quality output by inputting commands to the aspirator unit 1. For example, if a mounting quality output indicating poor mounting quality is displayed to the user, the user may input a command to operate the aspirator unit 1 at a lower aspiration airflow rate, so that operational noise may be reduced.

d. An improvement action output is determined (step 340).

In some embodiments, aspirator tubes 120 and/or the downstream tubing portion that aspirator tubes 120 are in communication can have one or more physical characteristics that negatively impact installation conditions by creating flow resistance. For example, aspirator tube 120 and/or downstream tubing can:

a. with tight bends

b. Areas with flexibility

c. Having a considerable length

d. Has a narrower diameter

e. Having a non-constant diameter such that there is a region of reduced and/or increased diameter (relative to the diameter of the upstream portion of the pipe).

The controller 160 may also be configured to determine one or more outputs that are suggestive of an action of the aspirator unit 1 and/or a physical change of the downstream tubing, which, if taken, may improve the installed conditions under which the aspirator unit 1 is operating (improve action output). For example, improving the motion output may involve a suggested change in one or more physical characteristics of the aspirator unit 1 and/or a downstream conduit with which the aspirator tube 120 is in communication. In some implementations, improving the action output may involve suggested changes to one or more physical features that may negatively impact the installation conditions (e.g., features of the characteristics of a.through e.listed above). For example, the improvement action output may suggest to the user:

a. Increasing tight radius

b. Replacement of flexible pipe areas with rigid pipes

c. Shortening the length of a pipe or portions of a pipe

d. Increasing the diameter of the pipe

e. Introducing a gradual increase/decrease in diameter at a portion of non-constant diameter

f. A service technician is invoked to perform a change in one or more physical characteristics of the aspirator unit 1 and/or the downstream conduit portion with which the aspirator tube 120 is in communication.

In some embodiments, the improvement action output may be determined from the installation quality output. For example, if the installation quality output indicates that the installation quality is very poor, rather than average or good, a different improvement action output may be generated. For example, if the installation quality output indicates that the installation quality is very poor, it may be inferred that there is a serious physical problem to be solved (i.e., there may be a blocked or damaged pipe), and the controller 160 may determine that it is appropriate to improve the action output to suggest that the user call the service technician to perform the change. However, if the installation quality output indicates that the installation quality is at an average level, it may be inferred that a smaller physical adjustment may be sufficient to improve the installation quality, and the controller 160 may determine that it is appropriate to suggest that the user make changes to the particular physical characteristics of the aspirator unit 1.

Regarding step 350: in some embodiments, the improvement action output may be displayed or otherwise communicated to the user in the same manner as previously described with respect to the installation quality output (see step 330).

e. Assessment of improvement action (step 360)

In some embodiments, the controller 160 may be configured to compare a previously generated installation quality output with a subsequently generated installation quality output to determine whether the installation quality has changed. Typically, the previously generated installation quality output will be generated before some action by the user to improve the installation quality during the period in which the aspirator unit 1 is running, and the subsequently generated installation quality output will be generated after that action has been taken.

The change in the installation quality will mean that the installation conditions under which the aspirator unit 1 is operated have improved or have become worse. For example, the controller 160 may determine whether there is a change in the backpressure value detected by the one or more backpressure sensors 170, or whether there is a change in the system resistance curve 10, which may be estimated using data from the motor 150. As another example, the controller 160 may determine that there has been an improvement from 2 to 3 stars in the installation quality rating, or that there has been a decrease from 3 to 2 stars in the installation quality rating.

Regarding step 370: in some embodiments, the comparison results may be displayed or otherwise communicated to the user in the same manner as previously described with respect to the installation quality output (see step 330).

4. Specific examples: installation quality

A specific example of the operation of the aspirator unit 1 as described above will now be explained with reference to fig. 13 and 14 and the steps previously described in connection with fig. 10 to 12.

In this example, the user uses the APP on the mobile device 8 as the user interface 200 to input to the controller 160 of the aspirator unit 1. In this example, it is conceivable that the user may use the APP to operate the aspirator unit 1 in a diagnostic mode.

In this example, the motor 150 directly drives the fan 110 to move the suction airstream 2 through the aspirator tube 120. The speed of the motor 150 is controlled by the controller 160 to drive the fan 110, and the controller 160 is arranged to drive the fan 110 to achieve a suction airflow 2 suitable for performing diagnostics (e.g. the fan may be controlled according to a target suction airflow flow rate near the middle of the range of flow rates at which the aspirator unit 1 is operable). In this example, the aspirator unit 1 uses only the motor 150 as the backpressure sensor 170 to detect the flow resistance through the aspirator tube 120.

As shown in fig. 13, the controller 160 receives sensor inputs from the motor 150 (step 310), including motor speed (RPM) and motor current data. The mounting quality output is generated by processing these inputs using known relationships (as described with reference to fig. 7, 8, and 9) (step 320) to:

a) Determining a real-time estimate of the actual suction airflow rate, pressure, and system resistance curve at the aspirator tubes 120;

b) Assigning a first system reference number to an estimated system resistance curve;

c) Comparing the first system reference number to a hierarchical threshold or range of system reference numbers representing poor, average and high quality installation conditions; and

d) A 1, 2, or 3 star rating is generated accordingly.

The installation quality output may be graphically displayed to the user (step 330). Fig. 14 shows an example of an APP screen 191 on the mobile device 8 for displaying the installation quality star rating to the user.

With further reference to FIG. 13, the installation quality output is additionally used to determine an improvement action output (step 340). In this example, the assigned first system reference number is compared to a hierarchical threshold or range of system reference numbers representing poor, average and high quality installation conditions, and an appropriate improvement action text string is determined accordingly. The text string prompts the user to take various actions on the physical changes of the aspirator unit 1 and/or downstream tubing, ranging from: if the installation quality is poor, a suggestion to the service technician to call; if a mass average is installed, try a suggestion of a physical change to the pipe; and if the installation quality is high, a recommendation to take no action. The improved action output, e.g., in text form, may be displayed to the user via the APP on the mobile device 8 (step 350).

If the improvement action output indicates that no action is to be taken or that a service technician needs to be called, the controller 160 may stop the motor 150/fan 110 and exit the diagnostic mode.

However, if the improvement action output indicates that the improvement action should be attempted by the user, the controller 160 may stop the motor 150/fan 110 to provide the user with a safe opportunity to make a physical change to the aspirator unit 1 and/or downstream tubing. The user may signal to the controller 160 using the APP that an improvement action has been performed, at which point the controller 160 resumes operating the aspirator unit 1 in the diagnostic mode to test whether the improvement action has been successful.

To complete the test, the controller 160 generates another installation quality output to compare with the previous installation quality output. In this example, the controller 160 uses the sensor data from the recovered run period to determine a second estimate of the system reference curve and assigns a second system reference number. The controller 160 compares the first system reference number with the second system reference number (step 360) to see if the reference number is increasing (i.e., the flow resistance is decreasing) or decreasing (i.e., the flow resistance is increasing). The results are displayed to the user on the APP (step 370).

This process may be repeated several times in succession until the desired improvement of the installation conditions is achieved.

5. Background: custom suction

a. Aspirator unit operating mode.

In some embodiments, aspirator unit 1 is configured to operate in multiple modes (as used herein, "mode" refers to a particular combination of operating settings or operating conditions). For example, each mode may be associated with a different flow or range of flows of the extraction gas stream 2. For example, aspirator unit 1 can be at the same level as 6 m ³ First mode of suction airflow flow dependence/min, 9 m ³ Second mode of suction airflow flow dependence/min and 14 m ³ And/min.

Different modes of operation may be suitable for pumping different types of cooking fumes. For example, a mode associated with a low suction airflow rate may be suitable for removing vaporous cooking fumes, such as steam generated by boiling a water boiler on a cooktop, while a mode associated with a higher suction airflow rate may be suitable for removing fumes and smoke, such as those generated by frying in a pan on a cooktop.

b. Noise and suction flow

In a general sense, the intensity of the noise generated by the aspirator unit 1 during operation is a function of the aspiration airflow rate and/or the installation quality. Namely:

a) When operating at higher suction flows than lower suction flows, the aspirator units 1 may tend to be louder/noisier; and

b) An aspirator unit 1 operating under poor installation conditions may tend to be louder/noisier than the same aspirator unit 1 operating under good installation conditions at the same flow rate, and an aspirator unit 1 operating under poor installation conditions may be noisy even at low aspiration flow rates.

Therefore, a compromise must be made between operating the aspirator unit 1 at a high enough aspiration airflow rate to aspirate a heavier type of soot and operating the aspirator unit 1 at a low enough aspiration airflow rate to minimize noise to an acceptable level.

An aspirator unit 1 configured to operate in a particular mode at a particular flow rate may operate with excessive noise in some installation locations and acceptable noise levels in other installation locations. In some cases, the user or installer of the aspirator unit 1 may not be able to effectively affect the installation conditions by making physical changes/improvements to the aspirator unit 1 and/or downstream piping to reduce operational noise. Accordingly, the present utility model has an advantage in allowing the user to specify the flow rate (or flow rate range) associated with each operation mode, which empirically considers the amount of noise generated by the aspirator unit 1 at various flow rates under its current installation conditions.

c. Motor control parameters and actual suction flow

Each mode of operation of the aspirator units can be associated with a particular aspiration airflow rate or flow range. Depending on the control method, the controller 160 may control the motor 150 (motor control parameters) using a variety of different parameters to achieve aspiration at or near the specified flow rate or rates. Some of these outputs will be discussed in more detail below.

In its simplest terms, known fan characteristics (e.g., diameter, pitch) can be used to calculate the fan speed (RPM) required to move the suction airstream at a specified flow rate. The controller 160 may use the fan speed as a motor control parameter to cause the motor 150 to rotate the fan 110 at a desired speed.

As another example, the specified suction airflow rate may be used to define a target or set point (target suction airflow rate) for a motor control algorithm that controls suction airflow rate, for example, as a function of motor current and speed. In some cases, the motor control algorithm may operate based on predetermined or assumed system characteristics and relationships (such as those explained with respect to fig. 7-9), which may not accurately reflect the actual aspirator unit system. Thus, in some cases, the actual suction airflow rate achieved by the control algorithm may be different from the target suction airflow rate used as the controller set point. In case there is a difference between the target suction airflow rate and the actual suction airflow rate, the aspirator unit may be operated at an undesirable noise level for the mode of operation.

The accuracy of the motor control algorithm may be improved by detecting the actual suction airflow rate (e.g., using the motor 150 and/or the flow sensor 170) and using the actual suction airflow rate as feedback in the control loop. This enables the controller 160 to determine the difference between the target suction airflow rate and the actual suction airflow rate and generate a control signal that is intended to reduce the difference by controlling the motor 150.

The present utility model recognizes the advantage of providing the user of the aspirator unit 1 with the actual aspiration airflow rate. Then, the user is in a better position to precisely specify the flow rate (or flow rate range) associated with each operation mode, thereby empirically taking into account the amount of noise generated by the aspirator unit 1 at different flows under its current installation conditions.

6. The control method comprises the following steps: custom suction

c. Customized suction airstream flow (step 410, step 420, step 430)

At a broad level, as described with reference to fig. 15A, the controller 160 of the aspirator unit can be configured to receive a user input indicative of a particular flow or flow range to be associated with at least one of a plurality of operating modes (step 410). When the user selects a specific operation mode, the controller 160 operates the aspirator unit 1 by controlling the motor 150 according to a user input associated with the mode (steps 420, 430). This enables the user to specify the appropriate flow rates of the aspirator units 1 in the various modes of operation based on the noise strength that the user is ready to accept (keeping in mind that noise generated at a particular flow rate will vary between aspirator units that are installed at different locations and/or otherwise identical/similar at different installation/operating conditions).

As previously described, the controller 160 may control the motor 150 (motor control parameters) using a variety of different parameters to achieve aspiration at or near a specified flow rate or rates. Thus, in some embodiments, the user input may include or may be used to generate one or more motor control parameters, such as:

a) The target extraction gas flow rate (or flow range), optionally as a volumetric flow rate,

b) The actual extraction gas flow rate (or flow range), optionally as a volumetric flow rate,

c) At operating points (or operating windows) along known fan pressure curves, efficiency curves, input power curves, and/or system drag curves, and/or

d) Fan 110 or motor 150 speed, and/or one or more selected from a particular motor torque, current, power, and voltage (or range of values for these).

In some implementations, user settings (e.g., "low," "move," and "high") may be assigned to the or each operating mode. The user may select and input user settings using the user interface 200, and the controller 160 may control the motor 150 to operate in a user-selected mode.

In some embodiments, the controller 160 may be configured to save the user input associated with the or each mode for future operation of the aspirator unit 1 in its various modes of operation.

In the particular example shown with reference to fig. 15B, the controller 160 may receive user input specifying a suction airflow flow range associated with each of the "low", "move" and "high" settings of the aspirator unit 1 (each user setting corresponding to a different mode of operation of the aspirator unit). User input is used to define or modify the flow along the x-axis (flow m ³ /min) that indicates a range of extraction airflow rates set by each user. The controller 160 may reference the threshold profile 16 (e.g., as modified by user input) in order to generate motor control parameters. For example, the controller 160 may use the known fan performance curve 12 and threshold curve 16 to generate the operating point 15 and thus the target suction airflow rate for each operating mode. The target suction airflow rate may then define a set point for a motor control algorithm that controls the motor 150 during operation.

b. Embodiments employing actual extraction flow output

At a broad level, as shown with respect to fig. 16, in some embodiments, the controller 160 of the aspirator unit is configured to receive sensor inputs (step 440) and process these inputs to generate an output indicative of the actual flow of aspiration flow 2 (actual aspiration flow output) (step 450). The actual suction airflow rate output is then displayed to the user and/or otherwise communicated to the user (step 460). The aim is to provide the user with real-time information about the actual flow of the suction air stream in order to assist the user in specifying the appropriate flow or flow range associated with the various modes of operation of the aspirator unit 1.

As further shown in fig. 17, in some embodiments, the user input may be constrained by constraints that depend on the actual flow output generated by the controller 160. The purpose is to further assist the user in specifying the appropriate flow or flow range associated with the various modes of operation of the aspirator unit 1.

i. Receiving sensor input (step 440)

The controller 160 may receive sensor inputs. For example, the input may be derived from one or more sensors 180 (flow sensors) capable of detecting flow through the pipe. For example, these sensors may be anemometers or differential pressure sensors. The sensor 180 may be mounted on the shroud 130 or within the aspirator tube 120, or may be located elsewhere in the tube network 6 downstream of the aspirator tube 120, and can communicate with the controller 160 so that downstream information may still be indicative of flow within the aspirator tube 120 itself.

In some embodiments, the motor 150 functions as a flow sensor 180. Because motor 150 drives fan 110 to generate suction air stream 2 through aspirator tube 120, the output (e.g., torque, voltage, or current) of motor 150 can be used to detect real-time changes in flow. In some embodiments, the motor 150 is the only flow sensor 180 that provides a flow input to the controller 160.

Generating an actual suction airstream flow output (step 450)

The controller 160 may process the sensor input to generate an output indicative of the flow of the extraction gas stream 2 (the actual extraction gas stream flow output). The flow output may be generated in real time to reflect changes and variations in the actual suction airstream flow.

In the case where the sensor 180 reading directly provides a value for the flow through aspirator tube 120, little processing is required. However, in some embodiments, when the motor 150 drives the fan 110 to generate a suction airflow, the input may be an input derived from the motor 150, or include an input derived from the motor 150. For example, in such embodiments, the input may include motor data such as speed, power, voltage, current, and/or torque. In such embodiments, a real-time estimate of the volumetric flow may be derived, for example, as a function of motor speed and current.

Display/communicate to user (step 460) and user input

The actual suction airflow rate output may be displayed to the user on a display 190 of the suction unit 1 or a display 190 in communication with the suction unit 1. For example, the actual suction airflow rate output may be digitally displayed on a screen 191 mounted on the aspirator unit 1. Additionally, or alternatively, the actual suction airflow flow output may be displayed to the user on the mobile device 8, for example graphically by APP.

In some embodiments, the actual suction airflow flow output may be transmitted remotely, e.g., via bluetooth or via the internet (e.g., via a LAN connection, wi-fi, or cellular communication network), and/or stored on the server 9 or cloud (as shown in fig. 5).

The purpose of displaying and/or otherwise communicating the actual suction airstream flow output is to provide the user with real-time information that can help specify the appropriate flow or flow range associated with the various modes of operation of the aspirator unit 1. To give a specific example shown with reference to fig. 18, the aspirator unit 1 may be operated in a mode adapted to aspirate cooking fumes generated by re-cooking, which mode is assigned a user setting of "setting 1". The actual suction air flow output is displayed to the user on screen 191, indicating that the flow of the actual suction air flow 2 is 13 m ³ /min while the aspirator unit 1 is operating at setting 1. If the aspirator unit 1 is generating too much noise while the setting 1 is operating, the user may decide that he wishes to reduce the aspiration airflow rate associated with the setting 1 to reduce the noise. In this case, the user may then enter an instruction indicating a lower suction airflow rate associated with setting 1 (e.g., 10 m ³ /min) for future operation of the aspirator unit 1.

The aspirator unit 1 may also include a user interface 200 or be in communication with the user interface 200, the user interface 200 allowing a user to make inputs to the controller 160. For example, the aspirator unit 1 may include a series of buttons 201 or input panels that enable a user to respond to actual aspiration airflow flow output, as described above with respect to fig. 18.

The user to whom the actual suction airflow rate output is communicated by means of a display or otherwise may be an installer, repairer or operator of the aspirator unit 1. For example, the actual suction airflow rate output may be communicated to the installer of the aspirator unit 1, such that the installer may initialize the appropriate suction airflow rate for each mode of operation of the aspirator unit 1.

Constraining user input (step 470)

In some embodiments, the user input (i.e., an input indicative of the flow or range of flows to be associated with a particular mode of operation) is constrained, for example, by constraints that depend on the actual extraction airflow output. For example, the user input may be limited such that when the aspirator unit 1 is operating in this mode, the user can only specify as input a flow value that is within a predetermined range with respect to the actual aspiration airflow flow. At least one purpose is to prevent the user from specifying for each mode a flow that has not been set by default or factory flow, resulting in an insufficient functionality of the aspirator unit.

In the specific example shown with reference to fig. 18, the aspirator unit 1 may be operated in a mode suitable for aspirating cooking fumes generated by re-cooking, which mode is assigned the user setting "setting 1". The actual suction air flow rate output is displayed to the user on the screen 191, thereby indicating that the flow rate of the actual suction air flow 2 is 13 m ³ /min while the aspirator unit 1 is operating at setting 1. The user is prompted by the mobile phone APP to provide an input specifying the flow associated with setting 1. If the aspirator unit 1 is not producing excessive noise while the setting 1 is operating, the user may decide that it is desirable to increase the aspiration airflow rate associated with the setting 1 to enhance aspiration performance. In this case, the user may then input a user input indicating a higher suction airflow rate for future operation of the aspirator unit 1 to be associated with the setting 1. However, in this example, the user may be constrained to be specified at 13 m via the APP interface ³ /min and 15 m ³ Per min (from the default unit operating 13 m ³ 2/min flow 2 m ³ A maximum increase in/min), and the controller 160 will accept only inputs within this range for association with setting 3.

As previously described, in some embodiments of the utility model, the controller 160 is configured to use the sensor 170 input to generate a mounting quality output (indicative of the mounting conditions under which the aspirator unit is operating). In some such embodiments, the user input (i.e., input representing the flow rate or range of flow rates to be associated with a particular mode of operation) is constrained by constraints that depend on the installation mass output rather than or in addition to the actual suction airflow flow rate output.

In the particular example shown with reference to fig. 19, the controller 160 may receive user input specifying a suction airflow flow range associated with each of the "low", "move" and "high" settings of the suction unit 1 (each user setting corresponding to a different mode of operation of the suction unit). The user inputs a series of flow threshold profiles 16 for defining or modifying the extraction airflow flow range that represents each user setting. The controller 160 may reference the threshold profile 16 (e.g., as modified by a user) in order to generate motor control parameters. In this example, the controller 160 may use the installation mass output and the actual suction airflow flow output to estimate the system resistance curve 10 and the operating point 15 or operating range along the known fan performance curve 12 for each operating mode. The extent to which the user can modify the threshold distribution 16 for each mode of operation may then be constrained according to the generated operating point 15 or operating range of that mode.

Claims

1. An aspirator unit, comprising:

a motor for driving the fan;

characterized by further comprising:

a user interface configured to communicate user input to the controller; and

a controller configured to receive the user input, the user input indicating a particular flow or flow range, the particular flow or flow range to be associated with at least one of a plurality of modes; and generating one or more outputs to control the motor in accordance with the user input when operating in the at least one mode.

2. The aspirator unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

during operation of the aspirator unit, receiving input from one or more sensors to detect flow through the tube, the one or more sensors including a flow sensor; and

an actual suction airflow flow output is determined from the sensor input, the actual suction airflow flow output being indicative of an actual flow of suction airflow.

3. The aspirator unit according to claim 2, wherein the flow sensor:

Is mounted on the aspirator unit; or (b)

4. The aspirator unit according to claim 2, wherein the flow sensor is mounted within the aspirator tube.

5. The aspirator unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the flow sensor comprises one or more selected from the following list:

a flow sensor; and

an electric motor.

6. The aspirator unit of claim 5, in which the flow sensor is an electric motor.

7. The aspirator unit of claim 6, wherein the controller is configured to receive input derived from the motor, wherein the actual aspiration airflow flow output is determined using only input derived from the motor.

8. The aspirator unit of claim 7, wherein the actual aspirant flow output is displayed to a user on a display of or in communication with the aspirator unit.

9. The aspirator unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the display is one or more selected from the following:

A panel mounted on or near the aspirator unit; and

a screen of a remote electronic device, such as one or more selected from:

a notebook computer;

a cellular telephone; and

a tablet computer.

10. The aspirator unit according to any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that the user input received by the controller is constrained by constraints dependent on the actual aspiration airflow flow output through the user interface.

11. The aspirator unit of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to, during operation of the aspirator unit:

receiving input from one or more sensors to detect flow through the conduit, the one or more sensors including a backpressure sensor; and

12. The aspirator unit according to claim 11, wherein the backpressure sensor comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of:

a pressure sensor;

a flow sensor; and

an electric motor.

13. The aspirator unit according to claim 12, wherein the backpressure sensor is an electric motor.

14. The aspirator unit according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that the user input is constrained by constraints dependent on the installation quality output through the user interface.