Method and computer program for setting a control of an extractor device and extractor device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the control of an extractor device in which at least one operating level is stored. The method is characterized in that, after the installation of the extractor device, the extractor device is operated in a preselected operating level and a dialog is initiated with the user of the extractor device to query user perception. Furthermore, a computer program product and an extractor device are described.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a computer program for setting a control of the extractor device and to an extractor device.

[0002] Extractor hoods, such as cooker hoods or downdraft extractors, generally require piping at the user's location in the kitchen where they are to be operated. This is particularly true for extractor hoods, which extract and clean the air from the room, and especially from the building, into the environment. Even with extractor hoods that operate in recirculation mode, where the extracted air is cleaned and released into the room in which the extractor hood is operated, the distance of the extractor hood's air outlet from a wall or the room size, for example, varies from user to user.

[0003] Extractor hoods and downdraft extractors in the kitchen use blowers, also known as fans, to draw air from a hob or worktop into the extractor hood and clean it there. The extractor hood's fan typically has an electrically commutated motor (EC motor) that drives a fan impeller.

[0004] Thanks to electronic commutation, these motors can be easily controlled, or the control can be easily adjusted. In particular, the torque-speed characteristic and thus also the displacement-pressure difference characteristic can be precisely selected, and the motor can be controlled accordingly.

[0005] For each installation situation of the extractor hood, there is therefore at least one system characteristic curve. The intersection of the system characteristic curve with a flow rate-pressure difference characteristic curve of the extractor hood, in particular of the fan, results in the operating point of the extractor hood. The operating point therefore defines the flow rate and the pressure difference that occurs during operation of the extractor hood. The flow rate-pressure difference characteristic curve is related to the torque-speed characteristic curve of the fan. Thus, the operating point varies from user to user depending on the installation situation. The characteristic curves can also be referred to as curves.

[0006] It is common practice to operate an extractor hood at different operating levels. As the operating level increases, the fan speed generally increases, thus increasing the extractor hood's airflow. These operating levels are usually pre-programmed into the extractor hood, particularly in a control unit within the hood.

[0007] A disadvantage of the prior art is that the control of the extractor fan is adjusted based on measurements taken by installers and / or factory settings in the control unit.

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solution that allows the user of an extractor device to easily and user-specifically adjust the control.

[0009] The invention is based on the finding that this problem can be solved by allowing the user to participate in the determination of the settings during installation of the extractor hood.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a method for adjusting the control of an extractor device having the features of claim 1.

[0011] The invention therefore relates to a method for adjusting the control of an extractor hood, in which at least one operating level is stored. The method is characterized in that, after the installation of the extractor hood, the extractor hood is operated in a preselected operating level, and a dialogue is initiated with the user of the extractor hood to query user perception.

[0012] An extractor hood or downdraft ventilation system, for example, is referred to as an extractor hood. The extractor hood is preferably controlled by a control unit, which can also be referred to as a control device, and is preferably integrated into the extractor hood. The control unit, in particular, controls the motor of a fan in the extractor hood.

[0013] Control setting refers in particular to the definition of parameters that are used to control the extractor fan.

[0014] At least one operating level is stored in the extractor device, for example, in the control unit or a memory unit of the extractor device. For the purposes of the invention, an operating level, also referred to below as a level, refers to a setting in which the fan of the extractor device is operated according to a characteristic curve of the fan. The characteristic curve can be one of a range of characteristic curves that can be referred to as a performance profile, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0015] According to the invention, in the method, after the installation of the extractor device, the extractor device is operated in a preselected operating level and a dialogue is initiated with the user of the extractor device to query user perception.

[0016] Installation of the extractor hood refers to the assembly and installation at the location of use and, if necessary, the connection of the extractor hood to the piping at the location of use. The location of use is the user's kitchen. For an extractor hood, the location is above a cooktop. For a tabletop extractor, the location is below the cooktop.

[0017] The process steps for operating the extractor hood and the dialog are performed after the extractor hood has been installed. This means, in particular, that the process steps are performed after the extractor hood has been assembled and connected, but before the extractor hood is first used as intended at a location. The intended use of the extractor hood is, in particular, the extraction of fumes and vapors generated by cooking on a hob. The process according to the invention can also be referred to as an installation routine.

[0018] The method according to the invention can be started by the user of the extractor device or automatically, for example when the extractor device is first put into operation, in particular when the extractor device is first switched on.

[0019] According to the method according to the invention, the extractor device is operated in a preselected operating mode. Preferably, the extractor device is operated in the preselected operating mode in a first step of the method. According to one embodiment, a preliminary check regarding the piping at the site of use and / or the existing backpressure can be carried out before the first step. The numbering of the steps of the method therefore serves merely to identify the individual steps, although these can be carried out in a different order if necessary.

[0020] A preselected operating mode is specifically defined as an operating mode that is stored as selected in the control unit or a memory unit. This operating mode can be factory-selected in the control unit or memory unit or can be selected by the user.

[0021] In the method according to the invention, a dialogue is initiated with the user of the extractor device to query user perception. This dialogue can be initiated during or after operation of the extractor device in the preselected operating mode. The dialogue with the user takes place, in particular, by issuing one or more questions to the user and receiving answers from the user. Multiple answer options can be issued for one question. In particular, the answers can be processed and / or saved during the dialogue.

[0022] The output of the questions, possibly with answer options, the receipt of the answers and the processing of the answers can take place in the extractor hood device, in particular the control unit. Alternatively, it is also possible for these steps to be carried out at least partially by another device, such as a mobile phone, in particular by means of an app, or a server, which can also be referred to as a backend. In particular, the questions and possibly together with answer options can be output via an app on a mobile phone and the user can enter the answer on the mobile phone. These answers can be transmitted to the extractor hood device. In addition, it is also possible for the app or a server connected to it to evaluate the answers and transmit corresponding instructions, for example in the form of a configuration or settings package, to the extractor hood device.For the sake of simplicity, the method is described below with reference to the embodiment in which the output of questions and, if applicable, answer options, the reception of answers, and the processing take place in or on the extractor fan. However, the invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] Communication between the extractor device and the user preferably takes place via a communication unit of the extractor device. This can be a display / input unit on the extractor device or a communication unit for communication with a connected device, for example, a computer or a mobile device, for example, a mobile phone.

[0024] According to the invention, user perception refers to the perception the user experiences when operating the extractor hood. According to a preferred embodiment, the user perception relates to the noise emitted by the extractor hood, the extraction performance of the extractor hood, and / or the acceptability of the operation of the extractor hood in one operating mode.

[0025] The emitted noise can also be referred to as the noise level emitted by the extractor hood when the extractor hood is in operation and is therefore perceived by the user.

[0026] The noise level is influenced by a number of factors. In particular, the noise level is influenced, for example, by the installation situation of the fan in the extractor hood and the installation situation of the extractor hood in the room in which it is operated. The installation situation is influenced, for example, by the piping, in particular its cross-section and / or length, as well as the relative distance of the extractor hood from a kitchen wall. In particular, with smaller diameter pipes, the back pressure that the fan must overcome is increased. The noise level is also influenced by the operating mode of the extractor hood. In particular, the noise level is generally higher with an extractor hood that is operated in recirculation mode (recirculation hood) than with an extractor hood that is operated in exhaust mode (exhaust hood).In recirculation hoods, odor filters are usually used through which air must flow, thereby increasing the back pressure that the fan must overcome.

[0027] Preferably, the question and / or the answer options are based on an assessment of user perception. For example, the answer options could be "too much," "too high," "too little," "too low," and / or "sufficient."

[0028] By initiating a dialogue with the user in the method according to the invention, in which the user's perception is queried, this can be taken into account when adjusting the control system. This ensures easy operation of the extractor hood and operation at an operating level acceptable to the user. In particular, the user does not need to have any special knowledge of the functional relationships of a fan, the piping, or the specific structural conditions at the installation site.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, performance profiles are stored in the extractor device, each comprising at least one operating level. A performance profile is preferably a subdivision of the fan's characteristic curve field into ranges. The performance profile is also referred to simply as a profile below. The characteristic curve field preferably comprises characteristic curves from the lowest possible air flow volume to the highest possible air flow volume. The performance profile comprises at least two fan characteristic curves.

[0030] For a characteristic curve array of 100 curves, particularly speed-torque curves, three performance profiles can be provided, for example, one of which can be referred to as the "Normal" profile, another as the "Power" profile, and a third as the "Silent" profile. Within the performance profile, the fan can be operated in at least one operating mode. Preferably, the operating mode within the performance profile can be selected by the user.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the range of characteristic curves assigned to a performance profile can be formed by consecutive characteristic curves. For example, the range of a performance profile can comprise curves 1 to 33, the range of the next performance profile can comprise curves 34 to 66, and the range of the next performance profile can comprise curves 67 to 100. Within each range, i.e., performance profile, several operating levels, for example, five, can be defined. In the embodiment in which the performance profiles are formed by ranges with consecutive characteristic curves, the operating levels are preferably defined by consecutive sub-ranges within the range of a performance profile. For example, curves 1 to 8 can be assigned to the first operating level of the first performance profile. Alternatively, a characteristic curve from this range can be assigned to the operating level of the performance profile.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment, the characteristic curves are assigned according to the operating levels of the respective performance profile. In this embodiment, the characteristic curve field can, for example, be divided into ranges assigned to a specific operating level. The characteristic curve can be selected from the range based on the performance profile. For example, a curve range from 1-8 can be stored for operating level 1, with curve 1 representing the first operating level of the "Silent" performance profile, curve 3 the first operating level of the "Normal" performance profile, and curve 5 the first operating level of the "Power" performance profile. In this embodiment, the curve of the operating level of a low performance profile is always smaller than the same operating level of a higher performance profile.

[0033] The "Normal" profile can be a standard setting that compromises noise level and suction power. The "Silent" profile can be a quieter mode at the expense of airflow, and the "Power" profile can be a high-airflow mode at the expense of noise.

[0034] By providing performance profiles, an operating mode of the extractor can be easily selected. Since the performance profiles each include at least one operating level, the user can further adjust the operation of the extractor within each performance profile.

[0035] According to one embodiment, an operating level of a performance profile other than the performance profile of the preselected operating level is selected based on at least one user input in the dialog. In particular, an operating level in the performance profile can be selected that corresponds to the operating level in the performance profile of the preselected operating level. For example, with a preselected operating level, level 2 in the "Normal" profile, an operating level, level 2 in the "Power" profile or level 2 in the "Silent" profile, can be selected. Since the selection is made based on at least one user input in the dialog, the selected profile can take user perception into account.The operating level of the corresponding profile selected in the dialog can be used during the dialog to operate the extractor device in this operating level and / or to be stored in the extractor device, in particular the control unit, for later use.

[0036] Preferably, after receiving a response and selecting an operating level in a different performance profile, the extractor device will be operated in the selected operating level and a further request will be issued to the user to confirm the selection.

[0037] According to one embodiment, questions asked in the dialog and associated answers received by the user are stored in the extractor device.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the question and the user response are stored in connection with the performance profile selected and, in particular, confirmed based on the user response.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the dialog comprises issuing an instruction to the user. The instruction is preferably generated in the control unit and issued by the extractor device.

[0040] The instruction may, for example, comprise an instruction regarding a cooking activity. In particular, the user may be instructed to perform a cooking activity, such as boiling water. The cooking activity may change the ambient conditions of the extractor device, and the user may evaluate the extractor device in these changed ambient conditions. Preferably, after the user has been instructed to perform a cooking activity, the operating level of the extractor device is changed. This change may be performed automatically by the extractor device, in particular the control unit, or the user may be prompted by the extractor device to set the changed operating level.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, based on the stored answers and stored selected performance profiles, a suggestion for a performance profile to be set is issued to the user. The performance profile to be set can also be referred to as a suitable performance profile. The suitable performance profile can be determined, for example, using a decision matrix in which the questions and answers from the dialog are stored.

[0042] According to one embodiment, based on the selection of a profile suggestion, the performance profile selected by the user is stored as a user start profile in the extractor device, in particular the control unit.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the method, at least one stored operating level is changed based on at least one user input in the dialog. A change to the stored operating level is preferably understood as a change to the fan characteristic curve assigned to the operating level. The change can therefore also be referred to as a characteristic curve correction or curve correction.

[0044] The user input that leads to a change in the operating level stored in the extractor fan is, in particular, a user input as to whether the fan curve stored for the operating level is appropriate for the user. If the user believes that more extraction is required, the curve is corrected upwards based on this response. If, on the other hand, the user believes that less extraction is sufficient, the curve is corrected downwards based on this response, i.e. a lower curve is selected. The correction is preferably made in steps of 1, either upwards or downwards. If the curve is deemed appropriate, it is retained for the operating level being checked.

[0045] After a correction to the operating level, a further query can be sent to the user, based on which the curve can be further corrected if necessary. Once the characteristic curve applicable to the user has been set, it is saved for the operating level, specifically the level in the performance profile.

[0046] According to one embodiment, this characteristic curve correction can be performed for all operating levels in all performance profiles. The modified characteristic curve for each operating level in all performance profiles, if any, can be stored in a user profile. The reviewed and, if applicable, modified operating levels can also be referred to as user operating levels.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, each operating level, in particular each level of each performance profile, is assigned a range of characteristic curves stored in the extractor device, which limits the user input for changing the assignment of the characteristic curve to this operating level. This ensures that operating levels are formed within a performance profile.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the dialogue with the user is carried out during the initial setup of the extractor device at a place of use.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a check of the piping and / or the expected back pressure is carried out before initiating the dialogue.

[0050] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by the control unit of the extractor device, cause the control unit to execute the method according to the invention. The computer program can, in particular, be stored in the control unit of the extractor device.

[0051] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to an extractor device with at least one fan and a control unit. The extractor device is characterized in that the extractor device is designed to carry out the method according to the invention.

[0052] Advantages and features described with regard to the method and the computer program product apply - where applicable - to the extractor device and vice versa and are therefore described only once.

[0053] The extractor hood preferably has at least one input unit for user inputs. This input unit can, for example, be a touchpad or buttons on the extractor hood. Alternatively, the input unit can be a communication unit on the extractor hood that communicates with another device, such as a mobile phone, so that user inputs can be made on the other device and transmitted to the extractor hood.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, all characteristics of the fan of the extractor device are stored in the control unit of the extractor device.

[0055] The invention is explained again below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic flow diagram of a first embodiment of the method according to the invention; Fig.2: a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the determination of user preferences; and Fig. 3: a schematic flow diagram of a second embodiment of the method according to the invention; and Fig. 4: a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the determination of the curve of an operating stage.

[0056] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the method according to the invention. In this embodiment, after the extractor hood has been installed at the installation site, an installation check, which can also be referred to as an installation verification, is performed. This allows the backpressure that may exist, for example, due to connected piping and obstacles such as room walls, to be determined.

[0057] Subsequently, the user preferences are determined. One embodiment of the determination of user preferences is described in Fig.2 is shown schematically and will be described in more detail later.

[0058] Based on the results of determining user preferences, a performance profile suitable for the user, which can also be referred to as a mode, is determined. For example, there are three profiles in which the fan, i.e., the blower, can be operated: Normal, Silent, and Power.

[0059] The determination of the appropriate performance profile is carried out, for example, using a decision matrix. The decision matrix contains the user's answers to questions related to the profile suggestion, which takes the user preferences into account. An example of a decision matrix that can also be used in embodiments other than the one in Fig. 1 shown embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown below. Noise? Suction behavior? Profile suggestion too loud too much Silent too loud Good Silent too loud too little Normal too quiet too much Normal too quiet Good Normal too quiet too little power Pleasant too much Normal Pleasant Good Normal Pleasant too little power

[0060] The profile suggestion determined based on user preferences can be output by the extractor device. For example, the profile suggestion can be displayed to the user. The user can then operate the extractor device with the suggested performance profile. This can be done, for example, by the user selecting the performance profile when starting operation of the extractor device. Alternatively or in addition to outputting the profile suggestion to the user, the relevant profile suggestion can be stored in the extractor device. In this case, the relevant suggested performance profile can be automatically used when starting operation of the extractor device. For this purpose, the relevant suggested profile can be saved as a start profile. In addition, although in Fig.1 not shown, the proposed profile can also be stored in the extractor hood device and output to the user each time the hood is started.

[0061] In Fig. 2, an embodiment of the determination of user preferences is shown schematically. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the installation check may be part of the process of determining user preferences. In this case, a preliminary installation check, which is Fig. 1 is not necessary. If the pre-installation check has already been performed, it can be omitted when determining user preferences.

[0062] After starting the determination procedure and, if applicable, after performing the installation check, the extractor hood, in the embodiment shown, is started at level 2 of the "Normal" performance profile. This can occur automatically, in particular by the extractor hood's control unit. Alternatively, a corresponding instruction can be issued to the user, who then selects the required profile level. During or after operation of the extractor hood at this level, a question is issued to the user asking how they perceive the noise level generated by operation of the extractor hood at this level, in particular whether it is pleasant, too high, or too low for the user. For example, the question "How is the noise?" can be issued with the answer options "too quiet," "pleasant," and "too loud."

[0063] Depending on the user's response, the extractor fan will start operating at level 2 in another of the performance profiles or will change to that level. If the user finds the operation too quiet, the extractor fan will start operating at level 2 of the "Power" performance profile or will change to that level. If the user finds the operation too loud, the extractor fan will start operating at level 2 of the "Silent" performance profile or will change to that level. If the user finds the operation pleasant, the extractor fan will start operating at level 2 of the "Normal" performance profile or will continue to operate at that level.

[0064] In a further step, the extractor fan will issue a request to boil water on the hob to which the extractor fan is assigned.

[0065] The extractor hood will then start operating at level 3 of the “Normal” performance profile or change to this level. This can happen automatically, particularly via the extractor hood’s control unit. Alternatively, a corresponding instruction can be given to the user, who then selects the required profile level. During or after the extractor hood is operating at this level, a question is asked to the user as to how they perceive the extraction performance generated by operating the extractor hood at this level, in particular whether this is comfortable, too high, or too low. For example, the question “How is the extraction performance?” can be asked with the answer options “too little,” “good,” and “too much.”

[0066] Depending on the user's response, the extractor hood will start or change to level 3 in another of the performance profiles. If the user finds the extraction performance to be too low during operation, the extractor hood will start or change to level 3 of the "Power" performance profile. If the user finds the extraction performance to be too high during operation, the extractor hood will start or change to level 3 of the "Silent" performance profile. If the user finds the extraction performance to be good during operation, the extractor hood will start or change to level 3 of the "Normal" performance profile.

[0067] Although in Fig.2 not shown, after receiving the user's answer to the respective question and setting the profile corresponding to the answer, a new corresponding query can be carried out to confirm the selection of the profile.

[0068] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the method according to the invention. As with the first embodiment of the method, an installation check can be performed after the extractor hood has been installed at the installation site.

[0069] After installation and, if applicable, the installation check, the second embodiment of the method according to the invention involves defining curves in the stages of the performance profiles. One embodiment of defining the curves is shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0070] After starting the determination process, the first step is to start the operation of the extractor hood at level 1 in the "Silent" performance profile. Curve 2 is stored in the control unit for this level. In this embodiment, the operation of the extractor hood can also be started automatically, in particular by the control unit of the extractor hood. Alternatively, a corresponding instruction can be issued to the user, who then selects the required level of the profile that accesses the stored curve. During or after operation of the extractor hood at this level with the stored curve, a question is issued to the user as to whether the level, in particular the extraction behavior, is acceptable to the user. The question can be answered with the options "less", "more", and "ok".

[0071] If the user perceives the extraction level to be too high during operation, the extractor hood's curve is reduced by one. If the user perceives the extraction level to be too low during operation, the extractor hood's curve is increased by one. Once the desired curve has been set, the extractor hood will display the question again, along with the answer options if necessary. These steps are repeated until the user answers "OK." In this case, the curve selected at that time is saved for level 1 of the "Silent" profile.

[0072] Although not shown, the query can also display only the answer options "less" and "more." In this embodiment, the curve currently used for level 1 of the "Silent" profile is saved if no response is entered by the user within a specified time.

[0073] In the next step, the extractor hood's operation is started or changed to level 2 in the "Silent" performance profile. Curve 12 is stored in the control unit for this level. During or after the extractor hood's operation at this level with the stored curve, a question is displayed, as in the first step. Depending on the answer, the curve is adjusted if necessary, and the selected curve is saved for level 2 of the "Silent" profile.

[0074] In further steps, a corresponding curve can be saved for each stage of each of the profiles, corresponding to the first or second step.

[0075] The second embodiment of the method according to Fig. 3 can be used in addition to the first embodiment according to Fig. 1. In this case, the method according to the second embodiment can also be carried out before the method of the first embodiment.

[0076] Details of an example of the second embodiment of the method are described below. All fan characteristics are provided and divided into sections in which a user can set their individual settings (levels 1, 2, 3, etc.).

[0077] For example, 100 characteristic curves are stored in ascending order (1 = lowest possible flow rate, 100 = highest possible flow rate). By default, the stages of each profile are located on a specific curve. The profiles themselves occupy a range of the total 100 curves; for example, the stages of the "Silent" profile comprise curves 1-33. Stage 1: Curve 2 Stage 2: Curve 10 Stage 3: Curve 15 Stage 4: Curve 20 Stage 5: Curve 30

[0078] After starting the setup wizard, i.e. the method according to the invention, the user can use a suitable input option (control unit, app, voice, etc.) to correct the specified curve for each level upwards or downwards within defined limits such as: Level 1: Curves 1 - 8 Stage 2: Curves 9 - 12 Stage 3: Turns 13 - 18 Stage 4: Turns 19 - 28 Stage 5: Turns 29 - 33

[0079] Alternatively, the curves of a performance profile can be set, for example, based on the operating level for the corresponding performance profiles and, if necessary, modified by the customer within specified limits. This is shown, for example, in the following table. Level Curve area "Silent" "Normal" "Power" Level 1: Curves 1 - 8 Curve 1 Curve 3 Curve 5 Level 2: Curves 9 - 12 Turn 9 Turn 11 Turn 12 Level 3: Curves 13 - 18 Turn 13 Turn 15 Turn 17

[0080] The curve assignment can be different for each extractor fan.

[0081] The present invention has a number of advantages.

[0082] The extractor can be operated at the location of use, i.e., the user's kitchen, in the manner desired by the user. The user can select a suitable performance profile from a variety of options. Furthermore, the fan's behavior in the environment can be determined by the user. Finally, the relationship between extraction performance and noise can be explained to the user. Furthermore, the user is largely free to configure the fan speed settings, if desired.

Claims

[1] Method for setting a control of an extractor device in which at least one operating stage is stored, characterized by that in the process, after the installation of the extractor hood, the extractor hood is operated in a preselected operating level and a dialogue is initiated with the user of the extractor hood to query user perception. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the user perception which is queried relates to the noise emitted by the extractor device and / or the extraction behavior of the extractor device. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein performance profiles are stored in the extractor device, each comprising at least one operating stage. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein an operating level of a different performance profile than the performance profile of the preselected operating level is selected based on at least one user input in the dialog. [5] A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dialogue comprises issuing an instruction to the user regarding a cooking activity. [6] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein questions asked in the dialogue and the associated received answers are stored in the extractor device. [7] Method according to claim 6, insofar as it relates to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the questions and answers are each stored in connection with the performance profile selected by the answer. [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein a suggestion for a performance profile to be set is output to the user based on the stored answers and stored selected performance profiles. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein, based on the selection of a profile suggestion by the user, the selected performance profile is stored as the user start profile. [10] Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one stored operating level is changed based on the at least one user input in the dialogue. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the change in the operating level represents a change in the characteristic curve of the fan associated with the operating level. [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein each operating stage is assigned a range of characteristic curves stored in the extractor device which limits the user input. [13] Method according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the dialogue with the user is carried out during the initial setup of the extractor device at a place of use. [14] Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a check of the piping and / or the expected back pressure is carried out before initiating the dialogue. [15] Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the control unit of the extractor device, cause the control unit to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 14. [16] Extractor hood with at least one fan and a control unit, characterized by that the extractor device is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 14. [17] Extractor device according to claim 16, wherein the extractor device has at least one input unit for user inputs.

Images