Method and system for detecting failure of a conductive contact, knob, household appliance and medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a method and system for detecting failure of conductive contacts, a knob, a household appliance and a storage medium. The method comprises: determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be turned on, the knob comprising a rotating part and a base, the rotating part being capable of rotating around a rotating shaft, the base having a plurality of contact groups arranged around the rotating shaft, each contact group comprising two or more conductive contacts corresponding to each other, the rotating part being used to sequentially turn on different contact groups in the plurality of contact groups during rotation; determining whether there is a faulty contact group based on detection information of the contact group turn-on event; and determining the position of the faulty contact group based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group turn-on events in the case where there is a faulty contact group. The method can timely and effectively detect the failure of the conductive contacts in the knob.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical and electronic technology, and more specifically, to a method and system for detecting conductive contact faults, a knob, a household appliance, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the home appliance industry, manufacturers often install knobs on appliances to enhance aesthetics or practicality, allowing users to select various functions by rotating them.

[0003] Currently, in existing technologies, knobs are typically implemented using encoders or band switches. Encoders convert the angular or linear displacement of a measured object into an electrical signal output. Band switches are plug-in components that can be used to switch bands or select different circuits.

[0004] The knobs implemented using encoders or band switches have the following disadvantages: the manufacturing cost of encoders or band switches is relatively high, and sometimes they need to be custom-made to meet user needs. Consequently, the repair cost of knobs implemented using encoders or band switches is also relatively high when they malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, a method and system for detecting conductive contact failures, a knob, a household appliance, and a storage medium are provided.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting conductive contact faults is provided, comprising: determining whether any contact group on a knob is detected to be connected, wherein the knob includes a rotating component and a base, the rotating component is rotatable about a rotation axis, the base has a plurality of contact groups arranged around the rotation axis, each contact group including two or more corresponding conductive contacts, the rotating component being used to sequentially connect different contact groups among the plurality of contact groups during rotation; determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on detection information of contact group connection events, wherein a contact group connection event is an event in which at least two conductive contacts in any contact group are connected to each other, and a faulty contact group is a contact group that has failed; and determining the position of the faulty contact group based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group connection events if a faulty contact group exists.

[0007] According to the method of embodiments of the present invention, the existence of a faulty contact group can be determined based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events. This method allows for timely and effective detection of faults in the conductive contacts of a knob.

[0008] For example, the detection information includes the number of times a contact group connection event occurs. Based on the detection information of the contact group connection events, determining whether a faulty contact group exists includes: if no contact group connection event is detected within a first preset time period after the first preset start time, then it is determined that a faulty contact group exists.

[0009] The timer starts from a first preset start time. If no contact group energizing event is detected within the subsequent first preset time period, a faulty contact group can be directly identified. This scheme determines the existence of a faulty contact group by setting a time period and based on the presence or absence of contact group energizing events, allowing for relatively timely detection of faults.

[0010] For example, the detection information includes the contact group corresponding to the contact group connection event. Determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event includes: if at least two contact group connection events are detected, determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the contact group corresponding to the at least two contact group connection events.

[0011] This method determines the existence of a faulty contact group by detecting at least two contact group activation events. This method is relatively accurate in determining the presence of a faulty contact group. Furthermore, this method allows for unlimited detection time for contact group activation events, facilitating continuous monitoring of contact group fault conditions over extended periods.

[0012] For example, determining whether any contact group on the knob is activated includes: reading the output signal of the detection module at preset time intervals, wherein the detection module is connected to multiple contact groups and is used to output an activation signal and an deactivation signal corresponding to the contact group when any contact group is activated and deactivated, respectively; if the output signal of the detection module includes an activation signal corresponding to any contact group among the multiple contact groups, it is determined that the contact group is activated; if the output signal of the detection module includes deactivation signals corresponding to all contact groups among the multiple contact groups, it is determined that no contact group is activated.

[0013] According to the above embodiments, the output signal of the detection module can be actively read by the program. This method does not require an additional reading module and has lower requirements for software and hardware.

[0014] For example, after determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected, the method further includes: if no contact group is detected to be connected, returning to the step of determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected; determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event includes: if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, directly or if a preset condition is met, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event; if contact group SX is compared with the previous contact group SN... If contact group SN is an adjacent contact group among multiple contact groups, then it is determined that there is no faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; if contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are not adjacent contact groups among multiple contact groups, then it is determined that there is a faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; in the case of a faulty contact group, determining the location of the faulty contact group based on the location of the contact group corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events includes: determining that the contact group located between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN is a faulty contact group.

[0015] Through the above embodiments, the presence and location of a faulty contact group can be determined by comparing the positions of SX and SN. This fault determination method is simple to implement and relatively fast.

[0016] For example, after determining whether any contact group on the knob is activated, the method further includes: if no contact group is activated, then setting the flag data to a first value, wherein the flag data is initially a second value; if any contact group SX is activated, then directly or under the condition that a preset condition is met, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group activation event, including: if contact group SX is activated, determining whether the flag data is a first value; if the flag data is not a first value, then updating the previous contact group SN with contact group SX; if the flag data is a first value, then setting the flag data to a second value, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN, and updating the previous contact group SN with contact group SX, wherein the preset condition includes the flag data being a first value.

[0017] By setting flag data, it is convenient to mark whether there were previously undetected contact groups. Only when such groups are found will position comparison be performed. This approach can reduce the amount of computation and improve detection efficiency to a certain extent.

[0018] For example, determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected includes: in response to an on / off indication signal associated with any contact group sent by the interrupt module, determining that the contact group is detected to be connected; wherein the interrupt module is connected to the detection module, the detection module is connected to multiple contact groups and is used to output an on / off signal corresponding to the contact group when any contact group is connected and disconnected, respectively, and the interrupt module is used to output an on / off indication signal associated with the contact group when the detection module outputs an on / off signal corresponding to any contact group.

[0019] The above solution can significantly reduce the computational load of the program and improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting contact group connection events.

[0020] For example, determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of contact group energizing events includes: if any contact group SX is detected to be energized, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group energizing event; if contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are adjacent contact groups among multiple contact groups, determining that there is no faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; if contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are not adjacent contact groups among multiple contact groups, determining that there is a faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; in the case of a faulty contact group, determining the position of the faulty contact group based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events includes: determining that the contact group located between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN is a faulty contact group.

[0021] The above methods require fewer steps and have a faster detection speed.

[0022] For example, a conductive component is provided on the rotating component. When the conductive component rotates to the conductive position corresponding to any contact group, it contacts at least two conductive contacts of that contact group, thereby turning on the contact group. The multiple contact groups include multiple gear position contact groups, and the multiple gear position contact groups correspond one-to-one with multiple initial gear positions. The method further includes: when at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be turned on within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, determining a predicted gear position corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group; and executing a function corresponding to the predicted gear position. The one or more consecutive faulty contact groups include at least one gear position contact group, and the non-faulty contact groups are contact groups that have not experienced a fault.

[0023] Through the above embodiments, even if the contact group fails, the user can still select and execute the corresponding function, which can make up for the loss caused by the failure and extend the service life of the knob.

[0024] For example, if only one gear position contact group is a faulty contact group among multiple contact groups, and this gear position contact group is a gear position faulty contact group, when at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be connected within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, determining the predicted gear position corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group includes: if no contact group is detected to be connected within a second preset time period after the non-faulty contact group closest to the gear position faulty contact group on either side is detected to be connected, then the initial gear position corresponding to the faulty contact group is determined to be the predicted gear position.

[0025] Through the above embodiments, even when a single gear position contact group malfunctions, it is still possible to predict the user's gear selection corresponding to that contact group relatively accurately and actively execute the function corresponding to that contact group to compensate for the functional loss caused by the malfunction. This solution provides a better user experience.

[0026] For example, among multiple contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are at least two gear position faulty contact groups, and at least two non-faulty contact groups exist between any two adjacent gear position faulty contact groups. When at least one non-faulty contact group within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups is detected to be connected, determining the predicted gear corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group includes: if no contact group is detected to be connected within a third preset time period after the non-faulty contact group closest to the specific gear position faulty contact group is detected to be connected on either side, then the initial gear corresponding to the specific gear position faulty contact group is determined as the predicted gear.

[0027] Through the above embodiments, even when multiple gear position contact groups malfunction, it is still possible to predict the user's selection of the gear corresponding to the contact group relatively accurately and actively execute the function corresponding to the contact group to make up for the functional loss caused by the malfunction. This solution provides a better user experience.

[0028] For example, among multiple contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, and at least two gear position contact groups are at least two gear position faulty contact groups. There are fewer than two non-faulty contact groups between any two adjacent gear position faulty contact groups. When at least one non-faulty contact group within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups is detected to be connected, determining the predicted gear corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group includes: if the first non-faulty contact group and the second non-faulty contact group are detected to be connected successively, then determining the next gear sequentially located after the current gear as the predicted gear according to the rotation direction indicated by the first non-faulty contact group and the second non-faulty contact group; wherein at least two gear position faulty contact groups are located between the first non-faulty contact group and the second non-faulty contact group.

[0029] This solution can still ensure good user operation even when many contacts are damaged.

[0030] For example, the method further includes: outputting a first prompt message when it cannot be determined whether a faulty contact group exists, wherein the first prompt message is used to prompt the user to continue rotating the rotating component.

[0031] The above methods can remind users to continue rotating the knob in real time, so that the system can obtain more contact group connection information, thereby making it easier for the system to detect faulty contact groups.

[0032] For example, the method further includes: outputting a second prompt message at a second preset start time, the second prompt message being used to prompt the user to rotate the rotating component at least one revolution; if only two contact groups are detected to be connected within a fourth preset time period after the second preset start time, then outputting a third prompt message, the third prompt message being used to prompt the user to continue rotating the rotating component in the forward direction or to rotate the rotating component in the reverse direction at least one revolution; if no new contact group is detected to be connected within a fifth preset time period after the third prompt message is output, then outputting a first alarm message; if only one contact group is detected to be connected or no contact group is detected to be connected within the fourth preset time period after the preset start time, then outputting a second alarm message.

[0033] If, when the user rotates the rotating part at least one full turn, only two contact groups are detected to be engaged, it's possible that the user has misoperated the device. In this case, a prompt message can be issued, giving the user another chance to operate. Conversely, if the user rotates the part more than one full turn, an error message can be displayed to remind the user to have it repaired as soon as possible.

[0034] For example, after determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event, the method further includes: recording the faulty contact group if it exists; calculating the difference between the number of currently recorded faulty contact groups and the number of multiple contact groups; and outputting third alarm information if the difference is less than a preset threshold.

[0035] In this embodiment, each time a faulty contact group is identified, the current status of the faulty contact group can be recorded, and its number can be compared with the total number of contact groups. If the difference between the two is too small, it indicates that the contacts are worn too much. At this time, an error can be reported in time to remind the user to repair it as soon as possible.

[0036] For example, the preset threshold value range is [3, 5].

[0037] Setting the threshold for the difference between the number of faulty contact groups and the total number of contact groups within an appropriate range can effectively identify faulty contact groups and promptly alert users, without causing frequent alarms that would negatively impact user experience.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for detecting conductive contact faults is also provided, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores computer program instructions, which are executed by the processor to perform the above-described method for detecting conductive contact faults.

[0039] The system for detecting conductive contact faults according to embodiments of the present invention can determine whether a faulty contact group exists based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events. This system allows for timely and effective detection of faults in the conductive contacts of a knob.

[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, a knob is also provided, comprising a base, a rotating component, and the aforementioned system for detecting conductive contact failure, wherein the base has a plurality of contact groups arranged around a rotation axis, each contact group comprising two or more corresponding conductive contacts; the rotating component is rotatable about the rotation axis, the rotating component comprising a conductive component extending along the direction of the rotation axis, and when the conductive component rotates to a conductive position corresponding to any contact group, it contacts at least two conductive contacts of that contact group, thereby activating the contact group.

[0041] Compared with existing encoder-based or band switch-based knobs, the above-mentioned knob based on conductive contacts can select different gears (or functions) by connecting the contact group, and the required hardware cost is lower.

[0042] For example, the system for detecting conductive contact failures is implemented using a control chip, and the knob also includes a printed circuit board. The control chip and multiple contact groups are integrated on the printed circuit board, which is mounted on a base.

[0043] This approach facilitates increased integration of circuit components and reduces the space occupied by the hardware.

[0044] For example, the knob also includes a detection module connected to multiple contact groups. The detection module includes a first pin and a second pin corresponding to any specific contact group. The first pin and the second pin are respectively connected to two conductive contacts of the specific contact group. The detection module is used to output a first preset voltage via the first pin, detect a second voltage on the second pin, and determine whether the specific contact group is connected by comparing the voltage values ​​of the first preset voltage and the second voltage.

[0045] The detection module can easily and conveniently detect whether the connected conductive contacts are connected, and this solution is low in cost.

[0046] For example, the multiple contact groups include multiple gear position contact groups, each of which corresponds one-to-one with a multiple initial gear position, and the number of multiple contact groups is greater than the number of multiple gear position contact groups.

[0047] By setting up non-gear contact groups, it is helpful to better locate the faulty contact group when some gear contact groups fail.

[0048] According to another aspect of the invention, a household appliance is also provided, including a control panel and the aforementioned knob, wherein the control panel has a display area for displaying the gear currently indicated by the knob.

[0049] Household appliances include the aforementioned knobs, therefore the required hardware costs are low, and faults in the conductive contacts of the knobs can be detected promptly and effectively.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage medium is also provided, on which program instructions are stored, which, when executed, are used to perform the above-described method for detecting conductive contact failures.

[0051] The program instructions stored in the storage medium of this solution can detect faults in the conductive contacts of the knob in a timely and effective manner when they are executed.

[0052] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the description of the invention, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0053] The advantages and features of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The following figures are included as part of this invention for understanding its principles. The figures illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention. In the figures,

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a knob according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0056] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the mounting positions of the rotating component and the base according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0057] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of a method for detecting conductive contact failure according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a detection module for detecting whether multiple contact groups are connected, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0059] Figure 5 An exemplary implementation of a method for detecting conductive contact faults according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 6 This illustrates another exemplary implementation of a method for detecting conductive contact faults according to embodiments of the present invention; and

[0061] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a system for detecting conductive contact faults according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0062] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention, and that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid obscuring the invention, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0063] To at least partially solve the aforementioned technical problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a knob, a method and system for detecting conductive contact faults related to the knob, a household appliance, and a storage medium. The knob can select different positions (or functions) by activating a group of contacts, requiring low hardware costs. Furthermore, the method for detecting conductive contact faults can detect the location of faults in the conductive contacts of the knob in a timely and effective manner.

[0064] To facilitate understanding, the structure and working principle of the knob described in this article will be briefly described below.

[0065] A knob according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base and a rotating component. Furthermore, the knob may also include a system for detecting conductive contact failures, which can perform methods for detecting conductive contact failures according to an embodiment of the present invention, as described below.

[0066] By way of example, and not limitation, the base can be used to secure other parts of the knob (including rotating parts) to the control panel of a household appliance. Of course, the base can also be used to secure other parts of the knob (including rotating parts) to any other suitable location on the household appliance.

[0067] The rotating component is capable of rotating about a rotation axis. This rotation axis can be perpendicular to the base. Users can select corresponding gears by rotating the component to different positions; each gear corresponds to a function. It should be noted that the "rotation axis" described herein is not necessarily a physical axis; it can be a virtual axis. For example, the rotating component can be a hollow cylindrical component that can rotate about the axis of the hollow cylinder, which is the "rotation axis" described herein. Of course, the aforementioned hollow cylindrical component is merely an example, and the rotating component and its corresponding rotation axis described herein are not limited to this example.

[0068] By way of example, and not limitation, the base of the knob may be provided with multiple independent contact groups. These contact groups may be arranged around the rotation axis. Each contact group may include two or more conductive contacts. The number of conductive contacts in each contact group can be arbitrarily set as needed, and may be two, three, four, or more, etc. Furthermore, the number of conductive contacts included in any two contact groups may be the same or different. The individual conductive contacts in each contact group may also be independent of each other. In one example, a conductive contact group may be determined to be closed if at least some (e.g., any two) of the conductive contacts in any conductive contact group are connected to each other. In another example, a conductive contact group may be determined to be closed only if all the conductive contacts in any conductive contact group are connected to each other.

[0069] For example, a conductive component, such as a conductive brush, can be provided on the rotating component. When the rotating component rotates, the conductive component also rotates. Whenever the conductive component rotates to a conductive position corresponding to a certain contact group, the conductive component can simultaneously connect with at least two conductive contacts in that contact group, thereby making these conductive contacts interconnected (i.e., conducting). The interconnection of at least two conductive contacts in a contact group constitutes the connection of the contact group. By detecting which contacts (i.e., which contact group) are connected, the current position of the conductive component can be determined, thus determining the current gear position or the function that should be performed.

[0070] The conductive position corresponding to any contact group refers to the location where the conductive component is positioned to enable the contact group to close. For example, in one example, the conductive component may include two conductive brushes that are connected to each other. The two conductive brushes extend parallel to the axis of rotation. When the conductive component rotates above any contact group, the two conductive brushes make electrical (and physical) contact with the two conductive contacts of that contact group, respectively. Since the two conductive brushes themselves are connected, the contact group can also be closed at this time. In the above example, the conductive position corresponding to any contact group is the position above the contact group. In another example, if there is a gap between any two conductive contacts in any contact group, the conductive component can extend into the gap between the conductive contacts during rotation to make electrical (and physical) contact with the two conductive contacts respectively. In this way, the contact group can also be closed. In this example, the conductive position corresponding to any contact group is the location of the gap between the two conductive contacts in that contact group. It should be noted that the structure of the conductive component and the setting of the conductive position can have any other suitable implementation and are not limited to the above examples.

[0071] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a knob according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this document, a contact group is represented by Si (i = 1, 2, 3...m, where m is the total number of contact groups). Figure 1 Examples of contact groups S1, S2, S3, and S4 are shown. Each contact group includes two independent conductive contacts M1 and M2. For ease of description, the two conductive contacts in each contact group are referred to as M1 and M2 herein. It can be seen that the conductive contacts M1 of all contact groups are arranged in a circle, and the conductive contacts M2 of all contact groups are also arranged in a circle. Exemplarily, and not limitingly, the positions of Si can correspond one-to-one with function settings on a control panel.

[0072] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the mounting positions of the rotating component and the base according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 2In the diagram, X2 represents a rotating component that can rotate along a rotation axis perpendicular to the base. B1 represents the base or a printed circuit board on the base. N1 and N2 are conductive brushes, electrically connected together and mounted on the rotating component X2. N1 and N2 can rotate to contact the conductive contacts M1 and M2 in contact groups S1, S2, S3, S4...Sm respectively, thereby sequentially connecting different contact groups.

[0073] It should be noted that, although Figure 2 The conductive brushes are shown in pairs, but this is only an example. The shape, structure, and arrangement of the conductive brushes can be set arbitrarily, as long as they can connect at least two conductive contacts of the contact group when reaching the conductive position corresponding to any contact group.

[0074] The aforementioned knob design based on conductive contacts suffers from a malfunction: the design relies on rotational contact for detection, requiring continuous contact between the conductive components and the conductive contacts, inevitably leading to physical damage. Once the conductive contacts are worn down, the knob ceases to function.

[0075] To maximize fault tolerance, software algorithms can be used to detect faults in conductive contacts.

[0076] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating a method 300 for detecting conductive contact faults according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method 300 for detecting conductive contact faults can be run on any processing device, such as any microcontroller (MCU). Figure 3 As shown, the method 300 for detecting conductive contact faults includes steps S310, S320 and S330.

[0077] In step S310, it is determined whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected. The knob includes a rotating component and a base. The rotating component is rotatable about a rotation axis. The base has multiple contact groups arranged around the rotation axis. Each contact group includes two or more corresponding conductive contacts. The rotating component is used to connect different contact groups in the multiple contact groups sequentially during rotation.

[0078] Based on the above description, we can understand how the contact group is connected, which will not be repeated here.

[0079] The method 300 for detecting conductive contact faults described herein can be executed by any processing device (referred to as the first processing device). This processing device can be any suitable processing device with data processing capabilities and / or instruction execution capabilities. For example, the processing device can be implemented using one or a combination of several of the following: programmable logic controller (PLC), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic array (PLA), central processing unit (CPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microcontroller (MCU), and other forms of processing units.

[0080] The aforementioned processing device can run a computer program that, when running, performs method 300.

[0081] The detection module can detect whether any group of contacts on the knob is connected. The detection module will be described below and will not be repeated here.

[0082] In step S320, based on the detection information of the contact group connection event, it is determined whether there is a faulty contact group. The contact group connection event is an event in which at least two conductive contacts in any contact group are connected to each other, and the faulty contact group is the contact group that has failed.

[0083] By way of example, and not limitation, if no contact group activation event is detected within a preset period after the user begins rotating the knob, or if the number of detected contact group activation events is less than a preset number, such as two, then a faulty contact group can be directly determined to exist. For example, if no contact group activation event is detected within a first preset period after a first preset start time, or if at most fewer than two contact group activation events are detected, then a faulty contact group can be determined to exist.

[0084] If, within a first preset time period after the first preset start time, or within any longer time period (i.e., without limiting the time for detecting a contact group connection event), the number of times a contact group connection event is detected is equal to or greater than two, then it is possible to determine whether a faulty contact group exists based on the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group connection events.

[0085] In step S330, if a faulty contact group exists, the location of the faulty contact group is determined based on the location of the contact group corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events.

[0086] If a faulty contact group is identified, the location of the faulty contact group can also be determined based on the location of the contact group corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events.

[0087] Adjacent contact group closure events refer to contact group closure events that occur before and after each other.

[0088] It is understandable that if a faulty contact group exists between two contact groups, a contact group closure event cannot be detected when a conductive component passes between these two contact groups; conversely, it should be detectable if the component does not pass between them. Therefore, the presence of a faulty contact group can be determined by the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group closure events.

[0089] According to the method of embodiments of the present invention, the existence of a faulty contact group can be determined based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events. This method allows for timely and effective detection of faults in the conductive contacts of a knob.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detection information includes the number of times a contact group connection event occurs. Based on the detection information of the contact group connection events, determining whether a faulty contact group exists includes: if no contact group connection event is detected within a first preset time period after a first preset start time, then it is determined that a faulty contact group exists.

[0091] The first preset start time can be the time when the user begins to rotate the knob, the time when the user turns on the household appliance containing the knob, or other suitable time. The time when the user begins to rotate the knob can be determined by means such as receiving user input. For example, the user inputs a start command through an input device on the household appliance, and the appliance uses the time of receiving the start command as the first preset start time. Of course, the above methods for determining the first preset start time are merely examples and not limitations on the invention; any suitable time can be used as the first preset start time as needed. Furthermore, the first preset time period can also be set to any suitable duration as needed, and the invention does not impose any limitations on this.

[0092] The timer starts from a first preset start time. If no contact group energizing event is detected within the subsequent first preset time period, a faulty contact group can be directly identified. This scheme determines the existence of a faulty contact group by setting a time period and based on the presence or absence of contact group energizing events, allowing for relatively timely detection of faults.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the detection information includes the contact group corresponding to the contact group connection event. Determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event includes: if at least two contact group connection events are detected, determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the contact group corresponding to the at least two contact group connection events.

[0094] This method determines the existence of a faulty contact group by detecting at least two contact group activation events. This method is relatively accurate in determining the presence of a faulty contact group. Furthermore, this method allows for unlimited detection time for contact group activation events, facilitating continuous monitoring of contact group fault conditions over extended periods.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected (step S310) may include: reading the output signal of the detection module at preset time intervals, wherein the detection module is connected to multiple contact groups and is used to output a connection signal and a disconnection signal corresponding to the contact group when any contact group is connected and disconnected, respectively; if the output signal of the detection module includes a connection signal corresponding to any contact group among the multiple contact groups, it is determined that the contact group is detected to be connected; if the output signal of the detection module includes a disconnection signal corresponding to all contact groups among the multiple contact groups, it is determined that no contact group is detected to be connected.

[0096] The preset time interval can be set to any suitable value as needed, and this invention does not limit this. For example, the preset time interval can be 10ms, 20ms, etc.

[0097] By way of example, and not limitation, whether the contact groups on the knob are connected can be detected by a detection module. Optionally, the detection module can be a single module to which all contact groups are connected, and which detects whether each contact group is connected. Optionally, the detection module can include multiple detection sub-modules corresponding one-to-one with multiple contact groups, each detection sub-module being used to detect whether the corresponding contact group is connected.

[0098] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a detection module for detecting whether a plurality of contact groups are connected, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Figure 4 In this circuit, the detection module is chip U202. The conductive contacts M1 and M2 of any contact group are connected to two ports (i.e., pins) of chip U202, respectively. Figure 4 The two ports shown are ENA and OUT2. The above description is only an example for a specific contact group (e.g., S1). M1 and M2 for other contact groups (e.g., S2, S3, S4, etc.) can also be connected according to this rule, both connected to the other corresponding ports of the U202 chip. Furthermore, Figure 4 The illustration shows an example of a detection module when the contact group includes two conductive contacts. As mentioned above, a contact group may include more than two conductive contacts. In this case, for each contact group, the detection module may include more than two pins, such that each conductive contact can have a corresponding pin.

[0099] When the conductive brushes N1 and N2 respectively contact conductive contacts M1 and M2, since brushes N1 and N2 are electrically connected, M1 and M2 are also electrically connected. Chip U202 can detect whether there is a conductive contact connection through its two ports connected to M1 and M2. Furthermore, chip U202 can also determine whether M1 and M2 of contact groups S1, S2, S3, or S4 are connected, thus indirectly detecting the position of the conductive component.

[0100] The detection module can be implemented using any processing device (second processing device). This processing device can be any suitable processing device with data processing and / or instruction execution capabilities. For example, it can be implemented using one or a combination of several of the following processing units: programmable logic controller (PLC), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), programmable logic array (PLA), central processing unit (CPU), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microcontroller (MCU), and others.

[0101] The processing device for executing method 300 can be integrated with the processing device for implementing the detection module; for example, the processing device for executing method 300 can be the processing device for implementing the detection module itself. Alternatively, the processing device for executing method 300 can be implemented independently of the processing device for implementing the detection module.

[0102] Figure 5 An exemplary implementation of a method for detecting conductive contact faults according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown, after the process begins, it can be continuously determined whether any contact group SX is detected to be connected. This determination can be achieved by the program reading the output signal of the detection module at preset time intervals. That is, the program used to execute method 300 can actively read the output signal of the detection module at preset time intervals.

[0104] Based on the above combination Figure 4 As described in the detection method, the detection module can output different signals when any contact group is turned on and off. For example, ... Figure 4As shown, pins 2 and 9 of the detection module are connected to two conductive contacts M1 and M2 of a certain contact group, respectively. At the initial start time, such as when a household appliance is turned on, the detection module can output a first preset voltage on pin 2 and a second preset voltage on pin 9. The two voltage values ​​are different. For example, the first preset voltage can be a high level, represented by the digital signal "1", and the second preset voltage can be a low level, represented by the digital signal "0". When M1 and M2 are disconnected, they maintain their original different voltage values. When they are connected, the voltage value on pin 9 increases, matching the voltage value on pin 2. Therefore, by reading the signal on pin 9 (referred to as the output signal of the detection module in this paper), it can be determined whether the contact group is connected. The determination method for contact groups connected to other pins is similar and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0105] In the above example, the on signal can be a high level "1", and the off signal can be a low level "0". By reading whether the signal output by the detection module at pin 9 is an on signal or an off signal, it can be determined whether the contact group is detected to be connected.

[0106] According to the above embodiments, the output signal of the detection module can be actively read by the program. This method does not require an additional reading module and has lower requirements for software and hardware.

[0107] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected (step S310), method 300 may further include: if no contact group is detected to be connected, returning to the step of determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected; determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event includes: if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, directly or under the condition that a preset condition is met, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event; if the contact group SX is detected to be connected, then the method may further include: if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, then directly or under the condition that a preset condition is met, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event; if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, then the method may further include: ... If contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are adjacent contact groups among multiple contact groups, then it is determined that there is no faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; if contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are not adjacent contact groups among multiple contact groups, then it is determined that there is a faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; in the case of a faulty contact group, determining the location of the faulty contact group based on the location of the contact group corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events includes: determining that the contact group located between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN is a faulty contact group.

[0108] Continue to refer to Figure 5This demonstrates that if no contact group is detected to be connected, the process can return to the previous step of determining whether any contact group on the knob is connected, and continue the detection. If any contact group SX is detected to be connected, the position of contact group SX can be directly compared with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event, or if preset conditions are met. SX can be any one of S1, S2, S3...Sm, and SN can also be any one of S1, S2, S3...Sm.

[0109] For example, the identification information of the previous contact group SN can be stored in a preset storage unit. Optionally, the preset storage unit can store the identification information of the contact groups corresponding to one or more previous contact group connection events prior to the current time. It is understood that the previous contact group connection event most recent to the current time is the previous contact group connection event described herein. In addition, it is understood that the "current time" is constantly changing, so the previous contact group SN is also constantly changing for each different current time.

[0110] For example, the identification information of the contact group can be the number of the contact group, such as S1, S2, S3, etc. mentioned above. By reading the identification information of the contact group in the preset storage unit, it is possible to determine which contact group SN is the previous contact group, and thus determine its position.

[0111] Optionally, the position of the contact group can be represented by its identification information, such as labels S1, S2, S3, etc. That is, the position can be compared based on the identification information of contact group SX with the identification information of the preceding contact group SN. Knowing the identification information of the contact groups allows us to determine their relative positional relationships, such as whether they are adjacent or how many contact groups are separated by. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine the absolute position of the contact groups in the physical world, such as their position in a three-dimensional coordinate system. Of course, using the absolute position of the contact groups as the position for position comparison is also feasible. This invention does not limit this.

[0112] For example, when any contact group SX is detected to be connected, it can first be determined whether the identification information of the previous contact group SN is stored in the preset storage unit. If not, it is not necessary to compare the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN; instead, the position of contact group SX can be directly stored in the preset storage unit. When the next contact group connection event occurs, the previously stored position of contact group SX can be used as the position of the previous contact group SN.

[0113] The fault detection process is illustrated below with an example:

[0114] 1. The knob is of good quality when it leaves the factory, so the first contact group SX (SX can be any one of S1, S2, S3...Sm) can usually be detected as closed directly. For example, the S4 contact group is detected as closed at this time.

[0115] 2. At this point, the function corresponding to S4 can be run, and the identification information of S4 can be saved in the preset storage unit as SN.

[0116] 3. A problem arises when using certain contact groups, such as S3. When the user rotates the rotating part X2 counterclockwise from S4 to S3, S3 cannot be detected as being switched on due to wear. Since no signal is detected, there is no response. The user, finding no response, can rotate X2 again.

[0117] 4. The system continues to detect and finds that contact group S2 is connected. Then, the positions of S2 and SN can be compared. At this time, it will be found that S4 and S2 have been detected, but S3 is not detected. Therefore, contact group S3 must be abnormal.

[0118] Through the above embodiments, the presence and location of a faulty contact group can be determined by comparing the positions of SX and SN. This fault determination method is simple to implement and relatively fast.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected (step S310), method 300 may further include: if no contact group is detected to be connected, then further setting the flag data to a first value, wherein the flag data is initially a second value; if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, then directly or under the condition of satisfying a preset condition, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event includes: if contact group SX is detected to be connected, then determining whether the flag data is a first value; if the flag data is not a first value, then updating the previous contact group SN with contact group SX; if the flag data is a first value, then setting the flag data to a second value, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN, and updating (i.e. replacing) the previous contact group SN with contact group SX, wherein the preset condition includes the flag data being a first value.

[0120] Flag data can be represented using, for example, a NULL variable. The NULL variable can be initially set to a value, such as 0. Each time step S310 is executed, if no contact group is detected to be connected, NULL can be set to 1, and the detection can continue. When contact group SX is detected to be connected, it can first be checked whether NULL is 1; if so, a position comparison is performed; otherwise, the previous contact group SN can be directly updated.

[0121] Figure 6This paper illustrates another exemplary implementation of a method for detecting conductive contact faults according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Figure 5 The example shown is the scheme without setting NULL, which means that if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, the position of contact group SX is directly compared with the position of the previous contact group SN. Figure 6 The example shown illustrates a scheme where NULL is set. This means that if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, the position of contact group SX is compared with the position of the previous contact group SN, provided the NULL value meets the requirements. Regardless of the scheme, the previous contact group SN can ultimately be updated using contact group SX. For example, the identification information of the previous contact group SN stored in the preset storage unit can be replaced with the identification information of contact group SX.

[0123] By setting flag data, it is convenient to mark whether there were previously undetected contact groups. Only when such groups are found will position comparison be performed. This approach can reduce the amount of computation and improve detection efficiency to a certain extent.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the present invention, determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected includes: in response to an on-off indication signal associated with any contact group sent by an interrupt module, determining that the contact group is detected to be connected; wherein, the interrupt module is connected to the detection module, the detection module is connected to multiple contact groups and is used to output an on-off signal and an off-off signal corresponding to the contact group when any contact group is connected and disconnected, respectively, and the interrupt module is used to output an on-off indication signal associated with the contact group when the detection module outputs an on-off signal corresponding to any contact group.

[0125] The above describes an implementation scheme where the program actively reads the output signal of the detection module. In contrast, an interrupt module can also monitor the output signal of the detection module. Once the detection module detects that any contact group is closed (i.e., outputs a closed signal), the interrupt module can promptly notify the program executing method 300. This scheme eliminates the need for the program executing method 300 to read the signal at preset time intervals; it simply waits passively for the interrupt module to send a signal.

[0126] The above solution can significantly reduce the computational load of the program and improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting contact group connection events.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the present invention, determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of contact group connection events includes: if any contact group SX is detected to be connected, comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event; if contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are adjacent contact groups among multiple contact groups, determining that there is no faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; if contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are not adjacent contact groups among multiple contact groups, determining that there is a faulty contact group between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN; in the case of a faulty contact group, determining the position of the faulty contact group based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group connection events includes: determining that the contact group located between contact group SX and the previous contact group SN is a faulty contact group.

[0128] In the embodiment where the output signal of the detection module is monitored via the interrupt module, if any contact group is detected to be connected, its position can be directly compared with that of the previous contact group. For details on position comparison and the determination of faulty contact groups, please refer to the embodiments described above; these will not be repeated here.

[0129] Since the output signal of the detection module is monitored by the interrupt module, the program used to execute method 300 can only receive the signal (on indication signal) when the contact group is detected to be connected. Therefore, the position comparison of the contact group can be performed directly at this time. This scheme requires fewer steps and has a fast detection speed.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a conductive component is provided on the rotating component. When the conductive component rotates to the conductive position corresponding to any contact group, it contacts at least two conductive contacts of the contact group, thereby activating the contact group. The multiple contact groups include multiple gear position contact groups, and the multiple gear position contact groups correspond one-to-one with multiple initial gear positions. The method further includes: when at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be activated within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, determining a predicted gear position corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group; and executing a function corresponding to the predicted gear position. The one or more consecutive faulty contact groups include at least one gear position contact group, and the non-faulty contact groups are contact groups that have not experienced a fault.

[0131] Each gear position described in this article can correspond to a function. Ideally, different gear positions can correspond to different functions. However, this is merely an example and not a limitation; any two or more different gear positions can have the same function.

[0132] Multiple contact groups can include multiple gear position contact groups, and the number of gear position contact groups can be equal to or less than the total number of contact groups. In one example, the number of contact groups on a knob is equal to the number of gear position contact groups. In this case, each contact group on the knob corresponds to a gear position, meaning each contact group is a "valid" contact group and can be used to indicate a specific function. In another example, the number of contact groups is greater than the number of gear position contact groups. In this case, only some of the contact groups on the knob are "valid" and can be used to indicate a specific function. The remaining contact groups on the knob can be considered "invalid" contact groups, called non-gear position contact groups. Non-gear position contact groups do not correspond to gear positions and cannot be used to indicate a specific function. However, by setting non-gear position contact groups, it is helpful to better locate the faulty contact group when some gear position contact groups malfunction.

[0133] It should be noted that while the initial gear position corresponding to each of the multiple gear position contact groups may be preset and known, during use, if some gear position contact groups malfunction, the gear positions corresponding to different gear position contact groups may change. In other words, the gear positions and functions corresponding to the gear position contact groups can change and are not necessarily fixed.

[0134] When a contact group malfunctions, it may affect the normal execution of functions that should be performed. In this embodiment of the invention, an algorithm can be used to predict and execute the functions that the faulty contact group should have performed, thereby compensating for the functional loss caused by the malfunction and extending the lifespan of the knob. This fault compensation scheme implemented through an algorithm requires relatively low hardware costs.

[0135] In one example, all gear position contact groups are normal, but at least some of the non-gear position contact groups are faulty. In this case, the operation of the gear position contact groups will not be affected, and the normal execution of the function corresponding to the knob will not be affected. Therefore, in this case, there is no need to remedy the fault.

[0136] In another example, if one or more gear position contact groups malfunction, it will affect the operation of the gear position contact groups, causing the functions corresponding to the malfunctioning contact groups to fail to execute properly. In this case, the functions that should have been performed can be predicted and executed. That is, when one or more consecutive malfunctioning contact groups include at least one gear position contact group, function prediction and execution can be performed.

[0137] When at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be connected within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, the predicted gear corresponding to the one or more consecutive faulty contact groups can be determined based at least on the location of at least one non-faulty contact group. For example, the predicted gear can be determined based at least on the location of at least one non-faulty contact group and the function currently being performed by the system (or the gear corresponding to the function currently being performed by the system).

[0138] Previously, steps S310 and S320 determined which contact groups were faulty. For a faulty contact group, the next time the user rotates the component near that contact group, although the contact group itself cannot be detected to be engaged, the engagement status of non-faulty contact groups within a predetermined range (e.g., adjacent non-faulty contact groups) can indicate that the user has rotated the component near the faulty contact group. Furthermore, the engagement status of the non-faulty contact groups within the predetermined range can be used to infer that the user likely intends to rotate the component to the location of the faulty contact group, i.e., the user intends to select the gear and function originally corresponding to the faulty contact group. Therefore, in this way, the gear and function the user intends to select can be predicted, and the function can then be executed.

[0139] Through the above embodiments, even if the contact group fails, the user can still select and execute the corresponding function, which can make up for the loss caused by the failure and extend the service life of the knob.

[0140] According to an embodiment of the present invention, among a plurality of contact groups, only a single gear position contact group is a faulty contact group. This gear position contact group is a gear position faulty contact group. When at least one non-faulty contact group within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups is detected to be connected, determining the predicted gear position corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group includes: if after detecting that the non-faulty contact group closest to the gear position faulty contact group on either side is connected, and no contact group is detected to be connected within a second preset time period, then the initial gear position corresponding to the faulty contact group is determined as the predicted gear position.

[0141] The second preset time period can be set to any suitable value as needed, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0142] In one embodiment, all contact groups on the knob are gear position contact groups, and only a single gear position contact group is a faulty contact group. In this case, if after detecting the activation of either of the two non-faulty contact groups closest to the faulty contact group (i.e., the two gear position contact groups adjacent to the faulty contact group), no contact group is detected to be activated within a second preset time period, then the initial gear corresponding to the faulty contact group can be determined as the predicted gear.

[0143] The following explanation uses the example of all contact groups S1, S2, S3, S4...Sm being gear position contact groups, with a single gear position contact group S3 malfunctioning.

[0144] If the user rotates the component to S2 and then continues to S3 and stops there (the user wants to select the gear and function originally corresponding to S3), the system can detect that after S2 is turned on, no contact group is detected to be connected for a long time. If the user did not intend to select the gear and function of S3, they should continue to rotate to S4, so S4 should be detected to be connected quickly. Since S4 is not detected to be connected for a long time, it can be inferred that the user intended to select the gear and function of S3. The embodiment of rotating from S4 to S3 is similar and will not be described in detail.

[0145] Therefore, regardless of whether the rotation starts from S2 or S4, if no next contact group is detected to be connected within the preset time period, it can be considered that the user wants to select the S3 gear and function, and can perform the corresponding function, such as cooking rice.

[0146] In another embodiment, only a portion of the contact groups on the knob are gear position contact groups, and only a single gear position contact group is a faulty contact group. In this case, the nearest non-faulty contact group on each side of the faulty contact group may be a non-gear position contact group adjacent to the faulty contact group, or it may be a non-gear position contact group or a gear position contact group separated from the faulty contact group by one or more contact groups. If, after detecting that the nearest non-faulty contact group to the faulty gear position contact group on any side is connected, no contact group is detected to be connected within a second preset time period, then the initial gear corresponding to the faulty contact group is determined to be the predicted gear.

[0147] The following explanation uses a partial set of contact groups S3, S6, S9... from all contact groups S1, S2, S3, S4...Sm as gear position contact groups, and an example of a single gear position contact group S3 malfunctioning.

[0148] In one example, the adjacent contact groups (non-gear contact groups) S2 and S4 of a single gear position contact group S3 are not faulty. Furthermore, S1 and S5, which are adjacent to S2 and S4 respectively, are also not faulty. Similar to the scheme where all contact groups are gear position contact groups, regardless of whether rotation starts from S2 or S4, if no next contact group is detected to be connected within a preset time period, it can be considered that the user intends to select the gear and function of S3, and the corresponding function can be executed. In another example, the adjacent contact groups S2 and S4 of a single gear position contact group S3 are faulty, while S1 and S5 are not faulty. In this case, prediction can be made based on S1 and S5. If the user starts rotation from S1 or S5, and no next contact group is detected to be connected within a preset time period, it can be considered that the user intends to select the gear and function of S3, and the corresponding function can be executed.

[0149] Since only a single gear position contact group is faulty, while the other gear position contact groups function normally, each gear position contact group can maintain its correspondence with the initial gear position in this case. For example, if the initial gear position of S3 is set to the rice cooking gear, the predicted gear position will still be the rice cooking gear.

[0150] Through the above embodiments, even when a single gear position contact group malfunctions, it is still possible to predict the user's gear selection corresponding to that contact group relatively accurately and actively execute the function corresponding to that contact group to compensate for the functional loss caused by the malfunction. This solution provides a better user experience.

[0151] For example, among multiple contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are at least two gear position faulty contact groups, and at least two non-faulty contact groups exist between any two adjacent gear position faulty contact groups. When at least one non-faulty contact group within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups is detected to be connected, determining the predicted gear corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group includes: if no contact group is detected to be connected within a third preset time period after the non-faulty contact group closest to the specific gear position faulty contact group is detected to be connected on either side, then the initial gear corresponding to the specific gear position faulty contact group is determined as the predicted gear.

[0152] The third preset time period can be set to any suitable value as needed, and the present invention does not limit this.

[0153] It should be noted that any two adjacent gear position fault contact groups refer to two gear position fault contact groups that are adjacent to each other in at least two gear position fault contact groups (not requiring them to be adjacent to each other in all contact groups of the knob). The phrase "at least two non-faulty contact groups" refers to at least two non-faulty contact groups in all contact groups of the knob, and each non-faulty contact group can be a gear position contact group or a non-gear position contact group.

[0154] The following explanation uses the failure of two non-contiguous contact groups S3 and S6 as an example. For a single contact group S3, the prediction method can still be used as described above for a single contact group failure. For example, if the user starts rotating the component from S2 or S4 and then stops at S3, the system will not detect any other contact group activation within a third preset time period after detecting S2 or S4 being activated. At this point, it can be determined that the user wants to select the gear and function corresponding to S3. Therefore, the initial gear corresponding to S3 can be used as the predicted gear. For example, if the initial gear is the rice cooking gear, the predicted gear can be determined to be the rice cooking gear, and the corresponding function is the rice cooking function. The detection of S6 is similar and will not be repeated.

[0155] Through the above embodiments, even when multiple gear position contact groups malfunction, it is still possible to predict the user's selection of the gear corresponding to the contact group relatively accurately and actively execute the function corresponding to the contact group to make up for the functional loss caused by the malfunction. This solution provides a better user experience.

[0156] According to an embodiment of the present invention, among a plurality of contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, and at least two gear position contact groups are at least two gear position faulty contact groups. There are fewer than two non-faulty contact groups between any two adjacent gear position faulty contact groups. When at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be connected within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, determining the predicted gear corresponding to one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, based at least on the position of at least one non-faulty contact group, includes: if a first non-faulty contact group and a second non-faulty contact group are detected to be connected sequentially, then determining the next gear sequentially following the current gear as the predicted gear according to the rotation direction indicated by the first and second non-faulty contact groups; wherein at least two gear position faulty contact groups are located between the first and second non-faulty contact groups. It should be noted that one or more non-gear position contact groups are allowed to be included between the first and second non-faulty contact groups.

[0157] There are fewer than two non-faulty contact groups between any two adjacent gear fault contact groups. This can include the case where the number of non-faulty contact groups between any two adjacent gear fault contact groups is zero. That is, any two adjacent gear fault contact groups can also be adjacent on all contact groups of the knob.

[0158] In one embodiment, all contact groups on the knob are gear position contact groups, and at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, with fewer than two non-faulty contact groups between any two adjacent faulty contact groups. This can be further divided into two cases: one where at least two faulty contact groups are consecutive; and another where at least two faulty contact groups are not consecutive, but only a single non-faulty contact group exists between any two faulty contact groups.

[0159] The following explanation will be based on the example that all contact groups S1, S2, S3, S4...Sm are gear position contact groups.

[0160] If two consecutive contact groups S3 and S4 are damaged, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the corresponding function of S3 or S4 was selected based on the adjacent contact groups S2 and S5. In this case, an alternative prediction method can be used, which determines the rotation direction by comparing the relative positions of SX and SN, and selects the next gear as the predicted gear based on the rotation direction.

[0161] For example, suppose the user first rotates the rotating part to S2. At this point, S2 corresponds to its initial setting (e.g., the porridge setting), and the system executes the corresponding function. Subsequently, the user rotates the part to S3 or S4, and the system can no longer detect the contact group being connected. Then, the user continues to rotate the part to S5, where the initial setting is originally the reheat setting. However, based on the order of S2 and S5, the system can determine that the user is currently rotating clockwise. Therefore, according to the clockwise order, the initial setting corresponding to S3, such as the rice cooking setting, is located after the porridge setting (S2). Thus, the rice cooking setting, rather than the reheat setting, can be used as the predicted setting. Ultimately, although the user has now rotated the part to S5, the rice cooking function corresponding to S3 is executed. Similarly, when the user rotates the part to S6, the function corresponding to S4 is executed. It is understandable that, since the actual gear position and function corresponding to the gear position contact group are adjusted according to the rotation direction, it is difficult for each gear position contact group to maintain the correspondence with its initial gear position.

[0162] There is another scenario. For example, if contact group S3 is normal, but contact groups S2 and S4 are simultaneously damaged, it is impossible to determine whether the function corresponding to S2 or S4 is selected based on the on / off state of S3. In this case, the method described above for determining the rotation direction can also be used to predict the gear or function selected by the user.

[0163] In another embodiment, only a portion of all contact groups on the knob are gear position contact groups, and at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, and there are fewer than two non-faulty contact groups between any two adjacent faulty gear position contact groups.

[0164] Although there are non-gear contact groups between the two gear contact groups in this embodiment, the processing method for predicting gear and function is similar to that in the previous embodiment.

[0165] The following explanation uses some contact groups S3, S6, S9... in all contact groups S1, S2, S3, S4...Sm as gear position contact groups, and multiple gear position contact groups S3 and S6 malfunction as examples.

[0166] Suppose that in the two non-gear contact groups S4 and S5 between S3 and S6, S4 is also a faulty contact group, while S5 is a non-faulty contact group. In this case, it is no longer possible to accurately determine whether the rotating part has turned to S3 or S6 based on S4 and S5. However, if the user rotates the rotating part to S5 and then further rotates it to S7, it can be determined that the user is rotating clockwise. At this point, the predicted gear can be determined based on the direction of rotation.

[0167] When contact points are heavily worn, it may be difficult to accurately predict the position of the rotating component. In this case, the function selection method can be changed to advance or retreat according to the direction of rotation, rather than selecting the initial function corresponding to the actual position reached by the rotating component. This solution can still ensure good user operation even when many contact points are damaged.

[0168] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include: outputting a first prompt message when it is impossible to determine whether there is a faulty contact group, wherein the first prompt message is used to prompt the user to continue rotating the rotating component.

[0169] If the current information is insufficient, such as detecting only a single contact group being connected, making it impossible for the system to determine whether a faulty contact group exists, a first prompt message can be output via an output device. The output device can be any suitable device with output functionality, including but not limited to speakers, displays, and lights. The first prompt message can be expressed in one or more forms, such as text, voice, images, video, or light signals.

[0170] The above methods can remind users to continue rotating the knob in real time, so that the system can obtain more contact group connection information, thereby making it easier for the system to detect faulty contact groups.

[0171] According to an embodiment of the present invention, method 300 may further include: outputting a second prompt message at a second preset start time, the second prompt message being used to prompt the user to rotate the rotating component at least one revolution; if only two contact groups are detected to be connected within a fourth preset time period after the second preset start time, then outputting a third prompt message, the third prompt message being used to prompt the user to continue rotating the rotating component in the forward direction or to rotate the rotating component in the reverse direction at least one revolution; if no new contact group is detected to be connected within a fifth preset time period after the third prompt message is output, then outputting a first alarm message; if only one contact group is detected to be connected or no contact group is detected to be connected within the fourth preset time period after the preset start time, then outputting a second alarm message.

[0172] Similar to the first preset start time, the second preset start time can be the time when the user starts rotating the knob, the time when the user turns on a household appliance containing a knob, or other suitable times. The setting method for the second preset start time can be understood by referring to the description of the first preset start time above; it will not be repeated here. The first and second preset start times can be the same or different.

[0173] The fourth and fifth preset time periods can be set to any suitable value as needed, and this invention does not limit this. Any two of the aforementioned first, second, third, fourth, and fifth preset time periods can be the same or different from each other.

[0174] Theoretically, as long as at least three contact groups (e.g., S1, S2, S3) are still operational, it's possible to roughly determine which contact groups are faulty. When excessive contact wear reduces the number of non-faulty contact groups to a maximum of two, it becomes difficult to determine the current rotation direction or potential position of the rotating component based on these non-faulty contact groups, making it impossible to predict the user's desired function. In this case, an error message can be displayed to alert the user to request prompt repair.

[0175] Therefore, at the second preset start time, a second prompt message can be output to remind the user to rotate the rotating component at least one revolution. Then, a timer can be started to determine whether more than two contact groups can be detected within the subsequent fourth preset time period. At this point, different situations can be handled. For example, if only one contact group is detected or no contact group is detected within the fourth preset time period, this is likely due to a contact group malfunction, so a second alarm message can be output directly. However, if two contact groups are detected within the fourth preset time period, besides too many contact group malfunctions, it could also be due to user error during the rotation of the rotating component. For example, the user might suddenly rotate in the opposite direction after passing two non-faulty contact groups, resulting in a third non-faulty contact group not being detected. Therefore, in this case, the user can be given a chance to correct their mistake, such as being further prompted to continue rotating in the forward or reverse direction. Forward rotation refers to rotating along the original direction of rotation, which can be clockwise or counterclockwise. Reverse rotation refers to rotating against the original direction of rotation. If the third contact group is still not detected to be connected after the fifth preset time period, the first alarm message can be output to trigger an alarm.

[0176] In the above embodiments, if only two contact groups are detected to be connected when the user rotates the rotating component at least one full turn, it can be considered that there is a possibility of user error. In this case, a prompt message can be issued, giving the user another chance to operate. Conversely, if the user rotates the component more than one full turn, an error message can be issued directly to remind the user to have it repaired as soon as possible.

[0177] According to an embodiment of the present invention, after determining the location of the faulty contact group based on the detection information of the contact group connection event, the method 300 may further include: recording the faulty contact group if a faulty contact group exists; calculating the difference between the number of currently recorded faulty contact groups and the number of multiple contact groups; and outputting third alarm information if the difference is less than a preset threshold.

[0178] In this embodiment, each time a faulty contact group is identified, the current status of the faulty contact group can be recorded, and its number can be compared with the total number of contact groups. If the difference between the two is too small, it indicates that the contacts are worn too much. At this time, an error can be reported in time to remind the user to repair it as soon as possible.

[0179] Optionally, similar to the first notification message, any one of the aforementioned second notification message, third notification message, first alarm message, second alarm message, and third alarm message can be output via an output device. The output device can be any suitable device with output functionality, including but not limited to speakers, displays, and lights. Any one of the second notification message, third notification message, first alarm message, second alarm message, and third alarm message can be expressed in one or more forms, such as text, voice, images, video, or light signals.

[0180] For example, the preset threshold value range can be [3, 5].

[0181] Setting the threshold difference between the number of faulty contact groups and the total number of contact groups within an appropriate range can effectively identify fault points and promptly alert users without causing frequent alarms that could negatively impact user experience.

[0182] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for detecting faults in conductive contacts is provided. Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a system 700 for detecting conductive contact faults according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 700 for detecting conductive contact faults includes a memory 710 and a processor 720. The memory 710 stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by the processor 720, are used to perform the method 300 described above for detecting conductive contact faults.

[0183] For example, the system 700 for detecting conductive contact failures may be the first processing device described above.

[0184] The system for detecting conductive contact faults according to embodiments of the present invention can determine whether a faulty contact group exists based on the positions of the contact groups corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events. This system allows for timely and effective detection of faults in the conductive contacts of a knob.

[0185] According to another aspect of the present invention, a knob is provided, including a base, a rotating component, and the aforementioned system 700 for detecting conductive contact failure.

[0186] The base has multiple contact groups arranged around the rotation axis, each contact group including two or more corresponding conductive contacts.

[0187] The rotating component is capable of rotating about a rotation axis. The rotating component includes a conductive component that extends along the direction of the rotation axis. When the conductive component rotates to the conductive position corresponding to any contact group, it contacts at least two conductive contacts of that contact group, thereby connecting the contact group.

[0188] The above has already combined Figure 1-2The structure and working principle of the knob according to an embodiment of the present invention have been described, and will not be repeated here.

[0189] Compared with existing encoder-based or band switch-based knobs, the above-mentioned knob based on conductive contacts can select different gears (or functions) by connecting the contact group, and the required hardware cost is lower.

[0190] For example, the system for detecting conductive contact failures is implemented using a control chip, and the knob also includes a printed circuit board. The control chip and multiple contact groups are integrated on the printed circuit board, which is mounted on a base.

[0191] By way of example, and not limitation, a printed circuit board, i.e., a PCB, can be mounted on the base of the knob. Multiple contact groups can be arranged on the PCB of the knob. The system for detecting conductive contact failures can be implemented using a control chip, which can be, for example, an MCU. The MCU and the multiple contact groups can be integrated on the PCB of the base. This approach facilitates increased integration of circuit components and reduces the space occupied by the hardware.

[0192] For example, the knob also includes a detection module connected to multiple contact groups. The detection module includes a first pin and a second pin corresponding to any specific contact group. The first pin and the second pin are respectively connected to two conductive contacts of the specific contact group. The detection module is used to output a first preset voltage via the first pin, detect a second voltage on the second pin, and determine whether the specific contact group is connected by comparing the voltage values ​​of the first preset voltage and the second voltage.

[0193] The above has already combined Figure 4 The structure and working principle of the detection module have been described, and will not be repeated here.

[0194] The detection module can easily and conveniently detect whether the connected conductive contacts are connected, and this solution is low in cost.

[0195] For example, the multiple contact groups include multiple gear position contact groups, each of which corresponds one-to-one with a multiple initial gear position, and the number of multiple contact groups is greater than the number of multiple gear position contact groups.

[0196] The implementation of an embodiment where the number of multiple contact groups is greater than the number of multiple gear contact groups has already been described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] As mentioned above, by setting up non-gear contact groups, it is helpful to better locate the faulty contact group when some gear contact groups fail.

[0198] According to another aspect of the present invention, a household appliance is provided, including a control panel and the aforementioned knob, wherein the control panel has a display area for displaying the gear currently indicated by the knob.

[0199] The gear position displayed in the display area can be either the initial gear position or the predicted gear position, corresponding to the position reached by the rotating part on the knob. The display area can be implemented using any component with display function, including but not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a light-emitting diode (LED) screen, etc. In addition to displaying the gear position currently indicated by the knob, the display area can also optionally display one or more of the first prompt information, second prompt information, third prompt information, first alarm information, second alarm information, and third alarm information mentioned above.

[0200] Household appliances include the aforementioned knobs, therefore the required hardware costs are low, and faults in the conductive contacts of the knobs can be detected promptly and effectively.

[0201] By way of example, and not limitation, the base of the knob is secured to the control panel by a fastener. The fastener can be implemented using any component with a fixing function, including but not limited to screws.

[0202] According to another aspect of the present invention, a storage medium is provided on which program instructions are stored, which, when executed by a computer or processor, are used to perform corresponding steps of the method 300 for detecting conductive contact faults according to an embodiment of the present invention. The storage medium may, for example, include a memory card of a smartphone, a storage component of a tablet computer, a hard disk of a personal computer, a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB memory, or any combination of the above storage media.

[0203] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0204] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline the invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various aspects of the invention, features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, this approach should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the corresponding claims, its inventive point lies in solving the corresponding technical problem with fewer features than all of those in a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of the invention.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that, apart from the mutual exclusion of features, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed can be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0206] The various component embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, or as software modules running on one or more processors, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that processing modules or digital signal processors (DSPs) can be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some modules in a system for detecting conductive contact faults according to embodiments of the present invention. The present invention can also be implemented as an apparatus program (e.g., a computer program and computer program product) for performing part or all of the methods described herein. Such programs implementing the present invention can be stored on a computer-readable medium or can take the form of one or more signals. Such signals can be downloaded from an Internet website, provided on a carrier signal, or provided in any other form.

[0207] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0208] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention or an explanation of that embodiment. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting faults in conductive contacts, comprising: Determine whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected, wherein the knob includes a rotating component and a base, the rotating component is rotatable about a rotation axis, the base has multiple contact groups arranged around the rotation axis, each contact group includes two or more corresponding conductive contacts, the rotating component is used to sequentially connect different contact groups in the multiple contact groups during rotation, the multiple contact groups include multiple gear contact groups, the multiple gear contact groups correspond one-to-one with multiple initial gears; Based on the detection information of contact group connection events, it is determined whether there is a faulty contact group. The contact group connection event is an event in which at least two conductive contacts in any contact group are connected to each other, and the faulty contact group is a contact group that has experienced a fault. In the presence of a faulty contact group, the location of the faulty contact group is determined based on the location of the contact group corresponding to at least two adjacent contact group energizing events; When at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be connected within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, a predicted gear corresponding to the one or more consecutive faulty contact groups is determined, based at least on the position of the at least one non-faulty contact group.

2. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The detection information includes the number of times the contact group energizing event occurs. Determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group energizing events includes: If no contact group energizing event is detected within the first preset time period after the first preset start time, it is determined that there is a faulty contact group.

3. The method as described in claim 1, wherein, The detection information includes the contact group corresponding to the contact group connection event. Determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event includes: If at least two contact group energizing events are detected, determine whether there is a faulty contact group based on the contact groups corresponding to the at least two contact group energizing events.

4. The method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The step of determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected includes: The output signal of the detection module is read at preset time intervals. The detection module is connected to the plurality of contact groups and is used to output a connection signal and a disconnection signal corresponding to the contact group when any contact group is turned on and off, respectively. If the output signal of the detection module includes an on signal corresponding to any one of the plurality of contact groups, it is determined that the contact group is detected to be on. If the output signal of the detection module includes a disconnect signal corresponding to all contact groups in the plurality of contact groups, it is determined that no contact group is detected to be connected.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, After determining whether any group of contacts on the knob is activated, the method further includes: If no contact group is detected to be connected, return to the step of determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected; The determination of whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event includes: If any contact group SX is detected to be connected, the position of the contact group SX is compared with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event, either directly or when the preset conditions are met. If the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are adjacent contact groups in the plurality of contact groups, then it is determined that there is no faulty contact group between the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN. If the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are not adjacent contact groups in the plurality of contact groups, then it is determined that there is a faulty contact group between the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN. Determining the location of the faulty contact group based on the locations of at least two adjacent contact group activation events in the presence of a faulty contact group includes: The contact group located between the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN is identified as the faulty contact group.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, After determining whether any group of contacts on the knob is activated, the method further includes: If no contact group is detected to be connected, the flag data is further set to a first value, wherein the flag data is initially a second value; The step of comparing the position of contact group SX with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event if any contact group SX is detected to be connected includes: If the contact group SX is detected to be connected, then determine whether the flag data is the first value; If the flag data is not the first value, then update the previous contact group SN with the contact group SX; If the flag data is a first value, then the flag data is set to a second value, and the position of the contact group SX is compared with the position of the previous contact group SN, and the previous contact group SN is updated with the contact group SX, wherein the preset condition includes the flag data being a first value.

7. The method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The step of determining whether any contact group on the knob is detected to be connected includes: In response to an on-state indication signal associated with any contact group sent by the interrupt module, it is determined that the contact group has been activated; The interrupt module is connected to the detection module, the detection module is connected to the plurality of contact groups and is used to output a connection signal and a disconnection signal corresponding to the contact group when any contact group is connected and disconnected, respectively. The interrupt module is used to output a connection indication signal related to the contact group when the detection module outputs a connection signal corresponding to any contact group.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The determination of whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event includes: If any contact group SX is detected to be connected, the position of the contact group SX is compared with the position of the previous contact group SN corresponding to the previous contact group connection event. If the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are adjacent contact groups in the plurality of contact groups, then it is determined that there is no faulty contact group between the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN. If the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN are not adjacent contact groups in the plurality of contact groups, then it is determined that there is a faulty contact group between the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN. Determining the location of the faulty contact group based on the locations of at least two adjacent contact group activation events in the presence of a faulty contact group includes: The contact group located between the contact group SX and the previous contact group SN is identified as the faulty contact group.

9. The method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The rotating component is provided with a conductive component. When the conductive component rotates to the conductive position corresponding to any contact group, it contacts at least two conductive contacts of the contact group, thereby connecting the contact group. The method further includes: Perform the function corresponding to the predicted gear level; The one or more consecutive fault contact groups include at least one gear position contact group, and the non-fault contact group is a contact group that has not experienced a fault.

10. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Of the multiple contact groups, only one gear position contact group is a faulty contact group; this gear position contact group is a gear position faulty contact group. When at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be connected within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, determining the predicted gear corresponding to the one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, based at least on the position of the at least one non-faulty contact group, includes: If, after detecting that the non-faulty contact group closest to the faulty contact group on either side has been connected, and no contact group has been connected within a second preset time period, then the initial gear corresponding to the faulty contact group is determined to be the predicted gear.

11. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Among the plurality of contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, and there are at least two faulty gear position contact groups between any two adjacent faulty gear position contact groups. When at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be connected within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, determining the predicted gear corresponding to the one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, based at least on the position of the at least one non-faulty contact group, includes: If, after detecting that the non-faulty contact group closest to the gear fault contact group on either side is connected, no contact group is detected to be connected within a third preset time period, then the initial gear corresponding to the gear fault contact group is determined to be the predicted gear.

12. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Among the plurality of contact groups, at least two gear position contact groups are faulty contact groups, and these at least two gear position contact groups are at least two faulty gear position contact groups. There are fewer than two non-faulty contact groups between any two adjacent faulty gear position contact groups. When at least one non-faulty contact group is detected to be connected within a predetermined range near one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, determining the predicted gear corresponding to the one or more consecutive faulty contact groups, based at least on the position of the at least one non-faulty contact group, includes: If the first non-faulty contact group and the second non-faulty contact group are detected to be connected in sequence, the next gear position after the current gear position is determined according to the rotation direction indicated by the first non-faulty contact group and the second non-faulty contact group as the predicted gear position. The at least two gear fault contact groups are located between the first non-fault contact group and the second non-fault contact group.

13. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further includes: If it cannot be determined whether there is a faulty contact group, a first prompt message is output, wherein the first prompt message is used to prompt the user to continue rotating the rotating component.

14. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The method further includes: At a second preset start time, a second prompt message is output, which prompts the user to rotate the rotating component at least one revolution. If only two contact groups are detected to be connected within a fourth preset time period after the second preset start time, a third prompt message is output. The third prompt message is used to prompt the user to continue rotating the rotating component in the forward direction or to rotate the rotating component in the reverse direction at least one revolution. If no new contact group is detected to be connected within a fifth preset time period after the third prompt message is output, the first alarm message is output. If only one contact group is detected to be connected or no contact group is detected to be connected within the fourth preset time period after the preset start time, a second alarm message is output.

15. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, After determining whether a faulty contact group exists based on the detection information of the contact group connection event, the method further includes: If a faulty contact group exists, record the faulty contact group; Calculate the difference between the number of currently recorded faulty contact groups and the total number of contact groups; If the difference is less than a preset threshold, a third alarm message is output.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The preset threshold value range is [3, 5].

17. A system for detecting faults in conductive contacts, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein, The memory stores computer program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, are used to perform the method for detecting conductive contact faults as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A knob comprising a base, a rotating component, and a system for detecting a faulty conductive contact as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The base has multiple contact groups arranged around the rotation axis. Each contact group includes two or more corresponding conductive contacts. The multiple contact groups include multiple gear contact groups, and the multiple gear contact groups correspond one-to-one with multiple initial gears. The rotating component is rotatable about the rotating axis. The rotating component includes a conductive component that extends along the direction of the rotating axis. When the conductive component rotates to the conductive position corresponding to any contact group, it contacts at least two conductive contacts of that contact group, thereby connecting the contact group.

19. The knob as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The system for detecting conductive contact faults is implemented using a control chip. The knob also includes a printed circuit board, on which the control chip and the plurality of contact groups are integrated, and the printed circuit board is disposed on the base.

20. The knob as claimed in claim 18, wherein, The knob also includes a detection module, which is connected to the plurality of contact groups. The detection module includes a first pin and a second pin corresponding to any contact group, wherein the first pin and the second pin are respectively connected to two conductive contacts of the corresponding contact group. The detection module is used to output a first preset voltage via the first pin, detect a second voltage on the second pin, and determine whether the corresponding contact group is connected by comparing the voltage values ​​of the first preset voltage and the second voltage.

21. The knob as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, The plurality of contact groups include a plurality of gear position contact groups, each of which corresponds one-to-one with a plurality of initial gear positions, and the number of the plurality of contact groups is greater than the number of the plurality of gear position contact groups.

22. A household appliance, comprising a control panel and a knob as described in any one of claims 18 to 21. The control panel has a display area for displaying the gear currently indicated by the knob.

23. A storage medium storing program instructions that, when executed, perform a method for detecting a faulty conductive contact as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

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