Knob assembly and control method thereof, vehicle-mounted device or electronic equipment and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a knob assembly. The knob assembly comprises a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit, the detection unit is electrically connected with the control unit; the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque for the knob; wherein the detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of a rotation position, displacement, angle or radian related to rotation of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit; the control unit is provided with at least one torque combination, determines a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and configures the torque combination for the single rotation operation. According to the invention, by simulating the gear number and force feedback of the mechanical knob, dynamic force feedback is carried out by providing an adjustable torque combination according to the knob adjusted by a user, so that the use experience (such as the experience in the aspects of comfort, personalization and the like) of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of switches, and more particularly, to a knob assembly, a control method of the knob assembly, an in-vehicle device, an electronic device or an appliance, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A knob switch is a switch component that can be rotated to adjust a functional object. Various rotary switches are widely used in many fields due to their multi-detent and convenient operation characteristics, such as household appliances or appliances, electronic devices, communication devices, vehicles (e.g., motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles) or other means of transportation.

[0003] The number of detents of a traditional mechanical knob is fixed, generally only supporting single-function adjustment, or multiple functions using the same number of detents for adjustment. In addition, such mechanical knobs usually provide a single force feedback, making it difficult to provide different feel for the same or different users, and unable to meet the personalized usage needs of customers or consumers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, the present invention provides a knob assembly, a control method of the knob assembly, an in-vehicle device, an electronic device or an appliance, and a vehicle. By simulating the number of detents and force feedback of a mechanical knob, the present invention provides an adjustable torque combination according to the user's adjustment of the knob for dynamic force feedback, thereby improving the user experience (e.g., experience in terms of comfort, personalization, etc.).

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a knob assembly, the knob assembly comprising: a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit, and a control unit; the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein, the detection unit detects a rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data related to the rotation of the knob, such as rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit, the control unit is provided with at least one torque combination, and the control unit determines a single rotation operation based on the characterization data and configures the torque combination for the single rotation operation.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a knob assembly, the knob assembly including a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit and a control unit; the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein, the method includes: the detection unit detects a rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data related to the rotation of the knob, such as rotation position, displacement, angle or radian, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit; the control unit is provided with a torque combination, determines a start end and an end end of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and configures the torque combination based on the start end and / or the end end.

[0007] The knob assembly according to the first aspect or the control method of the knob assembly according to the second aspect described above may individually or in combination include any of the following preferred features.

[0008] In some examples, the control unit further determines the completion of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and after the completion of a single rotation operation, resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

[0009] In some examples, a first time threshold is provided, and after a single rotation operation stops and after the first time threshold has elapsed, the control unit resets the torque combination configuration or configures the torque to the initial torque.

[0010] In some examples, the control unit resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque before the start end or after the end end.

[0011] In some examples, a first time threshold is provided, the control unit identifies the end end, and after the first time threshold has elapsed at the moment corresponding to the end end, resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

[0012] In some examples, the control unit further obtains or stores function object information corresponding to the knob; and the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation includes: the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the function object information.

[0013] In some examples, the function object information is associated with a function object, and the function object has the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

[0014] In some examples, the control unit identifies one or more gears experienced by a single rotation operation based on the characterization data; and the control unit configuring the torque combination for the single rotation operation includes: for each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for each gear.

[0015] In some examples, when the control unit identifies that the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian of a single rotation operation exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, the control unit configures a first preset torque for the part of the single rotation operation where the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination.

[0016] In some examples, the first preset torque is consistent with the terminal torque of the torque combination, or the feel provided by the first preset torque is consistent with the feel provided by the terminal torque of the torque combination.

[0017] In some examples, determining the reference torque for each gear includes: determining the reference torque for each gear based on the gear-torque mapping relationship.

[0018] In some examples, each gear is divided according to a level, and the gear-torque mapping relationship is determined according to the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

[0019] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: obtaining a correspondence table between function objects and the gear-torque mapping relationship, and determining the gear-torque mapping relationship based on the function object corresponding to the function object information.

[0020] In some examples, generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear includes: obtaining a torque change curve for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear, where the torque change curve at least includes a positive output torque phase and a negative output torque phase; and generating control information for each gear based on the torque change curve.

[0021] In some examples, the reference torque is the peak torque for each gear.

[0022] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: determining whether a single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; and after the single rotation operation is completed, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque or an initial torque or a second preset torque to the knob, where the second preset torque has a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque is the starting torque of the torque combination.

[0023] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: determining an initial gear position of a single rotation operation and one or more gear positions experienced, and determining an end gear position of the single rotation adjustment operation based on the initial gear position and the one or more gear positions experienced, where the end gear position is restricted within an allowable gear range.

[0024] In some examples, determining the initial gear position of the single rotation adjustment operation includes: if the single rotation operation of the knob is a first operation, determining the initial gear position as a third preset gear position, or if the single rotation operation of the knob is not a first operation, determining the initial gear position as the historical end gear position of the previous historical operation of the single rotation operation.

[0025] In some examples, the control unit further performs the following operations: if the end gear position is an extreme gear position of the gear range, determining an extreme torque for the extreme gear position; generating control information for the extreme gear position based on the extreme torque; and controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for the extreme gear position.

[0026] In some examples, the function object corresponding to the function object information is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, where the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

[0027] In some examples, the knob can rotate together with the torque output unit; and the rotation axis of the knob is aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, or the rotation axis of the knob is not aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, and the knob and the torque output unit are connected by a transmission means.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle-mounted device or an electronic device or an appliance having the knob assembly according to the foregoing first aspect.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions stored thereon, where when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the processor is caused to execute the control method of the knob assembly according to the foregoing second aspect.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including the knob assembly described in the foregoing first aspect or the in-vehicle device or electronic device or appliance described in the foregoing third aspect.

[0031] Compared with the existing traditional mechanical knob, the beneficial effect of the present invention is to provide dynamic control for the tactile feedback of the knob by using an adjustable torque combination for dynamic feedback for the adjustment knob, so as to meet the personalized usage needs of customers or consumers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following preferred embodiments described in detail in conjunction with the drawings, in which the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0033] Figure 1 The block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 The exemplary multiple rotation operation processes according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0035] Figure 3 The exemplary single rotation operation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 The control method for the rotation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 Another control method for the rotation assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 6 An exemplary torque control process according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 7 Another exemplary torque control process according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 8 The torque change curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 9 The exemplary reference torque-gear mapping curve according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 10 The exemplary reference torque-level mapping curve according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 11 The exemplary limit torque according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 12 The structure of an exemplary knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 13 shown is of an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 each component of the knob assembly.

[0046] Figure 14 An exemplary vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance having a knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] As described below, some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a knob assembly, a control method of the knob assembly, a vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance, a computer-readable storage medium, and a vehicle. More specifically, to solve the above problems.

[0048] Referring to Figure 1 , a block diagram of an exemplary knob assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The knob assembly 100 includes a knob 110, a torque output unit 120, a detection unit 130, and a control unit 140. The knob 110 can be rotatable in one direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise), or rotatable in two directions, and there is no limitation thereto. The detection unit 130 can detect the rotation operation of the knob 110 to obtain characterization data related to the rotation of the knob 110, such as rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian. For example, the detection unit 130 can directly detect the rotation operation of the knob 110, or can indirectly detect the rotation operation of the knob 110 by detecting the rotation operation of the torque output unit 120 that can rotate together with the knob 110. For example, the detection unit 130 can be an encoder, a sensor (e.g., an infrared or photoelectric sensor, etc.), or other detection components well known in the art that can be used to detect the rotation state (e.g., a camera, etc.), and output characterization data regarding the rotation state (e.g., rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, etc.). The detection unit 130 is electrically connected to the control unit 140 to transmit the characterization data to the control unit 140. The control unit 140 can control the torque output unit 120 to dynamically provide torque to the knob 110 based on the characterization data.

[0049] Figure 2 An exemplary process of multiple rotation operations according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As Figure 2As shown, the knob 110 is manipulated as follows: during time t0 to t1, it rotates clockwise; during time t1 to t2, the rotation stops; during time t2 to t3, it rotates clockwise; during time t3 to t4, the rotation stops; during time t4 to t5, it rotates counterclockwise. For example, when the rotation stop time is less than the stop time threshold, it can be considered that adjacent rotation processes belong to the same rotation operation; when the rotation stop time is greater than the stop time threshold, it can be considered that adjacent rotation processes belong to different rotation operations.

[0050] Figure 3 An exemplary single rotation operation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As Figure 3 shown, a single rotation of the knob can be represented as a process of changing from a starting end rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, etc. to a terminating end (or ending end) rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, etc. (for example, the illustrated angle θ). The detection unit 130 can obtain characterization data by detecting the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian at different times. For example, the preferred change of the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian can be set according to the distance between the knob in the rotation plane and the human-computer interaction. Taking the angle as an example, the preferred setting range of the angle θ can be [30°, 120°]. For example, when a single rotation operation exceeds 120°, the rotation operation will be considered to have rotated 120°, rather than an angle exceeding 120°, to avoid misoperation or excessive rotation of a single rotation. Or the torque of 120° can be maintained, but the control recognition still remains consistent with the actual rotation operation. Similarly, a selected range can be set for the preferred change of the rotation position, displacement, or radian.

[0051] The following combines Figures 4 - 11 to describe in detail the process of providing adjustable torque for dynamic force feedback based on a single rotation operation.

[0052] Figure 4 A control method 200 for a rotating component according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method 200 can be executed by Figure 1 the rotating component 100 of Figure 12 the rotating component 400 of Figure 14 the vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance 500 of

[0053] In step 210, the detection unit detects a single rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data related to the rotation of the knob, such as rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit.

[0054] In step 220, the control unit is provided with at least one torque combination, and the control unit determines a single rotation operation based on the characterization data and configures a torque combination for the single rotation operation. For example, the configured torque combination is one of the at least one torque combination. For example, the configured torque combination includes at least two different torques.

[0055] In some examples, the knob 110 can be rotated together with the torque data unit 120. For example, when the rotation axes of the knob 110 and the torque data unit 120 are aligned, they have the same rotation state, and when the rotation axes of the knob 110 and the torque data unit 120 are not aligned, they are connected by a transmission means and may have the same or different rotation ratios, and the rotation state of the knob 110 can be determined based on the rotation state of the torque data unit 120 by the ratio (e.g., characterization data).

[0056] In some examples, the control unit can also determine the completion of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and after the completion of the single rotation operation, reset the torque configuration to the torque combination or configure the torque to the initial torque. For example, after the completion of the single rotation operation, the knob torque feedback can be immediately set to the torque combination, or set to the initial torque to prompt the user that the rotation is complete.

[0057] In some examples, the control unit can reset the torque combination configuration or configure the torque to the initial torque after the single rotation operation stops and after a first time threshold has elapsed. For example, the control unit can delay for a period of time after the completion of the single rotation operation to set the knob torque feedback to the torque combination, or set to the initial torque to prompt the user that the rotation is complete.

[0058] In some examples, the control unit can also obtain or store the function object information corresponding to the knob, and step 220 can include configuring a torque combination for the single rotation operation based on the function object information. For example, different function object information can correspond to different torque combinations, so that different dynamic torque feedback can be provided for different function objects.

[0059] In some examples, the function object information is associated with the function object, and the function object has the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

[0060] In some examples, the control unit can also identify one or more gears experienced by the single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and step 220 can include: for each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear; controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for each gear.

[0061] Taking the angle as an example, assuming that the total number of knob positions (rotation of 360°) is 30, the number of positions experienced in a single rotation operation can be determined based on the angular velocity, linear velocity, angle change, and position change. For example, when a single rotation is 60°, it can be determined that 5 positions are experienced.

[0062] Go to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 shows an exemplary torque control process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows another exemplary torque control process according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the torque change of the knob may include the torque change during a single rotation operation (e.g., the first rotation operation and the second rotation operation shown in the figure).

[0063] In the first rotation operation or the second rotation operation, as the number of positions rotated increases, the reference torque for the position may change according to a predetermined trend (e.g., increase, decrease, or change in other predetermined trends), thereby configuring a torque combination for the rotation operation. As described above, when the rotation interval is greater than the stop time threshold, the first rotation operation and the second rotation operation are considered different rotation operations, so that the starting point of each rotation adjustment is the mapping zero position of torque and rotation, realizing torque feedback with relative gradient change.

[0064] In addition, although in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the same functional object has different torque combinations for different rotation directions, but in other examples, the same functional object may have the same torque combination for different rotation directions.

[0065] Go to Figure 8 , which shows the torque change curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of generating control information for the position based on the reference torque may include: obtaining the torque change curve for the position based on the reference torque, where the torque change curve at least includes a positive output torque stage and a negative output torque stage; and generating control information for the position based on the torque change curve. By having a torque change curve including a positive output torque stage and a negative output torque stage, it is possible to provide a forward force feedback and a resistance feedback to the user operating the knob, so as to easily sense the change of the position. For example, the reference torque may be Figure 8 the peak torque of the torque change curve for the position.

[0066] Figure 9 shows an exemplary reference torque - position mapping curve according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 9As shown, in some examples, the reference torque can vary according to the gear. For example, for different gear ranges, different reference torques can be provided to give the user a feel at different gears. For example, the initial torque at the start of the torque combination and the final torque at the end can be different, or at least one of the initial torque and the final torque can be different from the torque in the middle section (between the start and end sections).

[0067] In some examples, determining the reference torque for each gear may include: determining the reference torque for each gear based on the gear-torque mapping relationship.

[0068] In some examples, the various gears can be divided according to levels, and the gear-torque mapping relationship can be determined based on the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

[0069] Reference Figure 10 , an exemplary reference torque-level mapping curve according to an embodiment of the invention. For example, based on the number of gears N, the relative adjustable range of torque can be divided into M levels, where M can be less than N. For example, overly fine gear divisions that cause discomfort to the user can be avoided. For example, it can be set that M = k * N, k ∈ (0, 1]. Or, other non-linear mappings or piecewise mappings can be used. As Figure 10 shown, for the set M levels and the knob torque range, there is a relationship mapping of feedback torque with a gradually increasing gradient. It should be understood that whether it is Figure 9 the reference torque-gear mapping curve or Figure 10 the reference torque-level mapping curve, a relationship mapping of feedback torque with a gradually decreasing gradient or changing according to a predetermined trend can also be set, which is not limited herein.

[0070] For example, the control unit can obtain a correspondence table of function objects and the gear-torque mapping relationship, and determine the gear-torque mapping relationship based on the function object corresponding to the function object information. For example, different function objects can have different gear-torque mapping relationships.

[0071] For example, function object information is associated with the function object, and the function object is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, and the plurality of adjustable parameters can be associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components. For example, the knob can be used to adjust multiple function objects of the same component or multiple different function objects of multiple different components. For example, function object information can be obtained by acquiring the user's selection of the function object (via user input, such as touch screen input, voice input, button input, etc.).

[0072] Return to Figure 4, in some examples, method 200 may further include the control unit performing the following operations: identifying that the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian of a single rotation operation exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, and the control unit configuring a first preset torque for the part of the single rotation operation where the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination. For example, the rotation operation may be restricted to rotate within a relative maximum rotatable gear range, such as restricted to rotate no more than 10 gears, while the absolute maximum gear may be 100. In this step, by configuring the first preset torque for the part that exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, the user can be prompted that the relative maximum rotatable gear of a single rotation has been reached.

[0073] In some examples, the first preset torque is consistent with the end torque of the torque combination, or the feel provided by the first preset torque is consistent with that of the end torque of the torque combination. In this step, the user can be prompted that the relative maximum rotatable gear of a single rotation has been reached by the first preset torque that is consistent with the end torque or has an approximately consistent feel.

[0074] In some examples, method 200 may further include the control unit performing the following operations: detecting whether a single rotation operation is completed based on characterization data; and after the single rotation operation is completed, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque, or initial torque, or a second preset torque to the knob, where the second preset torque has a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque is the starting segment torque of the torque combination. For example, after the single rotation operation is completed, the user can be prompted that the single rotation operation is completed through tactile feedback by providing other torques different from the end torque (such as zero torque or initial torque), or the user can be prompted that the single rotation operation is completed through tactile feedback by the second preset torque that has a limiting and fixing effect on the knob.

[0075] Method 200 may further include the control unit performing the following operations: determining the initial gear of a single rotation operation and the one or more gears experienced, and based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, determining the end gear of the single rotation operation, where the end gear is restricted within an allowable gear range. This step can prevent the rotation operation from exceeding the actual absolute gear range of the functional object.

[0076] For example, determining the initial gear of a single rotation operation may include: if the single rotation operation of the knob is the first operation, determining the initial gear as the third preset gear, or if the single rotation operation of the knob is not the first operation, determining the initial gear as the historical end gear of the previous historical operation of the single rotation operation.

[0077] Method 200 may further include the control unit performing the following operations: If the end gear is the extreme gear of the gear range, determine the extreme torque for the extreme gear; based on the extreme torque, generate control information for the extreme gear; and output a control signal to the torque output unit according to the control information for the extreme gear.

[0078] Go to Figure 11 , which shows an exemplary extreme torque according to an embodiment of the present invention. The knob 110 has a boundary stop or extreme gear in at least one direction. For the extreme gear, an extreme torque feedback can be provided by an extreme torque different from the reference torque during the torque adjustment process. For example, a larger extreme torque feedback can be provided to limit further rotation by the user.

[0079] Go to Figure 5 , which shows another control method 300 for a rotating assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Method 300 can be performed by Figure 1 the rotating assembly 100 of Figure 12 the rotating assembly 400 of Figure 14 the rotating assembly 510 of an in-vehicle device or electronic device or appliance 500 of

[0080] In step 310, the detection unit detects the rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data related to the rotation of the knob, such as rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit.

[0081] In step 320, the control unit is provided with a torque combination, determines the start end and the end end of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and configures the torque combination based on the start end and / or the end end. For example, the configured torque combination can be one of at least one torque combination. For example, the configured torque combination includes at least two different torques.

[0082] In some examples, the control unit resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque before the start end or after the end end. For example, the knob torque feedback can be set to the torque combination, or set to the initial torque to prompt the user that the rotation is completed or started, after or before a single rotation operation is completed.

[0083] In some examples, a first time threshold is provided. The control unit can identify the end point, and after a first time threshold has elapsed from the moment corresponding to the end point, reset the torque configuration to a torque combination or configure the torque to the initial torque. For example, the control unit can delay for a period of time after a single rotation operation is completed and set the knob torque feedback to a torque combination, or set it to the initial torque to prompt the user that the rotation is completed.

[0084] Similarly, method 300 may further include one or more of the steps in the foregoing method 200, which will not be elaborated herein.

[0085] Figure 12 The structure of an exemplary knob assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The knob assembly 400 can be, for example, Figure 1 the knob assembly 100, and is adapted to execute the control method 200 or 300 of the knob assembly described above.

[0086] Figure 13 The components of the knob assembly 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown, Figure 12 The knob assembly 400 includes a knob 410, a torque output unit 420, a detection unit 430, and a control unit (not shown). The knob 410 includes a rotary contact portion 411 located on the side of the knob 410, a screen assembly or a touch portion 413 located on the top of the knob 410, and a transmission gear 412. The rotary contact portion 411 can be used by an operator to manipulate the knob 410 to rotate, and the screen assembly or the touch portion 413 can be used to display rotation state information or for touch control. The torque output unit 420 includes a motor 421 and a motor output gear 422. The transmission gear 412 of the knob 410 and the motor output gear 422 cooperate (e.g., engage) such that the control unit controls the motor to output torque to be transmitted to the knob 410. The knob 410 and the torque output unit 420 can rotate together, but their rotation axes are not aligned. Since the central hole of the motor is too small, if the motor is directly arranged in alignment with the central axis of the knob, the wiring harness of the knob screen assembly or the touch portion 413 cannot pass through the central hole of the motor. Therefore, by designing a set of transmission gears, both the transmission of the above motor tactile function can be achieved, and there is space for the wiring harness to pass through the internal space of the knob (e.g., via hole 414), while facilitating the use of a smaller-sized motor to avoid excessive space occupation. The detection unit 430 can be, for example, the foregoing encoder or other sensors with similar functions to detect the rotation state of the knob 410 or the torque output unit 420 (especially the motor 421).

[0087] It should be understood that in other examples, the knob assembly according to the present invention can also be applicable to the case where the rotation axis of the knob and the rotation axis of the torque output unit are aligned. In addition, the torque output assembly is not limited to Figure 13The motor therein can also be, for example, a controlled elastic member or other similar functional components well-known in the art.

[0088] Figure 14 An exemplary vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance 500 with a knob assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance 500 may include the aforementioned knob assemblies 100 or 400.

[0089] The present invention further provides a vehicle, which includes the aforementioned knob assemblies 100 or 400 or the aforementioned vehicle-mounted device or electronic device or appliance 500.

[0090] In addition, alternatively, the above method can be implemented by a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable program instruction for executing various embodiments of the present disclosure is uploaded on the computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions used by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium include: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanical encoding device, such as a punched card or raised structures in a groove storing instructions thereon, and any suitable combination of the above. The computer-readable storage medium used herein is not construed as an instantaneous signal itself, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagated through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., optical pulses through an optical fiber cable), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0091] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present disclosure proposes a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the methods in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] It should be noted that the present invention (such as the inventive concept, etc.) has been described in the specification of this patent document and / or illustrated in the figures according to exemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present invention are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The structure and / or arrangement of the elements of the inventive concept embodied in the present invention as described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures are merely illustrative. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this patent document, it is readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present invention; all such subject matter (such as modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that various / other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents, alterations, omissions, etc. can be made in the configuration and / or arrangement of the exemplary embodiments (such as in terms of concepts, designs, structures, devices, forms, assemblies, constructions, means, functions, systems, processes / methods, steps, order of process / method steps, operations, operating conditions, performances, materials, compositions, combinations, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention; all such subject matter (such as modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the subject matter described in the specification and / or figures of this patent document (such as details, structures, functions, materials, behaviors, steps, order, systems, results, etc.). Considering that the claims of this patent document will be properly construed to cover the full scope of the subject matter of the present invention (such as including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.); it should be understood that the terms used in this patent document are for the purpose of describing the subject matter of the exemplary embodiments and not as a limitation on the scope of the present invention.

[0093] It should further be noted that, according to exemplary embodiments, the present invention may include conventional technologies (such as technologies implemented and / or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents), or may include any other applicable technologies (present and / or future) having the ability to perform the functions and processes / operations described in the specification and / or illustrated in the figures. All such technologies (such as technologies implemented in the form of embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention of this patent document.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, comprising: a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit, and a control unit; the detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; wherein, the detection unit detects the rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data related to the rotation of the knob, such as rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit, the control unit is provided with at least one torque combination, the control unit determines a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and the control unit configures the torque combination for the single rotation operation.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the control unit further determines the completion of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and after the completion of a single rotation operation, resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, a first time threshold is provided, and the control unit resets the torque combination configuration or configures the torque to the initial torque after a single rotation operation stops and after the first time threshold has passed.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the control unit further acquires or stores function object information corresponding to the knob; and the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation includes: the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the function object information.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 4, wherein, the function object information is associated with a function object, and the function object has the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

6. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the control unit identifies one or more gears experienced by a single rotation operation based on the characterization data; and the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation includes: for each of the one or more gears: determining a reference torque for each gear; generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear; controlling the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for each gear.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, when the control unit identifies that the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian at which a single rotation operation occurs exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, the control unit configures a first preset torque for the part of the single rotation operation where the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination.

8. For the rotary assembly according to claim 6, the first preset torque is the same as the terminal torque of the torque combination, or the feel provided by the first preset torque is the same as that provided by the terminal torque of the torque combination.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 6, wherein, determining the reference torque for each gear includes: determining the reference torque for each gear based on the gear-torque mapping relationship.

10. The knob assembly according to claim 9, wherein, Each gear is divided according to a level, and the gear-torque mapping relationship is determined based on the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

11. The knob assembly according to claim 9, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: obtain a correspondence table between a function object and a gear-torque mapping relationship, and determine the gear-torque mapping relationship based on the function object corresponding to the function object information.

12. The knob assembly according to claim 6, wherein, generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear includes: obtain a torque change curve for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear, the torque change curve including at least a positive output torque stage and a negative output torque stage; generate control information for each gear based on the torque change curve.

13. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein, the reference torque is the peak torque for each gear.

14. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: determine whether a single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; and after the single rotation operation is completed, control the torque output unit to provide zero torque or an initial torque or a second preset torque to the knob, the second preset torque having a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque being the starting torque of the torque combination.

15. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: determine the initial gear of a single rotation operation and one or more gears experienced, and determine an end gear of a single rotation adjustment operation based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, the end gear being restricted within an allowable gear range.

16. The knob assembly according to claim 15, wherein, determining the initial gear of a single rotation adjustment operation includes: if the single rotation operation of the knob is a first operation, determine the initial gear as a third preset gear, or if the single rotation operation of the knob is not a first operation, determine the initial gear as the historical end gear of the previous historical operation of the single rotation operation.

17. The knob assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: if the end gear is an extreme gear of the gear range, determine an extreme torque for the extreme gear; generate control information for the extreme gear based on the extreme torque; control the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for the extreme gear.

18. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the function object corresponding to the function object information is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, the plurality of adjustable parameters being associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters being associated with different components.

19. The knob assembly according to claim 1, wherein, the knob is capable of rotating together with the torque output unit; and The rotation axis of the knob is aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, or The rotation axis of the knob is not aligned with the rotation axis of the torque output unit, and the knob and the torque output unit are connected by a transmission means.

20. A control method for a knob assembly, The knob assembly includes a knob, a torque output unit, a detection unit, and a control unit, The detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit, and the control unit controls the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob; Wherein, The method includes: The detector detects the rotation operation of the knob to obtain characterization data of the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian of the knob, and transmits the characterization data to the control unit, The control unit is provided with a torque combination, The control unit determines the start end and the end end of a single rotation operation based on the characterization data, and configures the torque combination based on the start end and / or the end end.

21. The control method according to claim 20, Wherein, Before the start end or after the end end, the control unit resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

22. The control method according to claim 20, Wherein, A first time threshold is provided, the control unit identifies the end end, and after the first time threshold has elapsed at the moment corresponding to the end end, the control unit resets the torque configuration to the torque combination or configures the torque to the initial torque.

23. The control method according to claim 20, Wherein, The control unit also acquires or stores function object information corresponding to the knob; and The control unit configuring the torque combination includes: the control unit configuring the torque combination for a single rotation operation based on the function object information.

24. The control method according to claim 23, Wherein, The function object information is associated with a function object, and the function object has the same or different torque combinations for different rotation directions.

25. The control method according to claim 20, Wherein, The control unit identifies one or more gears experienced by a single rotation operation based on the characterization data; And The control unit configuring the torque combination for each single rotation operation includes: For each gear in the one or more gears: Determine the reference torque for each gear; Generate control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear; Control the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for each gear.

26. The control method according to claim 25, Wherein, The control unit identifies that the rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian at which a single rotation operation occurs exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination, and the control unit configures a first preset torque for the part of the single rotation operation that exceeds the gear coverage of the torque combination in terms of rotation position, displacement, angle, or radian.

27. The control method according to claim 25, wherein the first preset torque is consistent with the final torque of the torque combination, or the feel provided by the first preset torque is consistent with the feel provided by the final torque of the torque combination.

28. The control method according to claim 25, wherein, determining the reference torque for each gear includes: determining the reference torque for each gear based on the gear-torque mapping relationship.

29. The control method according to claim 28, wherein, each gear is divided according to levels, and the gear-torque mapping relationship is determined according to the level-torque mapping relationship, and the number of levels is less than or equal to the number of gears.

30. The control method according to claim 28, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: obtaining a correspondence table between function objects and the gear-torque mapping relationship, and determining the gear-torque mapping relationship based on the function object corresponding to the function object information.

31. The control method according to claim 25, wherein, generating control information for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear includes: obtaining a torque change curve for each gear based on the determined reference torque for each gear, the torque change curve at least including a positive output torque stage and a negative output torque stage; generating control information for each gear based on the torque change curve.

32. The control method according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein, the reference torque is the peak torque for each gear.

33. The control method according to claim 20, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: determining whether a single rotation operation is completed based on the characterization data; and after the single rotation operation is completed, controlling the torque output unit to provide zero torque or an initial torque or a second preset torque to the knob, the second preset torque having a limiting and fixing effect on the knob, and the initial torque being the starting torque of the torque combination.

34. The control method according to claim 20, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: determining the initial gear of a single rotation operation and one or more gears experienced, and determining an end gear of a single rotation adjustment operation based on the initial gear and the one or more gears experienced, the end gear being restricted within an allowable gear range.

35. The control method according to claim 34, wherein, determining the initial gear of a single rotation adjustment operation includes: if the single rotation operation of the knob is a first operation, determining the initial gear as a third preset gear, or if the single rotation operation of the knob is not a first operation, determining the initial gear as the historical end gear of the previous historical operation of the single rotation operation.

36. The control method according to claim 34 or 35, wherein, the control unit further performs the following operations: if the end gear is an extreme gear of the gear range, determining an extreme torque for the extreme gear; generating control information for the extreme gear based on the extreme torque; Control the torque output unit to provide torque to the knob according to the control information for the limit gear position.

37. The control method according to claim 20, wherein, the function object corresponding to the function object information is selected from a plurality of adjustable parameters, the plurality of adjustable parameters are associated with the same component, or at least two adjustable parameters are associated with different components.

38. A vehicle-mounted device, electronic device or appliance having the knob assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

39. A computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions stored thereon, the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to execute the control method of the knob assembly according to any one of claims 20 - 37.

40. A vehicle including the knob control system according to any one of claims 1 to 19 or the vehicle-mounted device, electronic device or appliance according to claim 38.

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