Magnetic knob, household appliance and control method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of household electrical appliances, and discloses a magnetic attraction knob, a household electrical appliance and a control method thereof, the magnetic attraction knob comprising: a knob body; a first magnetic part, the knob body being attached to a mounting panel through the first magnetic part; and a detection mechanism comprising a controller, a distance sensor and a spiral baffle arranged in the knob body; the distance sensor is used for detecting distance information between the spiral baffle and the distance sensor in the rotating process of the magnetic attraction knob, and the controller is suitable for determining the rotating direction and / or rotating angle of the magnetic attraction knob according to the distance information detected by the distance sensor. The rotating angle and rotating direction of the magnetic attraction knob can be detected only by one spiral baffle cooperating with the distance sensor, the structure is simpler, the cost is lower, the occupied space is smaller, the installation and layout are more convenient, and the problems of the rotating detection mechanism of the magnetic attraction knob in the prior art, such as complex structure, large occupied space and low detection precision, are effectively solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliance technology, specifically to magnetic knobs, home appliances, and their control methods. Background Technology

[0002] The knobs used in existing home appliances are usually mechanical knobs. Mechanical knobs require holes to be made in the appliances. Over time, dust and oil can easily enter the holes, causing the knobs to become stuck or unresponsive. Therefore, people in this field have developed magnetic knobs. However, the existing magnetic knobs have complex rotation detection mechanisms, occupy a lot of space, and have low detection accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a magnetic knob and a household appliance to solve the problem of complex structure of the rotation detection mechanism of the magnetic knob in the prior art.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a magnetic knob, comprising:

[0005] Knob body;

[0006] The first magnetic component is located inside the knob body, and the knob body is attached to the mounting panel by the first magnetic component.

[0007] The detection mechanism includes a controller, a distance sensor, and a spiral baffle that is installed inside the knob body and can rotate synchronously with the knob body; the vertical distance between the spiral baffle and the distance sensor varies along the circumference of the magnetic knob.

[0008] The distance sensor is used to detect the distance between the helical baffle and the distance sensor during the rotation of the magnetic knob. The controller is adapted to determine the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob based on the distance information detected by the distance sensor.

[0009] Beneficial effects: By incorporating a spiral baffle within the knob body, the vertical distance between the spiral baffle and the distance sensor changes continuously during the rotation of the magnetic knob. By detecting this distance, the rotation direction or angle of the magnetic knob can be determined. This method is simple, offers higher accuracy, and requires only one spiral baffle and distance sensor to detect both the rotation angle and direction. The structure is simpler, lower in cost, occupies less space, and is easier to install. This effectively solves the problems of complex structures, large space requirements, and low accuracy in existing magnetic knob rotation detection mechanisms.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, the side of the spiral baffle closest to the mounting panel is a reflective surface;

[0011] The distance sensor and the knob body are located on both sides of the mounting panel; the vertical distance between the reflective surface and the distance sensor varies along the circumference of the magnetic knob.

[0012] Beneficial effects: The distance sensor is located on the side of the mounting panel away from the knob body, so it does not interfere with the rotation of the knob body. The vertical distance between the reflective surface and the distance sensor changes continuously during the rotation of the magnetic knob. By using the distance sensor located on the side of the mounting panel away from the knob body and the spiral baffle inside the knob body that can change position with the operation of the knob body, non-contact detection of the knob body's operation can be achieved. The rotation direction and rotation angle of the magnetic knob can be obtained accurately and efficiently, effectively solving the problems of complex detection methods, low detection efficiency, low accuracy of detection results, and complex structure of existing magnetic knob rotation detection mechanisms.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the spiral baffle has a spiral angle of less than 360°, and one side of the spiral baffle has a snap-fit ​​opening;

[0014] The knob body is fixedly provided with a snap-fit ​​rib, and the spiral baffle is snapped and fixed to the snap-fit ​​rib through the snap-fit ​​opening.

[0015] Beneficial effects: By setting the helical angle of the spiral baffle to less than 360° and providing a snap-fit ​​opening on one side of the spiral baffle, the spiral baffle can be snapped and fixed onto the snap-fit ​​rib inside the knob body through the snap-fit ​​opening. Through the cooperation of the snap-fit ​​opening and the snap-fit ​​rib, both the installation and fixation of the spiral baffle can be achieved, as well as the synchronous movement of the spiral baffle and the knob body in the circumferential direction. The assembly method is simple and efficient, and it can effectively ensure the continuity of the distance change between the spiral baffle and the distance sensor during the rotation of the magnetic knob, thus ensuring detection accuracy.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, at least the portion of the mounting panel corresponding to the spiral baffle is made of a transparent material.

[0017] Beneficial effect: By making the portion of the mounting panel corresponding to the spiral baffle transparent, the distance sensor can easily transmit detection signals through the mounting panel to the spiral baffle.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, a fixing seat is fixedly disposed inside the knob body, and a first magnetic element is embedded in the fixing seat.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The fixed seat set in the knob body facilitates the installation of the first magnetic component, improves the stability of the first magnetic component structure, and prevents the first magnetic component from moving randomly in the knob body when the knob body is removed.

[0020] In one alternative implementation, the knob body includes a bottom shell and a top cover;

[0021] The bottom shell is fixedly provided with a mounting base for installing the first magnetic component and a snap-fit ​​rib for snapping and fixing the spiral baffle.

[0022] Beneficial effects: The knob body adopts a bottom shell and top cover structure, which is convenient for processing and molding. By setting the fixing base and snap-fit ​​rib on the fixing base, the first magnetic component is closer to the second magnetic component, resulting in better magnetic attraction. The spiral baffle is also closer to the distance sensor, which facilitates distance detection.

[0023] In one alternative implementation, the magnetic knob further includes:

[0024] The second magnetic component is fixedly installed on the side of the mounting panel opposite to the knob body, and the magnetic properties of the first and second magnetic components are opposite.

[0025] Beneficial effects: By setting the second magnetic component to correspond to the first magnetic component on the side of the mounting panel away from the knob body, it will not interfere with the rotation of the knob body. The first and second magnetic components have opposite magnetic properties, thereby achieving magnetic fixation of the knob body by utilizing the principle of opposite poles attracting each other. This solves the problem that traditional mechanical knobs require holes to be drilled in the mounting panel, which leads to dust and oil entering and causing mechanical knobs to malfunction.

[0026] In one alternative implementation, the first magnetic element, the spiral baffle, and the knob body are coaxially arranged.

[0027] Beneficial effects: The first magnetic component, the spiral baffle, and the knob body are coaxially arranged, which can effectively ensure that the first magnetic component and the spiral baffle can rotate around the center of the knob body during rotation, thus ensuring the balance and stability of the entire magnetic knob during rotation.

[0028] In one alternative implementation, the distance sensor includes any one of an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, and an infrared sensor.

[0029] Secondly, the present invention also provides a household appliance including the magnetic knob of any of the above embodiments.

[0030] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a control method applicable to the above-mentioned household appliances, the method comprising:

[0031] Acquire the distance information between the spiral baffle and the distance sensor during the rotation of the magnetic knob;

[0032] Based on the distance information, determine the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob;

[0033] The magnetic knob controls the home appliance to execute the corresponding program based on the rotation direction and / or rotation angle. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic knob in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded view;

[0037] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the internal structure of the knob body in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a top view of the spiral baffle in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the knob body and the mounting panel after the top cover is removed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A sectional view;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a household appliance according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0044] 1. Knob body; 11. Base shell; 111. Connecting rib; 112. Fixing base; 12. Top cover;

[0045] 2. First magnetic component;

[0046] 3. Detection mechanism; 31. Controller; 32. Distance sensor; 33. Spiral baffle; 330. Snap-fit ​​opening;

[0047] 4. Second magnetic component;

[0048] 5. Install the panel. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0053] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 8 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, such as Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides a magnetic knob, comprising: a knob body 1, a first magnetic element 2, and a detection mechanism 3. The first magnetic element 2 is disposed inside the knob body 1, and the knob body 1 is attracted to the mounting panel 5 by the first magnetic element 2. The detection mechanism 3 includes a controller 31, a distance sensor 32, and a spiral baffle 33 disposed inside the knob body 1 and capable of rotating synchronously with the knob body 1. The vertical distance between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32 varies along the circumference of the magnetic knob. The distance sensor 32 is used to detect the distance information between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32 during the rotation of the magnetic knob. The controller 31 is adapted to determine the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob based on the distance information detected by the distance sensor 32.

[0055] In the above embodiment, by using the spiral baffle 33 provided in the knob body 1, the vertical distance between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32 varies continuously during the rotation of the magnetic knob. By detecting the distance information between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32, the rotation direction or rotation angle of the magnetic knob can be determined. The detection method is simple and has higher detection accuracy. Moreover, the detection of the rotation angle and rotation direction of the magnetic knob can be achieved by using only one spiral baffle 33 in conjunction with the distance sensor 32. The structure is simpler, the cost is lower, the space occupied is smaller, and the installation layout is more convenient. It effectively solves the problems of complex structure, large space occupation, and low detection accuracy of the rotation detection mechanism 3 of the magnetic knob in the prior art.

[0056] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the cross-section of the knob body 1 is circular. Of course, the cross-sectional shape of the knob body 1 can also be other shapes, such as polygonal, D-shaped, etc. Preferably, the cross-section of the knob body 1 is circular, which provides a better user experience when turning it. More preferably, the outer peripheral wall of the knob body 1 is provided with several anti-slip textures to increase friction.

[0057] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the knob body 1 has a cavity, and the first magnetic element 2 and the spiral baffle 33 are both fixed inside the cavity of the knob body 1.

[0058] Based on the above embodiments, as a further specified embodiment, the distance sensor 32 is a non-contact distance sensor. Preferably, the distance sensor 32 is a photoelectric sensor.

[0059] In one alternative embodiment, the spiral baffle 33 has a reflective surface on the side closest to the mounting panel 5; the distance sensor 32 and the knob body 1 are disposed on both sides of the mounting panel 5; the vertical distance between the reflective surface and the distance sensor 32 varies along the circumference of the magnetic knob.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the distance sensor 32 is disposed on the side of the mounting panel 5 away from the knob body 1, and will not interfere with the rotation of the knob body 1. During the rotation of the magnetic knob, the vertical distance between the reflective surface and the distance sensor 32 changes continuously. By using the distance sensor 32 disposed on the side of the mounting panel 5 away from the knob body 1, and the spiral baffle 33 disposed inside the knob body 1 that can change position with the operation of the knob body 1, the operation action of the knob body 1 can be detected without contact. The rotation direction and rotation angle of the magnetic knob can be obtained accurately and efficiently, effectively solving the problems of complex detection method, low detection efficiency, low accuracy of detection results and complex structure of the rotation detection mechanism 3 of the magnetic knob in the prior art.

[0061] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the spiral baffle 33 is made of an opaque material and the reflective surface is a smooth plane.

[0062] In one alternative implementation, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the spiral baffle 33 has a spiral angle of less than 360°, and one side of the spiral baffle 33 has a snap-fit ​​opening 330; a snap-fit ​​rib 111 is fixedly provided inside the knob body 1, and the spiral baffle 33 is snapped and fixed to the snap-fit ​​rib 111 through the snap-fit ​​opening 330.

[0063] In the above embodiment, by setting the helical angle of the spiral baffle 33 to less than 360° and providing a snap-fit ​​opening 330 on one side of the spiral baffle 33, the spiral baffle 33 can be snapped and fixed onto the snap-fit ​​rib 111 inside the knob body 1 through the snap-fit ​​opening 330. Through the cooperation of the snap-fit ​​opening 330 and the snap-fit ​​rib 111, the installation and fixation of the spiral baffle 33 can be realized, and the synchronous movement of the spiral baffle 33 and the knob body 1 in the circumferential direction can also be realized. The assembly method is simple and efficient, and can effectively ensure the continuity of the distance change between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32 during the rotation of the magnetic knob, thus ensuring the detection accuracy.

[0064] Based on the above embodiment, as a further defined embodiment, the width of the snap-fit ​​opening 330 matches the thickness of the snap-fit ​​rib 111. The snap-fit ​​rib 111 is a longitudinal rib fixedly provided on the knob body 1, the plate surface of the snap-fit ​​rib 111 is parallel to the radial direction of the knob body 1, and the extending direction of the snap-fit ​​rib 111 is parallel to the axial direction of the knob body 1.

[0065] In one alternative embodiment, at least the portion of the mounting panel 5 corresponding to the spiral baffle 33 is made of a transparent material.

[0066] In the above embodiment, by making the portion of the mounting panel 5 corresponding to the spiral baffle 33 with a transparent material, the distance sensor 32 can easily transmit a detection signal through the mounting panel 5 to the spiral baffle 33.

[0067] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the mounting panel 5 is made entirely of transparent material. Optionally, the mounting panel 5 is a transparent plate, and exemplaryly, the mounting panel 5 is a glass plate or an acrylic plate.

[0068] In one alternative embodiment, a fixing seat 112 is fixedly disposed inside the knob body 1, and the first magnetic element 2 is embedded in the fixing seat 112.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the fixing seat 112 provided in the knob body 1 facilitates the installation of the first magnetic component 2, improves the stability of the structure of the first magnetic component 2, and prevents the first magnetic component 2 from moving randomly in the knob body 1 when the knob body 1 is removed.

[0070] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the fixing base 112 is fixedly disposed on the bottom wall of the knob body 1, specifically, the fixing base 112 is fixedly disposed on the side wall of the knob body 1 near the mounting panel 5.

[0071] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the fixing base 112 is fixedly disposed at the center position of the knob body 1, and the first magnetic element 2 is installed at the center of the knob body 1 to ensure that the entire magnetic knob is subjected to uniform force.

[0072] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the fixing base 112 is cylindrical and the first magnetic element 2 is columnar.

[0073] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the first magnetic element 2 is located at the center of the knob body 1, and the spiral baffle 33 is sleeved on the outside of the fixing base 112. The spiral baffle 33 is limited in the limiting space between the outer peripheral wall of the fixing base 112 and the inner peripheral wall of the knob body 1, making the overall structure compact and small in size. This reduces the contact area between the bottom surface of the magnetic knob and the mounting panel 5, thereby reducing the resistance when the magnetic knob rotates and improving the user's tactile experience.

[0074] In one alternative embodiment, the knob body 1 includes a bottom shell 11 and a top cover 12; the bottom shell 11 is fixedly provided with a fixing seat 112 for mounting the first magnetic component 2 and a snap-fit ​​rib 111 for snap-fitting and fixing the spiral baffle 33.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the knob body 1 adopts a structure of bottom shell 11 and top cover 12, which is convenient for processing and forming. By setting the fixing seat 112 and the snap-fit ​​rib 111 on the fixing seat 112, the first magnetic element 2 is closer to the second magnetic element 4, resulting in a better magnetic attraction effect. The spiral baffle 33 is also closer to the distance sensor 32, which is convenient for distance detection.

[0076] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the bottom shell 11 and the top cover 12 are interlocked and bonded together.

[0077] As an alternative implementation, the bottom shell 11 and the top cover 12 are detachably connected for easy assembly and disassembly. Optionally, the bottom shell 11 and the top cover 12 are interference-fitted and / or snap-fitted together for secure fixing.

[0078] In one alternative embodiment, both the bottom shell 11 and the top cover 12 are cylindrical structures with one open end and the other closed. The diameter of the outer peripheral wall of the bottom shell 11 is greater than or equal to the diameter of the inner peripheral wall of the top cover 12. The top cover 12 is fitted onto the bottom shell 11, so that the end face of the top cover 12 abuts against the mounting panel 5, thereby concealing the connection part and improving the overall appearance and aesthetics.

[0079] Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall of the bottom shell 11 and the inner peripheral wall of the top cover 12 are provided with a limiting rib along the circumferential direction and a limiting groove on the other side. The end of the limiting rib is provided with a snap-fit ​​boss, and the limiting groove is provided with a corresponding snap-fit ​​groove. The cooperation of the limiting rib and the limiting groove can realize the limiting of the top cover 12 and the bottom shell 11 in the circumferential direction. The cooperation of the snap-fit ​​boss and the snap-fit ​​groove can realize the limiting of the top cover 12 and the bottom shell 11 in the axial direction, thereby realizing the effective fixation of the top cover 12 and the bottom shell 11.

[0080] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, at least the bottom wall of the bottom shell 11 is made of a transparent material to facilitate the transmission of detection light from the distance sensor 32. The mounting base 112 is integrally formed and fixedly mounted on the bottom wall of the bottom shell 11.

[0081] In one alternative embodiment, the magnetic knob further includes a second magnetic element 4, which is fixedly disposed on the side of the mounting panel 5 opposite to the knob body 1, and the first magnetic element 2 and the second magnetic element 4 have opposite magnetic properties.

[0082] In the above embodiment, by setting the second magnetic element 4 corresponding to the first magnetic element 2 on the side of the mounting panel 5 away from the knob body 1, the rotation of the knob body 1 will not be interfered with. The first magnetic element 2 and the second magnetic element have opposite magnetic properties. Thus, by utilizing the principle of attraction between opposite poles of magnets, the knob body 1 can be magnetically fixed. This solves the problem that traditional mechanical knobs need to have holes made in the mounting panel 5, which leads to dust and oil entering and causing mechanical knobs to malfunction.

[0083] Based on the above embodiments, as a further defined embodiment, the second magnetic element 4 is directly opposite the first magnetic element 2, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second magnetic element 4 is not less than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first magnetic element 2.

[0084] Optionally, both the first magnetic element 2 and the second magnetic element 4 are magnets.

[0085] In one alternative embodiment, the first magnetic element 2, the spiral baffle 33, and the knob body 1 are coaxially arranged.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the first magnetic component 2, the spiral baffle 33, and the knob body 1 are coaxially arranged, which can effectively ensure that the first magnetic component 2 and the spiral baffle 33 can rotate around the center of the knob body 1 during the rotation process, thus ensuring the balance and stability of the entire magnetic knob during the rotation process.

[0087] In one alternative implementation, the distance sensor 32 includes any one of an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, and an infrared sensor.

[0088] Preferably, in this embodiment, the distance sensor 32 is an infrared sensor. The distance sensor 32 has strong anti-interference ability, high measurement accuracy, fast response speed, relatively simple structure, small size, and is easy to miniaturize and integrate.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a household appliance is provided, including the magnetic knob of any of the above embodiments.

[0090] The household appliance provided in this embodiment uses a magnetic knob and a non-contact sensor to detect the rotation angle and direction of the knob. This allows the knob to be connected without drilling holes in the mounting panel 5 of the household appliance, thus achieving the technical effect of contactless control of the household appliance. This solves the problem that existing household appliances use mechanical knobs, which require drilling holes in the appliance, leading to dust and oil entering and potentially causing the mechanical knobs to malfunction.

[0091] The specific structure and working principle of the magnetic knob in this embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] The magnetic knob provided in this embodiment includes a knob body 1, a mounting panel 5, a first magnetic component 2, a second magnetic component 4, and a detection mechanism 3.

[0093] Specifically, the knob body 1 includes a bottom shell 11 and a top cover 12. The detection mechanism 3 includes a distance sensor 32, a controller 31, and a spiral baffle 33 disposed inside the knob body 1. The first magnetic element 2 is coaxially disposed in the center of the bottom shell 11. The spiral baffle 33 is disposed inside the bottom shell 11 and coaxially disposed along the periphery of the first magnetic element 2. The top cover 12 is coaxially disposed on the bottom shell 11. The top cover 12 and the bottom shell 11 together form a closed cavity that can enclose the spiral baffle 33 and the first magnetic element 2.

[0094] Furthermore, the spiral baffle 33 is a spiral ring, and from a top view, the spiral baffle 33 has a set interval at the adjacent positions at both ends, which forms a snap-fit ​​opening 330. The bottom shell 11 has a fixing seat 112 concentrically arranged with the bottom shell 11, and the first magnetic element 2 is disposed in the fixing seat 112. The bottom shell 11 also has a snap-fit ​​rib 111 disposed between the outer periphery of the fixing seat 112 and the inner periphery of the bottom shell 11. The spiral baffle 33 is placed along the outer periphery of the fixing seat 112, and the snap-fit ​​opening 330 of the spiral baffle 33 snaps into the snap-fit ​​rib 111, thereby achieving circumferential limitation of the spiral baffle 33, so that the spiral baffle 33 moves together with the knob body 1.

[0095] Furthermore, the knob body 1 is positioned above the mounting panel 5, and below the mounting panel 5 are a second magnetic component 4, a distance sensor 32, and a controller 31 connected to the distance sensor 32. During setup, the second magnetic component 4 is coaxially aligned with the first magnetic component 2 of the knob body 1, and the surfaces of the first magnetic component 2 and the second magnetic component 4 are arranged with opposite magnetic poles, thus achieving magnetic attraction and fixation of the knob body 1 by the second magnetic component 4.

[0096] Furthermore, the distance sensor 32 is disposed on one side of the second magnetic component 4 and opposite to the spiral baffle 33. The center positions of the distance sensor 32 and the spiral baffle 33 are opposite each other, so that when the knob body 1 makes a circular motion, the distance sensor 32 can detect the height change of the relative position between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32.

[0097] Furthermore, the mounting panel 5 is made of a transparent non-metallic material so as not to interfere with the passage of the distance sensor 32, or the corresponding location of the distance sensor 32 is made of a transparent non-metallic material. The bottom shell 11 is also made of a transparent non-metallic material so as not to interfere with the passage of the distance sensor 32. This allows the distance sensor 32 to pass through the mounting panel 5 and the bottom shell 11 to detect the height change of the relative position between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32.

[0098] In practical applications, the knob body 1 is mounted on the mounting panel 5 and is magnetically fixed to the knob body 1 by the relative magnetic force between the second magnetic component 4 and the first magnetic component 2 inside the knob body 1. When the knob body 1 is operated to rotate, the spiral baffle 33 inside the knob body 1 moves accordingly. Because the spiral baffle 33 is spiral in shape, the height distance between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32 changes in real time with the rotation of the knob body 1. The distance sensor 32 detects the height change of the relative position between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32 in real time and transmits the detection data to the controller 31. The controller 31 determines the current operation and then controls the home appliance to respond to the operation, realizing the control of the home appliance by the magnetic knob. This solves the problem that the knobs used in current home appliances are usually mechanical knobs. Mechanical knobs require holes in the home appliance, which allows dust and oil to enter and may cause mechanical knobs to malfunction.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a control method suitable for the above-mentioned household appliances is provided, combined with... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0100] Step S101: Obtain the distance information between the spiral baffle 33 and the distance sensor 32 during the rotation of the magnetic knob;

[0101] Step S102: Determine the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob based on the distance information;

[0102] Step S103: Control the household appliance to execute the corresponding program according to the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob.

[0103] Combination Figure 8 As shown, the knob operation detection method provided in this embodiment sets the initial distance between the distance sensor 32 and the spiral baffle 33 as T0, and the real-time distance between the distance sensor 32 and the spiral baffle 33 as T. After the knob body 1 is installed in place, the lowest distance detected by the distance sensor 32 between it and the spiral baffle 33 is Y1, and the highest distance is Y2. Y1 and Y2 are set as the detection height range of the knob body 1 when it is installed in place. When the real-time distance T detected by the distance sensor 32 is not in the range of Y1-Y2, it is determined that the knob body 1 is not placed on the mounting panel 5, and the preset control is executed to control the response of the household appliance.

[0104] Furthermore, it is determined whether T0 has changed. When the distance sensor 32 detects a change in T0, the real-time distance T between the distance sensor 32 and the spiral baffle 33 is obtained. It is then determined whether T is within the range of Y1-Y2, and T is compared with T0. If T is not within the range of Y1-Y2, it is determined that the magnetic knob is not placed, and the preset control is executed to control the response of the household appliance. If T is within the range of Y1-Y2, and T-T0 < 0 or T-T0 > 0, it is determined that the knob body 1 is rotating clockwise or counterclockwise, and the controller 31 executes the preset control to control the response of the household appliance. Through the above method, it is possible to detect whether the knob body 1 is placed in place and to control the clockwise or counterclockwise rotation operation, and to control the response of the household appliance.

[0105] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A magnetic knob, characterized in that, include: Knob body (1); The first magnetic element (2) is disposed inside the knob body (1), and the knob body (1) is attached to the mounting panel (5) by the first magnetic element (2); The detection mechanism (3) includes a controller (31), a distance sensor (32), and a spiral baffle (33) disposed in the knob body (1) and capable of rotating synchronously with the knob body (1); the vertical distance between the spiral baffle (33) and the distance sensor (32) is different along the circumference of the magnetic knob; The distance sensor (32) is used to detect the distance information between the spiral baffle (33) and the distance sensor (32) during the rotation of the magnetic knob. The controller (31) is adapted to determine the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob based on the distance information detected by the distance sensor (32). The spiral baffle (33) has a spiral angle of less than 360°, and one side of the spiral baffle (33) has a snap-fit ​​opening (330). The knob body (1) is fixedly provided with a snap-fit ​​rib (111), the width of the snap-fit ​​opening (330) matches the thickness of the snap-fit ​​rib (111), and the spiral baffle (33) is snapped and fixed to the snap-fit ​​rib (111) through the snap-fit ​​opening (330).

2. The magnetic knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spiral baffle (33) has a reflective surface on the side closest to the mounting panel (5); The distance sensor (32) and the knob body (1) are located on both sides of the mounting panel (5); the vertical distance between the reflective surface and the distance sensor (32) is different along the circumference of the magnetic knob.

3. The magnetic knob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The mounting panel (5) is made of transparent material at least for the portion corresponding to the spiral baffle (33).

4. The magnetic knob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A fixing seat (112) is fixedly installed inside the knob body (1), and the first magnetic component (2) is embedded in the fixing seat (112).

5. The magnetic knob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The knob body (1) includes a bottom shell (11) and a top cover (12). The bottom shell (11) is fixedly provided with a fixing seat (112) for installing the first magnetic component (2) and a snap-fit ​​rib (111) for snap-fitting the spiral baffle (33).

6. The magnetic knob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The magnetic knob also includes: The second magnetic component (4) is fixedly disposed on the side of the mounting panel (5) away from the knob body (1), and the first magnetic component (2) and the second magnetic component (4) have opposite magnetic properties.

7. The magnetic knob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first magnetic component (2), the spiral baffle (33), and the knob body (1) are coaxially arranged.

8. The magnetic knob according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The distance sensor (32) includes any one of an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, and an infrared sensor.

9. A household appliance, characterized in that, Includes the magnetic knob as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A control method applicable to the household appliance described in claim 9, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the distance information between the spiral baffle (33) and the distance sensor (32) during the rotation of the magnetic knob; Based on the distance information, determine the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob; The household appliances are controlled to execute corresponding programs based on the rotation direction and / or rotation angle of the magnetic knob.

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