Control method of knob assembly, knob assembly and household appliance

Abstract

The invention provides a control method of a knob assembly, the knob assembly and a household appliance, and relates to the technical field of smart home. The knob assembly comprises a knob and at least two electronic tags, the knob comprises a radio frequency card reader and a communication module, the knob is used for being coupled with a corresponding first device, the electronic tags are arranged on the face, opposite to the knob, of the first device, and the communication module is in communication connection with a corresponding second device. The electronic tags respectively store tag information corresponding to different operation states of the first equipment, the radio frequency card reader reads the tag information in the electronic tags at corresponding positions, and the communication module sends the tag information to the second equipment, so that the second equipment makes a response. The knob assembly enters an energy-saving mode; when it is detected that the preset power consumption reduction condition is achieved, the operation state of each load in the knob is adjusted in a targeted manner, the power consumption is reduced, the endurance of the battery is improved, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a control method for a knob assembly, a knob assembly, and a household appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Appliance linkage refers to the interaction between multiple functionally related devices, where a change in the operating state of one device simultaneously adjusts the operating state of its associated devices. Current appliance linkage systems are generally based on products from the same brand or even deeply related products, requiring users to spend significant sums of money upgrading their appliances to experience this functionality.

[0003] At the same time, the knob has a small internal space and can only hold a limited amount of battery power. How to reduce the power consumption of the knob while providing a stable power supply is also an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for a knob assembly, a knob assembly, and a home appliance. When a preset power reduction condition is detected, the operating state of each load in the knob is adjusted accordingly to reduce power consumption, improve battery life, and enhance the user experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a knob assembly, the knob assembly including a knob and at least two electronic tags. The knob includes an RFID reader and a communication module. The knob is used to couple with a corresponding first device. The electronic tags are disposed on the side of the first device opposite to the knob. The communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device. The electronic tags respectively store tag information corresponding to different operating states of the first device. The RFID reader is used to read the tag information in the electronic tags at corresponding positions as the knob rotates. The communication module is used to send the read tag information to the second device so that the second device can be informed of the operating state of the first device and respond accordingly. The method includes: In response to the fulfillment of preset conditions, the knob assembly enters energy-saving mode.

[0006] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering an energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions includes: If the first device is in a closed state, reduce the sampling frequency of the RFID reader to the preset target sampling frequency.

[0007] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions further includes: If the first device is in a shutdown state, adjust the communication module's operating state to sleep state.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering an energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions includes: If the device is in the "on" state and the power level of the first device does not change within the preset time period, the sampling frequency of the RFID reader will be adjusted from the first sampling frequency to the second sampling frequency; wherein the second sampling frequency is less than the first sampling frequency.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering an energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions includes: If the operating state is on, and the power level corresponding to the knob does not change within a preset time period, the transmission frequency of the communication module will be adjusted from the first transmission frequency to the second transmission frequency; wherein the second transmission frequency is less than the first transmission frequency.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes: Obtain the signal strength of the tag information read by the RFID reader; Determine whether the signal strength meets the preset target reading signal strength; If not, adjust the sampling power of the RFID reader to make the signal strength match the target reading signal strength.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes: Obtain the distance between the knob assembly and the second device; The transmission power of the communication module is determined based on the distance.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a knob assembly for performing the control method of the knob assembly provided in the first aspect.

[0013] Thirdly, the present invention provides a household appliance in which a knob assembly provided in the second aspect is provided.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the household appliance is a gas stove.

[0015] This invention brings the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a control method for a knob assembly, a knob assembly, and a home appliance. The knob assembly includes a knob and at least two electronic tags. The knob includes an RFID reader and a communication module. The knob is used to couple with a corresponding first device. The electronic tags are disposed on the side of the first device opposite to the knob. The communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device. The electronic tags store tag information corresponding to different operating states of the first device. The RFID reader is used to read the tag information in the electronic tags at corresponding positions as the knob rotates. The communication module is used to send the read tag information to the second device so that the second device can be informed of the operating state of the first device and respond accordingly. The method includes: in response to the achievement of a preset condition, the knob assembly enters an energy-saving mode; when the preset power reduction condition is detected to be achieved, the operating state of each load in the knob is adjusted in a targeted manner to reduce power consumption, improve battery life, and enhance user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] 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.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a knob assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a knob assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Icons: 1-Knob; 11-Valve stem; 2-Electronic tag; 21-First electronic tag; 22-Second electronic tag; 23-Third electronic tag. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0021] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0023] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" 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.

[0025] In the related art, for the first device and the second device to achieve the linkage function, usually both need to be products of the same brand manufacturer to ensure the consistency of the communication protocol. However, this to some extent restricts the user's independent choice. That is, when the user only has the first device of brand A, in order to achieve the linkage function, the user has to purchase the second device of the same brand. By adopting the solution in this embodiment, when the user only has the first device of brand A, the user can choose to purchase the second device of brand B, and the manufacturer of brand B provides the knob component in the embodiment of the present invention for the user by way of gift or tie-in sale. Since the knob component in the embodiment of the present invention can obtain the operating state of the first device of brand A and can send the corresponding operating state to the second device of brand B through the communication module, the user can achieve the cross-brand device linkage function without replacing the first device of brand A, greatly enhancing the user's independent choice and improving the product usage experience.

[0026] The following will describe some embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Without conflict, the following embodiments and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0027] Embodiment 1 The embodiment of the present invention provides a control method for a knob component. The knob component includes a knob 1 and at least two electronic tags 2. The knob 1 includes a radio frequency card reader and a communication module. The knob 1 is used to be coupled with a corresponding first device. The electronic tags 2 are arranged on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob 1. The communication module is communicatively connected with a corresponding second device. The electronic tags 2 respectively store tag information corresponding to different operating states of the first device. The radio frequency card reader is used to read the tag information in the electronic tag 2 at the corresponding position as the knob 1 rotates. The communication module is used to send the read tag information to the second device, so that the second device can learn the operating state of the first device and make a response. The method includes: in response to the achievement of a preset condition, the knob component enters an energy-saving mode.

[0028] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 the structural schematic diagram of a knob component provided by the embodiment of the present invention as shown. The knob component includes: a knob 1 and five electronic tags 2; the knob 1 is arranged on the first surface of the first device, and the axis of the knob 1 is perpendicular to the first surface.

[0029] Further, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the electronic tag 2 is an NFC sticker; the NFC sticker is attached to the surface of the first device opposite to the knob 1, and the radio frequency card reader is an NFC card reader.

[0030] Specifically, the NFC patch can be attached to the side of the first device opposite to the knob 1 by adhesive or magnetic attraction. This first surface is the side of the first device opposite to the knob 1; for example, the first surface can be the platform surface of a cooktop, or the side wall of a range hood. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first surface can be horizontal, vertical, or inclined. The NFC patch only stores tag information and does not require an external power supply. An NFC reader reads the NFC patch to obtain the stored tag information.

[0031] The communication module is located inside knob 1. The communication module is connected to both the RFID card reader and a second device. The second device is an electrical appliance functionally related to the first device; for example, if the first device is a gas stove or an oven with fume extraction, then the second device could be a range hood. In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the communication module can be a Bluetooth module or a Wi-Fi module.

[0032] Electronic tag 2 is affixed to the first surface of the first device. Electronic tag 2 stores tag information representing different operating states of the first device. The first surface of the first device typically indicates the corresponding operating state, and the corresponding electronic tag 2 is affixed to the corresponding position. For example, if the first device is a gas stove, the gas stove knob 1 is already marked with information such as on / off, various power levels, etc. The tag information includes, but is not limited to: on / off, low heat, medium heat, high heat, and stir-fry mode. The corresponding tag information can be printed on the surface of electronic tag 2, allowing the user to easily affix the electronic tag 2 to the corresponding markings on the gas stove itself according to the stored tag information. When the RFID reader rotates with knob 1, it will generally read the corresponding information. The first device receives the tag information of the nearby electronic tag 2 and sends the corresponding tag information to the second device via the communication module. The second device then determines the received tag information as the current operating status of the first device and adjusts its own operating status according to the preset linkage rules. For example, if the first device is a gas stove and the second device is a range hood, when the information of electronic tag 2 indicates that the gas stove is off, the range hood enters the off mode after obtaining the tag information. This mode can be to turn off the range hood directly or after a preset delay. If the tag information received by the range hood indicates that it is in the stir-fry mode, the range hood needs to be adjusted to the stir-fry mode to remove the large amount of oil fumes generated by stir-frying.

[0033] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the knob 1 is coupled to the first device via the valve stem 11; at least two electronic tags 2 are spaced apart around the valve stem 11 and at least partially surround the valve stem 11.

[0034] See also Figure 1In this embodiment, multiple electronic tags 2 are provided, which not only enables the linkage of the opening and closing functions between the first and second devices, but also enables the linkage of different gear functions. In this embodiment, the multiple electronic tags 2 are small circular patches that are set at intervals around the valve stem 11 and partially surround it. This separate patch form of the electronic tags 2 has better compatibility and can adapt to various complex operating states of the first device, making it convenient for users to accurately attach the electronic tags 2 to the corresponding positions on the first surface based on the different tag information. As those skilled in the art will understand, in another embodiment of the present invention, the multiple electronic tags 2 can be arranged sequentially on the same annular sticker according to industry standards and based on different tag information, but they are still separate from each other, so as to facilitate users to attach the corresponding stickers around the valve stem 11 to the first surface at one time, thereby saving the user's workload in attaching the electronic tags 2.

[0035] Specifically, the structure of knob 1 is similar to that of existing stove knob 1, with a mounting structure at the center of its bottom that mates with valve stem 11. This allows the old knob on the stove to be removed from valve stem 11, and the knob 1 provided in this embodiment to be directly inserted onto valve stem 11. (Continue to see...) Figure 1 , Figure 1 The five electronic tags 2 shown are arranged around the valve stem 11. For the accuracy of reading the electronic tags 2, preferably, all electronic tags 2 are at the same distance from the valve stem 11.

[0036] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the operating state includes a first operating state and a second operating state; the first operating state is used to indicate that the first device is turned on, and the second operating state is used to indicate that the first device is turned off. Those skilled in the art will understand that the first operating state indicating on and the second operating state indicating off are the most basic operating states possessed by household appliances such as stoves, range hoods, dishwashers, steam ovens, and air conditioners. Therefore, the electronic tag 2 in this embodiment can at least achieve the linkage of the on / off functions between the first and second devices, and the corresponding electronic tag 2 can be compatible with different types of household appliances.

[0037] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The tag information stored in the first electronic tag 21 is in the first operating state "on". After the radio frequency card reader reads the tag information in the first electronic tag 21, it sends the "on" tag information to the second device. The tag information stored in the second electronic tag 22 is in the second state "off". After the radio frequency card reader reads the tag information in the second electronic tag 22, it sends the "off" tag information to the second device.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple electronic tags 2; the operating state also includes a third operating state; the third operating state is used to indicate the gear position of the first device.

[0039] Specifically, a third electronic tag 23 is usually also provided to indicate the operating level of the first device; see also Figure 1 The diagram shows three third electronic tags. In a gas stove, these tags, from top to bottom, indicate "high heat," "medium heat," and "low heat." When the RFID reader reads the tag information in the third electronic tag 23, it sends the corresponding tag information to the second device. In a water heater, the three third electronic tags 23 can represent different water temperatures.

[0040] Specifically, the preset condition can be that the first device is in a state that will not immediately activate the load, such as being in a closed state or being in the same working state for a preset time. Since the first device and the knob assembly do not communicate directly, the preset condition is usually determined by the state of the knob assembly. For example, the RFID reader in the knob assembly collects the tag information of the second electronic tag 22, and the knob assembly obtains that the first device is currently in a closed state. When the time for the RFID reader to collect the tag information of the third electronic tag 23 indicating "fire" exceeds a preset time, such as 1 minute, it indicates that the first device is currently in the "fire" working state for 1 minute. When the preset condition is met, the knob assembly will automatically enter a low-power state and reduce the operating state of the load to a preset low-power mode. For example, it can reduce the frequency of the communication module's external broadcast, or even stop broadcasting directly. For the RFID reader, it can be that the collection frequency is reduced and the frequency of external information transmission is also reduced.

[0041] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering the energy-saving mode in response to the achievement of preset conditions includes: if the first device is in the off operating state, reducing the sampling frequency of the RFID reader to a preset target sampling frequency.

[0042] Specifically, the preset conditions include: the first device is off; if the knob assembly detects that the current operating state of the first device is off, the sampling frequency of the RFID reader is adjusted, and the sampling frequency represents the frequency at which the RFID reader reads information from the electronic tag 2; the target sampling frequency is the sampling frequency of the knob 1 in the sleep state, which is generally less than its sampling frequency in the working state; in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the target sampling frequency can be 0, at which time the RFID reader is in a silent state.

[0043] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering the energy-saving mode in response to the achievement of preset conditions further includes: if the operating state of the first device is off, adjusting the working state of the communication module to a sleep state.

[0044] Specifically, the preset conditions include: the first device is off; if the knob assembly detects that the current operating state of the first device is off, the working state of the communication module is adjusted to a sleep state. In the sleep state, the frequency of the communication module acquiring information from the outside world decreases, and the frequency of sending information to the outside world also decreases; for example, in the working state, information from the RFID reader is acquired every second, and the information acquired from the RFID reader is transmitted to the second device each time. In the sleep state, information from the RFID reader can be acquired every 1 minute, and the information can be sent to the second device; in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, in the sleep state, the communication module can be completely silent. In this state, the communication module does not receive or send information, but waits for the signal of the first device entering the working state before waking up.

[0045] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering the energy-saving mode in response to the achievement of preset conditions includes: if the operating state is on and the power level of the first device has not changed within a preset time period, adjusting the sampling frequency of the RFID reader from the first sampling frequency to the second sampling frequency; wherein the second sampling frequency is less than the first sampling frequency.

[0046] Specifically, the preset conditions include: if the first device is in the same working state for a period of time exceeding a preset time, the frequency at which the RFID reader reads the information in the electronic tag 2 is reduced. For example, if the first device is a stove, during the cooking process of stewing, the stove is always in a "low heat" working state during the stewing stage. The information in the electronic tag 2 read by the RFID reader at the first sampling frequency is "low heat". After a preset time (e.g., 1 minute), the frequency at which the RFID reader reads the information in the electronic tag 2 is reduced to the second sampling frequency. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second sampling frequency may be 0.

[0047] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of the knob assembly entering the energy-saving mode in response to the achievement of preset conditions includes: if the operating state is the on state and the power level corresponding to the knob assembly has not changed within a preset time period, adjusting the transmission frequency of the communication module from the first transmission frequency to the second transmission frequency; wherein the second transmission frequency is less than the first transmission frequency.

[0048] Specifically, the preset conditions include: if the first device remains in the same working state for a preset time, the transmission frequency of the communication module, i.e., the frequency of communication with the second device, is reduced. For example, if the first device is a stove and the second device is a range hood, during the stewing process, the stove remains in a "low heat" working state during the stewing stage. The information of the electronic tag 2 read by the RFID reader at the first sampling frequency is "low heat". After a preset time (e.g., 1 minute), the communication module adjusts the transmission frequency from the first transmission frequency to the second transmission frequency. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the second transmission frequency can be 0. At this time, the communication module is completely silent, waiting for the signal of the first device entering the working state before waking up.

[0049] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes: acquiring the signal strength of the tag information read by the RFID reader; determining whether the signal strength meets the preset target reading signal strength; if not, adjusting the sampling power of the RFID reader to make the signal strength meet the target reading signal strength.

[0050] Specifically, the target reading signal strength is characterized by an electronic tag 2 set at a preset position on the first surface of the first device. Under this signal strength, the RFID reader can just read the information stored in the electronic tag 2 and obtain the current signal strength of the RFID reader. If it is greater than the target reading signal strength, the signal strength is reduced to the target reading signal strength. If it is less than the target reading signal strength, the signal strength is increased to the target reading signal strength.

[0051] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, since the user may not necessarily set the electronic tag 2 exactly in the required position when setting it, the target signal strength is usually gradually fixed during use; for example, when the knob 1 is activated for the first time, the first device is in the "off" state, and the RFID reader starts from the minimum signal strength and gradually increases the signal strength, and determines the signal strength of the first read electronic tag 2 as the target reading signal strength; furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the user can also repeatedly search for the signal strength that can just read the electronic tag 2. For example, the user aligns the RFID reader in the knob 1 with each electronic tag 2, and each time the knob 1 is pressed down, the RFID reader starts from the minimum signal strength and gradually increases the signal strength, and after obtaining multiple target values, the largest signal strength is determined as the target reading signal strength.

[0052] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes: obtaining the distance between the knob assembly and the second device; and determining the transmission power of the communication module based on the distance.

[0053] Specifically, the knob assembly can adjust the overall transmission power according to the actual distance between devices, avoiding unnecessary high power consumption. It also reduces the data transmission and broadcast frequency of the communication module, shutting down unnecessary broadcast channels or reducing the frequency of periodic broadcasts.

[0054] Furthermore, the distance between the two terminals is determined based on the following formula: ; Where K is the distance between the knob assembly and the second device, A is the signal strength, tx is the unit signal strength, and n is the calibration parameter.

[0055] Furthermore, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is an indicator of wireless signal strength, reflecting the signal power level received by a wireless device. RSSI is positively correlated with the distance between the transceiver and the device to some extent; therefore, through proper calculation and conversion, the distance to the receiving device can be deduced from the RSSI value. In the formula above, A represents RSSI. The knob assembly sends a broadcast, which may include a signal request command. After receiving the command, the second device returns the received signal strength value to the knob assembly. tx represents txPower, the RSSI value when the transmitter is 1 meter away from the receiver, and n is an empirical value, which depends on the physical environment (temperature, air pressure, etc.).

[0056] Once the distance between the knob assembly and the second device is determined, the optimal transmission power can be determined based on a pre-set distance-to-transmission-power comparison chart, thus avoiding unnecessary high power consumption.

[0057] This invention provides a control method for a knob assembly, which includes a knob 1 and at least two electronic tags 2. The knob 1 includes an RFID reader and a communication module. The knob 1 is used to couple with a corresponding first device. The electronic tags 2 are disposed on the side of the first device opposite to the knob 1. The communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device. The electronic tags 2 store tag information corresponding to different operating states of the first device. The RFID reader is used to read the tag information in the electronic tags 2 at the corresponding positions as the knob 1 rotates. The communication module is used to send the read tag information to the second device so that the second device can know the operating state of the first device and respond accordingly. The method includes: in response to the achievement of a preset condition, the knob assembly enters an energy-saving mode; when the preset power reduction condition is detected to be achieved, the operating state of each load in the knob 1 is adjusted in a targeted manner to reduce power consumption, improve battery life, and enhance user experience.

[0058] Example 2 Based on the above description, this invention provides a control method for a knob assembly, applied to a knob assembly in a cooktop, with a range hood as the second device. (See also...) Figure 2 The flowchart shown in this embodiment of the invention provides a control method for a knob assembly, the method comprising: Step S202, Begin; Install the on / off knob assembly onto the cooktop.

[0059] Step S204: Determine the current state of the knob assembly. This step mainly determines the pairing state of the current knob assembly, which generally includes: paired and idle.

[0060] Step S206: Perform a pairing operation; if the current state of the knob component is idle, perform a pairing operation according to the preset operation logic; the pairing operation can be a long press or multiple consecutive presses.

[0061] Step S208: Determine the trigger state of the knob assembly; after pairing is completed, check whether the knob assembly is activated, that is, determine whether the burner is turned on.

[0062] Step S210: Enter low power mode; if the knob component is not triggered, the knob component enters low power mode, the communication module and information acquisition unit are in standby mode to save energy and wait for triggering.

[0063] Step S212: Determine the firepower level. If the firepower has already been activated, determine the current firepower level and send it to the paired range hood. If there is no firepower, proceed to step S210 to enter low-power mode.

[0064] Step S214: Send power information to the range hood and wait for a reply; if there is power, send the power information to the paired range hood. If the range hood successfully receives the signal, it will send a feedback signal.

[0065] Step S216: Report the status once every preset time period; if the smoke machine feeds back a signal, report the status at preset time intervals, generally reporting firepower information; this way, the communication module does not need to be continuously turned on, but is turned on only when reporting, which can also save energy.

[0066] Example 3 Based on the above embodiments, this invention provides a knob assembly for executing the control method of the knob assembly provided in the above embodiments.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the knob assembly described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the embodiments of the control method for the knob assembly mentioned above, and will not be repeated here.

[0068] Example 4 Based on the above embodiments, this invention provides a home appliance that is equipped with the knob assembly provided in the above embodiments.

[0069] Specifically, the home appliances can be range hoods, dishwashers, steam ovens, air conditioners, etc., which have knobs. By using the knob assembly in the above embodiment to replace the original knob, the linkage between the devices can be realized.

[0070] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the household appliance is a gas stove. After the knob assembly provided in the above embodiments replaces the old knob of the gas stove, the device that communicates with the knob assembly can be a range hood.

[0071] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a knob assembly, characterized in that, The knob assembly includes a knob and at least two electronic tags. The knob includes an RFID reader and a communication module. The knob is used to couple with a corresponding first device. The electronic tags are disposed on the side of the first device opposite to the knob. The communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device. Each electronic tag stores tag information corresponding to different operating states of the first device. The RFID reader reads the tag information from the electronic tags at corresponding positions as the knob rotates. The communication module sends the read tag information to the second device, enabling the second device to be aware of the operating state of the first device and respond accordingly. The method includes: In response to the fulfillment of preset conditions, the knob assembly enters energy-saving mode.

2. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of the knob assembly entering energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions includes: If the first device is in a closed state, reduce the sampling frequency of the RFID reader to a preset target sampling frequency.

3. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of the knob assembly entering energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions further includes: If the first device is in a shutdown state, adjust the working state of the communication module to a sleep state.

4. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of the knob assembly entering energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions includes: If the operating state is on, and the power level of the first device does not change within a preset time period, the sampling frequency of the RFID reader is adjusted from the first sampling frequency to the second sampling frequency; wherein the second sampling frequency is less than the first sampling frequency.

5. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of the knob assembly entering energy-saving mode in response to the fulfillment of preset conditions includes: If the operating state is on, and the power level corresponding to the knob does not change within a preset time period, the transmission frequency of the communication module is adjusted from the first transmission frequency to the second transmission frequency; wherein the second transmission frequency is less than the first transmission frequency.

6. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the signal strength of the tag information read by the RFID reader; Determine whether the signal strength meets the preset target reading signal strength; If not, adjust the sampling power of the RFID reader so that the signal strength matches the target read signal strength.

7. The control method for the knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the distance between the knob assembly and the second device; The transmission power of the communication module is determined based on the distance.

8. A knob assembly, characterized in that, A method for performing a control of a knob assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A household appliance, characterized in that, The home appliance is provided with the knob assembly as described in claim 8.

10. The household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The appliance in question is a gas stove.

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