Power supply control method and knob assembly

Abstract

The invention provides a power supply control method and a knob assembly. The method comprises the steps that the current electric quantity of an energy storage module and the ambient light energy value of a main power supply unit are acquired; when the current electric quantity is higher than a preset electric quantity threshold value and the ambient light energy value is higher than a preset ambient light threshold value, controlling the knob assembly to be powered by the main power supply unit; and when the current electric quantity is lower than the preset electric quantity threshold value or the ambient light energy value is lower than the preset ambient light threshold value, the auxiliary power supply unit is switched to supply power. In the mode, ambient light can be converted into electric energy to supply power to the knob body, so that the endurance time of the knob assembly is prolonged, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home technology, and in particular to a power supply control method and a knob assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In modern kitchen appliances, knob control systems are a core component for operating cooktops, widely used for adjusting heat and controlling range hoods. With the increasing prevalence of smart homes, some knob components have been designed as internally powered electronic knobs to drive control modules or interact with external devices, improving user experience and making kitchen appliances more convenient to operate. However, traditional knob components typically use a single-path button battery for power, leading to premature battery depletion and frequent battery replacements after prolonged use, impacting user experience and increasing maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a power supply control method and a knob assembly, which can convert ambient light into electrical energy to power the knob body through the main power supply unit, thereby improving the battery life of the knob assembly and thus improving the user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a power supply control method applied to a knob assembly; the knob assembly includes a knob; the knob includes a main power supply unit, an auxiliary power supply unit, and a control unit; the main power supply unit includes an energy storage module; the method is executed by the control unit and includes: Obtain the current power level of the energy storage module and the ambient light energy value of the main power supply unit.

[0005] When the current battery level is higher than the preset battery level threshold and the ambient light energy level is higher than the preset ambient light threshold, the control knob assembly is powered by the main power supply unit.

[0006] When the current battery level is lower than the preset battery level threshold, or the ambient light energy level is lower than the preset ambient light threshold, the system switches to power supply from the auxiliary power supply unit.

[0007] In an optional implementation, the main power supply unit includes a photovoltaic module disposed on the inner sidewall of the knob; the step of obtaining the ambient light energy value of the main power supply unit includes: Monitor the output voltage of the photovoltaic module and determine the output voltage as the ambient light energy value.

[0008] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: When the ambient light energy value meets the preset charging conditions, the photovoltaic module is controlled to charge the energy storage module.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the knob further includes a communication unit and a sensing unit; the knob can be coupled to a corresponding first device; the method further includes: Real-time detection signals are obtained from the sensing unit; these signals are used to characterize the operating status of the knob assembly.

[0010] When the real-time detection signal differs from the historical detection signal, a target control signal is generated and sent to an external device through the communication unit.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the knob assembly further includes a reflective element; the reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob, and is disposed opposite to the sensing unit; the real-time detection signal acquisition step includes: The real-time detection signal generated by the reflection of the reflective element is obtained from the sensing unit.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the reflective element is provided with at least two reflective zones with different reflectivities corresponding to different operating states.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the method further includes: Monitor the real-time voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit.

[0014] If the real-time voltage is lower than the preset low battery threshold, a low battery warning message will be generated.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a knob assembly, comprising: a knob; the knob includes a main power supply unit, an auxiliary power supply unit, and a control unit; the control unit is used to execute a power supply control method as described in any of the foregoing embodiments; the main power supply unit includes an energy storage module.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the main power supply unit includes a photovoltaic module; the knob also includes a communication unit, a sensing unit, and a reflective element; the photovoltaic module is disposed on the inner sidewall of the knob; the communication unit is disposed on a corresponding communication circuit board, which is vertically disposed inside the knob; the knob can be coupled to a corresponding first device; the reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob, and is disposed opposite to the sensing unit.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the inner wall of the knob is at least partially made of a transparent or translucent material.

[0018] This application provides a power supply control method and a knob assembly. By installing a photovoltaic module on the inner wall of the knob and implementing an intelligent power switching strategy based on both the energy storage module's power and ambient light energy, the method can actively replenish power using lateral ambient light. This ensures that the knob assembly can automatically and promptly switch to the auxiliary power supply unit when there is insufficient light or energy storage, thereby improving the stability and energy utilization efficiency of the knob assembly's power supply system and extending the overall battery life and maintenance cycle of the knob assembly.

[0019] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application. The objectives and other advantages of this application are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0020] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or 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 this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the main power supply unit and auxiliary power supply unit provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the main power supply unit provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the knob assembly provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the knob assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the sensing unit provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a reflective element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A flowchart of the power supply control method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Icons: 1-Knob; 2-Reflective element; 3-Main power supply unit; 31-Energy storage module; 32-Photovoltaic module; 33-Power conversion board; 4-Auxiliary power supply unit; 5-Circuit board; 61-Communication unit; 62-Communication circuit board; 7-Base plate; 8-Valve stem; 9-First device; 10-Knob housing; 11-Sensing unit; 12-Through hole; 13-First reflective area; 14-Second reflective area. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0025] To help those skilled in the art better understand this application, a brief introduction to its application scenarios and design concepts is provided.

[0026] In the field of smart kitchen appliances, the technology of using photovoltaic modules for self-charging is gaining attention in order to solve the problem of frequent battery replacements for wireless knob components. However, when designing the internal structure of such knobs, existing conventional solutions usually place the internal circuit boards and various functional modules horizontally in the knob's housing cavity.

[0027] This horizontal layout has significant technical drawbacks: the annular space inside the knob has a very limited radial width. Standard electronic modules commonly used in industry (such as standard Bluetooth communication modules and power conversion modules) typically have fixed dimensions. These standard modules are often quite large, making it difficult to fit them directly into the narrow internal space of the knob. To accommodate this horizontal layout, manufacturers often have to specially miniaturize the modules or redevelop non-standard sized circuit boards, which not only increases the difficulty of research and development but also significantly raises the product's manufacturing cost.

[0028] Based on this, this application provides a power supply control method and a knob assembly, in which the communication unit (and its associated circuit board) is designed to be vertically mounted inside the knob. This vertical structure makes full use of the ample axial height space inside the knob, avoiding the limitation of radial width. This allows the knob assembly to directly accommodate larger standard configuration modules (such as standard Bluetooth boards) without requiring customized modifications to the module dimensions, thereby reducing production costs and improving assembly versatility. Simultaneously, in conjunction with the internal vertical circuit structure, this application places photovoltaic modules on the inner circumferential sidewall of the knob. This layout is spatially coordinated with the vertically mounted circuit board, resulting in a compact structure and effectively collecting ambient light transmitted through the knob's sidewall, providing a continuous clean energy source for the knob assembly.

[0029] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0030] This application provides a knob assembly, see embodiments thereof. Figure 1The knob assembly provided in this application includes: a knob 1; the knob 1 includes a main power supply unit 3, an auxiliary power supply unit 4, and a control unit (not shown in the figure); the control unit is used to execute the power supply control method; refer to Figure 2 The main power supply unit 3 includes an energy storage module 31.

[0031] Here, refer to Figure 3 The knob 1, as the main component operated by the user, is configured to be coupled to the corresponding first device 9. In a preferred application scenario, the first device 9 is a gas stove, integrated stove, or other cooktop. The bottom of the knob 1 has a connection interface, the shape and size of which are designed according to the common standards of valve stems 8 on the market. For example, it can be designed as a D-shaped hole, a circular hole with a flexible clip, or a spline hole. Through this mechanical connection, the knob 1 can replace the original knob 1 and be securely fitted onto the valve stem 8 of the first device 9. When the user rotates the knob 1, the valve stem 8 rotates synchronously, thereby adjusting the first device 9.

[0032] Reference Figure 4 The knob 1 mainly consists of a knob housing 10 and a base plate 7. The knob housing 10 and the base plate 7 are fastened together by means of snaps, threads, or adhesives, thereby forming a closed internal cavity between them. This cavity provides installation space for internal electronic components.

[0033] The control unit is typically a microcontroller. The control unit establishes detection and control connections with the main power supply unit 3 and the auxiliary power supply unit 4, respectively. Based on the power level of the energy storage module 31 and the output status of the photovoltaic module 32, the control unit intelligently switches between the main power supply unit 3 and the auxiliary power supply unit 4 to supply power to the communication unit 61 and the sensing unit 11.

[0034] The control unit is connected to the output terminal of the energy storage module 31 and the output terminal of the photovoltaic module 32 via analog-to-digital conversion interfaces to monitor voltage or current signals.

[0035] The control unit is connected to the power switching circuit via control signal lines. The power switching circuit (such as an electronic switch group composed of MOSFETs) is connected in series between each power supply unit and the system load, and is used to turn on or off a power supply path according to the instructions of the control unit.

[0036] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main power supply unit 3 includes a photovoltaic module 32; the knob 1 also includes a communication unit 61, a sensing unit 11, and a reflective element 2; the photovoltaic module 32 is disposed on the inner wall of the knob 1; the communication unit 61 is disposed on a corresponding communication circuit board 62, which is vertically disposed inside the knob 1. (Refer to...) Figure 3The knob 1 can be coupled to the corresponding first device 9; the reflective element 2 is disposed on the surface of the first device 9 opposite to the knob 1 and is disposed opposite to the sensing unit 11.

[0037] Here, the main power supply unit 3 includes a photovoltaic module 32 and an energy storage module 31. The photovoltaic module 32 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the knob 1. Specifically, the photovoltaic module 32 can be a flexible photovoltaic film that can conform to curved surfaces, or it can be a rigid photovoltaic panel supported by a bracket on the inner sidewall of the knob 1. When the photovoltaic module 32 is a flexible photovoltaic film, it is attached to the inner surface of the transparent circumferential sidewall, with the photosensitive surface facing outwards. In this way, light penetrating the sidewall can directly illuminate the photovoltaic module 32, generating electricity. The photovoltaic module 32 and the vertically arranged circuit board 5 do not interfere with each other spatially, forming a compact, surrounding layout. The photovoltaic module 32 is used to convert ambient light into electrical energy.

[0038] The energy storage module 31 is used to store electrical energy and can be a lithium-ion battery, lithium polymer battery, or supercapacitor. The energy storage module 31 is electrically connected to the photovoltaic module 32, typically with a charging management circuit in between. The auxiliary power supply unit 4 is a highly reliable backup power source, usually using a high-energy-density, low-self-discharge-rate disposable battery, such as a button cell. The energy storage module 31 and the auxiliary power supply unit 4 are housed within a housing cavity and electrically connected to the power conversion board 33 and the control unit. The electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 32 is stored in the energy storage module 31 via the power management circuit.

[0039] In order to resolve the contradiction between the narrow internal radial space and the large size of the standard electronic module, a vertical circuit layout structure is adopted in the cavity of knob 1.

[0040] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 A communication circuit board 62 is housed within the receiving cavity. The communication circuit board 62 is vertically positioned inside the knob 1, meaning its surface is perpendicular to the plane of the knob 1's base plate 7. A communication unit 61 (e.g., a standard Bluetooth module) is mounted or integrated onto this vertical communication circuit board 62. This vertical layout fully utilizes the ample axial height space inside the knob 1, allowing it to directly accommodate larger, non-miniaturized standard configuration communication modules, thereby reducing costs and improving versatility.

[0041] In addition to the communication circuit board 62, other vertical circuit boards 5, such as the power conversion board 33, can also be installed within the cavity. The power conversion board 33 is also vertically mounted and is used to carry the power management circuit. The vertical circuit boards 5 can be electrically connected to each other via ribbon cables, board-to-board connectors, or soldering.

[0042] The knob 1 assembly also includes a sensing unit 11, typically integrated into the bottom of the circuit board 5 or fixed by a bracket so that its probe faces vertically downwards. The sensing unit 11 can be a non-contact photoelectric sensor. For example, the sensing unit 11 includes an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver. The infrared emitter emits a detection beam downwards, and the infrared receiver receives the reflected light. To ensure a clear optical path, refer to... Figure 5 The base plate 7 of the knob 1 has two through holes 12 at the position corresponding to the sensing unit 11. The reflective element 2 is set on the surface of the first device 9 opposite to the knob 1, and is usually a ring-shaped sticker attached to the stove panel around the valve stem 8.

[0043] Reference Figure 6 The reflective element 2 is provided with at least two reflective zones with different reflectivities corresponding to different operating states. For example, the first reflective zone 13 corresponds to the on state and has high reflectivity; the second reflective zone 14 corresponds to the off state and has low reflectivity.

[0044] When knob 1 is rotated, sensing unit 11 detects the reflected signal from reflective element 2. The control unit identifies the operating status of knob 1 based on the change in the reflected signal and sends this status to an external device (such as a range hood) via vertically mounted communication unit 61, thus achieving wireless linkage.

[0045] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the knob 1 is at least partially made of a transparent or translucent material.

[0046] Here, the inner sidewall (circumferential sidewall) of the knob housing 10 is at least partially made of a transparent or translucent material, such as transparent polycarbonate or acrylic, allowing external ambient light (such as side lighting in the kitchen or diffused light) to penetrate the sidewall and enter the receiving cavity. The top of the knob housing 10 may be opaque to maintain visual uniformity of the top surface, or may be made transparent as required by the design.

[0047] Based on the above embodiments, this application provides a power supply control method applied to a knob assembly; the knob assembly includes a knob; the knob includes a main power supply unit, an auxiliary power supply unit, and a control unit; the main power supply unit includes an energy storage module; the method is executed by the control unit, referring to... Figure 7 The embodiments of this application include: Step S101: Obtain the current power level of the energy storage module and the ambient light energy value of the main power supply unit.

[0048] Here, the control unit periodically or when a specific event triggers the sampling of the terminal voltage of the energy storage module. Since there is a correlation between battery voltage and remaining power, the current power level can be quantified by reading the voltage value.

[0049] The control unit monitors the output status of the photovoltaic modules in the main power supply unit. Specifically, the control unit can detect the open-circuit voltage or photocurrent of the photovoltaic modules. This value directly reflects the ambient light intensity of the current environment. For example, a higher voltage indicates stronger ambient light.

[0050] Step S102: When the current power level is higher than the preset power level threshold and the ambient light energy level is higher than the preset ambient light threshold, the control knob assembly is powered by the main power supply unit.

[0051] Here, the preset power threshold is the minimum requirement (e.g., 3.3V) to ensure that the energy storage module can output a stable voltage.

[0052] The preset ambient light threshold is the standard for determining whether the current environment has the capability to supply photovoltaic power.

[0053] When the control unit detects that the energy storage module has sufficient power (above the power threshold) and simultaneously detects that the ambient light is good (above the ambient light threshold), it determines that the system is in an ideal working state. At this time, the control unit outputs a command to connect the power supply circuit of the main power supply unit and disconnect the auxiliary power supply unit. In this mode, the knob assembly operates entirely on green energy, and due to sufficient light, the consumed electrical energy can be replenished in a timely manner, thus achieving zero-consumption protection for the auxiliary power supply unit.

[0054] Step S103: When the current power level is lower than the preset power threshold or the ambient light energy value is lower than the preset ambient light threshold, switch to power supply from the auxiliary power supply unit.

[0055] Here, the current battery level is below the preset threshold, which typically occurs when prolonged periods without sunlight deplete the battery's reserves. Switching at this point is to prevent the system from losing power or resetting due to insufficient voltage.

[0056] The ambient light energy level is below the preset ambient light threshold. Even if the energy storage module still has some charge, if the environment darkens (e.g., at night or under shading), it means the energy source is lost. In a conservative control strategy, to avoid completely depleting the energy storage module, or to cope with sudden high current demands (such as during wireless transmission when photovoltaics cannot provide transient support in low light), the control unit will actively switch to an auxiliary power supply unit with lower internal resistance and more stable output.

[0057] The switching action is achieved by controlling the power switching circuit, which usually adopts the logic of first turning on and then turning off or fast switching, and is equipped with a voltage stabilizing capacitor to ensure that the knob assembly does not lose power at the moment of power switching, thus ensuring the continuity of use for the user.

[0058] In one embodiment, the main power supply unit includes a photovoltaic module disposed on the inner sidewall of the knob.

[0059] Step S101, the step of obtaining the ambient light energy value of the main power supply unit, includes: Monitor the output voltage of the photovoltaic module and determine the output voltage as the ambient light energy value.

[0060] Here, the control unit uses its internal analog-to-digital converter or an external voltage detection circuit to sample the open-circuit voltage or load voltage at the output of the photovoltaic module in real time or periodically. Since the photovoltaic module's photogenerated voltage is positively correlated with the incident light intensity, this voltage value directly reflects the ambient light intensity of the current environment. The control unit converts the collected analog voltage signal into a digital value, which is defined as the ambient light energy value. For example, a higher output voltage indicates sufficient ambient light, providing power or charging capabilities, while a lower output voltage indicates weak ambient light.

[0061] In one embodiment, the method further includes: When the ambient light energy value meets the preset charging conditions, the photovoltaic module is controlled to charge the energy storage module.

[0062] Here, the control unit has preset charging conditions, which are usually set based on voltage comparison logic. For example, the preset charging conditions could be that the output voltage of the photovoltaic module (i.e., the ambient light energy value) is higher than the current terminal voltage of the energy storage module, or higher than the minimum start-up voltage of the charging management circuit.

[0063] When the monitored output voltage meets the preset charging conditions, the control unit issues a command to activate the charging circuit connected between the photovoltaic module and the energy storage module. This circuit may include an anti-backflow diode, a MOSFET switch, or a dedicated power management chip. After activation, the photocurrent generated by the photovoltaic module is injected into the energy storage module, converting light energy into chemical energy or electrical energy for storage.

[0064] Furthermore, the charging control can also include overcharge protection logic. That is, when the energy storage module is detected to be fully charged (voltage reaches saturation), the control unit will forcibly disconnect the charging circuit even if the ambient light energy value meets the charging conditions, to prevent damage to the energy storage module and ensure the safety and stability of system operation. Through this automated energy harvesting and management, the knob assembly can utilize ambient light for self-replenishment, significantly extending maintenance intervals.

[0065] In one embodiment, the knob further includes a communication unit and a sensing unit; the knob can be coupled to a corresponding first device.

[0066] Here, a sensing unit is provided inside the knob assembly, which is electrically connected to the control unit. The sensing unit is configured to sense the mechanical position or movement state of the knob assembly relative to the first device 9 (e.g., a stove).

[0067] The method also includes the following steps S201-S202.

[0068] Step S201: Obtain a real-time detection signal from the sensing unit; the real-time detection signal is used to characterize the operating status of the knob assembly.

[0069] Here, when the sampling period arrives, or when the system is woken up by an interrupt, the control unit drives the sensing unit to work and reads its output electrical signal. This electrical signal is the real-time detection signal.

[0070] Real-time detection signals are used to characterize the operating status of the knob assembly. Specifically, the operating status reflects whether the knob is currently in the off position (corresponding to the stove being off) or in the on position (corresponding to the stove being ignited). In more refined embodiments, the real-time detection signals can also characterize the specific rotation angle or heat level of the knob.

[0071] Step S202: When the real-time detection signal is different from the historical detection signal, a target control signal is generated and sent to an external device through the communication unit.

[0072] Here, the control unit internally stores the historical detection signals (or historical status flags) that were acquired and confirmed at the previous moment. The control unit performs a logical comparison between the newly acquired real-time detection signal and the historical detection signal.

[0073] If both are the same, it indicates that the user has not operated the knob or the knob state has not changed. Maintain the current state and do not communicate to save power.

[0074] If the two are different (e.g., the signal jumps from low to high, or the signal strength changes significantly), then it is determined that the operating state of the knob assembly has changed (e.g., from off to on).

[0075] Once the status change is confirmed, the control unit immediately generates a corresponding target control signal. The target control signal is a data packet following a preset communication protocol, which contains the updated status command (such as starting or stopping the range hood). Subsequently, the control unit activates the communication unit to establish a wireless connection or broadcast to external devices (such as the range hood), sending out the target control signal to trigger the linkage response of the external devices.

[0076] In one embodiment, the knob assembly further includes a reflective element; the reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob and opposite to the sensing unit.

[0077] Here, the reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob (e.g., on the control panel of a stove) and located below the knob assembly. The sensing unit is installed inside the knob assembly (e.g., on the bottom surface of a circuit board), with its sensing end facing vertically downwards and positioned opposite the reflective element.

[0078] The real-time detection signal acquisition step in step S201 includes: The real-time detection signal generated by the reflection of the reflective element is obtained from the sensing unit.

[0079] Specifically, the sensing unit (preferably a combination of an infrared emitter and a receiver) emits a probe beam (such as infrared light) towards the reflector. The beam is reflected after hitting the surface of the reflector. Because the reflector has different physical reflective properties in different areas (e.g., different colored coatings have different reflectivities), the intensity of the reflected light received by the sensing unit changes with the rotation position of the knob.

[0080] The sensing unit converts the received light signal into an electrical signal (i.e., a real-time detection signal). When the knob switches between the off and on zones, the intensity of the light reflected back by the reflective element changes abruptly. By detecting this signal change caused by physical reflection, the control unit can accurately identify the mechanical action of the knob without installing any sensors inside the cooktop. This allows the knob assembly to function as a completely independent, passive wired accessory, enabling a smart upgrade to traditional cooktops.

[0081] In one embodiment, the reflective element is provided with at least two reflective zones with different reflectivities corresponding to different operating states.

[0082] Here, the reflective element has at least two reflective zones, which correspond to different operating states of the knob assembly or the first device (e.g., a stove). These two reflective zones have different reflectivities.

[0083] Specifically, these two reflection zones can be defined as the first reflection zone and the second reflection zone.

[0084] The first reflective area corresponds to the first operating state, such as the device being off or powered off. For ease of identification, the first reflective area is typically designed as a low-reflectivity region. In manufacturing, this can be achieved by printing black ink, coating with light-absorbing materials, or using a rough textured surface, making the area extremely weak in reflecting the detection beam (such as infrared light) emitted by the sensing unit.

[0085] The second reflective area corresponds to the second operating state, such as the device being turned on, ignited, or in operation. The second reflective area is typically designed as a high-reflectivity region. In manufacturing, this can be achieved by printing white ink, applying a silver coating, or using a mirror-like material, allowing this area to reflect most of the probe beam back to the sensing unit.

[0086] When the user rotates the knob, the sensing unit inside the knob moves accordingly. When the sensing unit is aligned with the first reflection area, the received signal strength is low, and the control unit determines that the device is off; when the sensing unit is aligned with the second reflection area, the received signal strength is high, and the control unit determines that the device is on.

[0087] In one embodiment, the method further includes the following steps S301-S302.

[0088] Step S301: Monitor the real-time voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit.

[0089] Here, the auxiliary power supply unit serves as a backup power source when photovoltaic energy storage is insufficient. The control unit establishes a connection with the output terminal of the auxiliary power supply unit through its internal analog-to-digital converter interface. The control unit samples the terminal voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit according to a preset strategy (e.g., once a day, or every time a power switch occurs) to obtain the real-time voltage value.

[0090] Step S302: If the real-time voltage is less than the preset low power threshold, generate a low power warning message.

[0091] Here, the control unit has a preset voltage threshold (e.g., 2.6V) in its internal memory. This voltage threshold represents the critical point at which the battery is about to run out of power. When the real-time voltage collected is lower than this threshold, the control unit determines that the auxiliary power supply unit can no longer provide long-term stable support.

[0092] At this time, the control unit generates a warning message. The processing methods for this warning message include: 1. Wireless Upload: The control unit activates the communication unit to send status data, including a low battery flag, to an external device (such as a range hood). The range hood can alert the user via a flashing icon on the display or a buzzer alarm.

[0093] 2. Local feedback: If the knob assembly has an illuminating element, the control unit can control it to flash at a specific frequency (such as a slow flashing red light) to directly remind the user to replace the battery, avoiding the risk that the knob will become completely unusable in the dark due to the sudden failure of the spare battery.

[0094] The computer program product provided in this application includes a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. The instructions included in the program code can be used to execute the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. For specific implementation details, please refer to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 application based on the specific circumstances.

[0097] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0098] In the description of this application, 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. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0099] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A power supply control method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a knob assembly; the knob assembly includes a knob; the knob includes a main power supply unit, an auxiliary power supply unit, and a control unit; the main power supply unit includes an energy storage module; the method is executed by the control unit and includes: Obtain the current power level of the energy storage module and the ambient light energy value of the main power supply unit; When the current battery level is higher than a preset battery level threshold and the ambient light energy value is higher than a preset ambient light threshold, the knob assembly is controlled to be powered by the main power supply unit. When the current power level is lower than the preset power threshold, or the ambient light energy level is lower than the preset ambient light threshold, the power supply is switched to the auxiliary power supply unit.

2. The power supply control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main power supply unit includes a photovoltaic module, which is disposed on the inner side wall of the knob; the step of obtaining the ambient light energy value of the main power supply unit includes: Monitor the output voltage of the photovoltaic module and determine the output voltage as the ambient light energy value.

3. The power supply control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the ambient light energy value meets the preset charging conditions, the photovoltaic module is controlled to charge the energy storage module.

4. The power supply control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob also includes a communication unit and a sensing unit; The knob can be coupled to a corresponding first device; the method further includes: Real-time detection signals are acquired from the sensing unit; the real-time detection signals are used to characterize the operating status of the knob assembly. When the real-time detection signal is different from the historical detection signal, a target control signal is generated and sent to an external device through the communication unit.

5. The power supply control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The knob assembly further includes a reflective element; the reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob, and is disposed opposite to the sensing unit; The steps for acquiring the real-time detection signal include: The real-time detection signal generated by the reflection of the reflective element is obtained from the sensing unit.

6. The power supply control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reflective element is provided with at least two reflective zones with different reflectivities corresponding to different operating states.

7. The power supply control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Monitor the real-time voltage of the auxiliary power supply unit; If the real-time voltage is less than the preset low battery threshold, a low battery warning message is generated.

8. A knob assembly, characterized in that, include: Knob; The knob includes a main power supply unit, an auxiliary power supply unit, and a control unit; the control unit is used to execute the power supply control method as described in any one of claims 1-7; the main power supply unit includes an energy storage module.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The main power supply unit includes a photovoltaic module; the knob also includes a communication unit, a sensing unit, and a reflective element; the photovoltaic module is disposed on the inner wall of the knob; the communication unit is disposed on a corresponding communication circuit board, which is vertically disposed inside the knob; the knob can be coupled to a corresponding first device; the reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob, and is disposed opposite to the sensing unit.

10. The knob assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inner wall of the knob is at least partially made of a transparent or translucent material.

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