Knob assembly and household appliance

Abstract

The invention provides a knob assembly and a household appliance, and relates to the technical field of smart home. The knob assembly comprises a knob and an electronic tag, the knob comprises a radio frequency card reader and a communication module; the knob is used for being coupled with corresponding first equipment; the electronic tag is arranged on one side, opposite to the knob, of the first equipment; the communication module is in communication connection with the corresponding second equipment, and tag information corresponding to different operation states of the first equipment is stored in the electronic tags; an electronic tag on a first device is read through a radio frequency card reader in a knob assembly arranged on the first device, the running state of the first device in the electronic tag is obtained, and the running state is sent to a second device linked with a knob through a communication module. According to the embodiment of the invention, the operation state of the second equipment is adjusted by the second equipment based on the operation state of the first equipment, so that a linkage function between cross-brand equipment is realized, and the product use experience is improved while the independent selection right of a user is enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of smart home technology, and in particular to a knob assembly and a home 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. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a knob assembly and a home appliance. By using an RFID reader installed in the knob assembly on a first device to read an electronic tag installed on the first device, the operating status of the first device pre-stored in the electronic tag is obtained. This operating status is then sent to a second device linked to the knob via a communication module, so that the second device can adjust its own operating status based on the operating status of the first device. This achieves cross-brand device linkage, enhancing the user's right to choose and improving the product user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a knob assembly, comprising: 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 the corresponding positions as the knob rotates, and 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.

[0005] In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the knob is coupled to the first device via a valve stem; at least two electronic tags are spaced apart around the valve stem and at least partially surround the valve stem.

[0006] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the knob further includes a microcontroller and a power module, the power module being used to supply power to the knob.

[0007] 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.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are multiple electronic tags; the operating state also includes a third operating state; the third operating state is used to indicate the gear position of the first device.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the knob includes a housing; the RFID reader, communication module, microcontroller and power module are encapsulated in the housing, and the surface of the housing is provided with a positioning mark, which is used to indicate the current operating status of the first device as the knob is rotated; the position of the RFID reader corresponds to the positioning mark.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the electronic tag is an NFC patch; the NFC patch is attached to the side of the first device opposite to the knob, and the radio frequency card reader is an NFC card reader.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the communication module is a Bluetooth module and the power module is a button battery.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first device is a stove and the second device is a range hood.

[0013] Secondly, the present invention provides a household appliance having a knob assembly as provided in the first aspect.

[0014] This invention brings the following beneficial effects: This invention provides 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 in the knob assembly on the first device reads the electronic tags on the first device to obtain the pre-stored operating state of the first device in the electronic tags. The operating state is then sent to the second device linked to the knob via the communication module, so that the second device can adjust its own operating state based on the operating state of the first device. This achieves cross-brand device linkage, enhancing the user's right to choose and improving the product user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a knob assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a knob provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Icons: 1-Knob; 11-Valve stem; 12-RFID reader; 13-Location marker; 2-Electronic tag; 21-First electronic tag; 22-Second electronic tag; 23-Third electronic tag. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In the description of the present invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "set", "install", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific situations.

[0024] In the related art, for the first device and the second device to achieve the linkage function, usually both of them 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 right. 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 can provide the knob assembly in the embodiment of the present invention for the user by way of gift or tying sale. Since the knob assembly 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 at the same time, which greatly enhances the user's independent choice right and improves the product use experience.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Embodiment 1 The embodiment of the present invention provides a knob assembly, including: a knob 1 and at least two electronic tags 2; the knob 1 includes: a radio frequency card reader 12 and a communication module; the knob 1 is used to be coupled with the 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 the 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 12 is used to read the tag information in the corresponding electronic tag 2 as the knob 1 rotates, and 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.

[0027] Specifically, referring to Figure 1 the structural schematic diagram of a knob assembly provided by the embodiment of the present invention as shown, the knob assembly 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.

[0028] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the electronic tag 2 is an NFC patch; the NFC patch is attached to the side of the first device opposite to the knob 1, and the radio frequency card reader 12 is an NFC card reader.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The communication module is located inside the knob 1. The communication module is connected to the RFID card reader 12 and a second device, which is an electrical appliance functionally related to the first device. For example, if the first device is a gas stove or an oven with a fume extraction function, then the second device could be a range hood. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the communication module can be a Bluetooth module or a WIFI module.

[0031] 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 affix the electronic tag 2 to the corresponding markings on the gas stove itself according to the stored tag information. When the RFID reader 12 rotates with the knob 1, the RFID reader 12 will generally read the corresponding information. The system receives the tag information of the nearest electronic tag 2 and then 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] See also Figure 1 In 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.

[0034] Specifically, the structure of knob 1 is similar to that of existing stove knobs, with a mounting structure at the center of its bottom that mates with valve stem 11. This allows the old knobs 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.

[0035] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the knob 1 further includes a microcontroller and a power module, the power module being used to supply power to the knob 1.

[0036] Specifically, the power module can be a rechargeable button battery. The power module is used to power the knob 1, such as to power the RFID card reader 12, the communication module, etc. The microcontroller can manage the power supply mode. For example, when the energy is sufficient, all functions operate normally. When the energy is insufficient, the microcontroller actively reduces the operating frequency of the RFID card reader, shuts down non-core functions, and extends the interval of RFID signal transmission, so as to achieve energy saving and maximize the working time.

[0037] 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.

[0038] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The tag information stored in the first electronic tag 21 is the first operating state "on". After the radio frequency card reader 12 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 the second state "off". After the radio frequency card reader 12 reads the tag information in the second electronic tag 22, it sends the "off" tag information to the second device.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 12 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.

[0041] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the knob 1 includes a housing; the RFID reader 12, the communication module, the microcontroller and the power module are encapsulated in the housing, and the surface of the housing is provided with a positioning mark 13, which is used to indicate the current operating status of the first device as the knob 1 is rotated; the position of the RFID reader 12 corresponds to the positioning mark 13.

[0042] Specifically, the knob assembly includes a protective housing that encapsulates the RFID reader 12, communication module, microcontroller, and power module, protecting these fragile electronic components from physical impacts, dust, liquids, static electricity, and other damage. The housing also supports the electronic components, such as the RFID reader 12, and conceals wiring and electronic components, maintaining a clean appearance.

[0043] See Figure 2 The schematic diagram of a knob 1 provided in the embodiment of the present invention shown shows that the surface of the housing is provided with a positioning mark 13, which corresponds to the radio frequency card reader 12 and can indicate the current operating status of the first device.

[0044] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the communication module is a Bluetooth module and the power module is a button battery.

[0045] Specifically, the communication module can be set to a Bluetooth module, which features low power consumption, fast transmission, and does not rely on an external network, enabling communication anytime. The power module uses a button battery, which saves space inside the knob 1 and is easy to replace.

[0046] This invention provides a knob assembly, comprising: a knob 1 and at least two electronic tags 2; the knob 1 includes: an RFID reader 12 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, and the electronic tags 2 respectively store tag information corresponding to different operating states of the first device; by reading the electronic tags disposed on the first device through the RFID reader in the knob assembly disposed on the first device, the operating state of the first device pre-stored in the electronic tags is obtained, and the operating state is sent to the second device linked with the knob through the communication module, so that the second device can adjust its own operating state based on the operating state of the first device, thereby realizing the linkage function between devices of different brands, enhancing the user's right to choose and improving the product user experience.

[0047] Example 2 Based on the above embodiments, this invention provides another knob assembly. This knob assembly is installed on the cooktop and can obtain the working status of the cooktop and send it to the range hood. After purchasing a range hood with cooktop-range hood linkage, the user can replace the original knob on the cooktop with this knob assembly and achieve cooktop-range hood linkage without replacing the cooktop.

[0048] Example 3 Based on the above embodiments, this invention provides a home appliance that is equipped with the knob assembly provided in the above embodiments.

[0049] Specifically, the original knob can be replaced by the knob 1 in the knob assembly provided in the above embodiment on the existing home appliance with knobs, and electronic tags 2 can be attached around it to indicate the operating status of the device. The operating status can then be sent to the electrical equipment linked to the home appliance through the communication module. Device linkage can be achieved without replacing a large number of electrical devices, which greatly improves the user experience.

[0050] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the household appliances described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the aforementioned embodiment of the knob assembly, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly 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 the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] 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 invention, essentially, 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 invention. 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.

[0053] 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 knob assembly, characterized in that, include: 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 tag is 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 tag stores tag information corresponding to different operating states of the first device; the RFID reader is used to read the tag information in the electronic tag at the corresponding position as the knob is rotated; 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 status of the first device and respond accordingly.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob is coupled to the first device via a valve stem; the at least two electronic tags are spaced apart around the valve stem and at least partially surround the valve stem.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob also includes a microcontroller and a power module, the power module being used to supply power to the knob.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, 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.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electronic tags are multiple; the operating status also includes a third operating status; the third operating status is used to indicate the gear position of the first device.

6. The knob assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The knob includes a housing; the RFID reader, the communication module, the microcontroller, and the power module are encapsulated within the housing, and a positioning mark is provided on the surface of the housing, which is used to indicate the current operating status of the first device as the knob is rotated; the position of the RFID reader corresponds to the positioning mark.

7. The knob assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electronic tag is an NFC patch; the NFC patch is attached to the side of the first device opposite to the knob, and the radio frequency card reader is an NFC card reader.

8. The knob assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The communication module is a Bluetooth module, and the power module is a button battery.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first device is a stove, and the second device is a range hood.

10. A household appliance, characterized in that, The home appliance is provided with a knob assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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