Knob device and electrical equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a knob device and electrical equipment, the knob device comprises a knob body, a permanent magnet, a plurality of first magnetic conductive members and a detection component, and the permanent magnet is arranged on the knob body and located on the rotation axis of the knob body. The plurality of first magnetic conductive pieces are arranged on the knob body and distributed on the periphery of the permanent magnet at intervals in the circumferential direction. The detection component is arranged on the electrical equipment and used for detecting the magnetic field intensity, and when the rotary knob body rotates, the multiple first magnetic conduction pieces have multiple different magnetic field intensities capable of acting on the detection component under the action of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. According to the knob device, the gear information of the knob device is obtained by directly detecting the magnetic field intensity through the detection component, and a non-contact gear adjustment mode is adopted, so that the accuracy of gear adjustment can be ensured, the problem of gear adjustment failure is avoided, and the use experience of a user is improved. Meanwhile, the knob device does not need to design a complicated mechanical transmission mechanism, so that the structure of the knob device is simplified, and the production cost can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and more particularly to a knob device and electrical equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, many electrical appliances such as washing machines, dryers, ovens, and microwave ovens require knobs to control their opening and closing and adjust their operating modes, thus enabling human-computer interaction.

[0003] Existing knobs typically use a contact-based control method to adjust their positions. For example, in a rotary switch, when the knob is rotated to the open position, the contacts close, completing the circuit and enabling the electrical appliance to operate. When the knob is rotated to the closed position, the contacts open, completing the circuit and stopping the appliance. By rotating the knob, the on / off state of the circuit can be controlled, thereby controlling the electrical appliance.

[0004] The aforementioned knob requires the design of mechanical transmission structures, encoders, etc., which are complex in structure and prone to contact failure, resulting in inaccurate gear adjustment or even failure, affecting the user experience.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a knob device and electrical equipment to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a knob device and electrical equipment that can simplify the structure of the knob device, ensure the gear adjustment accuracy of the knob device, and improve the user's user experience.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] On the one hand, a knob device is provided, comprising:

[0009] Knob body;

[0010] A permanent magnet is disposed on the knob body and located on the rotation axis of the knob body;

[0011] Multiple first magnetic conductive elements are disposed on the knob body and distributed at intervals around the permanent magnet in a circumferential direction. The multiple first magnetic conductive elements correspond to multiple gear positions of the knob device.

[0012] A detection component is disposed in an electrical device and located in the area between the rotation axis of the first magnetic conductive element and the knob body, for detecting magnetic field strength; when the knob body rotates, the multiple first magnetic conductive elements have multiple different magnetic field strengths that can act on the detection component under the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

[0013] As an alternative embodiment of the knob device of the present invention, the first end of the first magnetic conductive element extends to the first end of the permanent magnet, the second end of the first magnetic conductive element extends toward the side of the knob body facing the electrical device, and the detection component is located in the area between the second end of the first magnetic conductive element and the second end of the permanent magnet.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of the knob device of the present invention, the second ends of the plurality of first magnetic conductive elements have different extension lengths within the knob body; or, the first magnetic conductive elements are bent and extended, and the bending angles of the second ends of the plurality of first magnetic conductive elements relative to the first ends are different; or, the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of first magnetic conductive elements are different; or, the materials of the plurality of first magnetic conductive elements are different.

[0015] As an optional embodiment of the knob device of the present invention, the knob device further includes a second magnetic conductive element, which is spaced out and sleeved on the permanent magnet body, and neither end of the second magnetic conductive element protrudes from the permanent magnet body.

[0016] As an optional embodiment of the knob device of the present invention, the knob device further includes a magnetic component disposed on the electrical device, the magnetic component being able to magnetically attract the permanent magnet, so that the knob body is fixed to the electrical device;

[0017] Alternatively, the housing of the electrical appliance may be partially made of a magnetic material, and the knob body may be magnetically fixed to the housing of the electrical appliance by the permanent magnet.

[0018] As an optional embodiment of the knob device of the present invention, one of the housing of the electrical device and the knob body is provided with a mounting groove, and the other is provided with a protrusion, wherein the protrusion can be inserted into the mounting groove and rotatedly engaged with the mounting groove.

[0019] As an optional embodiment of the knob device of the present invention, one of the mounting groove and the protrusion is provided with a plurality of limiting slots, and the other is provided with a limiting protrusion. The plurality of limiting slots correspond one-to-one with the plurality of gear positions of the knob device, and the limiting protrusion can be selectively engaged in any of the limiting slots.

[0020] And / or, the protrusion height of the protrusion is greater than the depth of the mounting groove.

[0021] As an optional embodiment of the knob device of the present invention, a first indicator mark is provided on the knob body, and a plurality of second indicator marks are provided on the housing of the electrical device. The plurality of second indicator marks correspond one-to-one with a plurality of gear positions of the knob device. The first indicator mark can be aligned with any of the second indicator marks to indicate the current gear position of the knob device.

[0022] And / or, the detection component includes a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic field strength.

[0023] On the other hand, an electrical device is provided, including a housing, a control module, and a knob device as described above. The knob device is installed in the housing. The detection component is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module can determine the current gear position of the knob device based on the detection value of the detection component and control the electrical device to execute the working program corresponding to the current gear position.

[0024] As an optional embodiment of the electrical device of the present invention, the knob body of the knob device is detachably fixed to the housing, and the electrical device has multiple knobs, with the knob body selectively installed on the housing of any of the electrical devices.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0026] The rotary knob device and electrical equipment provided by this invention have multiple first magnetic conductive elements corresponding to multiple gear positions of the rotary knob device. Since the permanent magnet is located on the rotation axis of the knob body, and the multiple first magnetic conductive elements are distributed around the permanent magnet, the magnetic field energy generated by the permanent magnet is concentrated and distributed within the multiple first magnetic conductive elements. When the knob body rotates, the multiple first magnetic conductive elements have multiple different magnetic field strengths that can act on the detection component. Specifically, when the knob body is rotated, the detection component remains stationary, and the magnetic field energy generated by the multiple first magnetic conductive elements acts on the detection component one by one, causing the detection component to have different detection values. Multiple detection values ​​are generated corresponding to the multiple gear positions of the rotary knob device. Based on the detection values ​​of the detection components, the current gear position of the rotary knob device can be determined. Then, the control module of the electrical equipment can control the electrical equipment to run the corresponding working program according to the gear position information of the rotary knob device, realizing the control of the opening and closing and working mode of the electrical equipment by the rotary knob device.

[0027] This invention obtains the gear position information of a knob device by directly detecting the magnetic field strength through a detection component. It employs a non-contact gear adjustment method, ensuring accurate gear adjustment, avoiding gear adjustment failures, and improving the user experience. Furthermore, this knob device eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmission mechanisms, simplifying its structure and reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of the present invention and these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is an installation diagram of the knob device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic field line distribution when the knob device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention is in use;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top view of the knob device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] 1- Knob body; 2- Permanent magnet; 3- First magnetic conductor; 4- Detection component; 5- Second magnetic conductor; 6- Magnet

[0035] Sexual components;

[0036] 11-Protrusion; 12-First indicator mark;

[0037] 31-First magnetic conductive part; 32-Second magnetic conductive part;

[0038] 100 - Housing; 101 - Second indicator mark; 200 - Knob device. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] 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. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a knob device, which includes a knob body 1, a permanent magnet 2, a plurality of first magnetic conductive elements 3 and a detection component 4.

[0044] The permanent magnet 2 is disposed on the knob body 1 and located on the rotation axis of the knob body 1. Multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are disposed on the knob body 1 and distributed circumferentially around the permanent magnet 2, corresponding to multiple gear positions of the knob device 200. A detection component 4 is disposed on the electrical device and located in the area between the first magnetic conductive elements 3 and the rotation axis of the knob body 1, used to detect the magnetic field strength. When the knob body 1 rotates, the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3, under the influence of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2, possess multiple different magnetic field strengths capable of acting on the detection component 4.

[0045] The knob device 200 provided in this embodiment has multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 corresponding to multiple gear positions. Since the permanent magnet 2 is located on the rotation axis of the knob body 1, and the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are distributed around the permanent magnet 2, the magnetic field energy generated by the permanent magnet 2 is concentrated within the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3. When the knob body 1 rotates, the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 have multiple different magnetic field strengths that can act on the detection component 4. Specifically, when the knob body 1 is rotated, the detection component 4 remains stationary, and the magnetic field energy generated by the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 acts on the detection component 4 one by one, so that the detection component 4 has different detection values. Multiple detection values ​​are generated corresponding to the multiple gear positions of the knob device 200. Based on the detection value of the detection component 4, the current gear position of the knob device 200 can be determined. Then, the control module of the electrical equipment can control the electrical equipment to run the corresponding working program according to the gear position information of the knob device 200, so as to realize the control of the opening and closing and working mode of the electrical equipment by the knob device 200.

[0046] The gear position information of the knob device 200 is obtained by directly detecting the magnetic field strength through the detection component 4. This non-contact gear adjustment method ensures the accuracy of gear adjustment, avoids gear adjustment failure, and improves the user experience. At the same time, this knob device 200 does not require a complex mechanical transmission mechanism, simplifying its structure and reducing production costs.

[0047] In this embodiment, multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the permanent magnet 2, that is, multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are radially distributed around the periphery of the permanent magnet 2, which can better converge the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 2, and each time the knob body 1 is rotated by the same angle, a gear can be switched.

[0048] Optionally, the knob body 1, permanent magnet 2, and multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are integrally molded components, simplifying the manufacturing process. For example, an integral injection molding method can be used. In specific processing, the positions of the permanent magnet 2 and multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are arranged, and then the base material is poured into the mold to form the knob body 1. This ensures that the relative positions of the permanent magnet 2 and multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are fixed and reliable.

[0049] Optionally, the permanent magnet 2 is made of high-strength magnets such as neodymium magnets or neodymium iron boron magnets, so that the permanent magnet 2 has sufficient magnetic field strength to ensure the gear adjustment accuracy of the knob device 200.

[0050] Optionally, the first magnetically conductive element 3 is made of soft iron, that is, pure iron. It has strong magnetic permeability, low material cost, and is easy to process. Furthermore, compared to a magnet, the permeability of the pure iron first magnetically conductive element 3 is stable and does not vary significantly over time. This avoids the problem of inconsistent permeability decay among multiple first magnetically conductive elements 3 leading to gear calibration failure, thus ensuring the accuracy of gear adjustment in the knob device 200. In other embodiments, the first magnetically conductive element 3 can also be made of cobalt, nickel, or other materials.

[0051] Optionally, the detection component 4 includes a magnetic sensor capable of detecting magnetic field strength. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor includes a Hall sensor, which has high detection sensitivity and fast response, ensuring accurate gear selection. When current flows through the Hall element of the Hall sensor and it is subjected to an external magnetic field, an electromotive force (EMF) is generated across the Hall element. The Hall element generates different EMFs for different magnetic field strengths, and the EMF is proportional to the magnetic field strength. The EMF is detected by the output circuit of the Hall element and converted into a measurable electrical signal. Therefore, the magnetic field strength can be obtained by measuring the electrical signal of the output circuit, and the current gear of the knob device 200 can be determined based on the magnetic field strength.

[0052] In other embodiments, the magnetic sensor can also be a magnetoelectric sensor, a magnetic force sensor, a magneto-optical sensor, or a magnetic induction sensor, as long as it can accurately detect the magnetic field strength. For example, a magnetoelectric sensor can be a magnetoresistive sensor, which utilizes the magnetoresistive effect to detect the magnetic field strength by measuring the change in resistance caused by the magnetic field.

[0053] Optionally, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The first end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 extends to the first end of the permanent magnet 2, maintaining a gap with the permanent magnet 2. The second end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 extends toward the side of the knob body 1 facing the electrical equipment. The detection component 4 is located in the area between the second end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 and the second end of the permanent magnet 2. The first magnetic conductive element 3 can effectively converge magnetic field lines, causing the magnetic field lines to extend along the extension direction of the first magnetic conductive element 3. Therefore, by arranging the detection component 4 in the area between the second end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 and the second end of the permanent magnet 2, when the knob body 1 is rotated to the point where the first magnetic conductive element 3 and the detection component 4 are opposite each other (the first magnetic conductive element 3 and the detection component 4 are located on the same radius line of the knob body 1), the magnetic field lines emitted from the second end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 can act on the detection component 4, enabling the detection component 4 to accurately detect the magnetic field strength of the corresponding first magnetic conductive element 3 acting on the detection component 4, thus ensuring detection accuracy.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the permanent magnet 2 has an N pole and a S pole. In this embodiment, the first end of the permanent magnet 2 is the N pole and the second end of the permanent magnet 2 is the S pole. The magnetic field lines generated by the permanent magnet 2 will emanate from the N pole and return to the S pole. The presence of multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 makes the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 2 converge to multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 after emanating from the N pole, and return to the S pole through multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3. There are almost no magnetic field lines distributed in the space between two adjacent first magnetic conductive elements 3, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the detection value of the detection component 4.

[0055] Optionally, the second ends of the multiple first magnetically conductive elements 3 have different extension lengths within the knob body 1. That is, by designing the lengths of the multiple first magnetically conductive elements 3 to be different, the second ends of the multiple first magnetically conductive elements 3 are not aligned within the knob body 1. For the first magnetically conductive elements 3 of different lengths, under the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 2, the first magnetically conductive element 3 with the longest second end is closer to the detection component 4, allowing more magnetic field lines to act on the detection component 4, resulting in the strongest magnetic field strength detected by the detection component 4. Conversely, the first magnetically conductive element 3 with the shorter second end is farther from the detection component 4, so only a portion of the magnetic field lines emanating from the second end of the first magnetically conductive element 3 can act on the detection component 4, resulting in a relatively weaker magnetic field strength detected by the detection component 4. In other words, by changing the extension length of the second end of the first magnetically conductive element 3, the extension direction of the magnetic field lines emanating from the second end of the first magnetically conductive element 3 is changed, thereby changing the magnetic field strength acting on the detection component 4. Thus, multiple first magnetically conductive elements 3 of different lengths can have multiple different magnetic field strengths that can act on the detection component 4.

[0056] Optionally, see Figure 3 The first magnetically conductive element 3 includes a first magnetically conductive portion 31 and a second magnetically conductive portion 32 arranged at an angle. The end of the first magnetically conductive portion 31 away from the second magnetically conductive portion 32 extends radially along the knob body 1 to the first end of the permanent magnet 2. The end of the second magnetically conductive portion 32 away from the first magnetically conductive portion 31 extends along the thickness direction of the knob body 1. In this embodiment, the lengths of the first magnetically conductive portions 31 of the multiple first magnetically conductive elements 3 are consistent, and the lengths of the second magnetically conductive portions 32 of the multiple first magnetically conductive elements 3 in the thickness direction of the knob body 1 are different. This results in inconsistent curvatures of the magnetic field lines emitted from the second ends of the different first magnetically conductive elements 3, and different magnetic field strengths detected by the detection component 4. When the longest first magnetically conductive element 3 is opposite to the detection component 4, the magnetic field strength detected by the detection component 4 is the strongest; when the shortest first magnetically conductive element 3 is opposite to the detection component 4, the magnetic field is the weakest. Typically, the magnetic field is very small, so as to accurately detect whether the knob body 1 is installed in place.

[0057] For example, the first magnetic conductive element 3 is strip-shaped, the first magnetic conductive part 31 and the second magnetic conductive part 32 are at an approximately 90-degree angle, and the connection between the two is an arc-shaped transition.

[0058] In other embodiments, the lengths of the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 may also be the same. In this case, the first magnetic conductive elements 3 are bent and extended, and the bending angles of the second ends of the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 relative to the first ends are different. That is, by changing the bending angle of the second end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 relative to the first end, the extension direction of the magnetic field lines emanating from the second end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 is changed, thereby changing the magnetic field strength acting on the detection component 4. The multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 with different bending angles thus have multiple different magnetic field strengths that can act on the detection component 4.

[0059] For example, the first magnetic conductive element 3 includes a first magnetic conductive part 31 and a second magnetic conductive part 32 arranged at an angle. By changing the angle between the second magnetic conductive part 32 and the first magnetic conductive part 31, the extension direction of the magnetic field lines emitted from the second end of the first magnetic conductive element 3 can be changed.

[0060] Optionally, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The knob device 200 also includes a second magnetic conductive element 5, which is spaced out from the permanent magnet 2, and neither end of the second magnetic conductive element 5 protrudes from the permanent magnet 2. Since the magnetic resistance of the second magnetic conductive element 5 is much smaller than that of air, the spaced-out placement of the second magnetic conductive element 5 on the permanent magnet 2 allows the magnetic field lines near the permanent magnet 2 to be converged by the second magnetic conductive element 5. That is, the magnetic field lines close to the periphery of the permanent magnet 2 will originate from the N pole of the permanent magnet 2 and return to the S pole via the second magnetic conductive element 5, while the remaining magnetic field lines are concentrated and distributed to multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3, making the space near the permanent magnet 2 almost free of magnetic field lines. This ensures the accuracy of the magnetic field strength detected by the detection component 4 and further improves the precision of the knob device 200's gear adjustment.

[0061] In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 2 is cylindrical, and the second magnetic conductive element 5 is cylindrical. The distance between the second magnetic conductive element 5 and the permanent magnet 2 can be determined through preliminary experiments. Specifically, the magnetic field distribution can be analyzed and verified to determine the optimal spacing between the second magnetic conductive element 5 and the permanent magnet 2, so that the magnetic field lines near the permanent magnet 2 can be effectively concentrated on the cylindrical second magnetic conductive element 5. For example, the second magnetic conductive element 5 is a cylindrical part made of iron, which has strong magnetic conductivity and low material cost. In other embodiments, the second magnetic conductive element 5 can also be made of cobalt, nickel, or other materials.

[0062] Optionally, see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The knob device 200 also includes a magnetic component 6 disposed on the electrical appliance. The magnetic component 6 can magnetically attract the permanent magnet 2, thereby fixing the knob body 1 to the electrical appliance. That is, the knob body 1 is fixed to the electrical appliance by magnetic attraction, without the need for additional tightening operations. The fixing method is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble. Furthermore, the magnetic attraction method eliminates the need for drilling holes in the electrical appliance, simplifying the manufacturing process. At the same time, for electrical appliances used in the kitchen, the hole-free design prevents oil fumes, moisture, etc., from entering the interior of the electrical appliance, avoiding malfunctions or affecting the service life of the electrical appliance.

[0063] Furthermore, after the knob body 1 is installed in the electrical equipment, the magnetic component 6 is located directly below the permanent magnet 2. The magnetic field lines emanating from the N pole pass through the first magnetic conductor 3 and then through the magnetic component 6 back to the S pole, which can further organize the magnetic field lines of the permanent magnet 2 and improve the detection accuracy of the detection component 4.

[0064] For example, the magnetic component 6 is an iron block, which has strong magnetic conductivity and low material cost. Further, the magnetic component 6 is a rectangular iron block, allowing magnetic field lines emanating from the first magnetically conductive component 3 to pass horizontally through the magnetic component 6 and return to the S pole of the permanent magnet 2, thereby guiding the magnetic field lines to act on the detection component 4. In other embodiments, the magnetic component 6 can also be made of materials such as cobalt or nickel.

[0065] In other embodiments, if a portion of the housing 100 of the electrical appliance is made of a magnetically attractive material (such as iron), the knob body 1 can be directly magnetically fixed to the housing 100 of the electrical appliance using a permanent magnet 2, eliminating the need for a magnetic component 6, thus reducing the number of parts and lowering production costs. Designing a portion of the housing 100 as a magnetically attractive material also prevents the housing 100 from interfering with the detection values ​​of the detection component 4, ensuring accurate gear output from the knob device 200.

[0066] Optionally, one of the electrical appliance housing 100 and the knob body 1 is provided with a mounting groove, and the other is provided with a protrusion 11. The protrusion 11 can be inserted into the mounting groove and rotated with it. The engagement between the protrusion 11 and the mounting groove can position the knob body 1 and prevent lateral displacement of the knob body 1 during rotation, thus ensuring the accuracy of the knob device 200's gear adjustment.

[0067] Optionally, the height of the protrusion 11 is greater than the depth of the mounting groove. With this configuration, when the knob body 1 is installed in the electrical appliance, the bottom surface of the knob body 1 can maintain a certain distance from the surface of the appliance housing 100, reducing the contact area between the knob body 1 and the housing 100, thereby reducing the friction between the two and making it easier to operate when turning the knob body 1.

[0068] In this embodiment, see Figure 1 The knob body 1 has a protruding part 11, which is located below the permanent magnet 2. The housing 100 of the electrical equipment has a recessed mounting groove, and the magnetic component 6 is located below the mounting groove. Simply align the protruding part 11 and insert it into the mounting groove, and the permanent magnet 2 will be magnetically attracted to the magnetic component 6, so that the protruding part 11 is axially limited and fixed in the mounting groove. In this way, when the knob body 1 is rotated, the protruding part 11 can rotate adaptively in the mounting groove, and the protruding part 11 will not fall off the mounting groove.

[0069] In other embodiments, a protrusion 11 may be provided on the housing 100 of the electrical appliance, and a mounting groove may be provided on the knob body 1, as long as the relative rotation between the knob body 1 and the electrical appliance can be achieved.

[0070] Optionally, see Figure 2 and Figure 4The knob body 1 is provided with a first indicator mark 12, and the housing 100 of the electrical device is provided with multiple second indicator marks 101. Each of the multiple second indicator marks 101 corresponds one-to-one with a different gear position of the knob device 200, and also corresponds to a different operating program of the electrical device. The first indicator mark 12 can be aligned with any one of the second indicator marks 101 to indicate the current gear position of the knob device 200. When the knob body 1 is turned until the first indicator mark 12 is aligned with a certain second indicator mark 101, the operating program indicated by that second indicator mark 101 is the current gear position of the knob device 200. This arrangement allows the user to intuitively know the current gear position of the knob device 200 and the current operating program of the electrical device, facilitating the control of the electrical device's operating mode.

[0071] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 In the center, multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are evenly distributed on the knob body 1. Assuming the first magnetic conductive element 3 at the top of the knob body 1 is the shortest, the length of the first magnetic conductive elements gradually increases counterclockwise from this first magnetic conductive element 3. A first indicator mark 12 is positioned directly above the shortest first magnetic conductive element 3, corresponding to the first position (which can be the zero position) of the knob device 200. (Refer to...) Figure 4 In terms of orientation, assuming that the uppermost second indicator mark 101 on the electrical equipment housing 100 corresponds to the first position of the knob device 200, the positions of the knob device 200 corresponding to the second indicator mark 101 increase sequentially in the clockwise direction. The detection component 4 is located between the uppermost second indicator mark 101 and the rotation axis of the knob body 1, and the uppermost second indicator mark 101 is defined as the first second indicator mark 101.

[0072] In the initial state, the first indicator mark 12 aligns with the first second indicator mark 101, and the detection value of the detection component 4 is the magnetic field strength of the first short first magnetic conductor 3, corresponding to the first position of the knob device 200. After rotating the knob body 1 clockwise by a certain angle, the second short first magnetic conductor 3 aligns with the detection component 4, and the first indicator mark 12 aligns with the second second indicator mark 101. At this time, the detection value of the detection component 4 is the magnetic field strength of the second short first magnetic conductor 3, corresponding to the second position of the knob device 200. After rotating the knob body 1 clockwise by a certain angle again, the third short first magnetic conductor 3 aligns with the detection component 4, and the first indicator mark 12 aligns with the third second indicator mark 101. At this time, the detection value of the detection component 4 is the magnetic field strength of the third short first magnetic conductor 3, corresponding to the third position of the knob device 200. Similarly, when the knob body 1 is rotated, different first magnetic conductive parts 3 will align with the detection component 4. Correspondingly, the first indicator mark 12 will indicate the second indicator mark 101 corresponding to the gear position of the knob device 200, thereby indicating the current gear position of the knob device 200, so that the user can intuitively grasp the current working mode of the electrical equipment. Figure 3 The diagram shows the magnetic field lines distribution of the permanent magnet 2 when the knob body 1 is rotated to its longest position and the first magnetic conductor 3 is aligned with the detection component 4.

[0073] For example, the first indicator mark 12 is a rectangular mark, triangular mark, circular mark, or text / character mark that is pasted or engraved on the upper surface of the knob body 1, as long as it can serve an indicator function.

[0074] For example, the second indicator mark 101 can be text or character markings pasted or engraved on the casing 100 of the electrical appliance, as long as they can indicate the operating program of the electrical appliance. For example, when the electrical appliance is a washing machine, the second indicator mark 101 can be start, stop, quick wash mode, gentle mode, heavy-duty mode, rinse mode, spin-dry mode, dry mode, etc. As another example, when the electrical appliance is an oven, if the knob device 200 is a time knob, the second indicator mark 101 can be a number; if the knob device 200 is a function knob, the second indicator mark 101 can be off, fermentation, defrost, upper and lower heating elements, upper heating element, lower heating element, etc.

[0075] Example 2

[0076] This embodiment provides a knob device, which is a further improvement on the first embodiment. The main difference is:

[0077] Optionally, one of the mounting slot and the protrusion 11 is provided with multiple limiting slots, and the other is provided with a limiting protrusion. The multiple limiting slots correspond one-to-one with the multiple gear positions of the knob device 200, and the limiting protrusion can be selectively engaged in any of the limiting slots. Whenever the limiting protrusion is engaged in a limiting slot, it ensures that one of the first magnetic conductors 3 is facing the detection component 4, thereby enabling the detection component 4 to accurately detect the magnetic field strength of each first magnetic conductor 3 and improve the gear position output accuracy of the knob device 200. In addition, when the limiting protrusion is engaged in a limiting slot, it provides the user with contact feedback, making gear position adjustment more intuitive and accurate, and improving the user experience.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] This embodiment provides a knob device, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that:

[0080] Optionally, the first end of the first magnetically conductive element 3 extends to the first end of the permanent magnet 2, maintaining a gap with the permanent magnet 2. The second end of the first magnetically conductive element 3 extends toward the side of the knob body 1 facing the electrical equipment. The detection component 4 is located in the area between the second end of the first magnetically conductive element 3 and the second end of the permanent magnet 2. The first magnetically conductive element 3 can effectively converge magnetic field lines, causing them to extend along the extension direction of the first magnetically conductive element 3. Therefore, by arranging the detection component 4 in the area between the second end of the first magnetically conductive element 3 and the second end of the permanent magnet 2, when the knob body 1 rotates to the point where the first magnetically conductive element 3 and the detection component 4 are opposite each other, the magnetic field lines emitted from the second end of the first magnetically conductive element 3 can act on the detection component 4, enabling the detection component 4 to accurately detect the magnetic field strength of the corresponding first magnetically conductive element 3 acting on the detection component 4, thus ensuring detection accuracy.

[0081] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are different. That is, the cross-sectional areas of the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 are designed to be different. Under the same magnetic field strength, the first magnetic conductive element 3 with a larger cross-sectional area generates a stronger magnetic field strength acting on the detection component 4 due to its larger magnetic flux. Thus, the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 have multiple different magnetic field strengths acting on the detection component 4.

[0082] In other alternative embodiments, the materials of the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 may be designed to be different. Under the same magnetic field strength, the magnetization effect of the first magnetic conductive elements 3 made of different materials is different, thereby giving the multiple first magnetic conductive elements 3 multiple different magnetic field strengths acting on the detection component 4.

[0083] Example 4

[0084] This embodiment provides an electrical appliance, including a housing 100, a control module, and a knob device 200 as described in any of the previous embodiments. The knob device 200 is installed in the housing 100. A detection component 4 is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module can determine the current gear position of the knob device 200 based on the detection value of the detection component 4 and control the electrical appliance to execute the working program corresponding to the current gear position. The gear position information of the knob device 200 is obtained by directly detecting the magnetic field strength through the detection component 4. This non-contact gear adjustment method ensures the accuracy of gear adjustment, avoids gear adjustment failure, and improves the user experience. The aforementioned electrical appliance can be a washing machine, dryer, oven, microwave oven, etc.

[0085] Before the knob device 200 leaves the factory, the gear position information of the knob device 200 can be pre-calibrated with the multiple detection values ​​of the detection component 4 and stored in the control module. When the user rotates the knob body 1, the detection component 4 detects the magnetic field strength in real time and feeds the detection signal back to the control module. The control module compares the detection signal with the pre-stored target signal to determine the current gear position of the knob device 200, and then controls the electrical equipment to execute the corresponding working program according to the determined gear position.

[0086] In this embodiment, the detection component 4 includes a magnetic sensor, which includes a Hall sensor. The magnetic sensor has high detection sensitivity and fast response, ensuring the accuracy of gear position judgment.

[0087] Optionally, the knob body 1 of the knob device 200 can be detachably fixed to the housing 100. Since there are various types of electrical appliances, the knob body 1 can be selectively installed on the housing 100 of any one type of electrical appliance. That is, the knob device 200 can be matched with multiple electrical appliances. Users can install the knob body 1 on the housing 100 of a specific electrical appliance as needed. After adjusting the operating mode of the current electrical appliance, the knob body 1 can be installed on another electrical appliance for further control. This flexible arrangement makes the knob device 200 more versatile. Furthermore, the above design allows the knob device 200 to be used as a function key. Only the user possessing the knob device 200 can control the opening and closing of the electrical appliance and adjust its operating mode, preventing accidental operation or unauthorized use and improving the safety of the electrical appliance.

[0088] The aforementioned multiple electrical devices can be of different types. For example, for different electrical devices in the same user's home, detection components 4 can be configured for each device so that the knob body 1 can control the electrical device after it is installed in a certain type of electrical device.

[0089] Of course, multiple electrical appliances can also be the same type of electrical appliance, such as multiple shared washing machines, which can only be used by users who own the knob device 200.

[0090] In this embodiment, the knob body 1 is fixed to the housing 100 of the electrical device by magnetic attraction, requiring no additional tightening operations. The fixing method is simple and easy to assemble and disassemble. For example, a magnetic component 6 (such as an iron block) can be installed on the electrical device, and the permanent magnet 2 on the knob body 1 can be magnetically attracted to the magnetic component 6 to fix the knob body 1. Alternatively, if a portion of the housing 100 of the electrical device is made of a magnetically attractive material (such as iron), the knob body 1 can be directly magnetically fixed to the housing 100 of the electrical device by the permanent magnet 2. At the same time, this does not affect the magnetic field penetrating the housing 100 and acting on the detection component 4.

[0091] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Knob device, characterized in that The knob device comprises: a knob body (1); a permanent magnet (2) arranged on the knob body (1) and located on the rotation axis of the knob body (1); a plurality of first magnetic conductive members (3) arranged on the knob body (1) and spaced apart in the circumferential direction at the periphery of the permanent magnet (2), the plurality of first magnetic conductive members (3) corresponding to a plurality of gears of the knob device; a detection component (4) arranged on the electrical appliance and located in the region between the first magnetic conductive members (3) and the rotation axis of the knob body (1), for detecting the magnetic field strength; when the knob body (1) rotates, the plurality of first magnetic conductive members (3) have a plurality of different magnetic field strengths capable of acting on the detection component (4) under the action of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (2).

2. The knob device of claim 1, wherein The first end of the first magnetic conductive member (3) extends to the first end of the permanent magnet (2), and the second end of the first magnetic conductive member (3) extends towards the side of the knob body (1) facing the electrical appliance, and the detection component (4) is located in the region between the second end of the first magnetic conductive member (3) and the second end of the permanent magnet (2).

3. The knob device of claim 2, wherein The extension lengths of the second ends of the plurality of first magnetic conductive members (3) in the knob body (1) are different; or the first magnetic conductive members (3) are curvedly extended, the second ends of the plurality of first magnetic conductive members (3) have different bending angles relative to the first ends; or the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of first magnetic conductive members (3) are different; or the materials of the plurality of first magnetic conductive members (3) are different.

4. The knob device of claim 1, wherein The knob device further comprises a second magnetic conductive member (5) which is spaced apart and sleeved outside the permanent magnet (2), and both ends of the second magnetic conductive member (5) do not protrude from the permanent magnet (2).

5. The knob device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that The knob device further comprises a magnetic member (6) arranged on the electrical appliance, which can be magnetically attracted to the permanent magnet (2) to fix the knob body (1) to the electrical appliance. Alternatively, the shell (100) of the electrical appliance is partially made of a magnetically attractable material, and the knob body (1) can be magnetically attracted and fixed to the shell (100) of the electrical appliance by the permanent magnet (2).

6. The knob device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein One of the shell (100) of the electrical appliance and the knob body (1) is provided with a mounting groove, and the other is provided with a protruding portion (11) which can be inserted into and rotationally matched with the mounting groove.

7. The knob device of claim 6, wherein One of the mounting groove and the protruding portion (11) is provided with a plurality of limiting clamping grooves, and the other is provided with a limiting protrusion, the plurality of limiting clamping grooves correspond one-to-one to a plurality of gears of the knob device, and the limiting protrusion can be selectively clamped into any one of the limiting clamping grooves. And / or, the protruding height of the protruding portion (11) is greater than the depth of the mounting groove.

8. The knob device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The knob body (1) is provided with a first indication mark (12), and the shell (100) of the electrical appliance is provided with a plurality of second indication marks (101), the plurality of second indication marks (101) correspond to the plurality of gears of the knob device one by one, and the first indication mark (12) can be aligned with any second indication mark (101) to indicate the current gear of the knob device. And / or, the detection component (4) comprises a magnetic sensor capable of detecting the magnetic field intensity.

9. An electric appliance, characterized by The electrical appliance comprises a shell (100), a control module and the knob device according to any one of claims 1-8, the knob device is installed on the shell (100), the detection component (4) is in communication connection with the control module, the control module can determine the current gear of the knob device according to the detection value of the detection component (4), and the electrical appliance can execute the working procedure corresponding to the current gear.

10. The electrical appliance of claim 9, wherein, The knob body (1) of the knob device is detachably fixed to the shell (100), the electrical appliance has a plurality of, and the knob body (1) is selectively installed on the shell (100) of any electrical appliance.

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