A hob knob system, a hob and a control method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a cooktop knob system, a cooktop, and a control method thereof. The cooktop knob system includes: a knob body; a photovoltaic power generation module disposed on the top surface of the knob body for receiving indoor ambient light and converting it into electrical energy; an energy management module for managing the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module; an energy storage module for storing the electrical energy managed by the energy management module and supplying power to the cooktop knob system; a communication module for communicating with external devices and uploading the real-time status information of the cooktop knob system to the external devices; a magnetic field angle detection module for detecting the rotation angle of the knob body; a main control module for entering a working state when the rotation of the knob body is detected, and entering a deep sleep state when no rotation is detected within a preset time; and a magnetic attraction module for magnetically attaching the knob body to the cooktop panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent kitchen appliances technology, and in particular to a stove knob system, a stove and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing household gas stoves use a mechanical linkage structure for their knobs. The knobs directly drive the valve body and valve core through gears and connecting rods inside to adjust the flame. This type of structure is not only complex to assemble and prone to mechanical wear and jamming after long-term use, but also requires large mounting holes on the stove panel, which compromises the overall sealing of the panel. Oil and water stains can easily enter the stove through the gaps, causing electrical faults.

[0003] In recent years, some smart cooktops have begun to adopt electronic knob solutions. However, these solutions generally require batteries inside the knob for power, necessitating frequent disassembly and replacement after battery depletion, resulting in high maintenance costs and environmental pollution from discarded batteries. Furthermore, the communication module of existing electronic knobs is too close to the internal magnetic structure, making the magnetic field of the permanent magnet prone to interfering with communication signals, leading to network failures and high data transmission packet loss rates, severely impacting the user experience. In addition, conventional photovoltaic modules have extremely low power generation efficiency in low-light kitchen environments, failing to provide a stable power supply for low-power knob systems and hindering true long-term operation without wiring or batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a stove knob system, a stove and its control method to solve the problems in the prior art, such as the need for frequent battery replacements, susceptibility to magnetic field interference in communication, and unstable power supply in low light environments.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cooktop knob system is provided, comprising: Knob body; A photovoltaic power generation module is installed on the top surface of the knob body to receive indoor ambient light and convert it into electrical energy. The energy management module is electrically connected to the photovoltaic power generation module and is used to manage the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module. The energy storage module is electrically connected to the energy management module and is used to store electrical energy managed by the energy management module and to power the stove knob system. The communication module is located inside the knob body and is used to communicate with external devices, uploading the real-time status information of the stove knob system to the external devices. The magnetic field angle detection module is used to detect the rotation angle of the knob body; The main control module is electrically connected to the communication module, energy management module and magnetic field angle detection module respectively. It is used to enter the working state when the rotation of the knob body is detected, and to enter the deep sleep state when no rotation is detected within a preset time. The magnetic module is located inside the knob body and is used to magnetically attach the knob body to the stove panel.

[0006] Optionally, the photovoltaic power generation module is a perovskite low-light photovoltaic module, and the bandgap and film thickness of the perovskite low-light photovoltaic module are configured to match the low-light spectrum transmitted through the transparent window on the top surface of the knob body.

[0007] Optionally, the communication module includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit, both of which are located within the knob body. The first communication unit is used to realize network distribution, equipment activation and parameter configuration, while the second communication unit is used to intermittently upload fire status and working information.

[0008] Optionally, the magnetic module includes a permanent magnet, which is disposed within the knob body and located below the coil of the first communication unit, for generating an attractive force with the cooktop panel.

[0009] Optionally, a bottom cover spacer is provided between the permanent magnet and the bottom surface of the knob body, and the height of the bottom cover spacer ranges from 5mm to 8mm.

[0010] Optionally, the knob body adopts a layered structure, with the coil of the first communication unit located above the magnetic module and the vertical distance between it and the permanent magnet of the magnetic module being greater than or equal to 3mm, and the vertical distance between the bottom of the knob body and the stove panel being greater than or equal to 5mm.

[0011] Optionally, the energy management module has a built-in maximum power point tracking unit to adapt to the microwatt-level power output of the photovoltaic power generation module.

[0012] Optionally, the magnetic field angle detection module includes a magnetic induction element array, which is located below the cooktop panel and is used to detect changes in the magnetic field angle of the permanent magnet in the magnetic attraction module and output the corresponding rotation angle signal.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooktop is provided, the cooktop including a cooktop panel and a cooktop knob system according to any embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control method for a cooktop is provided, applied to a cooktop knob system in any embodiment of the present invention, comprising: Photovoltaic power generation modules receive indoor ambient light and convert it into electrical energy; The energy management module manages the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module; The energy storage module stores electrical energy managed by the energy management module and supplies power to the stove knob system; The main control module enters the working state when it detects a rotational movement of the knob body, and enters a deep sleep state when no rotational movement is detected within a preset time. When the main control module is in working condition, the magnetic field angle detection module detects the rotation angle of the knob body and outputs the corresponding gas valve control signal. When an external device approaches the knob body, the communication module uploads the real-time status information of the stove knob system to the external device.

[0015] The technical solution of this invention, a stove knob system, includes: a knob body; a photovoltaic power generation module, disposed on the top surface of the knob body, for receiving indoor ambient light and converting it into electrical energy; an energy management module, electrically connected to the photovoltaic power generation module, for managing the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module; an energy storage module, electrically connected to the energy management module, for storing the electrical energy managed by the energy management module and supplying power to the stove knob system, enabling the stove knob system to operate long-term without batteries or wiring, eliminating the need for users to replace batteries periodically, significantly reducing maintenance costs, and avoiding the environmental pollution problems caused by discarded batteries; simultaneously, a communication module... The communication module, located within the knob itself, communicates with external devices, uploading real-time status information of the stove knob system. A magnetic field angle detection module detects the knob's rotation angle. A main control module, electrically connected to the communication, energy management, and magnetic field angle detection modules, enters a working state when rotation is detected and enters a deep sleep state if no rotation is detected within a preset time. This invention, through layered optimization design, effectively shields the communication signal from interference by the permanent magnet's magnetic field, significantly reducing network failure rate and data transmission packet loss rate, thus improving the operational stability of the smart knob. Furthermore, a magnetic module, also located within the knob, magnetically attaches the knob to the stove panel. This eliminates the need for large mounting holes on the panel, ensuring overall sealing and effectively preventing oil and water from entering the stove, extending its lifespan and significantly improving the user experience.

[0016] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments 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 these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical framework of a stove knob system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of a stove knob system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a stove provided according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a stove according to an embodiment of the present invention; In the picture, 1-Stove knob system, 10-Knob body, 11-Bottom cover spacer layer, 20-Photovoltaic power generation module, 30-Energy management module, 40-Energy storage module, 50-Communication module, 51-First communication unit, 52-Second communication unit, 60-Magnetic field angle detection module, 61-Magnetic induction element array, 70-Main control module, 80-Magnetic attraction module, 81-Permanent magnet fixing plate, 82-Permanent magnet, 2-Stove panel. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. 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 should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical framework of a stove knob system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This invention provides an exploded structural diagram of a stove knob system, as shown in the embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a stove provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The stove knob system provided in this embodiment can be widely used in various gas stoves, integrated stoves, induction stoves and other kitchen stove products, and is especially suitable for high-end intelligent kitchen equipment with high requirements for intelligence, convenience and energy saving.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the stove knob system 1 includes: a knob body 10; a photovoltaic power generation module 20, which is disposed on the top surface of the knob body 10 and is used to receive indoor ambient light and convert it into electrical energy; an energy management module 30, which is electrically connected to the photovoltaic power generation module 20 and is used to manage the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module 20; an energy storage module 40, which is electrically connected to the energy management module 30 and is used to store the electrical energy managed by the energy management module 30 and to supply power to the stove knob system 1; and a communication module 50, which is disposed inside the knob body 10 and is used to communicate with external devices. The device communicates with the external device to upload the real-time status information of the stove knob system 1 to the external device; the magnetic field angle detection module 60 is used to detect the rotation angle of the knob body 10; the main control module 70 is electrically connected to the communication module 50, the energy management module 30 and the magnetic field angle detection module 60 respectively, and is used to enter the working state when the rotation action of the knob body 10 is detected, and to enter the deep sleep state when no rotation action is detected within a preset time; the magnetic attraction module 80 is set inside the knob body 10 and is used to attach and fix the knob body 10 to the stove panel 2.

[0023] The knob body 10 can adopt a circular layered structure. Considering that the knob body 10 is generally opaque, in order to realize the photovoltaic power supply of the stove knob system 1 in this embodiment, a transparent window can be opened on the top surface of the existing knob body 10. The light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic power generation module 20 is set facing the window of the transparent window. After the light passes through the window and enters the photovoltaic power generation module 20, the photovoltaic power generation module 20 generates electrical energy.

[0024] Unlike other light-shielding areas on the cooktop panel, the transparent window features a fully transparent design without any light-shielding ink coating, allowing light to pass through and be incident on the light-receiving surface of the photovoltaic power generation module 20. Optionally, the transparent window can transmit over 90% of both visible and near-infrared light, thereby ensuring sufficient light energy reaches the photovoltaic power generation module 20 to generate usable electricity.

[0025] Optionally, the transparent window can be rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, or racetrack-shaped, or it can be elongated, irregular, or other custom shapes, such as arc-shaped, L-shaped, or irregularly shaped around the burner. This embodiment does not impose any special restrictions on the shape of the transparent window.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment, considering that the energy density of the light source received by the transparent window on the stove knob system 1 is much lower than that of sunlight, the photovoltaic power generation module 20 is a perovskite low-light photovoltaic module. The bandgap and film thickness of the perovskite low-light photovoltaic module are configured to match the low-light spectrum transmitted by the transparent window on the top surface of the knob body, so that the conversion efficiency of the perovskite low-light photovoltaic module in this low-light environment is higher than its relative conversion efficiency under standard sunlight.

[0027] For example, the photovoltaic power generation module 20 is a perovskite photovoltaic panel, which has excellent low-light response characteristics, thus ensuring that the cooktop can still effectively collect light energy in low-light indoor environments. In addition, the perovskite photovoltaic panel can support irregular cutting and size customization, and can be customized according to the shape of the transparent window on the cooktop knob system 1 to adapt to the layout requirements of different cooktop knob systems 1.

[0028] See also Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the communication module 50 includes a first communication unit 51 and a second communication unit 52. Both the first communication unit 51 and the second communication unit 52 are located inside the knob body 10. The first communication unit 51 is used to realize network distribution, equipment activation and parameter configuration, and the second communication unit 52 is used to intermittently upload fire status and working information.

[0029] As can be seen, the communication module 50 is located in the central cavity of the knob body 10, and is divided into two independent units: the first communication unit 51 and the second communication unit 52. The first communication unit 51 adopts an NFC near-field communication coil with a diameter ranging from 15mm to 25mm and an operating frequency of 13.56MHz. The distance between the coil and the permanent magnet is greater than or equal to 3mm. It is mainly used to complete device pairing, activation, and parameter configuration when the user brings an external device (such as a mobile phone or other terminal device) close. The second communication unit 52 can adopt a BLE 5.0 or higher low-power Bluetooth unit, which supports intermittent broadcasting and data uploading. That is, it is normally in a sleep state, and only when the knob is rotated to adjust the firepower, it intermittently transmits working information such as the current firepower level and running time. Then, the first communication unit 51 and the second communication unit 52 can communicate with external devices and upload the real-time status information of the stove knob system 1 to the external devices.

[0030] It is known that the second communication unit 52 can also use other low-power wireless communication protocols such as Zigbee, Thread or Wi-Fi to upload data, so as to achieve compatibility with different smart home ecosystems.

[0031] See also Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the magnetic module 80 includes a permanent magnet 82 with a diameter ranging from 8mm to 12mm and a height ranging from 4mm to 6mm. The permanent magnet 82 is disposed inside the knob body 10 and is fixed to the permanent magnet fixing plate 81. It is located below the coil of the first communication unit 51 and is used to generate an attraction force with the stove panel 2 and to make the knob body 10 rotate smoothly.

[0032] A bottom cover spacer layer 11 is provided between the permanent magnet 82 and the bottom surface of the knob body 10. The height of the bottom cover spacer layer 11 ranges from 5mm to 8mm, so that the bottom of the knob body and the metal panel of the stove are kept at a safe distance, reducing eddy current loss and signal shielding.

[0033] The knob body 10 adopts a layered structure. The coil of the first communication unit 51 is set above the magnetic module 80 and the vertical distance between it and the permanent magnet 82 of the magnetic module 80 is greater than or equal to 3mm. The vertical distance between the bottom of the knob body 10 and the stove panel 2 is greater than or equal to 5mm. Through the multi-layer spacing isolation design, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 82 is completely avoided from interfering with the NFC near-field communication coil communication, ensuring that the success rate of mobile phone NFC network pairing is close to 100%.

[0034] See also Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the energy management module 30 has a built-in MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) unit to adapt to the microwatt-level power output of the photovoltaic power generation module 20. It can track the output power point of the photovoltaic power generation module 20 in real time, rectify and stabilize the fluctuating electrical energy output by the photovoltaic power generation module 20, and then send it to the energy storage module 40. In this embodiment, the energy storage module 40 uses a thin solid-state supercapacitor with a cycle life of over 100,000 cycles. It requires no maintenance and can stably store the collected electrical energy, providing uninterrupted power supply for the entire stove knob system 1. The energy storage module 40 can also use thin-film lithium batteries or solid-state batteries to replace the supercapacitor, which can also achieve continuous power supply in the absence of light.

[0035] The magnetic field angle detection module 60 includes a magnetic induction element array 61, which is located below the cooktop panel 2. It is used to detect the change in the magnetic field angle of the permanent magnet 82 in the magnetic attraction module 80 and output the corresponding rotation angle signal.

[0036] The magnetic field angle detection module 60 consists of a magnetic induction element array 61 composed of eight linear Hall sensors, which is embedded in the lower part of the cooktop panel 2. When the user rotates the knob body 10, the permanent magnet 82 inside the knob rotates synchronously. The Hall sensor array below can detect the angle change of the magnetic field in real time, accurately calculate the rotation angle of the knob, and output the corresponding angle signal to the cooktop main control board, thereby controlling the gas valve to adjust the flame. The magnetic field angle detection module 60 can also use a magnetoresistive sensor instead of a Hall sensor, which has higher angle detection accuracy and sensitivity.

[0037] The main control module 70 uses an ultra-low power MCU, which is normally in a deep sleep state with a standby current of less than 1μA. It will only be triggered to wake up and enter full power operation when the magnetic field angle detection module 60 detects that the knob body 10 has rotated. It will process the angle data and control the communication module 50 to upload status information. When no rotation is detected for 30 consecutive seconds, the main control module 70 will automatically enter a deep sleep state again, keeping the overall average power consumption of the system below 5μA. It can achieve permanent operation by relying solely on the indoor low light energy collected by the photovoltaic power generation module 20, without the need to replace the battery.

[0038] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a cooktop, which includes a cooktop panel and a cooktop knob system according to any embodiment of the present invention. Since the knobs are fixed by magnetic attraction, there is no need to create traditional large mounting holes on the cooktop panel; instead, a magnetic field angle detection module is hidden beneath the panel. The cooktop panel surface is completely flat and without openings, preventing oil stains from seeping into the interior during daily cleaning, significantly improving waterproof and stain-resistant performance, and resulting in a simple and aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.

[0039] The technical solution of this invention, a stove knob system, includes: a knob body; a photovoltaic power generation module, disposed on the top surface of the knob body, for receiving indoor ambient light and converting it into electrical energy; an energy management module, electrically connected to the photovoltaic power generation module, for managing the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module; an energy storage module, electrically connected to the energy management module, for storing the electrical energy managed by the energy management module and supplying power to the stove knob system, enabling the stove knob system to operate long-term without batteries or wiring, eliminating the need for users to replace batteries periodically, significantly reducing maintenance costs, and avoiding the environmental pollution problems caused by discarded batteries; simultaneously, a communication module... The communication module, located within the knob itself, communicates with external devices, uploading real-time status information of the stove knob system. A magnetic field angle detection module detects the knob's rotation angle. A main control module, electrically connected to the communication, energy management, and magnetic field angle detection modules, enters a working state when rotation is detected and enters a deep sleep state if no rotation is detected within a preset time. This invention, through layered optimization design, effectively shields the communication signal from interference by the permanent magnet's magnetic field, significantly reducing network failure rate and data transmission packet loss rate, thus improving the operational stability of the smart knob. Furthermore, a magnetic module, also located within the knob, magnetically attaches the knob to the stove panel. This eliminates the need for large mounting holes on the panel, ensuring overall sealing and effectively preventing oil and water from entering the stove, extending its lifespan and significantly improving the user experience.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a stove according to an embodiment of the present invention, applicable to the stove knob system of any embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the control method of this stove includes: S110, the photovoltaic power generation module receives indoor ambient light and converts it into electrical energy; S120, the energy management module manages the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module; S130, the energy storage module stores electrical energy managed by the energy management module and supplies power to the stove knob system; Specifically, under the illumination of kitchen light, the photovoltaic power generation module receives indoor ambient light and continuously generates electricity, which is then stored in the energy storage module after passing through the energy management module.

[0041] S140. The main control module enters the working state when it detects a rotational movement of the knob body, and enters a deep sleep state when no rotational movement is detected within a preset time. S150. When the main control module is in working condition, the magnetic field angle detection module detects the rotation angle of the knob body and outputs the corresponding gas valve control signal. S160. When an external device approaches the knob body, the communication module uploads the real-time status information of the stove knob system to the external device.

[0042] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0043] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A stove knob system, characterized in that, include: Knob body; A photovoltaic power generation module is disposed on the top surface of the knob body, which is used to receive indoor ambient light and convert it into electrical energy; An energy management module, which is electrically connected to the photovoltaic power generation module, is used to manage the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module; An energy storage module, which is electrically connected to the energy management module, is used to store electrical energy managed by the energy management module and to supply power to the stove knob system; A communication module is provided inside the knob body for communicating with external devices and uploading the real-time status information of the stove knob system to the external devices. A magnetic field angle detection module is used to detect the rotation angle of the knob body; The main control module is electrically connected to the communication module, the energy management module and the magnetic field angle detection module respectively. It is used to enter the working state when the rotation of the knob body is detected, and to enter the deep sleep state when no rotation is detected within a preset time. A magnetic module is provided inside the knob body to magnetically attach the knob body to the stove panel.

2. The stove knob system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photovoltaic power generation module is a perovskite-type low-light photovoltaic module, and the bandgap and film thickness of the perovskite-type low-light photovoltaic module are configured to match the low-light spectrum transmitted through the transparent window on the top surface of the knob body.

3. The stove knob system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication module includes a first communication unit and a second communication unit, both of which are located within the knob body. The first communication unit is used to implement network distribution, equipment activation, and parameter configuration, while the second communication unit is used to intermittently upload fire status and working information.

4. The stove knob system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic module includes a permanent magnet, which is disposed in the knob body and located below the coil of the first communication unit, for generating an attractive force with the stove panel.

5. The stove knob system according to claim 4, characterized in that, A bottom cover spacer is provided between the permanent magnet and the bottom surface of the knob body, and the height of the bottom cover spacer ranges from 5mm to 8mm.

6. The stove knob system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The knob body adopts a layered structure. The coil of the first communication unit is located above the magnetic module and the vertical distance between the coil and the permanent magnet of the magnetic module is greater than or equal to 3mm. The vertical distance between the bottom of the knob body and the stove panel is greater than or equal to 5mm.

7. The stove knob system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy management module has a built-in maximum power point tracking unit, which is used to adapt to the microwatt-level power output of the photovoltaic power generation module.

8. The stove knob system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic field angle detection module includes a magnetic induction element array, which is located below the cooktop panel and is used to detect changes in the magnetic field angle of the permanent magnet in the magnetic attraction module and output the corresponding rotation angle signal.

9. A stove, characterized in that, The cooktop includes a cooktop panel and a cooktop knob system as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A method for controlling a stove, characterized in that, The stove knob system applied to any one of claims 1-8 comprises: Photovoltaic power generation modules receive indoor ambient light and convert it into electrical energy; The energy management module manages the electrical energy converted by the photovoltaic power generation module; The energy storage module stores electrical energy managed by the energy management module and supplies power to the stove knob system. The main control module enters the working state when it detects a rotational movement of the knob body, and enters a deep sleep state when no rotational movement is detected within a preset time. When the main control module is in working condition, the magnetic field angle detection module detects the rotation angle of the knob body and outputs the corresponding gas valve control signal. When an external device approaches the knob body, the communication module uploads the real-time status information of the stove knob system to the external device.

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