Knobs and appliances

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of knob and household appliance, it is related to smart home technical field.Knob includes: the knob main part being provided with inductive sensor and communication module and the base being provided with inductive piece;Knob main part is coupled with corresponding first equipment;Base is set on first equipment;Inductive sensor can rotate with knob main part synchronously;Inductive sensor is used to detect inductive piece to generate inductive signal, and inductive signal is sent to communication module;Communication module is used to send inductive signal to second equipment, to make second equipment respond based on inductive signal;Inductive sensor and inductive piece that can relatively rotate are built in knob, and the second equipment that is interconnected with knob learns the working state of first equipment and responds when inductive signal changes relying on the relative rotation of inductive sensor and inductive piece, to realize the linkage function between equipment of cross brand, while enhancing the self-determination right of user, improve product use experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of smart home technology, and in particular to a knob 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. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a knob and a home appliance, in which a relative rotating sensor and sensing element are built into the knob. A second device interconnected with the knob can know the working status of the first device by relying on the change of the sensing signal when the sensor and sensing element rotate relative to each other and respond accordingly. This realizes the linkage function between devices of different brands, which enhances the user's right to choose and improves the product user experience.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a knob, comprising: a knob body and a base; the base is provided with a sensing element; the knob body includes: a sensing sensor and a communication module; the knob body is coupled to a corresponding first device; the communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device; the base is fixedly disposed on the first device; the sensing sensor can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the knob body; A sensing sensor is used to detect sensing elements to generate a sensing signal and send the sensing signal to the communication module; wherein, as the sensing sensor rotates with the knob body, the sensing signal can switch between a first signal and a second signal; the first signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-off state; the second signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-on state; The communication module is used to send the sensing signal to the second device so that the second device can respond based on the sensing signal.

[0005] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a first slot is provided on the knob body; a valve stem is provided on the first device; the first slot is inserted into the valve stem, and the rotation of the knob body can drive the valve stem to rotate synchronously through the first slot.

[0006] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the sensing element is a sensing rod; a second slot is provided on the knob body; the sensing rod is inserted into the second slot, and the second slot forms a groove space that limits the rotation range of the knob body. During the rotation of the knob body, the second slot rotates with the knob body and is displaced relative to the sensing rod.

[0007] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the knob further includes: an indicator light; a mounting cavity is provided inside the knob body; a circuit board is provided inside the mounting cavity; and the communication module and the indicator light are both disposed on the circuit board.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a viewing window is provided on the knob body corresponding to the position of the indicator light.

[0009] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, an indicator is provided on the base; when the sensing signal is the first signal, the indicator and the indicator light are positioned at the same location.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the communication module is a Bluetooth module or a WiFi module.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments of this invention, the sensing element is a magnet; the sensing sensor is a Hall sensor, a mechanical switch, or an infrared sensing sensor.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the first device is a stove; the second device is a range hood.

[0013] Secondly, this utility model provides a household appliance, which is equipped with the knob provided in the first aspect.

[0014] This utility model brings the following beneficial effects: This utility model provides a knob and a home appliance. The knob includes a knob body and a base; the base is provided with a sensing element; the knob body includes a sensing sensor and a communication module; the knob body is coupled to a corresponding first device; the communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device; the base is fixedly mounted on the first device; the sensing sensor can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the knob body; the sensing sensor is used to detect the sensing element to generate a sensing signal and send the sensing signal to the communication module; wherein, during the rotation of the knob body, the sensing signal can switch between a first signal and a second signal; the first signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-off state; the second signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-on state; the communication module is used to send the sensing signal to the second device so that the second device can respond based on the sensing signal; by incorporating a relatively rotatable sensing sensor and sensing element in the knob, the second device interconnected with the knob can obtain the working status of the first device and respond based on the change in the sensing signal when the sensing sensor and sensing element rotate relative to each other, thereby realizing the linkage function between devices of different brands, 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 this utility model 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a knob provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a base provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 A bottom view of a knob body provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the window position provided for an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0017] Icons: 1-Knob body; 11-Top cover; 111-Viewing window; 12-Lower cover; 121-Second slot; 13-First slot; 2-Base; 3-Valve stem; 21-Through hole; 22-Sensor; 23-Indicator mark; 31-Limiting surface. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model 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 present 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 present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present 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 the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that is conventionally placed when the product of the utility model is used. It is only for facilitating the description of the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation to the present utility model. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for distinguishing description and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", and "suspended" do not mean that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but may be slightly inclined. For example, "horizontal" only means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical", it does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, and it can be slightly inclined.

[0023] In the description of the present utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "arrangement", "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it may be the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0024] In the related art, for the first device and the second device to realize the linkage function, it is usually required that both are products from the same brand manufacturer to ensure the consistency of communication protocols. However, this limits the users' independent selection right to a certain extent, that is, when the user only has the first device of brand A, the user has to purchase the second device of the same brand to realize the linkage function. With the solution in the present embodiment, when the user only has the first device of brand A, the user can choose to purchase the second device of brand B, and the manufacturer of brand B provides the user with the knob assembly in the embodiment of the present utility model through giving as a gift or tying the sale. Since the knob assembly in the embodiment of the present utility model can obtain the operating status of the first device of brand A and send the corresponding operating status to the second device of brand B through the communication module, the user can realize the cross-brand device linkage function without replacing the first device of brand A, which greatly enhances the user's independent selection right and improves the product use experience.

[0025] Some embodiments of the present utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the case of no conflict, the embodiments and the features in the embodiments described below can be combined with each other.

[0026] Example 1 This utility model embodiment provides a knob, including: a knob body 1 and a base 2; the base 2 is provided with a sensing element 22; the knob body 1 includes: a sensing sensor and a communication module; the knob body 1 is coupled to a corresponding first device; the communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device; the base 2 is fixedly mounted on the first device; the sensing sensor can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the knob body 1; the sensing sensor is used to detect the sensing element 22 to generate a sensing signal and send the sensing signal to the communication module; wherein, during the rotation of the knob body 1, the sensing signal can switch between a first signal and a second signal; the first signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-off state; the second signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-on state; the communication module is used to send the sensing signal to the second device so that the second device responds based on the sensing signal.

[0027] For details, see Figure 1 The schematic diagram of a knob provided in this embodiment of the present invention is shown. The knob body 1 includes an upper cover 11 and a lower cover 12. The upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are fixedly connected by a connector (e.g., bolts). There is a cavity between the two, in which the sensing sensor and the communication module are placed. The knob body 1 is coupled to the valve stem 3 of the first device. The knob body 1 and the valve stem 3 can rotate synchronously around the axis of the valve stem 3. The communication module follows the same communication protocol as the communicator of the second device. After the knob is powered on, the communication module is paired with the second device to achieve data communication. The fixing base 2 can be attached to the side of the first device opposite to the knob by adhesive or magnetic attraction.

[0028] See Figure 2 The schematic diagram of a base provided in this embodiment of the present invention shows that a through hole 21, slightly larger than the diameter of the valve stem 3, is provided in the center of the fixed base 2. The valve stem 3 passes through the through hole 21. A sensing element 22 is fixedly installed on the base 2. The sensing sensor can generate a sensing signal based on the sensing element 22. The sensing signal changes with the distance between the two. The sensing sensor is fixedly installed in the knob body 1 and can rotate synchronously with the knob body 1. The first signal indicates that the first device is in the off state. After the knob is installed, when the first device is in the off state, the signal at this time is taken as the first signal. Generally, the signal strength is recorded. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, due to some installation errors, the first signal can be set as a signal strength range. As long as the strength of the sensing signal falls within this range, it means that the sensing signal at this time is the first signal. Based on this, sensing signals with strength greater than or less than the first signal are collectively referred to as the second signal. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first signal is usually the sensing signal with the strongest signal strength, at which time the sensing element 22 and the sensing sensor are closest.

[0029] The sensing sensor can be any device that can detect the rotational position of the knob body 1, such as a magnetic sensor, mechanical switch, or infrared sensor.

[0030] The sensing sensor sends the acquired sensing signal to the communication module, which then forwards the signal to the paired second device. The second device responds based on the sensing signal; for example, if the second device learns that the first device is powered on, the second device also powers on simultaneously; conversely, if the second device learns that the first device is powered off, the second device also powers off simultaneously. Those skilled in the art will understand that the power-off state indicated by the first signal and the power-on state indicated by the second signal are the most basic operating states possessed by household appliances such as stoves, range hoods, dishwashers, steam ovens, and air conditioners. Therefore, the knob in this embodiment can at least achieve the linkage of the on / off functions between the first and second devices.

[0031] The communication module is not limited to using Bluetooth, WiFi, or other communication solutions; it only needs to enable wireless linkage functionality for data transmission between two devices.

[0032] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a first slot 13 is provided on the knob body 1; a valve stem 3 is provided on the first device; the first slot 13 is inserted into the valve stem 3, and the rotation of the knob body 1 can drive the valve stem 3 to rotate synchronously through the first slot 13.

[0033] Specifically, the knob body 1 is provided with a first slot 13 that mates with the valve stem 3. A limit structure is provided within the first slot 13, allowing the valve stem 3 to rotate synchronously with the knob body 1; see further. Figure 1 In some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the limiting structure is typically a limiting surface 31.

[0034] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the sensing element 22 is a sensing rod; a second slot 121 is provided on the knob body 1; the sensing rod is inserted into the second slot 121, and the second slot 121 constitutes a groove space that limits the rotation range of the knob body 1. During the rotation of the knob body 1, the second slot 121 rotates with the knob body 1 and is displaced relative to the sensing rod.

[0035] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The sensor 22 is fixedly mounted on the side of the base 2 opposite to the knob body 1; see also Figure 3The illustration shows a bottom view of a knob body according to an embodiment of the present invention. The second slot 121 is arc-shaped and partially surrounds the first slot 13. It is understood that the sensor 22 is inserted into the second slot 121. During the rotation of the knob body 1, the sensor 22 moves within the second slot 121. When the sensing rod abuts against one end of the second slot 121 during the rotation of the knob body 1, the knob body 1 can no longer continue rotating in the current direction. The sensor is in close contact with the inner wall of the second slot 121.

[0036] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the knob further includes: an indicator light; a mounting cavity is provided inside the knob body 1; a circuit board is provided inside the mounting cavity; the communication module and the indicator light are both disposed on the circuit board.

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, the cavity between the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 is referred to as the mounting cavity. A circuit board for fixing hardware is disposed within the mounting cavity, and all components in the knob assembly are disposed on this circuit board. The indicator light can be a single-color light or a multi-color light, and different working states of the knob are indicated by color changes or different display forms. Correspondingly, the knob body 1 can be transparent or semi-transparent. For example, when the sensing signal is the first signal, the indicator light is off; when the sensing signal is the second signal, the indicator light is constantly on. Furthermore, when the indicator light flashes regularly, it can indicate that the knob is in pairing mode and can be paired with a second device.

[0038] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of this utility model, a viewing window 111 is provided on the knob body 1 corresponding to the position of the indicator light.

[0039] Specifically, the position of the viewing window 111 is not limited; the user only needs to be able to observe the indicator light through the viewing window 111. If the material of the knob body 1 is opaque, the viewing window 111 can be transparent or it can be an opening; see [link to other documentation]. Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the position of a window provided in this embodiment of the present invention. The window 111 is disposed on the upper cover 11.

[0040] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of this utility model, an indicator mark 23 is provided on the base 2; when the sensing signal is the first signal, the indicator mark 23 and the indicator light are positioned at the same location.

[0041] For details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2The indicator mark 23 usually functions when the knob is installed. It is aligned with the reference position of the old switch button when the first device is in a certain working state, usually the position of the off state. After the base 2 is installed on the surface of the first device, when the knob body 1 is installed, the position of the indicator light (i.e. the window 111) is aligned with the position of the indicator mark 23. At this time, the sensing signal sensed by the sensor is the first signal.

[0042] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the communication module is a Bluetooth module or a WiFi module.

[0043] Specifically, the communication module can be set as a Bluetooth module, which features low power consumption, fast transmission, and does not rely on an external network, enabling communication anytime. The knob can be powered by button batteries, various dry cell batteries, or rechargeable batteries, which can save internal space and facilitate replacement; furthermore, wireless power supply can also be integrated.

[0044] Furthermore, in some preferred embodiments of this utility model, the sensing element 22 is a magnet; the sensing sensor is a Hall sensor, a mechanical switch, or an infrared sensing sensor.

[0045] Specifically, the sensing sensor can be a Hall sensor, which features fast response time, low temperature drift, high accuracy, small size, wide bandwidth, strong anti-interference ability, and strong overload capacity, making it suitable for kitchens.

[0046] This utility model provides a knob, including: a knob body 1 and a base 2; the base 2 is provided with a sensing element 22; the knob body 1 includes: a sensing sensor and a communication module; the knob body 1 is coupled to a corresponding first device; the communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device; the base 2 is fixedly mounted on the first device; the sensing sensor can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the knob body 1; the sensing sensor is used to detect the sensing element 22 to generate a sensing signal and send the sensing signal to the communication module; wherein, during the rotation of the sensing sensor with the knob body 1, the sensing signal can switch between a first signal and a second signal; the first signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-off state; the second signal indicates that the first device is in a powered-on state; the communication module is used to send the sensing signal to the second device so that the second device can respond based on the sensing signal; the knob has a built-in sensing sensor and sensing element 22 that can rotate relative to each other, and the second device interconnected with the knob can know the working status of the first device and respond based on the change of the sensing signal when the sensing sensor and sensing element 22 rotate relative to each other, 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 utility model provides another knob, which is set on the stove and can obtain the working status of the stove and send it to the range hood; after purchasing a range hood with stove-range linkage, the user can replace the original knob on the stove with this knob and achieve stove-range linkage without replacing the stove.

[0048] Example 3 Based on the above embodiments, this utility model provides a household appliance that is equipped with the knob provided in the above embodiments.

[0049] Specifically, the existing knobs on home appliances with knobs can be directly replaced with the knobs provided in the above embodiments. The operating status is then sent to the electrical equipment linked to the home appliance via the communication module. This allows for device linkage without replacing a large number of electrical devices, greatly improving 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 knob embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0051] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model 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 therein. Such 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 this utility model.

Claims

1. A knob, characterized in that, include: Knob body and base; The base is equipped with a sensor; The knob body includes: a sensing sensor and a communication module; the knob body is coupled to a corresponding first device; the communication module is communicatively connected to a corresponding second device; the base is fixedly mounted on the first device; the sensing sensor can rotate synchronously with the rotation of the knob body; The sensing sensor is used to detect the sensing element to generate a sensing signal and send the sensing signal to the communication module; wherein, as the sensing sensor rotates with the knob body, the sensing signal can switch between a first signal and a second signal; the first signal indicates that the first device is in a power-off state; the second signal indicates that the first device is in a power-on state; The communication module is used to send the sensing signal to the second device so that the second device can respond based on the sensing signal.

2. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob body is provided with a first slot; the first device is provided with a valve stem; the first slot is inserted into the valve stem, and the rotation of the knob body can drive the valve stem to rotate synchronously through the first slot.

3. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing element is a sensing rod; a second slot is provided on the knob body; the sensing rod is inserted into the second slot, and the second slot forms a groove space that limits the rotation range of the knob body. During the rotation of the knob body, the second slot rotates with the knob body and is displaced relative to the sensing rod.

4. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob further includes: an indicator light; a mounting cavity is provided inside the knob body; a circuit board is provided inside the mounting cavity; the communication module and the indicator light are both located on the circuit board.

5. The knob according to claim 4, characterized in that, A viewing window is provided on the knob body corresponding to the position of the indicator light.

6. The knob according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base is provided with an indicator mark; when the sensing signal is the first signal, the indicator mark and the indicator light are positioned at the same location.

7. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication module is either a Bluetooth module or a WiFi module.

8. The knob according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing element is a magnet; the sensing sensor is a Hall sensor, a mechanical switch, or an infrared sensing sensor.

9. The knob according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first device is a stove; the second device is a range hood.

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

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