Knob assembly and device linkage system

Abstract

The application provides a knob assembly and a device linkage system, which comprises a knob coupled to a first device, and a light-reflecting element arranged on a surface of the first device opposite to the knob. The knob comprises a communication unit and an induction unit, and the knob is communicatively connected to a second device through the communication unit. The induction unit receives a reflected signal from the light-reflecting element. The light-reflecting element is arranged around a rotating shaft of the knob and at least partially surrounds the rotating shaft. A series of reflection zones are gradually arranged on a side of the light-reflecting element facing the knob, and different reflection zones correspond to different operating states of the first device. The reflection rates of the reflection zones are different. The knob determines the operating state of the first device through the reflected signal and sends the operating state to the second device, so that the second device responds. In this way, the operating state of the second device can be adjusted according to the operating state of the first device without changing the first device, thereby improving the compatibility between devices of different brands.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home technology, and in particular to a knob assembly and device linkage system. Background Technology

[0002] In the modern kitchen appliance industry, high-end range hoods and cooktops typically feature a synchronized function, meaning that when the cooktop is ignited, the range hood automatically starts to remove cooking fumes, enhancing the user experience. Some smart range hood and cooktop synchronization methods also support adjusting the range hood's power based on the cooktop's heat output to optimize smoke extraction.

[0003] Currently, common cooktop-range hood linkage technologies mainly rely on the control circuitry inside the cooktop to send ignition and power level information to the range hood via Bluetooth or wired connections. However, these solutions typically require the cooktop to have an integrated electronic control module, leading to protocol incompatibility between different brands, high retrofit costs, and difficulty in adapting traditional knob-type cooktops to smart linkage functions. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a knob assembly and device linkage system that can stably and accurately obtain the operating status of the first device without modifying the first device, so that the second device can automatically adjust its own working status according to the operating status of the first device, thereby improving the compatibility between devices of different brands.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a knob assembly, including a knob and a reflective element. The knob includes a communication unit and a sensing unit. The knob is coupled to a first device, and the reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob. The knob establishes a communication connection with a second device through the communication unit.

[0006] The sensing unit receives reflected signals from the reflective element.

[0007] The reflective element is arranged around the pivot of the knob and at least partially surrounds the pivot. The side of the reflective element facing the knob has a series of reflective zones that are gradually arranged. The different reflective zones correspond to different operating states of the first device, and the reflectivity of each reflective zone is different.

[0008] The knob is used to determine the operating status of the first device by reflecting a signal, and then sends the operating status to the second device through the communication unit so that the second device can respond to the operating status.

[0009] In an optional implementation, the operating state includes a closed state and multiple power levels.

[0010] In an optional implementation, the reflectivity of different reflective zones varies monotonically along at least one segment of the knob's rotation path to correspond to the gradual changes in the firepower level.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the reflectivity of different reflective zones increases first and then decreases along the rotation path of the knob to form the maximum reflectivity point corresponding to the maximum firepower setting.

[0012] In an alternative implementation, the knob includes a control unit, which includes an analog-to-digital conversion module.

[0013] The analog-to-digital converter module is used to convert the analog reflected signals received by the sensing unit into digital signals used to determine the operating status.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the sensing unit includes an infrared emitting unit and an infrared receiving unit; the knob also includes a base plate with an emitting hole for the infrared emitting unit to pass through and a receiving hole for the infrared receiving unit to pass through.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the knob also contains a power supply module that supplies power to the communication unit and the sensing unit.

[0016] In an optional implementation, the power supply module is a button battery.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides a device linkage system, including a first device and a second device connected by communication; the first device includes a communication unit and the aforementioned knob assembly; the second device includes a communication module.

[0018] The second device is configured to adjust its own operating status based on the operating status received from the first device.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the first device includes a device body and a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft is disposed on the device body; the knob assembly includes a knob and a reflective element; the knob includes a communication unit.

[0020] The knob is coupled to the rotating shaft, and the reflective element is set on the main body of the device.

[0021] This application provides a knob assembly and device linkage system. By using a knob assembly in conjunction with a reflective element on a first device that has a series of reflective zones with reflectivity varying gradients along the rotation path, the intensity of the reflected signal received by the sensing unit can change continuously or in stages with the rotation angle of the knob. This allows for the accurate identification of multiple specific firepower levels. The determined precise operating status can then be sent to a second device via a communication unit, enabling the second device to automatically adjust its own operating status based on the operating status of the first device. This achieves more refined intelligent linkage than simple switch control, thereby improving compatibility between devices from different brands and enhancing the user experience.

[0022] Other features and advantages of this application will be set forth in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description or may be learned by practicing the application.

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the knob assembly provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the base plate of the knob provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the knob provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a circuit board provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a reflective element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the sensing unit provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the equipment linkage system provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0026] Icons: 1-Knob; 2-Reflector; 3-Sensing unit; 4-First device; 5-Shaft; 6-Knob housing; 7-Base plate; 71-Emitting hole; 72-Receiving hole; 8-Circuit board; 9-Connection interface; 10-Communication unit; 11-Power supply module; 12-Second device; 13-Communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] To facilitate a better understanding of this application by those skilled in the art, a brief description of its application scenarios and design concepts is provided.

[0029] In the existing field of cooktop and range hood linkage technology, external detection solutions are typically used to facilitate the intelligent upgrading of existing cooktops. However, existing external linkage solutions (such as those based solely on infrared photodiode detection of reflected signals) can usually only achieve simple on / off detection. That is, they can only identify whether the cooktop is ignited or turned off.

[0030] In existing technologies, linked devices (such as range hoods) cannot know the actual heat level of the cooktop (e.g., whether it's on a low simmer or high stir-fry setting). Therefore, range hoods typically operate at a fixed default setting and cannot automatically adjust suction power based on the amount of cooking fumes produced. This not only leads to noise and energy waste when the range hood operates at a high setting during low-heat cooking but may also result in insufficient suction during high-heat stir-frying. Furthermore, while some high-end cooktops incorporate angle detection potentiometers, their complex structure and lack of universality prevent them from being directly applied to upgrades to ordinary cooktops.

[0031] Based on this, this application provides a knob assembly and device linkage system. By setting a reflective element with gradient reflection characteristics, and in conjunction with the analog-to-digital conversion detection structure integrated inside the knob, the knob assembly can capture the analog light intensity signal that changes continuously with the rotation angle, thereby accurately resolving the current specific rotation angle or power level of the knob.

[0032] Furthermore, the knob assembly can send the detected precise suction level information to the linked devices. This allows the range hood to automatically and smoothly switch to the most suitable suction level based on the stove's heat output, achieving more refined intelligent control than a simple on / off linkage.

[0033] Meanwhile, by improving the surface structure of the reflective element (such as the gradient distribution of the coating material) and the detection circuit inside the knob, this application enables ordinary stoves to have the ability to detect analog angles without any mechanical modification to the stove's rotating shaft, thus lowering the hardware threshold for users to obtain a high-end smart experience.

[0034] After introducing the application scenarios and design concepts of this application, the technical solutions provided by this application will be described in detail below.

[0035] This application provides a knob assembly, see embodiments thereof. Figure 1 The components include a knob 1 and a reflective element 2. The knob 1 includes a communication unit 10 and a sensing unit 3. The knob 1 is coupled to the first device 4. The reflective element 2 is disposed on the surface of the first device 4 opposite to the knob 1. The knob 1 establishes a communication connection with the second device 12 through the communication unit 10.

[0036] Here, knob 1 is coupled to the first device 4. In specific application scenarios, the first device 4 is typically a gas stove or integrated stove, etc. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The base plate 7 of the knob 1 has a connection interface 9 at its center. The shape and size of the connection interface 9 match the rotating shaft 5 on the first device 4, for example, by using a D-shaped hole or a spline hole, so that the knob 1 can be fitted and fixed on the rotating shaft 5 and rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft 5. The knob assembly can be used as an independent accessory to directly replace the original ordinary mechanical knob of the first device 4.

[0037] The sensing unit 3 receives the reflected signal from the reflective element 2.

[0038] Here, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The internal housing of the knob 1 integrates a communication unit 10 and a sensing unit 3. The communication unit 10 and the sensing unit 3 are typically soldered or mounted on a circuit board 8 inside the knob 1. The communication unit 10 (which may be a Bluetooth module) is responsible for establishing a wireless communication connection between the knob 1 and the second device 12 (e.g., a range hood). The sensing unit 3 (e.g., an infrared pair including an infrared emitter and receiver) is arranged on the bottom surface of the circuit board 8 and is exposed through a light-transmitting hole on the knob 1 base plate 7 or directly, so that its sensing surface faces vertically downwards, directly opposite the reflective element 2 mounted on the panel of the first device 4.

[0039] Reference Figure 5 The reflective element 2 is arranged around the rotating shaft 5 of the knob 1 and at least partially surrounds the rotating shaft 5. The reflective element 2 has a series of reflective zones gradually arranged on the side facing the knob 1. Different reflective zones correspond to different operating states of the first device 4, and the reflectivity of each reflective zone is different.

[0040] Here, the reflective element 2 is disposed on the surface of the first device 4 opposite to the knob 1. Specifically, the reflective element 2 can be designed as a ring-shaped sheet structure, such as a ring-shaped sticker or a rigid washer. The reflective element 2 is attached or fixed to the operation panel of the first device 4 and is disposed around the rotating shaft 5, i.e., the rotating shaft 5 passes through the central hole of the reflective element 2. The reflective element 2 is sized to at least partially surround the rotating shaft 5, and its outer diameter is generally smaller than the coverage area of ​​the bottom of the knob 1, so that it is covered by the body of the knob 1 to maintain a neat appearance.

[0041] The side of the reflective element 2 facing the knob 1 and sensing unit 3 is its functional surface. On the functional surface, a series of reflective zones are arranged gradually along the circumference. These reflective zones are not simply made of a uniform material, but are formed by coating different proportions or densities of reflective materials (such as infrared reflective coatings) and absorbing materials (such as black light-absorbing coatings), creating a structure in which the reflectivity changes continuously or hierarchically along the circumferential path.

[0042] Specifically, the different reflective zones physically correspond to different angles in the rotation stroke of knob 1, and these angles logically correspond to different operating states of the first device 4 (e.g., off position, low flame position, high flame position). Since the reflectivity of each reflective zone is different (e.g., gradually transitioning from low reflectivity at the starting point to high reflectivity at the end point), when knob 1 drives sensing unit 3 to rotate through these areas, the relative position between sensing unit 3 and reflective element 2 changes, causing a physical change in the intensity of the reflected signal received by sensing unit 3.

[0043] The knob 1 is used to determine the operating status of the first device 4 by reflecting a signal, and to send the operating status to the second device 12 through the communication unit 10 so that the second device 12 can respond to the operating status.

[0044] Here, knob 1 uses the change in the intensity of the reflected signal physically detected by sensing unit 3 to determine the current mechanical rotation position and corresponding operating state of the first device 4, and wirelessly transmits this state data to the second device 12 via communication unit 10. After receiving the signal, the second device 12 can automatically respond to the operating state according to preset logic, thereby realizing physical linkage between devices.

[0045] In one embodiment, the operating state includes an off state and multiple power levels.

[0046] Here, the operating state is divided into an off state and multiple power levels. The reflective area on the reflector 2 is specifically divided into a power-off reflective area corresponding to the off state, and a working reflective area corresponding to the multiple power levels. The power-off reflective area typically corresponds to the starting position of the knob 1's rotation stroke (e.g., 0 degrees). The surface of the power-off reflective area is coated with a high-absorption material, resulting in extremely low reflectivity, used to establish the zero-state of the knob 1. The working reflective area covers the rest of the knob 1's rotation path. The reflectivity within the working reflective area is not a single value, but rather exhibits a specific numerical distribution according to preset rules, thereby mapping each specific physical rotation angle to a specific power level, such as low power, medium power, high power, etc.

[0047] In one embodiment, the reflectivity of different reflective zones varies monotonically along at least one segment of the rotation path of knob 1 to correspond to the gradual change in the firepower level.

[0048] Here, to accommodate stove shafts 5 where the firepower increases or decreases linearly with the rotation angle, the reflectivity distribution on the reflective element 2 is designed to vary monotonically along at least a segment of the rotation path of the knob 1. This monotonous variation is achieved by changing the coating density or mixing ratio of the reflective material on the surface of the reflective element 2. For example, within a continuous arc region, the coverage density of the reflective material gradually increases in a clockwise direction.

[0049] When knob 1 moves sensing unit 3 across this area, the relative position between sensing unit 3 and reflective element 2 changes, causing the intensity of the received reflected signal to exhibit a linear trend of continuous increase or decrease. This physical structure directly corresponds to the gradual change in the firepower level; that is, the larger the angle of knob 1, the higher (or lower) the reflectivity, and the higher (or lower) the corresponding firepower level.

[0050] In one embodiment, the reflectivity of different reflective zones increases first and then decreases along the rotation path of knob 1 to form the maximum reflectivity point corresponding to the maximum firepower setting.

[0051] Here, in order to adapt to the common stove shaft 5 with rotary adjustment characteristics (for example, rotating from the off position to 90 degrees for high flame, and continuing to rotate to 180 degrees for low flame), the reflectivity distribution of the reflective element 2 is nonlinear.

[0052] Specifically, the reflectivity on the reflective element 2 exhibits a pattern of gradually increasing, reaching a peak, and then gradually decreasing along the rotation path of the knob 1 (e.g., from 0 degrees to 180 degrees). Corresponding to the position of maximum power setting (e.g., the 90-degree position), the reflective material density on the surface of the reflective element 2 is the highest, forming the point of maximum reflectivity.

[0053] On one side of the maximum value point (e.g., the range from 0 to 90 degrees), the density of the reflective material increases with the angle, corresponding to the process of ignition and increased firepower; on the other side of the maximum value point (e.g., the range from 90 to 180 degrees), the density of the reflective material decreases with the angle, corresponding to the process of adjusting the firepower from high to low. The sensing unit 3 can read a signal change curve that is completely consistent with the actual opening logic of the stove's rotating shaft 5 during the rotation of the knob 1, thereby ensuring that the second device 12 can accurately respond to the firepower adjustment logic.

[0054] In one embodiment, the knob 1 includes a control unit, which includes an analog-to-digital conversion module.

[0055] The analog-to-digital converter module is used to convert the analog reflected signal received by the sensing unit 3 into a digital signal for determining the operating status.

[0056] Here, a circuit board 8 is housed within the receiving cavity of knob 1, and the control unit is integrated or soldered onto circuit board 8. The control unit typically uses a microcontroller as its core processing component. To enable the processing of analog light intensity signals, the control unit includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC can be a peripheral circuit integrated within the microcontroller, or it can be a dedicated chip independently soldered onto circuit board 8 and communicating with the microcontroller.

[0057] The signal output terminal of the infrared receiving unit (e.g., phototransistor) in the sensing unit 3 is electrically connected to the signal input pin of the analog-to-digital conversion module of the control unit through the conductive lines on the circuit board 8.

[0058] When knob 1 is activated, sensing unit 3 receives reflected light from reflective element 2. Because reflective element 2 has a gradient reflectivity, the infrared receiving unit outputs a continuously varying analog voltage or current signal, i.e., an analog reflected signal, based on the intensity of the received light. This analog reflected signal is directly transmitted to the analog-to-digital converter module.

[0059] The analog-to-digital converter module is configured to sample and quantize the analog reflected signal, converting it into a digital signal (e.g., an 8-bit, 10-bit, or 12-bit binary value) that can be processed by the control unit's processor. The magnitude of the digital signal directly represents the intensity of the current reflected signal. Based on this digital signal and a pre-stored algorithm or mapping table, the control unit calculates the current rotation position of knob 1, thereby determining whether the first device 4 is in the off state or in a specific power level.

[0060] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 6 The sensing unit 3 includes an infrared emitting unit and an infrared receiving unit; the knob 1 also includes an emitting hole 71 for the infrared emitting unit to pass through and a receiving hole 72 for the infrared receiving unit to pass through on the base plate 7.

[0061] Here, the sensing unit 3 specifically includes an infrared emitting unit and an infrared receiving unit. The infrared emitting unit is typically an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) used to emit an infrared detection beam. The infrared receiving unit is typically an infrared phototransistor or photodiode used to receive infrared light reflected back from the outside. These two units are usually soldered or fixed to the bottom surface of the circuit board 8 inside the knob 1, with their working surfaces facing downwards from the knob 1.

[0062] The base plate 7 is fastened or screwed onto the knob housing 6, together forming a closed receiving cavity. To ensure that the infrared light signal can pass through the base plate 7 without obstruction and interact with the external reflector 2, refer to... Figure 2 The base plate 7 has two through holes, namely the transmitting hole 71 and the receiving hole 72.

[0063] In terms of structural correspondence, the position of the emitting aperture 71 corresponds perpendicularly to the mounting position of the infrared emitting unit on the circuit board 8, and the position of the receiving aperture 72 corresponds perpendicularly to the mounting position of the infrared receiving unit on the circuit board 8. After the circuit board 8 is installed, the head of the infrared emitting unit extends into or aligns with the emitting aperture 71, and the head of the infrared receiving unit extends into or aligns with the receiving aperture 72. This structural design protects the sensor from physical impacts and restricts the optical path, ensuring that infrared light can only be emitted and received through specific apertures, reducing interference from stray light inside the knob 1, thereby ensuring the accuracy of detecting the reflected signal intensity of the reflective element 2. Furthermore, the emitting aperture 71 and the receiving aperture 72 are spaced apart on the base plate 7, with the solid portion of the base plate 7 forming a physical isolation between them, preventing the emitted infrared light from directly entering the receiving unit without reflection, further improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0064] In one embodiment, the knob 1 is also provided with a power supply module 11, which supplies power to the communication unit 10 and the sensing unit 3.

[0065] To ensure that the knob assembly can operate wirelessly as an independent accessory without the need for an external power cord, a power supply module 11 is also provided inside the knob 1. The power supply module 11 is installed in the receiving cavity inside the knob 1 and is electrically connected to the circuit board 8.

[0066] The power supply module 11 serves as an energy source, providing stable operating voltage and current to the communication unit 10, sensing unit 3, and control unit on the circuit board 8. The output terminal of the power supply module 11 is connected to the power input terminals of the aforementioned units via power traces on the circuit board 8.

[0067] In one embodiment, the power supply module 11 is a button battery.

[0068] Here, considering the limited internal space of the knob assembly and to facilitate user replacement, the power supply module 11 is preferably a button battery.

[0069] In terms of structural implementation, a battery holder (or battery spring) compatible with a button cell battery is soldered onto the circuit board 8. The battery holder is typically located on the top surface of the circuit board 8 (i.e., the side facing the top of the knob housing 6) to avoid the sensing unit 3 on the bottom surface. When the button cell battery is installed in the battery holder, its positive and negative terminals are connected to the circuit board 8.

[0070] Using a button cell battery as the power supply module 11 is not only compact, easily fitting into the housing of the standard knob 1, but also inexpensive. A single button cell battery can support the stable operation of the knob assembly for a long time, meeting the portability and ease-of-use requirements of a universal modification accessory.

[0071] After introducing the knob assembly provided in the embodiments of this application, the device linkage system provided in the embodiments of this application will be described next. (Refer to...) Figure 7 This application provides a device linkage system, including a first device 4 and a second device 12 connected by communication; the first device 4 includes a communication unit 10 and the knob assembly mentioned in the above embodiment; the second device 12 includes a communication module 13.

[0072] The second device 12 is configured to adjust its own operating state according to the operating state received from the first device 4.

[0073] In one embodiment, the first device 4 includes a device body and a rotating shaft 5; the rotating shaft 5 is disposed on the device body; the knob assembly includes a knob 1 and a reflective element 2; the knob 1 includes a communication unit 10.

[0074] Knob 1 is coupled to shaft 5, and reflective element 2 is mounted on the device body.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first device 4 can be a gas stove or an integrated stove, and the second device 12 can be a range hood.

[0076] The first device 4 includes a device body, a rotating shaft 5, and the knob assembly described in the previous embodiments. The device body is the main body of the stove, and its upper surface is usually equipped with an operation panel (such as a tempered glass panel or a stainless steel panel). The rotating shaft 5 is part of the device body and is usually a rotating shaft that controls the opening of the gas valve. The rotating shaft 5 protrudes from the operation panel.

[0077] The knob assembly includes a knob 1 and a reflector 2. The knob 1 is physically coupled to the rotating shaft 5 through an interface structure at its bottom, and can rotate synchronously with the rotating shaft 5 to adjust the firepower. The reflector 2 is located on the operation panel of the device body, below the knob 1.

[0078] The reflective element 2 is arranged around the rotating shaft 5 and has a reflective characteristic that varies in gradient along the circumference. The knob 1 integrates the communication unit 10 and the sensing unit 3.

[0079] The second device 12 includes a communication module 13. This communication module 13 is matched with the communication unit 10 in the knob 1, enabling the establishment of a wireless communication connection. The second device 12 is configured to receive operating status information from the first device 4.

[0080] When the user operates the knob 1 of the first device 4, the knob assembly uses the sensing unit 3 to detect the gradient change of the reflected signal on the reflective element 2 and analyzes the current operating status of the first device 4. This operating status includes not only whether it is on or off, but also the specific firepower level information (such as low fire, medium fire, high fire).

[0081] Knob 1 transmits its operating status to the second device 12 via communication unit 10. Upon receiving the signal, the second device 12 automatically adjusts its operating status to match. For example, when the first device 4 is in high-power mode, the second device 12 automatically adjusts its fan to a high-speed setting; when the first device 4 is in low-power mode, the second device 12 automatically adjusts to a low-speed or silent setting; when the first device 4 is turned off, the second device 12 automatically delays shutdown or shuts down immediately.

[0082] In other embodiments, in addition to the linkage between the cooktop and the range hood, it can be extended to other appliance combinations. For example, the first device 4 can be an oven or a steamer, and the second device 12 can be an exhaust fan or a lighting system.

[0083] The computer program product provided in this application includes a computer-readable storage medium storing program code. The instructions included in the program code can be used to execute the methods described in the preceding method embodiments. For specific implementation details, please refer to the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0086] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0087] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0088] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely specific implementations of this application, used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. The protection scope of this application is not limited thereto. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be covered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a knob and a reflective element. The knob includes a communication unit and a sensing unit. The knob is coupled to a first device. The reflective element is disposed on the surface of the first device opposite to the knob. The knob establishes a communication connection with a second device through the communication unit. The sensing unit receives reflected signals from the reflective element; The reflective element is arranged around the pivot of the knob and at least partially surrounds the pivot. The side of the reflective element facing the knob is gradually provided with a series of reflective areas. Different reflective areas correspond to different operating states of the first device, and the reflectivity of each reflective area is different. The knob is used to determine the operating status of the first device through the reflected signal, and to send the operating status to the second device through the communication unit so that the second device can respond to the operating status.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating states include the off state and multiple power levels.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reflectivity of different reflective zones varies monotonically along at least one segment of the rotation path of the knob, corresponding to the gradual change in the firepower level.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reflectivity of different reflective zones increases first and then decreases along the rotation path of the knob to form the maximum reflectivity point corresponding to the maximum firepower setting.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob includes a control unit, and the control unit includes an analog-to-digital conversion module; The analog-to-digital conversion module is used to convert the analog reflected signal received by the sensing unit into a digital signal for determining the operating state.

6. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensing unit includes an infrared emitting unit and an infrared receiving unit; the knob also includes a base plate, on which an emitting hole for the infrared emitting unit to pass through and a receiving hole for the infrared receiving unit to pass through are provided.

7. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob also contains a power supply module, which supplies power to the communication unit and the sensing unit.

8. The knob assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The power supply module is a button battery.

9. A device linkage system, characterized in that, The device includes a first device and a second device with a communication connection; the first device includes a communication unit and a knob assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8; the second device includes a communication module. The second device is configured to adjust its own operating state based on the operating state received from the first device.

10. The equipment linkage system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first device includes a device body and a rotating shaft; the rotating shaft is disposed on the device body; the knob assembly includes a knob and a reflective element; the knob includes the communication unit; The knob is coupled to the rotating shaft, and the reflective element is disposed on the device body.

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