Knob assembly and hob

Abstract

The application provides a knob assembly and a stove, which comprises a knob rotatably installed on a connecting rod of the stove; further comprises a photovoltaic assembly and a chargeable energy storage unit arranged on the knob; the chargeable energy storage unit is electrically connected with the photovoltaic assembly; the photovoltaic assembly is used for collecting ambient light and converting the ambient light into electric energy; and the chargeable energy storage unit is used for storing the electric energy and supplying power for the knob. In this way, the ambient light can be used to realize stable power supply of the knob assembly, so that the endurance and overall service life of the knob are improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In cooktops, knob assemblies are crucial components for users to control the gas switch and flame intensity, and are widely used in various household kitchen appliances. To achieve a higher level of intelligence, some knob assemblies are designed as internally powered electronic knobs to drive control modules or link with external devices.

[0003] Current electronic knobs typically use button batteries for power, with the battery and circuit board arranged separately, resulting in a large footprint and low integration. Because they rely solely on batteries, their battery life is limited, requiring frequent battery replacements after prolonged use, thus degrading the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a knob assembly and a cooktop that can utilize ambient light to achieve a stable power supply for the knob assembly, thereby reducing reliance on button batteries and improving the knob's battery life and overall service life.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a knob assembly, including a knob rotatably mounted on a connecting rod of a stove; it also includes a photovoltaic module and a rechargeable energy storage unit disposed on the knob; the rechargeable energy storage unit is electrically connected to the photovoltaic module.

[0006] Photovoltaic modules are used to collect ambient light and convert it into electrical energy.

[0007] A rechargeable energy storage unit is used to store electrical energy and power the knob.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the knob includes a knob housing, the top of which is made of a transparent material; the circumferential sidewalls of the knob housing are made of an opaque material; and a photovoltaic module is disposed on the top of the knob housing.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the knob housing and the base plate are fastened together to form a receiving cavity; an annular circuit board is disposed inside the receiving cavity; the annular circuit board is arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the knob further includes a power conversion board; the power conversion board is disposed parallel to the annular circuit board and electrically connected to the photovoltaic module and the rechargeable energy storage unit.

[0011] In an optional implementation, a button battery is also provided on the ring circuit board; the button battery and the rechargeable energy storage unit together power the knob.

[0012] In an optional implementation, the ring circuit board is further provided with a control unit and a communication unit; the control unit communicates with external devices through the communication unit.

[0013] In an optional implementation, a sensing unit is also provided on the ring circuit board, and the control unit obtains the operating status of the knob through the sensing unit.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the knob assembly further includes a reflective element disposed on the surface of the cooktop opposite the knob; a sensing unit is disposed opposite to the reflective element; the sensing unit is used to receive reflected signals from the reflective element so that the control unit can determine the operating status.

[0015] In an optional implementation, the operating state includes a first operating state and a second operating state; the reflective element is provided with a first reflective area and a second reflective area; the reflectivity of the first reflective area is different from that of the second reflective area; the first reflective area corresponds to the first operating state, and the second reflective area corresponds to the second operating state.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a stove, including a stove body and a knob assembly of any of the aforementioned embodiments; the knob assembly is rotatably mounted on a connecting rod of the stove body.

[0017] This application provides a knob assembly and a cooktop. By integrating a photovoltaic module and a rechargeable energy storage unit into the knob, it can efficiently utilize external ambient light for active recharging, thereby reducing the consumption of disposable batteries, extending the product's battery life, and improving the user experience.

[0018] 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. The objectives and other advantages of this application are realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0019] 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

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 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 A schematic diagram of the knob housing provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a ring circuit board provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a photovoltaic module provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the sensing unit provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a reflective element provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a stove provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Icons: 1-Knob; 2-Reflective element; 21-First reflective zone; 22-Second reflective zone; 3-Sensing unit; 4-Stove; 5-Connecting rod; 6-Knob housing; 7-Base plate; 71-Through hole; 8-Ring circuit board; 9-Connection interface; 10-Communication unit; 11-Rechargeable energy storage unit; 12-Photovoltaic module; 13-Main power supply battery; 14-Energy conversion board; 15-Stove body; 16-Knob assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0023] 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.

[0024] To help those skilled in the art better understand this application, a brief introduction to its application scenarios and design concepts is provided.

[0025] In the current field of smart kitchen appliances, to achieve wireless linkage between the cooktop and the range hood, external or replaceable smart knob components are usually used. Since the knob is an independent rotating part on the cooktop, it cannot be connected to an external power source via wires. Therefore, existing solutions generally use built-in disposable batteries (such as button batteries) as the sole power source.

[0026] However, this power supply method has significant drawbacks. The wireless communication module and sensing circuit integrated inside the smart knob continuously consume power during operation, especially during frequent cooking or communication handshakes. Limited by the confined space inside the knob, the built-in battery capacity is often quite limited. This means that after a period of use, users will inevitably face the problem of battery depletion, requiring frequent disassembly of the knob for battery replacement. This not only increases the user's maintenance costs and operational burden but also reduces the reliability of the smart linkage function and the user experience.

[0027] Based on this, this application provides a knob assembly and a cooktop, by incorporating a photovoltaic module and a rechargeable energy storage unit into the knob assembly. Utilizing the abundant overhead lighting or natural light in the kitchen environment, the photovoltaic module can actively collect light energy and convert it into electrical energy for storage, providing energy supplementation for the daily operation of the knob, thereby reducing the consumption of the primary main power supply battery.

[0028] Meanwhile, by horizontally placing the ring-shaped circuit board inside the knob and attaching the photovoltaic module to the top inner side of the knob's casing, the system maximizes photoelectric conversion efficiency. The horizontal layout also facilitates the integration of the power conversion board and energy storage unit, enabling the knob to achieve powerful power management functions while maintaining a compact appearance.

[0029] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below.

[0030] This application provides a knob assembly, see embodiments thereof. Figure 1 The knob assembly includes a knob 1 rotatably mounted on the connecting rod 5 of the stove; it also includes a photovoltaic module 12 and a rechargeable energy storage unit 11 disposed on the knob 1; the rechargeable energy storage unit 11 is electrically connected to the photovoltaic module 12.

[0031] Photovoltaic module 12 is used to collect ambient light and convert it into electrical energy.

[0032] The rechargeable energy storage unit 11 is used to store electrical energy and power the knob 1.

[0033] Here, knob 1 is configured to be rotatably mounted on connecting rod 5 of cooktop 4. Connecting rod 5 is typically the connecting rod 5 of the flow regulating valve of cooktop 4. (Refer to...) Figure 2The bottom of the knob 1 has a connection interface 9 that matches the connecting rod 5. The shape and size of the connection interface 9 are designed according to the common standard of the connecting rod 5 on the market. For example, it can be designed as a D-shaped hole, a round hole with a flexible clip, or a spline hole. Through this mechanical fit, the knob 1 can be firmly fitted onto the connecting rod 5. When the user turns the knob 1, the connecting rod 5 rotates synchronously, thereby adjusting the firepower of the stove 4. The knob 1 is usually composed of a knob shell 6 and a base plate 7. The two are connected by snaps, threads, or fasteners, forming an internal cavity for installing the electronic components mentioned later.

[0034] A photovoltaic module 12 is mounted on the knob 1. Its main function is to collect light energy (such as kitchen lighting or natural light) from the environment where the knob 1 is located and convert it into electrical energy. To improve the light energy collection efficiency, refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The photovoltaic module 12 is preferably disposed on the surface of the knob housing 6 or embedded in the light-transmitting area of ​​the knob housing 6. For specific selection, refer to... Figure 6 The photovoltaic module 12 can be a flexible photovoltaic thin film that conforms to the curved surface of the knob housing 6; or it can be a rigid solar panel mounted on the flat area at the top of the knob 1. If the knob housing 6 is made of a transparent or translucent material, the photovoltaic module 12 can also be placed on the inner surface of the housing to receive light through the housing. The photovoltaic module 12 generates direct current through the photoelectric effect, serving as the energy source for the knob assembly.

[0035] Reference Figure 5 The rechargeable energy storage unit 11 is disposed in the internal cavity of the knob 1 to store electrical energy and power the knob 1. The rechargeable energy storage unit 11 can be an energy storage device with charging and discharging capabilities, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a supercapacitor. The size and shape of the rechargeable energy storage unit 11 are designed to fit the space constraints inside the knob 1.

[0036] An electrical connection is established between the rechargeable energy storage unit 11 and the photovoltaic module 12. To achieve safe and efficient charging, a power management circuit (such as a charging management chip or voltage regulator circuit) is typically connected between them. This power management circuit can be integrated onto a circuit board inside the knob 1. The electrical energy output from the photovoltaic module 12 is regulated by the power management circuit and then input to the rechargeable energy storage unit 11 for storage. When the knob 1 is activated, the rechargeable energy storage unit 11 acts as a power source, providing a stable operating voltage and current to the electrical load inside the knob 1 through conductive lines on the circuit board.

[0037] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 4The knob 1 includes a knob housing 6, the top of which is made of transparent material; the circumferential sidewalls of the knob housing 6 are made of opaque material; and the photovoltaic module 12 is disposed on the top of the knob housing 6.

[0038] Here, the knob 1, as the component that the user directly contacts and operates, mainly consists of the top of the knob housing 6 located at the top and the circumferential sidewalls of the knob housing 6 arranged around its perimeter. These two parts together form the outer contour of the knob 1.

[0039] The top of the knob housing 6 is made of a transparent material. This transparent material can be fully transparent acrylic, polycarbonate, glass, or other polymer materials with high light transmittance. It can also be a semi-transparent material or a material with specific spectral transmittance characteristics, as long as it allows ambient light (such as indoor lighting or natural light) to pass through. The transparent top design aims to create an efficient light-receiving window for the internal photovoltaic module 12. In actual manufacturing, the top can be a single transparent cover, or it can be a light-transmitting window with a transparent lens installed in the center of an opaque cover.

[0040] The circumferential sidewalls of the knob housing 6 are made of an opaque material. The opaque material can be a colored plastic (such as black), a metal (such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel), or a material that has undergone an opaque treatment such as painting or electroplating on a transparent substrate. The top and circumferential sidewalls of the knob housing 6 can be integrally molded using a two-color injection molding process, or they can be assembled as two separate parts using snap-fit ​​or glue.

[0041] The photovoltaic module 12 is disposed on the top of the knob housing 6. In a preferred embodiment, in conjunction with the transparent material of the top, the photovoltaic module 12 is attached to or mounted on the inner surface of the top of the knob housing 6 (i.e., the side facing the receiving cavity). In this way, external light passes through the transparent top and illuminates the photosensitive surface of the photovoltaic module 12, protecting the photovoltaic module 12 from scratches or contamination. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The photovoltaic module 12 is preferably designed in a circular or annular shape that conforms to the shape of the top of the knob 1. In another embodiment, if the top of the knob housing 6 itself is the encapsulation layer of the photovoltaic module 12 (e.g., a glass-encapsulated solar panel), then the photovoltaic module 12 directly constitutes the top surface of the knob housing 6. Regardless of the specific installation method, the core objective is to maximize the light energy collection efficiency by utilizing the top surface of the knob 1, which has the largest light-receiving area and the least shading.

[0042] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The knob housing 6 and the base plate 7 of the knob 1 are fastened together to form a receiving cavity; an annular circuit board 8 is provided inside the receiving cavity; the annular circuit board 8 is arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0043] Here, the knob 1 is mainly assembled from two parts: the knob housing 6 and the base plate 7. The knob housing 6 and the base plate 7 are tightly fastened together by mechanical means such as snap-fit ​​structure, screw connection or ultrasonic welding, thereby forming a closed or semi-closed receiving cavity between the two. The receiving cavity provides installation space and physical protection for the internal electronic components.

[0044] Inside the receiving cavity, a ring-shaped circuit board 8 is installed. The ring design is chosen to avoid obstructing the connection rod 5 interface and the valve stem of the stove 4 located at the center of the knob 1, allowing the valve stem to pass through the central hole of the circuit board and connect to the knob housing 6. The ring-shaped circuit board 8 is horizontally positioned, meaning its surface is roughly parallel to the plane of the base plate 7. This horizontal layout fully utilizes the radial space of the flat cylindrical shape of the knob 1, facilitating the placement of more electronic components within a limited height, and also ensuring structural compatibility with the top photovoltaic module 12 and the bottom sensing element.

[0045] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 The knob 1 also includes an energy conversion board 14; the energy conversion board 14 is arranged parallel to the annular circuit board 8 and is electrically connected to the photovoltaic module 12 and the rechargeable energy storage unit 11.

[0046] Here, the knob 1 also contains a power conversion board 14 for processing the electrical energy after photoelectric conversion. The power conversion board 14 is arranged parallel to the annular circuit board 8. In terms of physical structure, the power conversion board 14 can be an independent small PCB, which is stacked on top of or below the annular circuit board 8 via pin headers or flexible circuits. Alternatively, it can be directly integrated into a certain layer of the annular circuit board 8 to form a multi-layer board structure.

[0047] The input terminal of the power conversion board 14 is electrically connected to the photovoltaic module 12 located on top, receiving the unstable DC power generated by the photovoltaic module 12. Its output terminal is electrically connected to the rechargeable energy storage unit 11. The power conversion board 14 integrates a voltage regulator circuit, a charging management chip, or a boost / buck circuit, which is responsible for regulating the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic module 12 to a voltage and current suitable for storage in the rechargeable energy storage unit 11 (such as a lithium battery or supercapacitor), thereby achieving efficient energy management and storage.

[0048] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 A button battery is also provided on the ring circuit board 8; the button battery and the rechargeable energy storage unit 11 together power the knob 1.

[0049] Here, to ensure that the knob 1 can still function normally under extreme conditions such as prolonged lack of light or depletion of the energy storage unit, a button battery is also installed on the ring circuit board 8. The button battery is fixed and connected by a battery holder soldered to the circuit board. The button battery, together with the rechargeable energy storage unit 11, constitutes a dual power supply system for the knob 1. The two can be connected in parallel or switched through a power management circuit to provide energy to the load inside the knob 1. This design utilizes the environmental advantages of solar energy while retaining the high reliability advantages of chemical batteries.

[0050] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 5 The ring circuit board 8 is also equipped with a control unit (not shown in the figure) and a communication unit 10; the control unit communicates with external devices through the communication unit 10.

[0051] Here, the control unit and communication unit 10 are also highly integrated on the ring circuit board 8. The control unit is typically a microcontroller or a processing core integrated into a system-on-a-chip. The communication unit 10 is the radio frequency circuitry that enables wireless connectivity, and can be a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication protocol module. The antenna of the communication unit 10 can be directly printed on the ring circuit board 8 or a ceramic antenna can be used.

[0052] The control unit is electrically connected to the communication unit 10. When data needs to be sent, the control unit transmits the encoded operating status information to the communication unit 10. The communication unit 10 establishes a communication link with external devices (such as range hoods, integrated stove main units, or smart home gateways) via wireless signals to realize data transmission and command interaction, thereby completing intelligent control functions such as range hood and stove linkage.

[0053] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 7 The ring circuit board 8 is also equipped with a sensing unit, and the control unit obtains the operating status of the knob 1 through the sensing unit.

[0054] Here, in order to sense the operation of the knob 1, a sensing unit is also provided on the annular circuit board 8. Considering that the annular circuit board 8 is arranged horizontally inside the knob 1, the sensing unit is preferably installed on the lower surface of the annular circuit board 8 (i.e., the side facing the base plate 7 and the cooktop 4 panel). The sensing unit is electrically connected to the control unit and transmits the collected physical signals to the control unit.

[0055] The sensing unit can be a non-contact photoelectric sensor. For example, the sensing unit includes an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver. The infrared emitter emits a detection beam downwards, and the infrared receiver receives the reflected light. To ensure unobstructed light path, the base plate 7 of the knob 1 has a through hole 71 at the location corresponding to the sensing unit. The control unit drives the sensing unit to operate and reads its feedback signal to obtain the current operating status of the knob 1.

[0056] In one embodiment, the knob assembly further includes a reflective element 2, which is disposed on the surface of the stove 4 opposite to the knob 1; a sensing unit is disposed opposite to the reflective element 2; the sensing unit is used to receive reflected signals from the reflective element 2 so that the control unit can determine the operating status.

[0057] Here, the reflective element 2 is located on the surface of the stove 4 opposite to the knob 1. (Refer to...) Figure 1 and Figure 3 The reflective element 2 can be a ring-shaped sticker, coating, or inlay, fixed to the control panel of the stove 4 and surrounding the connecting rod 5. When the knob 1 is installed on the connecting rod 5, the reflective element 2 is located directly below the body of the knob 1.

[0058] The sensing unit and the reflective element 2 are positioned opposite each other. During operation, the light signal emitted by the sensing unit is projected onto the surface of the reflective element 2. Based on the physical properties of its surface material, the reflective element 2 reflects a portion of the light signal back into the knob 1. The sensing unit receives the reflected signal from the reflective element 2 and converts it into an electrical signal. The control unit analyzes the strength or presence of this reflected signal to determine the current rotational position of the knob 1, thereby determining the operating status.

[0059] In one embodiment, the operating state includes a first operating state and a second operating state. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The reflective element 2 is provided with a first reflective area 21 and a second reflective area 22; the reflectivity of the first reflective area 21 is different from that of the second reflective area 22; the first reflective area 21 corresponds to the first operating state, and the second reflective area 22 corresponds to the second operating state.

[0060] Here, the operating state is logically divided into a first operating state and a second operating state. Typically, the first operating state is defined as the off state (or the flame-off position) of stove 4, and the second operating state is defined as the on state (or the ignition and operation position) of stove 4.

[0061] The reflective element 2 has a first reflective area 21 and a second reflective area 22. These two areas spatially correspond to different sectors in the rotation stroke of the knob 1. Crucially, the reflectivity of the first reflective area 21 differs from that of the second reflective area 22, resulting in significant differences in their optical properties.

[0062] For example, the first reflective area 21 (corresponding to the closed state) is made of black or light-absorbing material, which has extremely low reflectivity to infrared light; the second reflective area 22 (corresponding to the open state) is made of white, silver or highly reflective material, which has high reflectivity to infrared light.

[0063] When the user rotates knob 1 to the off position, the sensing unit faces the first reflective area 21, and the received reflected signal is extremely weak. Based on this, the control unit determines it to be in the first operating state. When the user rotates knob 1 to ignite the engine, the sensing unit moves to above the second reflective area 22, and the received reflected signal is significantly enhanced. Based on this, the control unit determines it to be in the second operating state.

[0064] Based on the above embodiments, this application discloses a stove, referring to... Figure 9 The stove disclosed in this application includes a stove body 15 and a knob assembly 16 of any of the above; the knob assembly 16 is rotatably mounted on the connecting rod of the stove body 15.

[0065] Here, the cooktop body 15 can be a gas stove, integrated stove, induction cooktop, or ceramic cooktop, or other kitchen appliances. The upper surface of the cooktop body 15 is usually equipped with a control panel, which can be made of tempered glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or other high-temperature resistant and easy-to-clean materials.

[0066] The connecting rod is mounted on the cooktop body 15 and protrudes upward through the control panel. The connecting rod is typically an extension of the internal flow control valve (valve body) or power adjustment potentiometer used to control gas flow or heating power. The connecting rod is capable of rotating about its axis. To facilitate torque transmission, the cross-sectional shape of the connecting rod is usually designed to be non-circular, such as D-shaped, double-cut-edge, or splined.

[0067] Regarding the installation and connection of the knob assembly 16, the knob in the knob assembly 16 serves as the user's operating interface and is rotatably mounted on the connecting rod of the stove body 15. Specifically, the connecting interface at the bottom of the knob is sleeved on the top of the connecting rod, allowing the knob to drive the connecting rod to rotate synchronously, thereby adjusting the heat.

[0068] The cooktop also includes a reflective element located on the control panel. The reflective element is positioned directly below and covered by the knob. The reflective element can be a ring-shaped sticker, coating, or inlay that surrounds the connecting rod. The upper surface of the reflective element (the side facing the knob) has areas with different optical properties.

[0069] Specifically, the reflective element is divided into a first reflective area and a second reflective area. The first reflective area corresponds to the off state of the cooktop body 15 (i.e., the flame-off position), and this area has a low reflectivity (e.g., using black light-absorbing material); the second reflective area corresponds to the on state of the cooktop body 15 (i.e., the ignition and operating position), and this area has a high reflectivity (e.g., using white reflective material). This structural design provides a physical detection reference for the sensing unit inside the knob.

[0070] When the knob is mounted on the connecting rod, the sensing unit (infrared emitting and receiving unit) on the horizontally arranged annular circuit board inside the knob faces vertically toward the reflective element on the control panel. When the user rotates the knob to adjust the heat, the sensing unit moves accordingly, scanning the reflective element below. By detecting changes in the intensity of the reflected signal, the knob assembly 16 can identify whether the stove is currently on or off.

[0071] When the stove is placed in a kitchen environment, ambient light can illuminate the top of the knob, replenishing the rechargeable energy storage unit inside the knob. 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. Specific implementation details can be found in the method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 scope of protection 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, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application. 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 scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A knob assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a knob rotatably mounted on a connecting rod of the cooktop; it also includes a photovoltaic module and a rechargeable energy storage unit disposed on the knob; the rechargeable energy storage unit is electrically connected to the photovoltaic module. The photovoltaic module is used to collect ambient light and convert the ambient light into electrical energy; The rechargeable energy storage unit is used to store the electrical energy and power the knob.

2. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob includes a knob housing, the top of which is made of a transparent material; the circumferential sidewalls of the knob housing are made of an opaque material; and the photovoltaic module is disposed on the top of the knob housing.

3. The knob assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The knob's outer shell and base plate are fastened together to form a receiving cavity; an annular circuit board is provided inside the receiving cavity; the annular circuit board is arranged in a horizontal direction.

4. The knob assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The knob also includes a power conversion board; the power conversion board is arranged parallel to the annular circuit board and is electrically connected to the photovoltaic module and the rechargeable energy storage unit.

5. The knob assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, A button battery is also provided on the ring circuit board; the button battery and the rechargeable energy storage unit together power the knob.

6. The knob assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The ring circuit board is also equipped with a control unit and a communication unit; the control unit communicates with external devices through the communication unit.

7. The knob assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The circular circuit board is also equipped with a sensing unit, and the control unit obtains the operating status of the knob through the sensing unit.

8. The knob assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The knob assembly also includes a reflective element disposed on the surface of the stove opposite to the knob; the sensing unit is disposed opposite to the reflective element; the sensing unit is used to receive reflected signals from the reflective element so that the control unit can determine the operating status.

9. The knob assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The operating states include a first operating state and a second operating state; the reflective element is provided with a first reflective area and a second reflective area; the reflectivity of the first reflective area is different from that of the second reflective area; the first reflective area corresponds to the first operating state, and the second reflective area corresponds to the second operating state.

10. A stove, characterized in that, It includes a cooktop body and a knob assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9; the knob assembly is rotatably mounted on a connecting rod of the cooktop body.

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