Switch device, control system, control method and means of transportation

Abstract

Provided are a switch device, a control system, a control method and a means of transportation, which are used for reducing the complexity of a control operation of an air outlet of an air conditioner. The switch device (10) comprises a housing (100), a knob mechanism (200) and a detection mechanism (300), wherein the detection mechanism is arranged inside the housing; the knob mechanism passes through a first face (S1) of the housing and is exposed outside the housing; a communication interface (X) is provided on a second face (S2) of the housing, and the end of the communication interface located in the housing is connected to the detection mechanism; and the detection mechanism is configured to generate an electrical signal on the basis of the movement of the knob mechanism and transmit the electrical signal via the communication interface, the electrical signal being configured to adjust the air volume and / or air direction at an air outlet of an air conditioner. By means of combining a user's manual adjustment method with an air-outlet electric adjustment method, an integrated manual and automatic electric adjustment switch can be realized; and a user can control the air volume and / or air direction at the air outlet of the air conditioner simply by manually operating the knob mechanism, the requirements for technical skills are not high, and the learning cost is relatively low.

Description

A switching device, a control system, a control method, and a vehicle

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411181272.6, filed on August 26, 2024, entitled "A Switching Device, Control System, Control Method and Vehicle", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of mechatronics technology, and in particular to a switching device, a control system, a control method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of automotive technology, people's requirements for overall vehicle comfort are also increasing. The heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system can regulate the temperature inside the cabin to a suitable range and provide a comfortable riding environment for the driver and passengers. Therefore, it has gradually become one of the mainstream configurations in most cars.

[0005] However, while the control of in-vehicle air conditioning vents is becoming increasingly intelligent and complex, this complexity reduces convenience, especially for users unfamiliar with modern electronic devices who may find these control systems difficult to understand and use. For example, Figure 1a shows the appearance of a common vehicle air conditioning system with concealed vents to maintain the cabin's aesthetics. However, these concealed vents cannot be manually controlled; users must rely on other methods, such as voice or touch control. Figure 1b shows a schematic diagram of a touch control interface containing numerous controls. New users, elderly individuals, or young children may need to spend considerable time and effort learning how to correctly use these complex controls, resulting in a high learning curve and hindering its widespread adoption in vehicles.

[0006] In summary, reducing the complexity of controlling the air vents is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in vehicle air conditioning systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application provides a switching device, a control system, a control method, and a vehicle to reduce the complexity of controlling the air outlet.

[0008] In a first aspect, this application provides a switching device, which includes a housing, a knob mechanism, and a detection mechanism. The detection mechanism is disposed inside the housing, and the knob mechanism is exposed outside the housing through a first surface. A communication interface is provided on a second surface of the housing. One end of the communication interface is connected to the detection mechanism inside the housing. The detection mechanism is used to generate an electrical signal based on the detected movement of the knob mechanism and to send the electrical signal through the communication interface. The electrical signal is used to adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner vent.

[0009] Based on the above switching device, users can directly operate the knob mechanism manually. The detection mechanism will then detect the movement of the knob mechanism and feed back the corresponding electrical signal to an external device to adjust the airflow and / or direction of the air conditioning vents. In other words, this switching device combines manual adjustment with electronic adjustment of the air vents, creating a manual-automatic integrated electronic switch. With this electronic switch, users only need to manually operate the knob mechanism to adjust the airflow and / or direction of the air conditioning vents. The operation is simple, requires minimal technical skills, and has a low learning curve. Therefore, when this switching device is applied to a vehicle air conditioning system, it reduces the complexity of controlling the vehicle's air vents, making it widely applicable to various types of vehicles.

[0010] In one possible design, the communication interface is a controller area network (CAN) interface.

[0011] Based on the above design, the CAN interface supports the connection of the switching device to the vehicle's domain controller. In this way, the domain controller can be invoked to combine the manual adjustment mode with the original intelligent adjustment mode to achieve coordinated control of the air conditioning vents.

[0012] In one possible design, a charging interface is also provided on the third side of the housing. One end of the charging interface is connected to the detection mechanism inside the housing, and the charging interface is used to provide the input electrical energy to the detection mechanism.

[0013] Based on the above design, power can be provided to the testing organization to support its testing operations.

[0014] In one possible design, the housing includes a base and a top shell, which are fastened together to form an accommodating space, in which the knob mechanism and the detection mechanism are placed.

[0015] Based on the above design, the base and top shell can be used to protect the internal detection mechanism and knob mechanism, preventing these two components from being corroded or squeezed by the environment, and they also look more aesthetically pleasing.

[0016] In a further possible design, the knob mechanism includes a knob body and a shaft. The knob body is located outside the top shell, and the shaft passes through the top shell and faces away from the base. Its first end is fitted into the knob body, and its second end is fitted into the base.

[0017] Based on the above design, the knob body is exposed on the outside of the housing, making it easy for users to grip, while the shaft is confined inside the housing and connected to the knob body. In this way, the shaft can move according to the movement of the knob body, thereby generating a corresponding motion signal, which can be detected by the detection mechanism inside the housing.

[0018] In one example of the above design, a first groove is provided on the inner side of the base. The first groove has a structure that is narrow inside and wide outside. The second end of the shaft is fitted into the narrow part of the first groove, and the wide part of the first groove allows the shaft to rotate around the second end of the shaft.

[0019] Based on the above example, the narrow part inside the first groove can wrap around the second end of the shaft, preventing the second end of the shaft from coming out of the narrow part inside the first groove, while the wide part outside the first groove can provide a certain amount of rotatable space for the shaft to rotate around its second end. Thus, based on the structural design of the narrow inside and wide outside of the first groove, it can be ensured that the shaft can rotate around its second end.

[0020] In a further example, the outer width of the first groove is rhomboid, and the shaft rotates around the second end of the shaft within the rhomboid in any of the first, second, third, and fourth directions. The first direction is opposite to the second direction, the third direction is opposite to the fourth direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0021] Based on the above example, the shaft can be rotated in four directions around its second end, thereby enabling four-way adjustment of the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent.

[0022] In one example of the above design, the shaft includes a rotating shaft and a first elastic structure. The rotating shaft is fitted into the knob body at the end away from the base, and a second groove is provided at the end of the rotating shaft near the base. One end of the first elastic structure is fixed in the second groove, and the other end of the first elastic structure is fitted into the base.

[0023] Based on the above example, the first elastic structure can absorb the force applied to the knob body when the user turns the knob body, thereby reducing the wear of the second end of the shaft on the narrow inner part of the first groove and maintaining the accuracy of shaft movement detection.

[0024] In a further example, the second elastic structure is a spring pin.

[0025] Based on the above examples, spring pins can achieve fast and stable connections with high precision and wide adaptability.

[0026] In one example of the above design, the housing also includes a decorative ring that fastens to the surface of the top shell opposite to the base. The decorative ring has a second hole through which the knob mechanism passes and is fitted onto the base. The diameter of the second hole is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the knob mechanism passes.

[0027] Based on the above example, the decorative ring is fastened to the top shell, making the entire switch device more aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, the diameter of the second hole on the decorative ring is larger than the shaft diameter through which the knob mechanism passes, allowing the knob mechanism to be moved within the second hole of the decorative ring, thus supporting the adjustment of the airflow direction of the air conditioning vent based on the knob mechanism's movement.

[0028] In a further example, the knob mechanism also includes a decorative ring, which is fitted inside a decorative ring and fixedly connected to the shaft. The decorative ring has a third hole that partially overlaps with the second hole. The knob body passes through the second hole on the decorative ring from the outside and then contacts the decorative ring. The shaft passes through the third hole on the decorative ring from the inside and then fits into the inside of the knob body. The diameter of the third hole is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the shaft passes and smaller than the shaft diameter of the portion of the knob body that contacts the decorative ring.

[0029] Based on the above example, the decorative ring can serve as a support component for the shaft, maintaining the stability of the shaft's movement within the second hole of the decorative ring.

[0030] In one example of the above design, the detection mechanism can detect tossing and / or rotation, and optionally, it can also detect pressing. The implementation structure of these three functions is described below.

[0031] Test the toggle function

[0032] In one example, the detection mechanism includes a circuit board and a slider. The circuit board is fixedly connected to the top shell, and the slider is fixedly connected to the shaft. The slider is positioned between the circuit board and the base. The shaft passes through the circuit board and the slider and is fitted onto the base. A first hole is provided on the circuit board at the location where the shaft passes through, and the diameter of the first hole is larger than the shaft diameter. The detection mechanism also includes a potentiometer, which is connected to a communication interface via a first conductive medium. Based on this structure, when the shaft rotates around its second end within the first hole, it causes the slider to slide, generating relative displacement between the slider and the circuit board. The potentiometer can detect this relative displacement and generate a first electrical signal. This first electrical signal is transmitted to the communication interface via the first conductive medium, and this first electrical signal is used to adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent.

[0033] Based on the above example, the rotation of the shaft around its second end can be detected by a potentiometer, and this rotation corresponds to the user's action of turning the knob body. In other words, the user's action of turning the knob body can be detected by a potentiometer. Since the potentiometer outputs an electrical signal, this structure can convert the user's action of turning the knob body into an electrical signal to realize the electric adjustment of the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent.

[0034] In a further example, the potentiometer includes a resistive element and a sliding contact. The resistive element is disposed on the surface of the circuit board relative to the slider and is connected to the communication interface via a first conductive medium. The sliding contact is disposed on the surface of the slider relative to the circuit board and contacts the resistive element. When a relative displacement occurs between the slider and the circuit board, the sliding contact on the slider slides on the resistive element on the circuit board, changing the potential difference at different positions on the resistive element. The changed potential difference is transmitted to the communication interface via the first conductive medium.

[0035] Based on the above examples, a potentiometer can be implemented using a resistive element and a sliding contact, which has a simple structure, fast response speed, and high stability.

[0036] In a further example, the resistive element includes a first resistive sheet and a second resistive sheet, and the sliding contact includes a first contact and a second contact. The first contact contacts the first resistive sheet, and the second contact contacts the second resistive sheet. The changed potential difference on the first resistive sheet and the changed potential difference on the second resistive sheet are transmitted to the communication interface through a first conductive medium to determine the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the shaft around the second end of the shaft.

[0037] Based on the above example, sliding detection in four directions can be achieved through two sets of resistors and sliding contacts, providing support for the four-way rotation of the shaft around its second end, which helps to achieve four-way adjustment of the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet.

[0038] In a further example, the first hole is cross-shaped, and the shaft rotates around the second end of the shaft within the first hole in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, or a fourth direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction, the third direction is opposite to the fourth direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

[0039] Based on the above example, the first hole can support the shaft to rotate in four directions around its second end, thereby enabling four-way adjustment of the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet.

[0040] Rotation detection function

[0041] In one example, the detection mechanism includes a circuit board and a rotating curved block. The circuit board is fixedly connected to the top shell, and the rotating curved block is fixedly connected to the shaft. The circuit board is positioned between the rotating curved block and the base plate. The shaft passes through the rotating curved block and the circuit board and is then fitted onto the base. A first hole is provided on the circuit board at the location where the shaft passes through, and the diameter of the first hole is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the shaft passes. The detection mechanism also includes a grating, which is positioned on the surface of the circuit board relative to the rotating curved block. A light-blocking component is positioned on the surface of the rotating curved block relative to the circuit board, located between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the grating. The light-receiving element is connected to a communication interface via a second conductive medium. Based on this structure, when the shaft rotates around its axis, it causes the rotating curved block to rotate, changing the relative position between the light-blocking component and the light-emitting and light-receiving elements. The light-receiving element generates a second electrical signal based on the received light beam. This second electrical signal is connected to the communication interface via the second conductive medium and is used to adjust the airflow of the air conditioner vent.

[0042] Based on the above example, the rotation of the shaft around its axis can be detected by a grating, and this rotation corresponds to the user's action of rotating the knob body. In other words, the user's action of rotating the knob body can be detected by a grating. Since the grating outputs an electrical signal, this structure can convert the user's action of rotating the knob body into an electrical signal to realize the electric adjustment of the air volume of the air conditioner vent.

[0043] In a further example, the light-blocking component includes K sets of light-blocking plates. Each time the shaft rotates around its axis, it causes the rotating surface block to rotate through the range of one or more sets of light-blocking plates. Each set of light-blocking plates corresponds to one or more airflow settings of the air conditioner outlet, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0044] Based on the above example, users can rotate the knob body to a set angle or a multiple thereof each time, thereby adjusting the airflow of the air conditioner vents according to one or more levels or multiples thereof, reducing the complexity of airflow control.

[0045] In a further example, the detection mechanism also includes a support and a second elastic structure. The support is sleeved between the rotating curved block and the top shell and is fixedly connected to the top shell. The shaft passes through the top shell and the support in sequence and is then fitted onto the base. The second elastic structure is connected to the support and the rotating curved block and is used to allow the rotating curved block to rotate by a set angle or a multiple thereof each time.

[0046] Based on the above examples, the angle that the user turns the knob each time can be limited to a set angle or a multiple thereof, thereby reducing the complexity of adjusting the airflow of the air conditioner vent.

[0047] In a further example, the first end of the second elastic structure is fixedly connected to the bracket, and the second end of the second elastic structure contacts the outer surface of the rotating curved block. The outer surface has K protrusions, and the positions of the K protrusions correspond one-to-one with the positions of K sets of light-blocking plates in the light-blocking component. Each set of light-blocking plates corresponds to a set angle, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2. When the rotating curved block rotates through the range of each set of light-blocking plates, the second end of the second elastic structure passes over the protrusion corresponding to the light-blocking plate, providing a tactile feel for the rotation of the shaft.

[0048] Based on the above example, even if the user's hand grips the knob body and does not rotate it to the end of a set of light-blocking plates, as long as the rotation ends after the highest point of the protrusion, the elastic force accumulated by the second elastic structure during the previous rotation can be used to push the rotating surface block to continue rotating through the remaining protrusion range. This achieves the effect of rotating through one or more sets of light-blocking plates at once, limiting the angle rotated by the user's hand gripping the knob body each time to a set angle or a multiple thereof. In addition, the change in elastic force of the second elastic structure during rotation will ultimately be fed back to the knob body, providing the user with a tactile feedback when rotating the knob body. For example, the user can perceive the feeling of rotating through one or more gears, thereby improving the user experience.

[0049] In a further example, the second elastic structure comprises two, which are positioned symmetrically between the support and the revolution surface block.

[0050] Based on the above example, the elastic forces applied to the rotating surface block by the two second elastic elements are in the same direction and are symmetrical. The symmetrical elastic forces can not only make the rotating surface block rotate through the protrusion faster, but also make the force on the rotating surface block more stable, providing users with a stable rotation feel.

[0051] In a further example, the second elastic structure is a spring pin.

[0052] Based on the above examples, spring pins can achieve fast and stable connections with high precision and wide adaptability.

[0053] Test press function

[0054] In one example, the detection mechanism includes a micro switch, which is disposed between the second end of the shaft and the base and connected to the communication interface through a third conductive medium. When the shaft is pressed, the second end of the shaft contacts the micro switch. After detecting that the shaft is pressed, the micro switch generates a third electrical signal, which is transmitted to the communication interface through the third conductive medium to control the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent to be turned on or off.

[0055] Based on the above example, a micro switch can be used to detect whether the shaft is pressed. This pressing corresponds to the user pressing the knob body. In other words, a micro switch can be used to detect whether the user is pressing the knob body. Since the micro switch outputs an electrical signal, this structure can convert the user's pressing of the knob body into an electrical signal to realize the electric control of turning the air conditioning function on or off at the air conditioning vent.

[0056] In a further example, the third elastic structure is a spring pin.

[0057] Based on the above examples, spring pins can achieve fast and stable connections with high precision and wide adaptability.

[0058] Secondly, this application provides a control system, which includes a control device and a switching device as described in the first aspect or any of the designs or examples of the first aspect. The switching device is connected to the control device via a communication interface, and the control device is also connected to an air conditioning vent. When the control system is in operation, the switching device is used to send an electrical signal to the control device according to the movement of a knob mechanism, and the control device is used to adjust the airflow and / or airflow direction of the air conditioning vent according to the electrical signal.

[0059] In one possible design, the control device is a component within the intelligent air conditioning system, such as a domain controller, motor controller, or motor for the air conditioning vents. This allows the switching devices to be directly compatible with existing intelligent air conditioning systems, improving the versatility of the control system.

[0060] In one possible design, the control system also includes a motor for the air conditioning vent, which is connected between the control device and the air conditioning vent. Based on this, the control device adjusts the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioning vent according to the electrical signal. Specifically, the control device sends a control signal to the motor of the air conditioning vent according to the electrical signal, and the motor of the air conditioning vent adjusts the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioning vent according to the control signal.

[0061] Based on the above design, the air volume and / or direction of the air conditioner outlet can be controlled by controlling the motor of the air conditioner outlet, converting manual control operation into electronic control, thereby improving the reliability and flexibility of manual control operation.

[0062] In one possible design, the switching device sends an electrical signal to the control device based on the movement of the knob mechanism. Specifically, the switching device sends a first electrical signal to the control device based on the rotation of the knob mechanism around its second end. The control device adjusts the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner vent based on the electrical signal. Specifically, the control device adjusts the air direction of the vent based on the first electrical signal, and the adjusted air direction corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism around its second end.

[0063] Based on the above design, users can adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioner vents by turning the knob, improving the ease of airflow adjustment.

[0064] In one possible design, the switching device sends an electrical signal to the control device based on the movement of the knob mechanism. Specifically, the switching device sends a second electrical signal to the control device based on the rotation of the knob mechanism around its axis. The control device adjusts the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner vent based on the electrical signal. Specifically, the control device adjusts the air volume of the vent based on the second electrical signal, and the adjusted air volume of the vent corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism.

[0065] Based on the above design, users can adjust the airflow of the air conditioner vents by rotating the knob, improving the ease of airflow adjustment.

[0066] In a further possible design, the knob mechanism includes a stepless knob. After the airflow at the air outlet is adjusted to the minimum value, if the control device continuously receives a second electrical signal and the rotation direction corresponding to the second electrical signal is the second direction, and the rotation amount reaches the set angle threshold, then the air conditioning function of the air outlet is turned off.

[0067] Based on the above design, users can turn off the air conditioning function by rotating the knob in the direction of continuous reduction for a period of time, further improving the flexibility of users in controlling the air conditioning to turn on and off.

[0068] In one possible design, the switching device is also used to: detect that the knob mechanism is pressed and send a third electrical signal to the control device; the control device is also used to: control the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent to be turned on or off according to the third electrical signal.

[0069] Based on the above design, users can turn the air conditioner on or off by pressing and rotating the knob, thus improving the ease of switching the air conditioner on and off.

[0070] In one possible design, the control device can also supply power to the switching device.

[0071] Based on the above design, communication and power supply functions can be achieved through the control device, eliminating the need for an additional charging device and reducing the complexity of the structure.

[0072] Thirdly, this application provides a control method applicable to a control device, the method comprising: receiving an electrical signal and adjusting the air volume and / or air direction of an air conditioning outlet according to the electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is generated based on the movement of a knob mechanism in a switching device.

[0073] In one possible design, the method may further include: after the air volume of the air conditioner vent is adjusted to the minimum value, if the electrical signal indicates that the knob mechanism continues to rotate in the direction of reducing the air volume to a set angle threshold, then the air conditioning function of the air conditioner vent is turned off.

[0074] In one possible design, the method may further include: if an electrical signal indicates that the knob mechanism is pressed, then the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent is controlled to be turned on or off.

[0075] In one possible design, the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner vent are adjusted according to an electrical signal. Specifically, if the electrical signal indicates that the knob mechanism rotates around its second end, the air direction of the air conditioner vent is adjusted, and the adjusted air direction corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism; and / or, if the electrical signal indicates that the knob mechanism rotates around its axis, the air volume of the air conditioner vent is adjusted, and the adjusted air direction corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism.

[0076] In one possible design, the control device is a domain controller, which can also receive adjustment instructions from the user and adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air outlet according to the user's adjustment instructions.

[0077] Fourthly, this application provides a control device that may include units or modules for performing the various steps of the design in the third aspect or any of the third aspects.

[0078] For example, in one possible design, the control device may include a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the transceiver unit is used to perform transceiver operations, such as operations related to receiving and sending, and the processing unit is used to perform processing operations. For example, when the transceiver unit and the processing unit are used to perform the steps of the third aspect or any of the designs in the third aspect above, the transceiver unit receives an electrical signal generated based on the movement of a knob mechanism in the switching device; the processing unit adjusts the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioning vent according to the electrical signal.

[0079] In a further possible design, the control device is a processing chip, the processing unit can be one or more processors or processor cores, and the transceiver unit can be the input / output circuit, input / output interface or antenna port of the processing chip.

[0080] In further possible designs, the transceiver unit can be a transmitter and a receiver, or it can be a transmitter and a receiver.

[0081] For example, in another possible design, the control device may include a processor, and optionally, memory. The memory stores program instructions; the processor can read the program instructions from the memory, causing the control device to execute the methods provided in the third aspect or any of the designs described above.

[0082] In further possible designs, there may be one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0083] In further possible designs, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be set up separately from the processor.

[0084] In a further possible design, the control device may also include a transceiver. The transceiver is used to receive and transmit signals; the processor is used to execute program instructions in response to the signals received by the transceiver, causing the control device to perform the method provided in the third aspect or any of the designs in the third aspect above.

[0085] In further possible designs, the transceiver may include a transmitter and a receiver.

[0086] Fifthly, this application provides a means of transportation that includes the switching device of the first aspect or any of the designs or examples of the first aspect, or the control system of the second aspect or any of the designs or examples of the second aspect, or the control device of the fourth aspect or any of the designs of the fourth aspect.

[0087] Sixthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in the third aspect or any of the designs in the third aspect. Optionally, the computer may be the aforementioned control device.

[0088] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method provided in the third aspect or any of the designs in the third aspect. Optionally, the computer may be the aforementioned control device.

[0089] Eighthly, this application provides a chip or chip system for reading a computer program stored in a memory and executing the method provided in the third aspect or any of the designs in the third aspect. Optionally, the chip or chip system may include a processor coupled to the memory for reading the computer program stored in the memory and implementing the method provided in the third aspect or any of the designs in the third aspect. Optionally, the chip or chip system may also include components such as a memory, a communication interface, and a power supply module. The memory is used to store the computer program; the communication interface is used to receive and send data; and the power supply unit is used to supply power to the processor.

[0090] The technical effects that can be achieved in aspects two through eight above can be referred to the description of the beneficial effects in aspect one above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0091] Figure 1a shows an example of the appearance of an air conditioning system commonly used in vehicles;

[0092] Figure 1b illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of a touch-controlled interface;

[0093] Figure 2 illustrates a possible application scenario for which an embodiment of this application is applicable.

[0094] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the external structure of a switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0095] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary architectural diagram of a vehicle air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0096] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the connection structure between a switching device and a vehicle air conditioning system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0097] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded structural diagram of a switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0098] Figure 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of various sub-components included in a housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0099] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of a top shell and a base provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0100] Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a decorative ring provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0101] Figure 10 illustrates an exploded structural diagram of a knob mechanism provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0102] Figure 11 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an assembly structure of a knob mechanism and a housing provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0103] Figure 12 shows an exemplary overall cross-sectional view of a switching device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0104] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of a circuit board provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0105] Figure 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of a slider provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0106] Figure 15 illustrates a top view of a switching device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0107] Figure 16 illustrates a schematic diagram of a grating provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0108] Figure 17 illustrates a schematic diagram of a rotating surface block provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0109] Figure 18 illustrates a top view of another switching device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0110] Figure 19 illustrates a schematic diagram of a support and a second elastic structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0111] Figure 20 illustrates a schematic diagram of a micro switch provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0112] Figure 21 illustrates an exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture of a control system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0113] Figure 22 illustrates a flowchart of a control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0114] Figure 23 illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0115] Figure 24 illustrates a schematic diagram of another control device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0116] The solutions provided in the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0117] The following explanations cover some of the terms used in the embodiments of this application. It should be noted that these explanations are for the convenience of those skilled in the art and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection claimed in the embodiments of this application.

[0118] I. Local Interconnect Network (LIN) Bus

[0119] LIN bus is a low-cost serial communication bus based on a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter or a serial communication interface (SCI). It utilizes a single-master, multiple-slave concept and is primarily used to build simple and low-cost local area networks (LANs). Typically, a LIN network can connect up to 16 nodes, with a maximum bus length of 40 meters and a maximum transmission rate limited to 20 kbps. In the automotive field, LIN bus is commonly used in body systems, particularly in comfort-related areas such as windows, seats, sunroofs, door locks, air conditioning, and lighting. For example, the domain controller in a vehicle is connected to the motor of the air conditioning vent via a LIN bus.

[0120] II. Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus

[0121] The CAN bus is a serial communication protocol bus used for real-time applications. It uses twisted-pair cables to transmit signals, providing complete serial data communication, real-time support, and a transmission rate of up to 1 Mb / s. It also features 11-bit addressing and error detection capabilities. Currently, the CAN bus is widely used for communication between various components in vehicles, including but not limited to domain controllers, domain controllers and gateways, gateways and telematics boxes (TBoxes), central locking systems, power windows, rearview mirrors, and interior lighting.

[0122] The preceding text introduced some terms used in the embodiments of this application. The following text introduces possible application scenarios of the embodiments of this application.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the switching device provided in this application embodiment can be integrated into an air conditioning system, which can be installed in a vehicle, including but not limited to: vehicles, ships, airplanes, fighter jets, trains, subways, high-speed trains, or automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

[0124] For example, please refer to Figure 2, which illustrates a possible application scenario provided by an embodiment of this application, taking the installation of an air conditioning system in a vehicle as an example. In one example, as shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system can be installed on the trim panel of the vehicle cabin, also known as the instrument panel (IP). The air conditioning system may include one or more air conditioning vents, such as vent A and vent B shown in Figure 2. Vent A can adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume at the driver's seat, and vent B can adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume at the passenger seat. Alternatively, vent A can adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume in the front passenger compartment, and vent B can adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume in the rear passenger compartment.

[0125] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system may further include one or more switching devices, each corresponding to one or more air outlets. Each switching device may correspond to one or more air outlets. Each switching device allows the user to manually adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of its corresponding one or more air outlets. For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 2, air outlet A corresponds to switching device 1, allowing the driver to manually adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume at the location corresponding to air outlet A. Air outlet B corresponds to switching device 2, allowing the passenger to manually adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume at the location corresponding to air outlet B. In some scenarios, switching device 1 may also control the on / off operation of the air conditioning function at air outlet A, and switching device 2 may control the on / off operation of the air conditioning function at air outlet B.

[0126] Furthermore, the air conditioning system can support intelligent control, including but not limited to: voice control, touch control, application (APP) control, and gesture control. For example, a user in the vehicle can issue voice commands such as "Close vent A," "Adjust the airflow direction of vent B upwards by 20°," or "Increase the airflow of vent A." The vehicle's microphone picks up the corresponding voice commands and sends them to the cabin domain controller, which then adjusts the corresponding vents accordingly. Another example is that a user can tap a pre-set air conditioning button on the vehicle's infotainment screen to access the air conditioning control page, where they can then select the desired vent, temperature, airflow, and direction. Yet another example is that a user can send air conditioning control messages via a mobile app. These messages are verified in the cloud and then sent to the vehicle to control the air vents. And so on. Many other possible intelligent control methods exist, which will not be listed here.

[0127] It should be understood that the above vehicles can be any type of vehicle, including but not limited to: pure electric vehicles (pure electric vehicles / battery electric vehicles, pure EVs / battery EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), other new energy vehicles (NEVs), or gasoline vehicles, etc.

[0128] Furthermore, the application scenarios described above are merely examples. The switching device provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to other possible scenarios, and is not limited to the scenarios exemplified above. Also, the application scenarios described in this application embodiment are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this application embodiment, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application embodiment.

[0129] As described in the background technology description, most existing vehicle air conditioning vents adopt intelligent control methods, which are relatively complex to operate and cannot be used by users with relatively low learning abilities, such as children or the elderly.

[0130] To address this issue, the industry has proposed several manual control solutions. These solutions incorporate actuators within the vehicle, connecting them to the fan blades and / or dampers of the air conditioning vents via gear and rack transmission mechanisms. When the user manually operates the actuator, the transmission mechanism transmits the actuator's motion to the fan blades and / or dampers, changing the direction of the fan blades and / or the size of the dampers, thereby controlling the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioning vents. While these solutions allow users to manually adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioning vents, they suffer from the following two problems:

[0131] Problem 1: These solutions are all implemented through purely mechanical structures. Purely mechanical structures are prone to wear and tear. As users use the equipment for longer periods, the reliability of the mechanical connections will decrease, resulting in poor correspondence between the user's manual operation and the actual air conditioning adjustment, which is not conducive to maintaining the accuracy of the adjustment in the long term.

[0132] Secondly, these solutions are not compatible with the current intelligent control methods of air conditioners. If users choose to switch from intelligent control to manual control, they can only use manual control to make adjustments and cannot retain the original intelligent control method. In other words, it is impossible to combine the two control methods to adjust the air conditioner vents. Therefore, it will affect the convenience and intelligence of air conditioner adjustment.

[0133] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a switching device for reducing the complexity of adjusting the air conditioner vent while maintaining the reliability, intelligence, and convenience of the adjustment operation.

[0134] The switching device proposed in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 3 to 20.

[0135] Please refer to Figure 3, which shows a schematic diagram of the external structure of a switching device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The structure shown in Figure 3(B) is the structure obtained by looking at the switching device 10 from the left rear viewpoint shown in Figure 3(A). Combining Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the switching device 10 includes a housing 100, a knob mechanism 200, and a detection mechanism 300. The detection mechanism 300 is disposed inside the housing 100, while the knob mechanism 200 is exposed outside the housing 100 through the first surface (S1). A communication interface (X) is provided on the second surface (S2) of the housing 100, and one end of the communication interface X inside the housing 100 is connected to the detection mechanism 300. When the switching device 10 is in operation, the detection mechanism 300 detects the movement of the knob mechanism 200 and generates a corresponding electrical signal, which is then sent through the communication interface X. This electrical signal is used to adjust the airflow and / or direction of the air conditioner vent.

[0136] Understandably, the communication interface X can be connected to an external device at one end outside the housing 100. This external device refers to any device other than the switching device 10. For example, the switching device 10 can be plugged into an external device via the communication interface X to invoke the external device to adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioner vent. The external device can be directly or indirectly connected to the air conditioner vent. When directly connected, the switching device 10 can invoke the external device to directly adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioner vent. If indirectly connected, the switching device 10 invokes the external device, which then invokes other devices directly connected to the air conditioner vent to adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioner vent.

[0137] Optionally, to achieve compatibility between the switching device 10 and the air conditioning system in the existing intelligent control scheme, the external device can specifically be a device within the air conditioning system in the existing intelligent control scheme. For example, taking an in-vehicle air conditioning system as an example, please refer to Figure 4, which shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of an in-vehicle air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application. The in-vehicle air conditioning system 400 includes a domain controller 410, a motor control unit (MCU) 420, an air outlet motor 430, an air outlet damper, and air outlet fan blades (this architecture is just an example; in some other examples, the MCU 420 may not exist). The domain controller 410, the MCU 420, and the air outlet motor 430 are connected in sequence, and the air outlet motor 430 is also connected to the air outlet damper and the air outlet fan blades. When implementing the intelligent control scheme of the vehicle air conditioning system 400, the user can issue intelligent adjustment commands via voice, touch, APP instructions, or gestures. These commands include a target airflow direction and / or target airflow. The domain controller 410 sends the target airflow direction and / or target airflow from the intelligent adjustment command to the MCU 420. The MCU 420 sends an airflow direction adjustment signal to the air outlet motor 430 based on the target airflow direction. The air outlet motor 430 adjusts the attitude of the air outlet fan blades according to the airflow direction adjustment signal, so that the airflow direction at the air outlet becomes the target airflow direction under the adjusted fan blade attitude. And / or, the MCU 420 sends an airflow adjustment signal to the air outlet motor 430 based on the target airflow. The air outlet motor 430 adjusts the attitude of the air outlet damper according to the airflow adjustment signal, so that the airflow at the air outlet becomes the target airflow under the adjusted damper attitude.

[0138] Based on the vehicle air conditioning system shown in Figure 4, the external device connected to the switching device 10 can be any of the following:

[0139] Scenario 1: Domain controller in a vehicle.

[0140] That is, the switching device 10 is connected to the domain controller 410 shown in Figure 4. In this case, the communication interface X can specifically be a CAN interface. It should be noted that Figure 4 shows a simplified connection between the CAN interface and the domain controller 410, but it should be understood that, according to the CAN communication logic, there are actually two communication links between the CAN interface and the domain controller 410.

[0141] Based on this connection, as shown in Figure 4, the communication interface X in the switching device 10 is connected to the detection mechanism 300 within the housing 100 and to the domain controller 410 outside the housing 100. When the user manually operates the knob mechanism 200, the detection mechanism 300 generates an electrical signal based on the movement of the knob mechanism 200 and sends this signal to the domain controller 410 via the communication interface X. The domain controller 410 determines the wind direction adjustment amount and / or air volume adjustment amount corresponding to the movement of the knob mechanism 200 based on the received electrical signal and sends the wind direction adjustment amount and / or air volume adjustment amount to the MCU 420. The MCU 420 sends a wind direction adjustment signal to the air outlet motor 430 based on the wind direction adjustment amount. The air outlet motor 430 adjusts the attitude of the air outlet fan blades based on the wind direction adjustment signal so that the change in wind direction at the air outlet is equal to the wind direction adjustment amount. And / or, the MCU 420 sends an airflow adjustment signal to the outlet motor 430 according to the airflow adjustment amount, and the outlet motor 430 adjusts the attitude of the outlet damper according to the airflow adjustment amount so that the change in airflow at the outlet is equal to the airflow adjustment amount.

[0142] In this scenario, the domain controller 410 can control the MCU 420 to adjust the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioning vents based on the user's intelligent adjustment commands. Simultaneously, it can also control the MCU 420 to adjust the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioning vents based on the user's manual operation of the knob mechanism 200. Therefore, the domain controller 410 can coordinate manual operation and intelligent control to jointly control the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioning vents. For example, in a typical scenario, the user selects a target airflow direction on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The domain controller 410 adjusts the airflow direction of the air conditioning vents to the target direction based on the user's selection. However, if the user feels uncomfortable with the target airflow, such as it blowing directly on their head, the user can manually operate the knob mechanism 200. The domain controller 410 will then adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioning vents in real time based on the user's manual operation of the knob mechanism 200 to ensure that the adjusted airflow meets the user's needs.

[0143] The domain controller 410 mentioned above can be any domain controller in the vehicle, such as the cockpit domain controller or the entertainment domain controller, or it can be a control device in the vehicle other than a domain controller, such as the vehicle controller. There is no specific limitation.

[0144] Scenario 2: Motor controller for air conditioning vents.

[0145] That is, the switching device 10 is connected to the MCU 420 shown in Figure 4. In this case, the communication interface X can also be a CAN interface.

[0146] Based on this connection, as shown in Figure 4, the communication interface X in the switch device 10 is connected to the detection mechanism 300 within the housing 100 and to the MCU 420 outside the housing 100. When the user manually operates the knob mechanism 200, the detection mechanism 300 generates an electrical signal based on the movement of the knob mechanism 200 and sends this signal to the MCU 420 via the communication interface X. The MCU 420 determines the wind direction adjustment amount and / or air volume adjustment amount corresponding to the movement of the knob mechanism 200 based on the received electrical signal. Based on the wind direction adjustment amount, it sends a wind direction adjustment signal to the air outlet motor 430 to adjust the attitude of the air outlet fan blades so that the change in wind direction at the air outlet equals the wind direction adjustment amount, and / or sends an air volume adjustment signal to the air outlet motor 430 to adjust the attitude of the air outlet damper so that the change in air volume at the air outlet equals the air volume adjustment amount.

[0147] In this scenario, the MCU 420 acts as an intermediate node in the air conditioning control chain. On the one hand, it can adjust the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioning vents based on the information sent by the domain controller 410. On the other hand, it can also adjust the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioning vents based on the movement of the user-operated knob mechanism 200. Therefore, the MCU 420 can combine manual operation mode and intelligent control mode to control the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioning vents together.

[0148] Scenario 3: The motor of the air conditioner vent.

[0149] That is, the switch device 10 is connected to the air outlet motor 430 shown in Figure 4. In this case, the communication interface X can specifically be a LIN interface.

[0150] Optionally, under this connection, the switching device 10 may also include a main control chip (not shown in the figure). The main control chip is also located inside the housing 100 and connected between the detection mechanism 300 and the communication interface X. Based on this structure, the detection mechanism 300 sends an electrical signal to the air outlet motor 430 through the communication interface X. Specifically, the detection mechanism 300 sends the electrical signal corresponding to the movement of the knob mechanism 200 to the main control chip. The main control chip determines the airflow adjustment amount and / or airflow adjustment amount corresponding to the movement of the knob mechanism 200 based on the electrical signal, and sends the airflow adjustment amount and / or airflow adjustment amount to the MCU 420 through the communication interface X. The MCU 420 sends a wind direction adjustment signal to the outlet motor 430 based on the wind direction adjustment amount, so that the outlet motor 430 adjusts the attitude of the outlet fan blades, so that the wind direction change at the outlet is equal to the wind direction adjustment amount. And / or, it sends an air volume adjustment signal to the outlet motor 430 based on the air volume adjustment amount, so that the outlet motor 430 adjusts the attitude of the outlet damper, so that the air volume change at the outlet is equal to the air volume adjustment amount.

[0151] In this scenario, the air outlet motor 430 acts as the direct adjustment point for the air conditioner's air outlet. On one hand, it can adjust the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioner's air outlet based on the information from the domain controller 410 instructing the MCU 420. On the other hand, it can also adjust the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioner's air outlet based on the movement of the user's manual operation knob mechanism 200. Therefore, the air outlet motor 430 can combine manual operation with intelligent control to jointly control the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioner's air outlet.

[0152] Understandably, compared to the connection methods in scenarios one and two, the switch device 10 in scenario three is directly connected to the air outlet motor. Therefore, it can adjust the air outlet of the air conditioner by directly controlling the air outlet motor, which is simpler in structure and more reliable.

[0153] Furthermore, the examples shown in Scenarios 1 to 3 above are examples of the switching device 10 being connected to a single device in the vehicle air conditioning system. In other cases, the switching device 10 may also be connected to devices in at least two of the Scenarios 1 to 3 above. For example, taking the connection to the domain controller 410 shown in Scenarios 1 and the air outlet motor 430 shown in Scenarios 3 as an example, please refer to Figure 5. The external device connected to the switching device 10 may also be a device as shown in Scenarios 4 below.

[0154] Scenario 4: The motors of the domain controller and air conditioning vents in the vehicle.

[0155] That is, the detection mechanism 300 in the switching device 10 is connected to the domain controller 410 via the communication interface X, and the main control chip in the switching device 10 is connected to the air outlet motor 430 via the communication interface X. Optionally, the main control chip can also be connected to the domain controller 410 via the communication interface X.

[0156] Based on this connection, as shown in Figure 5, after the detection mechanism 300 generates an electrical signal according to the movement of the knob mechanism 200, it sends the electrical signal to the main control chip on one hand, and on the other hand, it can also send the electrical signal to the domain controller 410 through the communication interface X. By default, the domain controller 410 controls the air outlet motor 430 only according to the user's intelligent adjustment commands, while the main control chip controls the air outlet motor 430 according to the electrical signal sent by the detection mechanism 300, that is, it directly controls the air outlet motor 430 according to the movement of the knob mechanism 200. The main control chip and the domain controller 410 can also synchronize heartbeat signals; for example, the main control chip sends a heartbeat signal to the domain controller 410 at regular intervals. If the domain controller 410 does not receive a heartbeat signal from the main control chip within a set time period, it indicates that the main control chip has malfunctioned and can no longer perform the function of manually adjusting the air conditioner. Therefore, the domain controller 410 takes over the work of the main control chip, that is, it replaces the main control chip and controls the air outlet motor 430 according to the electrical signal sent by the detection mechanism 300. In this case, the domain controller 410 controls the air outlet motor 430 both according to the user's intelligent adjustment instructions and according to the movement of the knob mechanism 200.

[0157] It should be noted that, in addition to the connection methods described in scenarios one through four, the switch device 10 and the vehicle air conditioning system 400 can also have other connection methods. For example, in another connection method, an additional air outlet motor can be installed in the vehicle air conditioning system 400. This air outlet motor is also connected to the fan blades and damper of the air outlet. The switch device 10 is directly connected to this air outlet motor, while the domain controller 410 is connected to the original air outlet motor. In this way, the fan blades and damper of the same air outlet can be controlled through two air outlet motors. There are many other possible connection methods, which will not be listed here.

[0158] Based on the above analysis, the switch device 10 provided in this application embodiment can detect the movement of the knob mechanism through a detection mechanism and feed back the corresponding electrical signal to an external device to call the external device to adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner vent. Thus, the switch device 10 can combine the user's manual adjustment method with the original electronic adjustment method of the air vent, realizing a manual / automatic integrated electronic switch. Based on this electronic switch, the user only needs to manually operate the knob mechanism to adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner vent using the electronic adjustment method in the original intelligent control mode of the air conditioner. The operation is simple, requires low technical skills, and is suitable for users with relatively low learning abilities.

[0159] Understandably, since the switch device 10 adjusts the air outlet by sending electrical signals, it is electrically connected to external devices. Electrical connections, compared to mechanical connections, experience virtually no wear and tear, offering higher reliability and maintaining consistent adjustment accuracy. Therefore, the switch device 10 addresses the first problem mentioned above in existing manual control solutions. Furthermore, the switch device 10 utilizes the electrical adjustment method within the existing intelligent control mechanism of the air conditioning system to adjust the air outlet. Thus, the existing intelligent control mechanism is retained, meaning the switch device 10 is directly compatible with current intelligent control schemes in air conditioning systems. It also allows for coordinated manual and intelligent control to adjust the air outlet, maintaining both convenience and intelligence in air conditioning adjustment. Therefore, the switch device 10 also addresses the second problem mentioned above in existing manual control solutions.

[0160] Based on this, when the above-mentioned switch device 10 is applied to the vehicle air conditioning system, it can reduce the complexity of the control operation of the vehicle air outlet while maintaining the high reliability of the adjustment, and at the same time, it does not affect the original intelligent adjustment function of the vehicle air conditioning. Therefore, the switch device 10 can be widely used in various types of vehicles and has a good adjustment effect.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the correspondence between the movement of the knob mechanism 200 and the airflow direction and volume of the air conditioning vent may include at least one of the following: First, the knob mechanism 200 being tossed (or pushed) in the four directions of up, down, left, and right corresponds to the airflow direction of the air conditioning vent moving in the four directions, respectively; the knob mechanism 200 rotating clockwise and counterclockwise around its own axis corresponds to increasing and decreasing the airflow of the air conditioning vent, respectively. Optionally, pressing the knob mechanism 200 may also correspond to turning the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent on or off.

[0162] To achieve this function, please refer to Figure 6, which shows an exploded structural diagram of a switching device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. The specific structure and function of each component shown in the above figures will be described below with reference to Figure 6 to provide an exemplary implementation scheme.

[0163] 1. Shell

[0164] Please refer to Figure 7, which shows a structural schematic diagram of the various sub-components included in a housing 100 according to an embodiment of this application. In this example, the housing 100 may include a top shell 110 and a base 120, which are fastened together to form an accommodating space. A portion of the knob mechanism 200 (the lower half shown in the figure) and the detection mechanism 300 are placed in this accommodating space. This accommodating space can protect the detection mechanism and knob mechanism placed inside, preventing these two components from being corroded or squeezed by the environment, and it also looks more aesthetically pleasing.

[0165] There are many ways to fasten the top shell 110 and the base 120 together, such as fastening and pasting them together, welding them together, or sleeved together, etc. As an example, the structure of the top shell 110 can be seen in Figure 8(A), and the structure of the base 120 can be seen in Figure 8(B). Combining Figures 8 and 7, in this example, at least two slots can be provided on each side of the top shell 110, and at least two buckles can be provided on each side of the base 120 corresponding to the positions of at least two slots. When assembling the top shell 110 and the base 120, the top shell 110 can be placed on the base 120 shown in Figure 8(B) in the posture shown in Figure 8(A) and pressed down, so that at least two buckles on the side of the base 120 are engaged in at least two slots on the side of the top shell 110, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the two. Based on this structure, not only can the top shell 110 and the base 120 be fixedly connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism, but also, in the event of a malfunction in the detection mechanism 300 or the knob mechanism 200 within the accommodating space, the snap-fit ​​on the base 120 can be pressed towards the interior of the accommodating space, causing the snap-fit ​​on the base 120 to disengage from the slot of the top shell 110, thereby separating the top shell 110 from the base 120 and improving the convenience of maintenance.

[0166] Optionally, referring to Figures 8(A), 6, and 7, the first surface S1 of the housing 100 can specifically be the surface of the top shell 110 opposite to the base 120, and a hole (K) is formed on this first surface S1. 11 The knob mechanism 200 passes through the hole K from the inside of the top shell 110 outwards. 11 Then, it is exposed on the outside of the top shell 110. Understandably, hole K... 11 The aperture of the hole needs to be larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the knob mechanism 200 passes on the first surface S1, so that the knob mechanism 200 can be inserted into the hole K in the top shell 100. 11 Internal movement, for example, when the user holds the knob mechanism 200 and moves it in four directions (up, down, left, and right), the knob mechanism 200 can also move through the hole K in the top shell 100. 11 The internal movement follows the same four directions, providing support for adjusting the airflow direction of the air conditioning vents based on the toggle of the knob mechanism 200.

[0167] Further, optionally, as shown in Figure 7, the housing 100 may also include a decorative ring 130. The decorative ring 130 is fastened to the surface S1 of the top housing 110 opposite to the base 120. The knob mechanism 200 passes from the inside of the top housing 110 outward through the surface S1 of the top housing 110, then through the surface (S13) of the decorative ring 130 opposite to the top housing 110, and is then exposed on the outside of the decorative ring 130. The specific structure of the decorative ring 130 can be seen in Figure 9. Referring to Figures 9, 6, and 7, a second hole K2 is provided on the surface S13 of the decorative ring 130. The knob mechanism 200 passes through the second hole K2, and the diameter of the second hole K2 is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the knob mechanism 200 passes. Thus, when the user holds and rotates the knob mechanism 200, the knob mechanism 200 can move within the second hole K2 of the decorative ring 130, providing support for adjusting the airflow direction of the air conditioning vent based on the rotation of the knob mechanism 200.

[0168] There are many ways to fasten the decorative ring 130 to the top shell 110, such as fastening and then gluing them together, welding them together, or sleeved together, etc. As an example, referring to Figures 9 and 8(A), the decorative ring 130 can have multiple grooves, such as the slots and rectangular grooves shown in Figure 9. The top shell 110 can have multiple protrusions corresponding to the slots, such as the buckles and protrusions shown in Figure 8(A). Thus, referring to Figure 7, when assembling the top shell 110 and the decorative ring 130, the decorative ring 130 can be placed on the top shell 110 shown in Figure 8(A) in the posture shown in Figure 9 and pressed downwards, so that the multiple protrusions on the top shell 110 are engaged in the multiple grooves of the decorative ring 130. The buckle and slot connection method can achieve a fixed connection, while the rectangular groove and protrusion connection method can further increase the stability of the fixed connection and prevent the decorative ring 130 from rotating left and right relative to the top shell 110.

[0169] 2. Knob Mechanism

[0170] Please refer to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows an exploded structural view of a knob mechanism 200 provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly structure of the knob mechanism 200 and the housing 100. This cross-sectional view can be regarded as obtained by cutting the assembly structure along one axial plane of the assembly structure. The axial plane of the assembly structure refers to the plane passing through the axis of the knob mechanism 200.

[0171] Referring to Figures 10, 11, and Figure 6 above, in this example, the knob mechanism 200 may include a knob body 210 and a shaft 220. The knob body 210 is located outside the top shell 110, while the shaft 220 passes through the top shell 110 and faces away from the base 120 on the surface S1. The first end (D1) is fitted inside the knob body 210, and the second end (D2) is fitted onto the base 120. Thus, the knob body 210 is exposed outside the housing 100 for easy gripping by the user, while the shaft 220 is confined inside the housing 100 and connected to the knob body 210. In this way, the shaft 220 can move according to the movement of the knob body 210, thereby generating a corresponding motion signal for detection by the detection mechanism 300 inside the housing 100.

[0172] Optionally, as shown in Figure 11, the first end D1 of the shaft 220 is fitted into the knob body 210. Specifically, the knob body 210 has a deep groove on the surface opposite to the top shell 110, and the first end D1 of the shaft 220 is embedded in the deep groove. Furthermore, to achieve a tight fit, an interference fit can be provided between the first end D1 of the shaft 220 and the deep groove, or a threaded fit can be provided between the first end D1 of the shaft 220 and the deep groove. Alternatively, the shaft diameter of the first end D1 of the shaft 220 can be small, and after the first end D1 is embedded in the deep groove, it can be fixed by gluing or welding, etc., etc., without specific limitations.

[0173] Optionally, as shown in Figure 11, when the housing 100 also includes a decorative ring 130, the knob body 210 can pass through the second hole K2 on the decorative ring 130 and be exposed outside the decorative ring 130, while the shaft 220 is partly located in the receiving space formed by the top shell 110 and the base 120, and the other part passes through the hole K2 on the top shell 110. 11 It is then embedded within the knob body 210. The diameter of the knob body 210 at the portion passing through the second hole K2 is smaller than the diameter of the second hole K2. This allows the knob body 210 to move in the same direction as the user moves it within the second hole K2, for example, rotating about the second end D2 of the shaft 220 in the direction the user moves it. Similarly, the shaft 220 at the portion passing through the hole K2... 11 The diameter of the shaft in part is smaller than that of hole K. 11 The aperture is such that the shaft 220 can also move within the second hole K2 as the knob body 210 moves within the hole K. 11 They move in the same direction inwards. Based on this design, the user's movement of the knob body 210 outside the housing 100 will be accurately transmitted to the shaft 220 inside the housing 100. The detection mechanism 300 inside the housing 100 can accurately know the amount of movement of the user's knob body 210 outside the housing 100 by detecting the amount of movement of the shaft 220 inside the housing 100.

[0174] Optionally, referring to Figures 10, 11, and 6, when the housing 100 further includes a decorative ring 130, the knob mechanism 200 may also include a decorative ring 230. The decorative ring 230 is fitted inside the decorative ring 130 and fixedly connected to the shaft 220. A third hole (K3) is provided on the decorative ring 230, which partially overlaps with the second hole K2 on the decorative ring 130. The knob body 210 passes through the second hole K2 on the decorative ring 130 from the outside and then contacts the decorative ring 230, while the shaft 210 passes through the third hole K3 on the decorative ring 230 from the inside and then fits into the inside of the knob body 210. The diameter of the third hole K3 is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the shaft 220 passes, and smaller than the shaft diameter of the portion of the knob body 210 that contacts the decorative ring 130.

[0175] Understandably, there are many ways to fix the decorative ring 230 to the shaft 220, such as interference fit, adhesive fit, welding, snap fit, threaded fit, etc., without any specific limitation.

[0176] Understandably, based on the above structure, the decorative ring 230 can be fitted between the decorative ring 130 and the top shell 110, and the third hole K3 on the decorative ring 230 is connected to the second hole K2 on the decorative ring 130 and the hole K on the top shell 110, respectively. 11 The holes partially overlap; the diameter of the third hole K3 is smaller than the diameter of the second hole K2, and also smaller than the diameter of hole K. 11 The aperture of the first hole, and the aperture of the second hole K2 and the aperture of hole K 11 The apertures can be the same or different, without limitation. Thus, when the knob body 210 moves within the second hole K2 as pushed by the user, it drives the shaft 220 within the hole K. 11 Internal movement occurs because the decorative ring 230 is fixedly connected to the shaft 220, therefore the shaft 220 moves within the hole K. 11 The movement inside will also cause the decorative ring 230 to move synchronously.

[0177] In one example, when the inner surface of the decorative ring 130 is set as a semicircle as shown in Figure 11, the decorative ring 230 can be set as a semicircular ring shape as shown in Figures 6, 10, or 11 (or it can be an elliptical ring or a similar shape), with the outer diameter of the semicircular ring being slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the inner surface of the decorative ring 130. In this way, the decorative ring 230 can fit snugly inside the decorative ring 130. When the knob body 210 is not pushed, the decorative ring 230 can stably limit the shaft 220 to the middle position. When the knob body 210 is pushed, the shaft 210 moves accordingly, causing the decorative ring 230, which is fixedly connected to it, to rotate along the inner surface of the decorative ring 130, stably limiting the shaft 220 to the position where the push is finished. That is to say, the decorative ring 230 can act as a support component for the shaft 220, maintaining the stability of the shaft 220's movement.

[0178] It should be noted that the shape of the decorative ring 230 shown in Figure 10 or Figure 11 is just an example. In the actual switching device 10, the shape of the decorative ring 230 can be set with reference to the shape of the decorative ring 130, as long as the outer surface of the decorative ring 230 is in close contact with the inner surface of the decorative ring 130. This application embodiment will not be listed in detail.

[0179] Optionally, in conjunction with Figure 8(B) and Figure 11 above, the second end D2 of the shaft 220 is fitted onto the base 120. Specifically, a first groove (H1) is provided on the inner side of the base 120. The first groove H1 has a structure that is narrow inside and wide outside. The second end D2 of the shaft 220 is fitted into the narrow part of the first groove H1, and the wide part of the first groove H1 allows the shaft 220 to rotate around the second end D2 of the shaft.

[0180] The second end D2 of the shaft 220 is fitted into the narrow part of the first groove H1. This can be understood as follows: the narrow part of the first groove H1 wraps around the second end D2 of the shaft 220, and the second end D2 of the shaft 220 cannot come out from the narrow part of the first groove H1, but can rotate within the narrow part of the first groove H1.

[0181] The outer width of the first groove H1 allows the shaft 220 to rotate around the second end D2 of the shaft, which can be understood as: the size of the outer width of the first groove H1 is greater than the shaft diameter of the shaft 220 at that position.

[0182] Based on this, as shown in Figure 11, since the second end D2 of the shaft 220 is limited by the narrow portion of the first groove H1, when the user turns the knob body 210, the shaft 220 will rotate around the second end D2 under the action of the knob body 210. However, due to the limitation of the outer width of the first groove H1, the shaft 220 can only rotate around the second end D2 within the space provided by the outer width of the first groove H1. That is to say, the outer width of the first groove H1 restricts the rotation range of the shaft 220 around its second end D2. By reasonably setting the shape of the outer width of the first groove H1, the shaft 220 can rotate around its second end D2 according to the required trajectory.

[0183] In one example, considering that the rotation of shaft 220 around its second end D2 corresponds to the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent, and that the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent can typically move in four directions, such as up, down, left, and right, the outer width of the first slot H1 can be designed into a shape with two vertical tracks, such as the rhombus (or cross, four-pointed star, etc.) shown in Figure 8(B). Based on this rhombus shape, shaft 220 can rotate around its second end D2 in any of the following directions: first direction (F1), second direction (F2), third direction (F3), and fourth direction (F4). The first direction F1 is opposite to the second direction F2, the third direction F3 is opposite to the fourth direction F4, and the first direction F1 is perpendicular to the third direction F3. The rotation of shaft 220 along these four directions—first direction F1, second direction F2, third direction F3, and fourth direction F4—corresponds to the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent moving upward, downward, left, and right. For example, when shaft 220 rotates along the first direction F1, the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet moves to the right; when shaft 220 rotates along the second direction F2, the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet moves to the left; when shaft 220 rotates along the third direction F3, the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet moves upward; and when shaft 220 rotates along the fourth direction F4, the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet moves downward. Thus, this structural design using the first slot H1 allows shaft 220 to rotate in four directions around its second end D2, thereby enabling four-way adjustment of the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet.

[0184] In one example, considering that when a user toggles or rotates the knob body 210, a certain pressure is applied to the knob body 210. This pressure is transmitted through the knob body 210 and the shaft 220 to the second end D2 of the shaft 220. If the entire shaft 220 is designed as a rigid structure, this pressure will cause significant wear to the narrow inner part of the first groove H1, affecting the accuracy of the shaft 220's motion detection. Therefore, in order to reduce wear, the part of the shaft 220 near the second end D2 can be designed as an elastic structure. Specifically, referring to Figures 10 and 11, the shaft 220 may include a rotating shaft 221 and a first elastic structure 222. The end of the rotating shaft 221 away from the base 120 (i.e., the first end D1 of the shaft 220) is fitted into the knob body 210. The end of the rotating shaft 221 near the base 120 has a second groove. One end (D3) of the first elastic structure 222 is fixed in the second groove, and the other end of the first elastic structure 222 (i.e., the second end D2 of the shaft 220) is fitted into the first groove H1 of the base 120. When the user moves or rotates the knob body 210, the rotating shaft 221 is fitted inside the knob body 210. Therefore, the rotating shaft 221 moves synchronously with the knob body 210, which in turn drives the first elastic structure 222 fitted in the rotating shaft 221 to move synchronously. The first elastic structure 222 can absorb the force applied by the user to the knob body 210, thereby reducing the wear of the second end D2 on the narrow inner part of the first groove H1 and maintaining the accuracy of the shaft body 220 motion detection.

[0185] The first elastic structure 222 can be any elastic element capable of deformation, a combination of elastic elements, or a combination of elastic and non-elastic elements, such as a spring, coil spring, piano wire, spring pin, etc., without limitation.

[0186] One end D3 of the first elastic structure 222 is fitted into the second groove of the rotating shaft 221, and there are several ways to implement this. For example, in one example, the first elastic structure 222 can be set as a spring, and a protrusion structure can be set in the second groove of the rotating shaft 221, with the spring wound around the protrusion structure and engaged. Alternatively, in another example, as shown in Figure 10, the first elastic structure 222 can be set as a spring pin, with the pin portion of the spring pin made as a solid and engaged in the first groove of the rotating shaft 221. And so on, not listed here.

[0187] 3. Testing institutions

[0188] In this embodiment of the application, the detection mechanism 300 may have one or more functions of detecting tossing, detecting rotation and detecting pressing.

[0189] Please refer to Figure 12, which shows an overall cross-sectional view of a switching device 10 provided in an embodiment of this application. This cross-sectional view can be regarded as being obtained by cutting the switching device 10 along one axial plane of the switching device 10 shown in Figure 3. The axial plane of the switching device 10 refers to the plane passing through the axis of the knob mechanism 200. The specific implementation and corresponding structure of the above three functions of the detection mechanism will be described below with reference to Figure 12.

[0190] Detection and adjustment

[0191] Here, the detection of the toggle refers to the toggle of the detection knob mechanism 200, including the direction and amount of toggle. This corresponds to the direction and amount of rotation of the detection shaft 220 around its second end D2, such as which direction it rotates in, the first direction F1, the second direction F2, the third direction F3, or the fourth direction F4 shown in Figure 8(B), and the amount of rotation in that direction.

[0192] In one example, the toggle can be detected using a potentiometer.

[0193] For example, referring to Figure 12 and Figure 6 above, the detection mechanism 300 may include a circuit board 310 and a slider 320. Both the circuit board 310 and the slider 320 are disposed within the accommodating space formed by the top shell 110 and the base 120. The circuit board 310 is fixed on the base 120 (or the top shell 110), and the slider 320 is fixed on the shaft 220. The slider 320 is stacked between the circuit board 310 and the base 120, and there is a certain distance between them. The shaft 220 passes through the circuit board 310 and the slider 320 in sequence and is then fitted onto the base 120.

[0194] The structure of the circuit board 310 can be seen in Figure 13. Combining Figure 13 and Figure 12, a first hole (K1) is provided at the position through which the shaft 220 passes on the circuit board 310. The diameter of the first hole K1 is larger than the diameter of the shaft through which the shaft 220 passes. Therefore, the first hole K1 can provide a certain amount of rotatable space for the shaft 220 to rotate around its second end D2.

[0195] The specific structure of the slider 320 can be seen in Figure 14. A hole K is provided at the position where the upper shaft 220 passes through the slider 320. 12 Kong K 12 It can be interference-fitted with the portion through which the shaft 220 passes to achieve fixation with the shaft 220.

[0196] Optionally, to enable the shaft 220 to rotate around its second end D2 in the four directions shown in Figure 8(B): first direction F1, second direction F2, third direction F3, and fourth direction F4, the first hole K1 on the circuit board 310 can also be configured as a cross shape with a vertical track, as shown in Figure 13. Referring to Figures 13 and 12, the shaft 220 passes through the center of the first hole K1 on the circuit board 310 and can rotate around its second end D2 within the first hole K1 in any of the four directions: first direction F1, second direction F2, third direction F3, and fourth direction F4. The first direction F1, second direction F2, third direction F3, and fourth direction F4 are the same as those on the first groove H1 of the base plate 120. In other words, the shape of the first hole K1 on the circuit board 310 can be exactly the same as or similar to the shape of the outer width portion of the first groove H1 on the base plate 120. During assembly, the two can be aligned before fixing the circuit board 310 onto the top shell 110.

[0197] Furthermore, in addition to the circuit board 310 and the slider 320, the detection mechanism 300 may also include a potentiometer. The potentiometer is connected to the communication interface X via a first conductive medium, which may specifically be a conductive wire, a metal pin, or other conductive material. When the user turns the knob body 210, the shaft 220 rotates around its second end D2 as the knob body 210 moves. Since the slider 320 is fixedly connected to the shaft 220, the slider 320 rotates together with the shaft 220, generating a relative displacement of the slider 320 relative to the circuit board 310. The potentiometer can detect this relative displacement and generate an electrical signal (i.e., a first electrical signal). This electrical signal is transmitted to the communication interface X via the first conductive medium to adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent.

[0198] There are many possible structures for a potentiometer. For example, please refer to Figure 15, which shows a top view of a switching device provided in an embodiment of this application. This top view can be considered as the structure obtained by looking at the switching device 10 from the surface of the circuit board 310 opposite to the slider 320 after removing the base plate 120 and the slider 320 of the switching device 10. Referring to Figures 15 and 14, in this example, the potentiometer 330 may include a resistive element 331 and a sliding contact 332. The resistive element 331 is disposed on the surface of the circuit board 310 opposite to the slider 320 (S3) and is connected to the communication interface X via a first conductive medium. The sliding contact 332 is disposed on the surface of the slider 320 opposite to the circuit board 310 (S4) and contacts the resistive element 331. When the shaft 220 rotates around its second end D2 within the first hole K1 of the circuit board 310, it causes the slider 320 fixed thereto to slide, causing the sliding contact 332 on the slider 320 to slide on the resistive element 331 of the circuit board 310. This sliding causes the potential difference at different positions on the resistive element 331 to change. The changed potential difference is transmitted to the communication interface X through the first conductive medium. The changed potential difference can be used to characterize the relative displacement between the slider 320 and the circuit board 310. Therefore, it can be used to determine the rotation direction and amount of the shaft 220 around its second end D2.

[0199] Optionally, referring to Figure 15, the rotation of the shaft 220 in the four directions of the first direction F1, the second direction F2, the third direction F3, and the fourth direction F4 corresponds one-to-one with the rotation of the slider 320 in the four directions of the first direction F1, the second direction F2, the third direction F3, and the fourth direction F4, and thus corresponds one-to-one with the sliding contact 332 on the slider 320 sliding in these four directions on the resistive element 331 of the circuit board 310. In order to realize the sliding detection in these four directions, as shown in Figure 15, the resistive element 331 may include a first resistive piece 3311 and a second resistive piece 3312. The first resistive piece 3311 and the second resistive piece 3312 are arranged on opposite sides of the shaft 220. For example, the first resistive piece 3311 is arranged in the lower left of the shaft 220 in the figure, and the second resistive piece 3312 is arranged in the upper right of the shaft 220 in the figure. Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 14, the sliding contact 332 may include a first contact 3321 and a second contact 3322. A slot 1 is formed on the slider 320 relative to the position of the first resistive element 3311, and a slot 2 is formed relative to the position of the second resistive element 3312. The first contact 3321 is fixed in slot 1, and the second contact 3322 is fixed in slot 2. After the slider 320 and the circuit board 310 are assembled in the top shell 110, the first contact 3321 contacts the first resistive element 3311, and the second contact 3322 contacts the second resistive element 3312. Both the first resistive element 3311 and the second resistive element 3312 are connected to the communication interface X through a first conductive medium.

[0200] Based on this structure, when the shaft 220 rotates around its second end D2 within the first hole K1 of the circuit board 310 along any of the following directions: first direction F1, second direction F2, third direction F3, and fourth direction F4, the slider 320 slides relative to the circuit board 310 in that direction. The first contact 3321 on the slider 320 slides on the first resistive element 3311 of the circuit board 310, causing a change in the potential difference at different positions on the first resistive element 3311. Similarly, the second contact 3322 on the slider 320 slides on the second resistive element 3312 of the circuit board 310, causing a change in the potential difference at different positions on the second resistive element 3312. Both the changed potential difference on the first resistive element 3311 and the changed potential difference on the second resistive element 3312 are transmitted to the communication interface X through the first conductive medium.

[0201] Furthermore, if the switch device 10 is connected to an external device via the communication interface X, the two changed potential differences will be transmitted from the communication interface X to the external device. Based on the two changed potential differences, the external device can query a preset correspondence between the two potential differences, the sliding direction, and the sliding amount to obtain the current sliding direction and the current sliding amount corresponding to the two changed potential differences. The current sliding direction corresponds to the direction in which the user manually moves the knob body 210, and the current sliding amount corresponds to the distance the user manually moves the knob body 210. The external device can then query a preset correspondence between the sliding amount and the airflow adjustment amount to obtain the target airflow adjustment amount corresponding to the current sliding amount. Then, based on the current sliding direction, it controls the fan blades of the air conditioner outlet to rotate in the corresponding direction, and based on the target airflow adjustment amount, it controls the angle of rotation of the fan blades of the air conditioner outlet to match the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet with the airflow direction manually adjusted by the user.

[0202] It is understandable that the sliding contact 332, or the first contact 3321 and the second contact 3322, can be made of any material with conductive properties, such as a metal spring. Using a metal spring as a contact is simple in structure and easy to obtain, which can reduce the design and manufacturing difficulty.

[0203] Detect rotation

[0204] Here, detecting rotation refers to detecting the rotation of the knob mechanism 200 around its own axis, including the direction and amount of rotation. This corresponds to detecting the direction and amount of rotation of the shaft 220 around its own axis, such as whether it rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, and the amount of rotation in that direction.

[0205] In one example, rotation detection can be achieved using a grating structure.

[0206] For example, referring to Figures 12 and 6, the detection mechanism 300 may include a circuit board 310 and a rotating surface block 340. Both the circuit board 310 and the rotating surface block 340 are disposed within the accommodating space formed by the top shell 110 and the base 120. The circuit board 310 is fixedly connected to the base 120 (or the top shell 110), and the rotating surface block 340 is fixedly connected to the shaft 220. The circuit board 310 may be stacked between the rotating surface block 340 and the base plate 120. The shaft 220 passes through the rotating surface block 340 and the circuit board 310 in sequence and is then fitted onto the base 120. Furthermore, a first hole K1 is provided on the circuit board 310 at the position where the shaft passes through. The diameter of the first hole K1 is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the shaft 220 passes. The first hole K1 can provide a certain amount of rotatable space for the shaft 220 to rotate around its second end D2.

[0207] Furthermore, referring to Figures 12, 13, and 6, the detection mechanism 300 may also include a grating 350, which is disposed on the circuit board 310. For example, it may be disposed on the surface S5 of the circuit board 310 relative to the rotating curved surface block 340, which is opposite to the surface S3 in Figure 15. As an example, Figure 16 shows a possible structural schematic diagram of the grating 350, which includes a light-emitting element 351 and a light-receiving element 352, which are arranged side by side with a certain distance between them. The light-emitting element 351 may include only one emitter, or it may include multiple emitters, without limitation. The light-receiving element 352 includes at least two receivers, such as receiver R1 and receiver R2, which are connected to the communication interface X through a second conductive medium. Each receiver can receive the light beam transmitted to its location by the transmitter and convert the light beam into an electrical signal (i.e., a second electrical signal). For example, when a beam of light is received, the receiver can output an electrical signal "1", and when no beam of light is received, the receiver can output an electrical signal "0".

[0208] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 17, which shows a possible structural schematic diagram of the rotating surface block 340. Referring to Figures 17, 16, 12, and 6, a light-blocking component 341 is provided on the surface of the rotating surface block 340 opposite to the circuit board 310. The light-blocking component 341 can be understood as being composed of multiple light-blocking plates. The distances between the multiple light-blocking plates and the axis of the rotating surface block 340 vary, and some adjacent light-blocking plates are tightly connected while others have a certain gap. After the rotating surface block 340 and the circuit board 310 are both assembled into the top shell 110, the light-blocking component 341 is positioned precisely between the light-emitting element 351 and the light-receiving element 352 of the grating 350 on the circuit board 310. When the user holds the knob body 210 and rotates it around its axis, the shaft 220 rotates synchronously with the knob body 210, thereby causing the rotating curved block 340, which is fixedly connected to the shaft 220, to rotate. This rotation changes the relative position between the light-blocking component 340 on the rotating curved block 340 and the light-emitting element 351 and light-receiving element 352 of the grating 350, thus changing the blocking range of the light beam emitted by the light-emitting element 351 to the light-receiving element 352 by the light-blocking component 340. Therefore, each receiver in the light-receiving element 352 receives the light beam when the light-blocking component 340 rotates and sometimes does not receive the light beam. The electrical signals output by each receiver change continuously with the rotation of the rotating curved block 340. The constantly changing electrical signals are transmitted to the communication interface X through the second conductive medium until the rotation of the rotating curved block 340 ends, that is, the user stops rotating the knob body 210.

[0209] Based on this, if the switching device 10 is plugged into an external device via the communication interface X, the constantly changing electrical signals output by each receiver will be transmitted to the external device through the communication interface X. The external device, based on the constantly changing electrical signals output by each receiver, can query a preset correspondence between the electrical signals, rotation directions, and rotation amounts of each receiver to obtain the current rotation direction and current rotation amount corresponding to the constantly changing electrical signals output by each receiver. The current rotation direction corresponds to the direction in which the user manually rotates the knob body 210, such as clockwise or counterclockwise, and the current rotation amount corresponds to the angle at which the user manually rotates the knob body 210. The external device can then query a preset correspondence between the rotation amount and the airflow adjustment amount to obtain the target airflow adjustment amount corresponding to the current rotation amount. Then, based on the current rotation direction, it controls the air damper of the air conditioner outlet to increase or decrease the size of the outlet, and based on the target airflow adjustment amount, it controls the air damper of the air conditioner outlet to increase or decrease the corresponding airflow, so that the airflow of the air conditioner outlet matches the airflow manually adjusted by the user.

[0210] For example, assuming that rotating the knob body 210 clockwise increases the airflow and rotating it counterclockwise decreases the airflow, taking the grating 350 shown in Figure 16 and the light-blocking element shown in Figure 17 as examples, if the light-blocking component 341 has a certain distance between every two adjacent light-blocking plates, and the width of the light-blocking plates is set so that only one receiver R1 and R2 on the grating 350 can receive the light beam at a time, while the other receiver cannot receive the light beam, then: when the user holds the knob body 210 and rotates it clockwise, the rotating curved block 340 will also rotate clockwise. Assuming that in this rotation mode, receiver R1 receives the light beam first, and the receiver... The electrical signal output by R1 is "01010101", and the electrical signal output by receiver R2 will be "10101010". After checking the correspondence, the external device finds that this signal combination corresponds to the scenario where the knob body 210 is rotated 30° clockwise. A 30° clockwise rotation corresponds to increasing the airflow of the air conditioner vent by one level. Therefore, the external device can control the airflow of the air conditioner vent to increase by one level. Conversely, if the user holds the knob body 210 and rotates it counterclockwise, the rotating surface block 340 will also rotate counterclockwise. In this case, the receiver R2 will be the first to receive the light beam. If the electrical signal output by receiver R2 is "10101010",... The receiver R1 outputs an electrical signal of “01010101 01010101”. After the external device queries the corresponding relationship, it finds that the combination of electrical signals corresponds to the scenario where the knob body 210 is rotated counterclockwise by 60°. Rotating counterclockwise by 60° corresponds to reducing the airflow of the air conditioner vent by two levels. Therefore, the external device can control the airflow of the air conditioner vent to be reduced by two levels.

[0211] In one example, to reduce the complexity of airflow control, the user can be set to rotate the knob body 210 by a predetermined angle or a multiple thereof each time. To achieve this setting, referring to Figure 17, the light-blocking plates included in the light-blocking component 341 on the rotating surface block 340 can be divided into K groups, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Each group of light-blocking plates in the K groups includes one or more light-blocking plates, and each group of light-blocking plates corresponds to one or more airflow settings at the air conditioning vent. When the user holds the knob body 210 and rotates it around its axis, the shaft 220 also rotates accordingly, thereby causing the rotating surface block 340 to rotate. The rotating surface block 340 is designed to allow each rotation to pass through the range of one or more groups of light-blocking plates. For example, when K is 12, the 12 groups of light-blocking plates divide the rotation angle into 360°. Therefore, each group of light-blocking plates corresponds to a rotation angle of 30°. That is, when the user holds the knob body 210, it can only rotate 30° or a multiple thereof each time, such as 30°, 60°, 90°, etc. Each rotation of a group of light-blocking plates corresponds to a set of preset electrical signals. For example, the electrical signals of the two receivers R1 and R2 are the combination of "01010101" and "10101010", which represents the rotation of one group of light-blocking plates, i.e., 30°. The electrical signals of the two receivers R1 and R2 are the combination of "01010101 01010101" and "10101010 10101010", which represents the rotation of two groups of light-blocking plates, i.e., 60°, and so on.

[0212] Furthermore, assuming that each set of light-blocking plates corresponds to one airflow level, when the shaft 220 is detected to rotate only one set of light-blocking plates within an angle range of 30°, the external device can control the air conditioner outlet to adjust to one airflow level. When the shaft 220 is detected to rotate two sets of light-blocking plates within an angle range of 60°, the external device can control the air conditioner outlet to adjust to two airflow levels, and so on, until the maximum or minimum airflow level is reached.

[0213] Furthermore, in one example, the knob mechanism 200 can be configured as a stepless knob, allowing the user to rotate the knob mechanism 200 indefinitely. Based on this, after adjusting to the minimum fan speed, if the user continues to rotate the knob body 210, the external device will continue to receive electrical signals from the two receivers R1 and R2. In this case, since the airflow from the air conditioner vent is already at its minimum, the external device does not need to adjust the airflow from the air conditioner vent. Optionally, if the duration of receiving electrical signals reaches a set duration, or if the received electrical signals indicate that the user has continuously rotated the knob in the decreasing direction by a set angle, or if other conditions are met (such as the number of received electrical signals reaching a set number), the external device can also control the air conditioner function to turn off. That is to say, the user can turn off the air conditioner function by continuously rotating the knob body 210 in the decreasing direction for a period of time.

[0214] Conversely, after adjusting to the maximum fan speed, if the user continues to rotate the knob body 210, the external device will continue to receive electrical signals from the two receivers R1 and R2. In this case, since the airflow from the air conditioning vent is already at its maximum, the external device does not need to adjust the airflow from the air conditioning vent. Optionally, if the duration of receiving electrical signals reaches a set duration, or if the received electrical signals indicate that the user has continuously rotated the knob in the direction of increasing the fan speed by a set angle, or if other conditions are met (such as the number of received electrical signals reaching a set number), the external device can also send a first notification message to the user. The first notification message indicates that the current air conditioning fan speed has been adjusted to the maximum. The first notification message can be sent via a display screen, an in-vehicle voice broadcast function, a mobile app push notification, etc., and is not specifically limited. Notifying the user via the first notification message allows the user to be promptly informed that the airflow from that air conditioning vent can no longer be adjusted. If the user still needs to increase the fan speed, they can activate other air conditioning vents for combined cooling or heating.

[0215] Understandably, all the content in the above examples is based on the premise that "the revolution surface block 340 is designed to allow each rotation to pass through the range of one or more sets of light-blocking plates." To achieve this, the following is required:

[0216] In one example, please refer to Figure 18, which shows another top view of the switching device 10 provided in this embodiment. This top view can be considered as the structure obtained by looking at the switching device 10 from above the top shell 110 after removing the knob body 210, decorative ring 130, decorative ring 230 and the upper half of the top shell 110 in the switching device 10. Referring to Figures 18, 12 and 6, in this example, the detection mechanism 300 may further include a bracket 360 and a second elastic structure 370. The bracket 360 is sleeved between the rotating curved block 340 and the top shell 110 and is fixedly connected to the top shell 110. The shaft 220 passes through the top shell 110 and the bracket 360 in sequence and is fitted onto the base 120. The second elastic structure 370 is connected between the bracket 360 and the rotating curved block 340 to allow the rotating curved block 340 to rotate by a set angle or a multiple thereof each time, such as rotating the range of a set of light-blocking plates or a multiple thereof each time.

[0217] Optionally, the bracket 360 is fixedly connected to the top shell 110. There are many ways to achieve this. For example, the bracket 360 can be fitted inside the top shell 110 and then fixed by means of gluing, welding, threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, etc. There is no specific limitation.

[0218] Optionally, the second elastic structure 370 is used to allow the rotating surface block 340 to rotate by a set angle or a multiple thereof each time. It can be implemented as follows: referring to Figures 17 and 18, the first end (T1) of the second elastic structure 370 is fixedly connected to the bracket 360, and the second end (T2) of the second elastic structure 370 contacts the outer surface of the rotating surface block 340. The outer surface has K protrusions 342. The positions of the K protrusions 342 correspond one-to-one with the positions of K sets of light-blocking plates in the light-blocking component 341 of the rotating surface block 340. Every time the rotating surface block 340 rotates through the range of a set of light-blocking plates, the second end T2 of the second elastic structure 370 passes over the protrusions 342 corresponding to that set of light-blocking plates.

[0219] Based on this structure, even if the user holds the knob body 210 and only turns it over less than the range of one set of light-blocking plates, as long as the position where the rotation ends is after the highest point of the protrusion, the elastic force accumulated by the second elastic structure 370 during the previous rotation can be used to push the rotating curved block 340 to continue to turn over the remaining range of the protrusion, thereby achieving the effect of turning over one set of light-blocking plates at once. Alternatively, if the user holds the knob body 210 and rotates it past multiple sets of light-blocking plates, but the last set of light-blocking plates is not completely rotated, in this case, if the position where the rotation ends is after the highest point of the protrusion corresponding to the last set of light-blocking plates, the elastic force of the second elastic structure 370 can automatically push the rotating surface block 340 to continue rotating past the remaining protrusion range, achieving the effect of rotating multiple sets of light-blocking plates at once; conversely, if the position where the rotation ends is before the highest point of the protrusion corresponding to the last set of light-blocking plates, the reverse elastic force applied by the rotating surface block 340 to the second elastic structure 370 can automatically push the second elastic structure 370 back to the initial position of the protrusion corresponding to the last set of light-blocking plates, thus also achieving the effect of rotating multiple sets of light-blocking plates at once.

[0220] In addition, the elastic force of the second elastic structure 370 changes continuously as it rotates past a protrusion. This change in elastic force is fed back to the rotating surface block 340, which is fixedly connected to the shaft 220. The shaft 220 is fitted into the knob body 210. Therefore, the change in elastic force during rotation is ultimately fed back to the knob body 210, providing the user with a tactile feedback when rotating the knob body 210. For example, the user can perceive the feeling of turning through one or more gears, thereby improving the user experience.

[0221] Optionally, considering the stability of the rotation process, referring to Figures 18 and 19, the second elastic structure 370 may include two, with the two second elastic structures 370 positioned symmetrically between the support 360 and the rotating surface block 340. Based on this structure, the elastic forces applied by the two second elastic elements 370 to the rotating surface block 340 are in the same direction and symmetrical. The symmetrical elastic forces not only enable the rotating surface block 340 to rotate past the protrusion more quickly, but also make the force on the rotating surface block 340 more stable, providing the user with a stable rotational feel.

[0222] Understandably, the second elastic structure 370 mentioned above can be any elastic element capable of deformation, a combination of elastic elements, or a combination of elastic and non-elastic elements, such as springs, coil springs, piano wires, spring pins, etc., without limitation.

[0223] Detect press

[0224] Here, detecting pressing refers to detecting whether the knob mechanism 200 is pressed, which corresponds to detecting whether the shaft 220 is pressed.

[0225] In one example, the press detection function can be implemented using a microswitch.

[0226] For example, please refer to Figure 20, which shows a structural diagram of a micro switch 380 provided in an embodiment of this application. The micro switch 380 may include a third elastic structure 381 and a pressure sensor 382, ​​with the third elastic structure 381 located above the pressure sensor 382. Referring to Figure 20 and Figure 12 above, when the micro switch 380 is applied to the switching device 10, the bottom of the first groove H1 of the mounting base 120 can be mounted on the micro switch 380, and a certain distance can be maintained between the top end of the third elastic structure 381 and the second end D2 of the shaft 220. Simultaneously, the pressure sensor 382 is connected to the communication interface X via a third conductive medium.

[0227] Based on this structure, when the user presses the knob body 210, the knob body 210 will drive the shaft 220 to move closer to the base 120, so that the second end D2 of the shaft 220 contacts the third elastic structure 381, applying a certain pressure to the third elastic structure 381. The third elastic structure 381 transmits this pressure to the pressure sensor 382, ​​and the pressure sensor 382 collects the electrical signal (i.e., the third electrical signal) corresponding to the pressure, and sends it to the communication interface X through the third conductive medium.

[0228] Furthermore, if the switch device 10 is connected to an external device via the communication interface X, the electrical signal output by the pressure sensor 382 will be transmitted to the external device through the communication interface X. Based on this electrical signal, if the external device determines that the corresponding pressure is greater than a set pressure threshold, it indicates that the knob body 210 is currently pressed. Therefore, the external device can control the air conditioning function to turn on or off. For example, if the air conditioning function is currently on, the external device can control the air conditioning function to turn off after determining that the knob body 210 has been pressed. Then, if the knob body 210 is detected to be pressed again, it can control the air conditioning function to turn back on.

[0229] Understandably, the third elastic structure 382 mentioned above can be any elastic element capable of deformation, a combination of elastic elements, or a combination of elastic and non-elastic elements, such as springs, coil springs, piano wires, spring pins, etc., without limitation.

[0230] In one possible implementation, combining the above three functions, to achieve the detection of the toggle function, a potentiometer 330 needs to be installed in the detection mechanism 300; to achieve the detection of the rotation function, a grating 350 needs to be installed in the detection mechanism 300; and to achieve the detection of the press function, a micro switch 380 needs to be installed in the detection mechanism 300. Since these components require power to operate, the switching device 10 also needs to be equipped with power supply lines and interfaces for these components.

[0231] Based on this, in one example, a charging interface can be provided on the third surface of the housing 100. One end of the charging interface inside the housing 100 is connected to the detection mechanism 300 to provide input electrical energy to the detection mechanism 300. For example, one end of the charging interface inside the housing 100 is connected to one or more of the potentiometer 330, grating 350, and micro switch 380 in the detection mechanism 300, and the other end of the charging interface outside the housing 100 is connected to an external device, such as a domain controller. The domain controller outputs an electrical signal to the charging interface, and the charging interface sends this electrical signal to the potentiometer 330, grating 350, and micro switch 380 to support the potentiometer 330, grating 350, and micro switch 380 in realizing their respective detection functions.

[0232] Optionally, the third surface of the housing 100 can be the same as the second surface S2. In this case, the charging interface and the communication interface X are integrated together, and the switching device 10 can be directly connected to the external device via a bundle of integrated cables. Alternatively, in some other examples, the third surface of the housing 100 can be a different surface from the second surface S2. In this case, the charging interface and the communication interface X are provided separately, and the switching device 10 needs to be connected to the external device using at least two bundles of cables, one bundle for power supply and the other bundle for transmitting detection-related electrical signals. It should be understood that the embodiments of this application do not limit the specific implementation method. For example, some interfaces of the charging interface and the communication interface can be integrated together, while other interfaces of the communication interface can be provided separately, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0233] It should be noted that the above description only uses the application of the switch device 10 to an air conditioner outlet as an example to introduce the specific structure of the switch device 10. However, it should be understood that any device or structure requiring manual electronic adjustment can adopt the above-described structural design of the switch device 10, and is not limited to the air conditioner outlet. Furthermore, with the development of air conditioning technology, the switch device 10 provided in this application embodiment is also applicable to the same technical problems, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0234] Based on the structure and functional principle of the switching device described above, embodiments of this application may also provide a control system.

[0235] Please refer to Figure 21, which shows a possible architecture diagram of a control system provided in an embodiment of this application. The air conditioning system 2100 includes a switching device 10 and a control device 2120. The switching device 10 can be any of the switching devices described in the above embodiments, such as the switching devices shown in any of the figures 2 to 20 above. The control device 2120 can be a device that can control the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioning vent. For example, when the control system is applied to a vehicle air conditioning system, the control device 2120 can specifically be at least one of the domain controller 410, MCU 420, and air conditioning vent motor 430 shown in Figure 4 above.

[0236] As shown in Figure 21, the control device 2120 is connected to the switching device 10. For example, it can be connected to the detection mechanism 300 in the switching device 10. More specifically, it can be connected to at least one of the potentiometer 330, grating 350, and micro switch 380 in the detection mechanism 300 described above. The switching device 10 includes a knob mechanism 200. When the air conditioning system 2100 is working, the switching device 10 can send an electrical signal to the control device 2120 according to the movement of the knob mechanism 200. The control device 2120 can adjust the airflow direction and / or air volume of the air conditioning outlet according to the electrical signal, or it can control the air conditioning function of the air conditioning outlet to be turned on or off.

[0237] In one example, as shown in Figure 21, the control system 2100 may also include a motor 2130 for the air conditioning outlet. The motor 2130 for the air conditioning outlet is connected to the control device 2120 and the air conditioning outlet respectively. After receiving the electrical signal sent by the switching device 10, the control device 2120 can send a control signal to the motor 2130 for the air conditioning outlet. The motor 2130 for the air conditioning outlet can adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioning outlet according to the control signal, or it can also control the air conditioning function of the air conditioning outlet to be turned on or off.

[0238] As an example, as shown in Figure 21, the motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet is connected to the air conditioner outlet. Specifically, the motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet can be connected to the fan blades of the air conditioner outlet, the damper of the air conditioner outlet, and the power supply of the air conditioner outlet. Based on this, after the control device 2120 receives the electrical signal from the switching device 10:

[0239] In scenario one, if it is determined that the electrical signal corresponds to the tossing of the knob mechanism 300, or in other words, the rotation of the knob mechanism 300 around its second end D2 (for example, the electrical signal is the aforementioned first electrical signal), then a first control signal can be sent to the motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet. The motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet controls the movement of the fan blades of the air conditioner outlet according to the first control signal, so as to adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet. The adjusted airflow direction corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism 300 around its second end D2.

[0240] For example, based on the electrical signal, the control device 2120 can first determine the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the knob mechanism 300 around its second end D2. If the rotation directions are respectively the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction, then it sends a first sub-control signal, a second sub-control signal, a third sub-control signal, and a fourth sub-control signal to the motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet, respectively. The motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet, based on the first, second, third, and fourth sub-control signals, controls the airflow direction of the air conditioner outlet to move in the first, second, third, and fourth directions, respectively, and the moved airflow direction corresponds to the amount of rotation of the knob mechanism 300. Specifically, the first and second directions are opposite, the third and fourth directions are opposite, and the first and third directions are perpendicular. For example, the first direction is upward, the second direction is downward, the third direction is leftward, and the fourth direction is rightward.

[0241] In the second scenario, after receiving the electrical signal from the switching device 10, if the control device 2120 determines that the electrical signal corresponds to the rotation of the knob mechanism 300, or in other words, the rotation of the knob mechanism 300 around its axis (for example, the electrical signal is the aforementioned second electrical signal), it can send a second control signal to the motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet. The motor 2130 of the air conditioner outlet controls the opening and closing degree of the air damper of the air conditioner outlet according to the second control signal, so as to adjust the air volume of the air conditioner outlet.

[0242] For example, based on the electrical signal, the control device 2120 can first determine the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism 300 around its axis. If the rotation direction is the fifth direction, a fifth sub-control signal is sent to the motor 2130 of the air conditioner vent. The motor 2130 of the air conditioner vent increases the airflow of the air conditioner vent according to the fifth sub-control signal. If the rotation direction is the sixth direction, a sixth sub-control signal is sent to the motor 2130 of the air conditioner vent. The motor 2130 of the air conditioner vent decreases the airflow of the air conditioner vent according to the sixth sub-control signal. The increased or decreased airflow corresponds to the amount of rotation of the knob mechanism 300. Here, the fifth direction and the sixth direction are two opposite directions, for example, the fifth direction is clockwise and the sixth direction is counterclockwise.

[0243] In scenario three, after receiving an electrical signal from the switching device 10, if the control device 2120 determines that the electrical signal corresponds to the pressing of the knob mechanism 300 (for example, the aforementioned third electrical signal), it can send a third control signal to the motor 2130 of the air conditioning vent. The motor 2130 then controls the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent to turn on or off according to the third control signal. For example, if the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent is currently on, the power supply to the air conditioning vent is cut off to turn off the air conditioning function. Conversely, if the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent is currently off, the power supply to the air conditioning vent is turned on to turn on the air conditioning function.

[0244] As an example, combining scenarios two and three above, when the knob mechanism 200 includes a stepless knob, the knob mechanism 200 can rotate infinitely around its axis in the fifth or sixth direction. When rotating in the sixth direction, if the airflow of the air conditioner vent has already been adjusted to the minimum value, but the user continues to rotate the knob mechanism 200 in the sixth direction, the switch device 10 will continue to send a sixth sub-control signal to the control device 2120. After determining that the airflow of the air conditioner vent has been adjusted to the minimum value, if the control device 2120 continues to receive the sixth sub-control signal, and the rotation amount corresponding to the sixth sub-control signal reaches a set angle threshold, or the reception duration reaches a set duration, or the number of received sixth sub-signals reaches a set number, it can also control the air conditioning function of the air conditioner vent to turn off. For example, it can send a fourth control signal to the motor 2130 of the air conditioner vent, and the motor 2130 of the air conditioner vent will control the air conditioning function of the air conditioner vent to turn off according to the fourth control signal.

[0245] As an example, after the switch device 10 and the control device 2120 are connected, there can be multiple sets of connection lines between the communication interface X of the switch device 10 and the control device 2120, for example, at least three sets. One set of connection lines (referred to as the first set of connection lines) is connected to the potentiometer 330 of the detection mechanism 300 through the communication interface X; another set of connection lines (referred to as the second set of connection lines) is connected to the grating 350 of the detection mechanism 300 through the communication interface X; and a third set of connection lines (referred to as the third set of connection lines) is connected to the micro switch 380 through the communication interface X. Based on this, after the control device 2120 receives the electrical signal sent by the switch device 10, it can determine which movement of the knob mechanism 200 in the switch device 10 corresponds to the electrical signal based on which set of connection lines the electrical signal was transmitted from. For example, if it is transmitted from the first set of connection lines, it means that the electrical signal corresponds to the rotation of the knob mechanism 200 around its second end D2, and the control device 2120 can control the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent according to the above scenario. If the signal is transmitted from the second set of connection lines, it means that the electrical signal corresponds to the rotation of the knob mechanism 200 around its axis, and the control device 2120 can control the airflow of the air conditioner vent according to the second scenario described above. If the signal is transmitted from the third set of connection lines, it means that the electrical signal corresponds to the pressing of the knob mechanism 200, and the control device 2120 can control the air conditioner function to be turned on or off according to the third scenario described above.

[0246] As an example, as shown in Figure 21, the control device 2120 can also supply power to the switching device 10. For instance, the switching device 10 can be equipped with a communication interface X and a charging interface. The communication interface X is connected to the communication terminal of the control device 2120, and the charging interface is connected to the charging terminal of the control device 2120. When the switching device 10 needs to operate, the control device 2120 can send a power supply signal to the charging interface of the switching device through its power supply terminal. After receiving the power supply signal, the switching device 10 can start operating. During operation, the movement of the knob mechanism 200 is detected to obtain the above electrical signals, and the above electrical signals are sent to the communication terminal of the control device 2120 through its communication interface X.

[0247] It is understood that the architecture of the control system given above is only an example. In other examples, the control system may include more, fewer, or different devices, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0248] Based on the structure and functional principles of the control system described above, embodiments of this application may also provide a control method.

[0249] Please refer to Figure 22, which shows a flowchart of a control method provided in an embodiment of this application. This control method is applicable to a control device, which can be a control device in the above-described control system, such as control device 2120 shown in Figure 21. This control device can execute the method steps performed by the control device in any of the above embodiments, such as steps 2201 and 2202 as follows:

[0250] Step 2201: The control device receives an electrical signal generated based on the movement of the knob mechanism in the switching device.

[0251] Here, the electrical signal can be generated and sent by the switching device based on the movement of its internal knob mechanism.

[0252] Alternatively, in one example, the control device is directly connected to the switching device. In this case, the electrical signal is sent directly from the switching device to the control device. Or, in another example, the control device is connected to the switching device through an intermediate node. In this case, the electrical signal is first sent to the intermediate node and then forwarded to the control device by the intermediate node.

[0253] Optionally, the electrical signal can be a first electrical signal and / or a second electrical signal, where the first electrical signal corresponds to the rotation of the knob mechanism about its second end, and the second electrical signal corresponds to the rotation of the knob mechanism about its axis. In other words, if the movement of the knob mechanism is rotation about its second end, the switching device generates and sends a first electrical signal, which is received by the control device directly or indirectly. If the movement of the knob mechanism is rotation about its own axis, the switching device generates and sends a second electrical signal, which is received by the control device directly or indirectly.

[0254] Optionally, the electrical signal can also be a third electrical signal, corresponding to the pressing of the knob mechanism. In other words, if the movement of the knob mechanism is a pressing, the switching device will generate and send a third electrical signal, which is received by the control device directly or indirectly.

[0255] Step 2202: The control device adjusts the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner outlet according to the electrical signal.

[0256] Optionally, the control device adjusts the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioning outlet according to the electrical signal, specifically in the following scenarios one and / or two:

[0257] Scenario 1: If the electrical signal is the first electrical signal, it means that the electrical signal indicates the rotation of the knob mechanism around its second end. In this case, the control device can adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioner's air outlet so that the adjusted airflow direction corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism around its second end.

[0258] Scenario 2: If the electrical signal is the second electrical signal, it means that the electrical signal indicates the rotation of the knob mechanism around its axis. In this case, the control device can adjust the air volume of the air conditioner vent so that the adjusted air volume corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism around its axis.

[0259] Optionally, the control device can also control the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent to be turned on or off according to the electrical signal. Specifically, if the electrical signal is a third electrical signal, it means that the electrical signal indicates that the knob mechanism is pressed. In this case, the control device can control the function of the air conditioning vent to be turned on or off, such as switching from the current on state to the off state, or switching from the current off state to the on state.

[0260] Optionally, in the above scenario one, if the airflow of the air conditioner vent has been adjusted to the minimum value, but the control device continues to receive the first electrical signal, then when the first electrical signal indicator knob mechanism continues to rotate in the direction of reducing airflow to the set angle threshold, or the reception duration of the first electrical signal reaches the set duration, or the number of first electrical signals received reaches the set number, the control device can control the air conditioning function of the air conditioner vent to be turned off.

[0261] Based on the structure and functional principle of the control method described above, this application embodiment can also provide a control device that can be used to execute the above control method. The relevant features can be found in the above method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0262] In one possible implementation, please refer to Figure 23, which shows a possible structural schematic diagram of the control device. The control device 2300 may include a processing unit 2310 and a transceiver unit 2320. The control device 2300 may be a control device or a module within a control device (such as a processor, chip, or chip system) as described above, or it may be a device applied to or used in conjunction with a control device or its module, capable of implementing the control methods executed by the control device or its module.

[0263] The transceiver unit 2320 can also be referred to as a communication unit, transceiver, transceiver device, or transceiver apparatus, etc., and the processing unit 2310 can also be referred to as a processor, processing chip, processing board, processing unit, or processing apparatus, etc. Optionally, the transceiver unit 2320 is used to perform the sending and receiving operations in the above control method. The device in the transceiver unit 2320 that implements the receiving function can be regarded as a receiving unit, and the device in the transceiver unit 2320 that implements the sending function can be regarded as a sending unit. That is, the transceiver unit 2320 includes a receiving unit and a sending unit.

[0264] Optionally, the processing unit 2310 can be used to implement the processing function in the control method shown in FIG22, and the transceiver unit 2320 can be used to implement the transceiver function in the control method shown in FIG22. For example, when the control device 2300 executes the control method shown in FIG22 above, the transceiver unit 2320 is used to receive an electrical signal, which is generated according to the movement of the knob mechanism in the switching device, and the processing unit 2310 is used to adjust the airflow direction and / or airflow volume of the air conditioner outlet according to the electrical signal.

[0265] Furthermore, it should be noted that the aforementioned transceiver unit 2320 and / or processing unit 2310 can be implemented using virtual modules. For example, processing unit 2310 can be implemented using software functional units or virtual devices, and transceiver unit 2320 can be implemented using software functions or virtual devices. Alternatively, processing unit 2310 or transceiver unit 2320 can also be implemented using physical devices. For example, if the control device 2300 is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, transceiver unit 2320 can be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operations) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operations); processing unit 2310 is an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0266] The unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical units, or two or more units can be integrated into a single module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module.

[0267] In another possible implementation, please refer to Figure 24, which shows another possible structural schematic of the control device. For example, the control device 2400 may be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the chip system may be composed of chips, or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0268] The control device 2400 can be used to implement the functions of the control device or modules (such as processors, chips, or chip systems) in the control device described in the foregoing embodiments. The control device 2400 may include at least one processor 2410, which is coupled to a memory. Optionally, the memory may be located within the control device 2400, integrated with the processor, or located outside the control device 2400. For example, the control device 2400 may also include at least one memory 2420. The at least one memory 2420 stores the necessary computer programs (or instructions) and / or data for implementing any of the above embodiments; the at least one processor 2410 can execute the computer programs (or instructions) and / or data stored in the at least one memory 2420 to complete the methods in any of the above embodiments.

[0269] The control device 2400 may also include a communication interface 2430, through which the control device 2400 can interact with other devices, such as the aforementioned switching device. For example, the communication interface 2430 may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface. When the control device 2400 is a chip-based device or circuit, the communication interface 2430 may also be an input / output circuit, capable of inputting information (or receiving information) and outputting information (or sending information). The processor may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or logic circuit, and the processor can determine the output information based on the input information.

[0270] The coupling in this embodiment is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 2410 may operate in conjunction with the memory 2420 and the communication interface 2430. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection medium between the processor 2410, the memory 2420, and the communication interface 2430.

[0271] Optionally, referring to Figure 24, the processor 2410, the memory 2420, and the communication interface 2430 are interconnected via a bus. The bus can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, only one thick line is used in Figure 24, but this does not indicate that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0272] In the embodiments of this application, the processor 2410 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0273] In this embodiment, the memory 2420 can be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or it can be volatile memory, such as random-access memory (RAM). The memory 2420 can be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures, and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 2420 in this embodiment can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0274] Based on the structure and functional principles of the switching device, or the structure and functional principles of the control system, or the structure and functional principles of the control device described above, embodiments of this application may also provide a means of transportation, which may include the switching device described in any of the above embodiments, such as the switching device shown in any of the figures 2 to 20; or, may include the control system described in Figure 21 above; or, may include the control device described in any of the above embodiments, such as the control device in Figure 23 or Figure 24.

[0275] For example, the above-mentioned means of transportation may be vehicles (such as autonomous vehicles, intelligent vehicles, electric vehicles, buses, digital vehicles or buses, etc.), ships (such as passenger ships, cargo ships, ferries, cruise ships, dredgers, barges, bulk carriers or coal carriers, etc.), airplanes (such as passenger airplanes, cargo airplanes, helicopters, agricultural machinery, forest protection aircraft, aerial surveying aircraft, medical rescue aircraft, sightseeing aircraft or weather aircraft, etc.), subways, high-speed rail, trains, light rail, submarines, rockets, satellites, space stations, etc.

[0276] Based on the functional principles of the control methods described above, embodiments of this application can also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the method provided in any of the above method embodiments to be implemented. This computer-readable storage medium may include various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, portable hard drive, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0277] Based on the functional principles of the control methods described above, embodiments of this application can also provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method provided in any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the computer can be a terminal device.

[0278] Unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the different implementation schemes described above are consistent and can be referenced from each other. The technical features of different implementation schemes can be combined to form new implementation schemes based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0279] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0280] Additionally, in this application, the terms "optionally" or "exemplary" are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "optional" or "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Alternatively, it can be understood that the use of the terms "exemplary" or "optional" is intended to present concepts in a specific manner and does not constitute a limitation of this application.

[0281] It is understood that the various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the process numbers described above does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and inherent logic. Terms such as "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as including a series of steps or units. A method, system, product, or device is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

Claims

1. A switching device, characterized in that, include: The housing, the knob mechanism, and the detection mechanism are disposed inside the housing, and the knob mechanism is exposed on the outside of the housing through a first surface. A communication interface is provided on the second surface of the housing, and one end of the communication interface inside the housing is connected to the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism is used to detect the movement of the knob mechanism and generate an electrical signal, which is then sent through the communication interface. The electrical signal is used to adjust the airflow and / or direction of the air conditioner vent.

2. The switching device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a base and a top shell, which are fastened together to form an accommodating space. The knob mechanism and the detection mechanism are placed in the accommodating space.

3. The switching device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The knob mechanism includes a knob body and a shaft. The knob body is located outside the top shell, and the shaft passes through the top shell and faces away from the base. Its first end is fitted into the knob body, and its second end is fitted into the base.

4. The switching device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The base has a first groove on its inner side. The first groove has a structure that is narrow inside and wide outside. The second end of the shaft is fitted into the narrow part of the first groove, and the wide part of the first groove allows the shaft to rotate around the second end of the shaft.

5. The switching device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The outer width of the first groove is rhomboid. The shaft rotates around the second end of the shaft within the rhomboid along any one of the first direction, the second direction, the third direction, and the fourth direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction, the third direction is opposite to the fourth direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

6. The switching device as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The shaft includes a rotating shaft and a first elastic structure. The rotating shaft is fitted into the knob body at one end away from the base. A second groove is provided at one end of the rotating shaft near the base. One end of the first elastic structure is fixed in the second groove, and the other end of the first elastic structure is fitted into the base.

7. The switching device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a circuit board and a slider. The circuit board is fixedly connected to the top shell, and the slider is fixedly connected to the shaft. The slider is disposed between the circuit board and the base. The shaft passes through the circuit board and the slider and is then fitted onto the base. A first hole is provided on the circuit board at the position where the shaft passes through, and the diameter of the first hole is larger than the shaft diameter. When the shaft rotates around its second end within the first hole, it causes the slider to slide, resulting in a relative displacement between the slider and the circuit board. The detection mechanism also includes a potentiometer, which is connected to the communication interface via a first conductive medium; The potentiometer is used to detect the relative displacement between the slider and the circuit board and generate a first electrical signal. The first electrical signal is transmitted to the communication interface through the first conductive medium and is used to adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent.

8. The switching device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The potentiometer includes a resistive element and a sliding contact. The resistive element is disposed on the surface of the circuit board relative to the slider and is connected to the communication interface through the first conductive medium. The sliding contact is disposed on the surface of the slider relative to the circuit board and contacts the resistive element. When a relative displacement occurs between the slider and the circuit board, the sliding contact on the slider slides on the resistive element of the circuit board, changing the potential difference at different positions on the resistive element. The changed potential difference is transmitted to the communication interface through the first conductive medium.

9. The switching device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The resistive element includes a first resistive sheet and a second resistive sheet, and the sliding contact includes a first contact and a second contact, wherein the first contact contacts the first resistive sheet and the second contact contacts the second resistive sheet; The altered potential difference on the first resistor and the altered potential difference on the second resistor are transmitted to the communication interface through the first conductive medium to determine the rotation direction and amount of the shaft around the second end of the shaft.

10. The switching device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The first hole is cross-shaped, and the shaft rotates around the second end of the shaft within the first hole in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, or a fourth direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction, the third direction is opposite to the fourth direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the third direction.

11. The switching device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a circuit board and a rotating curved block. The circuit board is fixedly connected to the top shell, and the rotating curved block is fixedly connected to the shaft. The circuit board is disposed between the rotating curved block and the base plate. The shaft passes through the rotating curved block and the circuit board and is then fitted onto the base. A first hole is provided on the circuit board at the position where the shaft passes through, and the diameter of the first hole is larger than the diameter of the shaft through the portion of the shaft. The detection mechanism further includes a grating, which is disposed on the surface of the circuit board relative to the rotating curved block. A light-blocking component is disposed on the surface of the rotating curved block relative to the circuit board. The light-blocking component is located between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element of the grating. The light-receiving element is connected to the communication interface through a second conductive medium. When the shaft rotates around its axis, it drives the rotating curved surface block to rotate, changing the relative position between the light-blocking component and the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The light receiving element is used to generate a second electrical signal based on the received optical signal. The second electrical signal is connected to the communication interface through the second conductive medium. The second electrical signal is used to adjust the air volume of the air conditioner outlet.

12. The switching device as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The light-blocking component includes K sets of light-blocking plates. Each time the shaft rotates around its axis, it drives the rotating curved block to rotate through the range of one or more sets of light-blocking plates. Each set of light-blocking plates corresponds to one or more airflow levels of the air conditioner outlet, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

13. The switching device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, characterized in that, The detection mechanism also includes a bracket and a second elastic structure. The bracket is sleeved between the rotating curved block and the top shell and is fixedly connected to the top shell. The shaft passes through the top shell and the bracket in sequence and is then fitted onto the base. The second elastic structure is connected between the bracket and the rotating surface block, allowing the rotating surface block to rotate through a set angle or a multiple thereof each time.

14. The switching device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The first end of the second elastic structure is fixedly connected to the bracket, and the second end of the second elastic structure contacts the outer surface of the rotating curved block. The outer surface has K protrusions, and the positions of the K protrusions correspond one-to-one with the positions of the K groups of light-blocking plates in the light-blocking component. Each group of light-blocking plates corresponds to a set angle, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2. As the rotating curved surface block rotates through the range of a set of light-blocking plates, the second end of the second elastic structure passes over the protrusion corresponding to the light-blocking plate, providing a tactile feel for the rotation of the shaft.

15. The switching device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The second elastic structure comprises two structures, which are disposed symmetrically between the support and the rotating curved block.

16. The switching device according to any one of claims 3 to 15, characterized in that, The detection mechanism includes a micro switch, which is disposed between the second end of the shaft and the base, and is connected to the communication interface through a third conductive medium; When the shaft is pressed, the second end of the shaft contacts the micro switch; The micro switch is used to generate a third electrical signal after detecting that the shaft is pressed. The third electrical signal is transmitted to the communication interface through the third conductive medium. The third electrical signal is used to control the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent to be turned on or off.

17. The switching device according to any one of claims 3 to 16, characterized in that, The housing also includes a decorative ring, which is fastened to the surface of the top shell opposite to the base. The decorative ring has a second hole, through which the knob mechanism passes and is fitted onto the base. The diameter of the second hole is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the knob mechanism passes.

18. The switching device as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The knob mechanism also includes a decorative ring, which is fitted inside the decorative ring and fixedly connected to the shaft. The decorative ring has a third hole, which partially overlaps with the second hole. The knob body passes through the second hole on the decorative ring from the outside of the decorative ring and then contacts the decorative ring. The shaft passes through the third hole on the decorative ring from the inside of the decorative ring and then fits into the inside of the knob body. The diameter of the third hole is larger than the shaft diameter of the portion through which the shaft passes and smaller than the shaft diameter of the portion of the knob body that contacts the decorative ring.

19. The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that, A charging interface is also provided on the third surface of the housing, and one end of the charging interface inside the housing is connected to the detection mechanism. The charging interface is used to provide the input electrical energy to the detection mechanism.

20. A control system, characterized in that, The device includes a control device and a switching device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the switching device is connected to the control device via the communication interface, and the control device is also connected to an air conditioning outlet. The switching device is used to send an electrical signal to the control device according to the movement of the knob mechanism; The control device is used to adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner outlet according to the electrical signal.

21. The system as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The control system also includes a motor for the air conditioning outlet, which is connected between the control device and the air conditioning outlet. The control device is specifically used to: send a control signal to the motor of the air conditioner outlet according to the electrical signal; The motor of the air conditioner outlet is used to adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner outlet according to the control signal.

22. The system as claimed in claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The switching device is specifically used to send a first electrical signal to the control device based on the rotation of the knob mechanism around its second end; The control device is specifically used to: adjust the airflow direction of the air outlet according to the first electrical signal, and the adjusted airflow direction corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism around its second end.

23. The system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, The switching device is specifically used to: send a second electrical signal to the control device according to the rotation of the knob mechanism about its axis; The control device is specifically used to: adjust the air volume of the air outlet according to the second electrical signal, wherein the adjusted air volume of the air outlet corresponds to the rotation direction and rotation amount of the knob mechanism.

24. The system as described in claim 23, characterized in that, The knob mechanism includes a stepless knob; The control device is also used for: After the airflow at the air outlet is adjusted to the minimum value, if the second electrical signal instructs the knob mechanism to continuously rotate in the direction of reducing airflow until a set angle threshold is reached, the air conditioning function of the air outlet is turned off.

25. The system as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that, The switching device is also used to: detect that the knob mechanism is pressed, and send a third electrical signal to the control device; The control device is also used to: control the air conditioning function of the air conditioning outlet to be turned on or off according to the third electrical signal.

26. A control method, characterized in that, Suitable for control devices, the method includes: Receives an electrical signal, which is generated based on the movement of a knob mechanism in the switching device; Adjust the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner outlet according to the electrical signal.

27. The method as described in claim 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: After the airflow at the air conditioner outlet is adjusted to the minimum value, if the electrical signal instructs the knob mechanism to continue rotating in the direction of reducing the airflow to a set angle threshold, the air conditioning function at the air conditioner outlet will be turned off.

28. The method as described in claim 26 or 27, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the air volume and / or air direction of the air conditioner outlet according to the electrical signal includes: If the electrical signal instructs the knob mechanism to rotate around its second end, the airflow direction of the air conditioner vent is adjusted, and the adjusted airflow direction corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism; and / or If the electrical signal instructs the knob mechanism to rotate around its axis, the airflow of the air conditioner outlet is adjusted, and the adjusted airflow corresponds to the rotation direction and amount of the knob mechanism.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the electrical signal indicates that the knob mechanism is pressed, the air conditioning function of the air conditioning vent is controlled to be turned on or off.

30. A means of transportation, characterized in that, It includes a switching device as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, or a control system as described in any one of claims 20 to 25, or a control device for performing a control method as described in any one of claims 26 to 29.

Images