Infrared sensor and infrared sensor module

Abstract

The application relates to an infrared sensor and an infrared sensor module, which comprises a transmitting module and a receiving module, the transmitting module comprises a transmitter for emitting infrared light, the transmitter comprises a first transmitter and a second transmitter; the receiving module comprises a receiver for receiving the infrared light emitted by the transmitter, the receiver comprises a first receiver and a second receiver; the first transmitter and the second transmitter are in a strip structure, the first receiver and the second receiver are in a semicircular ring structure, the first receiver and the second receiver cooperate to form a circular ring structure, so that the transmitter and the receiver can be quickly calibrated and the installation position is determined during the assembly process of the infrared sensor, and the technical problem of low assembly efficiency of the infrared sensor in the prior art is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of detection tool technology, and in particular to an infrared sensor and an infrared sensor module. Background Technology

[0002] Since the transmitter and receiver must work together for the receiver to receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter, the common infrared sensors on the market generally use a point-to-point signal transmission mode between the transmitter and receiver. During the assembly process, it is difficult to calibrate the transmitter and receiver, resulting in low assembly efficiency. Therefore, how to provide an infrared sensor to improve assembly efficiency is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an infrared sensor to solve the technical problem of low assembly efficiency of infrared sensors in the prior art.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides an infrared sensor, comprising: a transmitting module including a transmitter for emitting infrared light, the transmitter including a first transmitter and a second transmitter; and a receiving module including a receiver disposed opposite to the transmitter, the receiver being used to receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter, the receiver including a first receiver and a second receiver; both the first transmitter and the second transmitter are strip-shaped structures, and both the first receiver and the second receiver are semi-circular structures, the first receiver and the second receiver cooperating to form a circular structure.

[0005] The first transmitter is positioned opposite to one of the first receiver or the second receiver, and the second transmitter is positioned opposite to the other of the first receiver or the second receiver.

[0006] The transmitting module further includes a first base and a second base, wherein the first transmitter is disposed on the side of the first base facing the receiver, and the second transmitter is disposed on the side of the second base facing the receiver.

[0007] The receiving module further includes a third base and a fourth base. The first receiver is arranged circumferentially along the end face of the third base facing the transmitter, and the second receiver is arranged circumferentially along the end face of the fourth base facing the transmitter.

[0008] The first base, the second base, the third base, and the fourth base are all hollow semi-circular rings. The first base and the second base are detachably connected to each other to form a first circular ring structure, and the third base and the fourth base are detachably connected to each other to form a second circular ring structure.

[0009] The first annular structure and the second annular structure are coaxially arranged.

[0010] Both the first base and the second base have a transmission cavity. The transmission module further includes a first processor and a second processor. The first processor is disposed in the transmission cavity of the first base, and the second processor is disposed in the transmission cavity of the second base.

[0011] The transmitting module further includes a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, wherein the first processor is electrically connected to the first signal terminal and the second processor is electrically connected to the second signal terminal.

[0012] The third base and the fourth base both have receiving cavities. The receiving module further includes a third processor and a fourth processor. The third processor is disposed in the receiving cavity of the third base, and the fourth processor is disposed in the receiving cavity of the fourth base.

[0013] The receiving module includes a third signal terminal and a fourth signal terminal. The third processor is electrically connected to the third signal terminal, and the fourth processor is electrically connected to the fourth signal terminal.

[0014] Both the first transmitter and the second transmitter are infrared light-emitting diodes.

[0015] An infrared sensor module includes an infrared sensor and a mounting post, wherein the transmitting module is disposed at one end of the mounting post and the receiving module is disposed at the other end of the mounting post.

[0016] The advantages of this application's implementation method, which differs from existing technologies, are as follows: The infrared sensor includes a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module includes a transmitter, and the receiving module includes a receiver, with the transmitter and receiver positioned opposite each other. The transmitting module includes a first transmitter and a second transmitter, and the receiving module includes a first receiver and a second receiver. Both the first and second transmitters have a strip-like structure, and both the first and second receivers have a semi-circular structure. The first and second receivers cooperate to form a circular structure. Regardless of how the receiver and transmitter rotate, the signal strength of the infrared light emitted by the transmitter and received by the receiver remains constant. Therefore, when installing the infrared sensor, it is only necessary to ensure that the receiving end of the receiver is positioned opposite the transmitting end of the transmitter, which improves the calibration and positioning speed of the transmitter and receiver, thereby increasing assembly efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 2 An exploded view of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 3 An exploded view of the receiver of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the transmitter of the infrared sensor from another perspective;

[0022] Figure 5 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the receiver of the infrared sensor from another perspective;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the receiver of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the receiver of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the receiver of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 12 A perspective view of another embodiment of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0030] Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the infrared sensor module provided in this application;

[0031] Figure 14 for Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the infrared sensor module from another perspective;

[0032] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an embodiment of the infrared sensor provided in this application applied to the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and not for limiting it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all structures. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 7 , Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the infrared sensor provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 2 An exploded view of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application; Figure 3 An exploded view of the receiver of the infrared sensor provided in this application; Figure 4 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the transmitter of the infrared sensor from another perspective;

[0040] Figure 5 for Figure 3 An exploded view of the receiver of the infrared sensor from another perspective; Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application; Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the receiver of the infrared sensor provided in this application. This application provides an infrared sensor 100, which includes a transmitting module 10 and a receiving module 20. Both the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 have a ring-shaped structure. The transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 are mutually adapted.

[0041] The transmitting module 10 includes a transmitter 11, which emits infrared light. The receiving module 20 includes a receiver 21, which receives the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11. In application, the infrared sensor 100 is positioned opposite the transmitter 11, with a certain distance between them, and there is no obstruction between them. The distance between the receiver 21 and the transmitter 11 can be adjusted according to actual conditions, as long as the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11 is within the receiving range of the receiver 21. The method of emitting infrared light by the transmitter 11 and receiving infrared light by the receiver 21 is direct, meaning the emission direction of the transmitter 11 is opposite to the receiving direction of the receiver 21. This emission direction can be understood as the direction in which the transmitter 11 emits infrared light towards the receiver 21 and the infrared light can be received by the receiver 21. The receiving direction can be understood as a direction parallel to and opposite to the emission direction of the transmitter 11, or a direction coincident with and opposite to the emission direction of the transmitter 11.

[0042] Transmitter 11 includes a first transmitter 111 and a second transmitter 112. Receiver 21 includes a first receiver 211 and a second receiver 212. Both the first transmitter 111 and the second transmitter 112 have a strip-shaped structure. Both the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 have a semi-circular structure, meaning that the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 can be half-circular structures. The first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 cooperate to form a circular structure. The first transmitter 111 and the second transmitter 112 are both independent transmitters. The first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 are both independent receivers 21, meaning that the receiver 21 is a circular receiver 21 formed by combining the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212. Regardless of how the transmitter 11 and / or the receiver 21 rotates, the signal intensity of the infrared light received by the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 remains unchanged. Therefore, when installing the infrared sensor 100, the calibration and positioning speeds of the transmitter 11 and receiver 21 can be significantly improved, thereby increasing assembly efficiency. Furthermore, during the operation of the infrared sensor 100, the receiver 21 can more accurately detect the spatial coverage of the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11, ensuring detection accuracy and avoiding misjudgments. During the use of the infrared sensor 100, even if the transmitter 11 and / or receiver 21 are rotated or experience a certain degree of linear displacement due to interference from other external factors, it can still function normally. Therefore, the infrared sensor 100 possesses high flexibility, sensitivity, and anti-interference capabilities.

[0043] The first transmitter 111 and the second transmitter 112 can be infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which have advantages such as small size, light weight, high luminous efficiency, and long lifespan. The models of the first transmitter 111 and the second transmitter 112 can be selected from SMT 8000MGJ or SMR8520MGJ. In some embodiments, the path of the infrared light emitted by the first transmitter 111 and the second transmitter 112 can be parallel to the line connecting the receiving end of the corresponding receiver 21 and the transmitting end of the transmitter 11, thereby enabling the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 to more accurately receive the infrared light emitted by the first transmitter 111 and / or the second transmitter 112. Both the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 are receivers 21 that cooperate with the first transmitter 111 and the second transmitter 112. The types of the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 are not specifically limited herein; the specific types of the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 can be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art within the scope of known sensors.

[0044] In some embodiments, the infrared sensor 100 can be applied to fields such as security, fire protection, medical care, and environmental monitoring, but its application scope is not limited to the above-mentioned fields. It has a wide range of applications and high value for widespread application. For example, in the field of environmental monitoring, the infrared sensor 100 can monitor factors such as snow thickness and river water level; in the field of security, the infrared sensor 100 can be applied to devices such as security doors or security grilles; in the field of fire protection, the infrared sensor 100 can be used to monitor fires or applied to fire-fighting equipment; in the medical field, the infrared sensor 100 can be applied to medical equipment and devices. The infrared sensor 100 can also be installed in some household appliances as a detection tool. In some embodiments, the infrared sensor 100 can be installed in household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, ovens, vacuum cleaners, and electric stoves.

[0045] When installing the infrared sensor 100, as long as the transmitter 11 of the transmitting module 10 and the receiver 21 of the receiving module are positioned relative to each other, the receiver 21 can accurately receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11, unaffected by the rotation angle of the transmitter 11 and / or the receiver 21. Therefore, the assembly efficiency of the infrared sensor 100 is improved. During the use of the infrared sensor 100, regardless of the rotation of the transmitter 11 and / or the receiver 21, the transmitter 11 and the receiver 21 can successfully dock, thereby improving the detection accuracy and sensitivity of the infrared sensor 100 and reducing the likelihood of false judgments. The infrared sensor 100 provided in this application has the advantages of simple structure and high detection accuracy. Furthermore, its manufacturing cost is low, making it highly valuable for widespread adoption.

[0046] Please refer to the following: Figure 8 and Figure 9 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application; Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the receiver of the infrared sensor provided in this application. The transmitting module 10 further includes a first base 121 and a second base 122, and the receiving module 20 further includes a third base 221 and a fourth base 222. The first base 121, the second base 122, the third base 221, and the fourth base 222 are all hollow semi-circular rings. The first base 121 and the second base 122 have a transmitting cavity 12a, and the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 have a receiving cavity 22a. In some embodiments, the transmitting cavity 12a is used to house electronic components that assist the transmitter 11 in operation, and the receiving cavity 22a is used to house electronic components that assist the receiver 21 in operation. The arrangement of the transmitting cavity 12a and the receiving cavity 22a facilitates the placement of other electronic components within the transmitting cavity 12a or the receiving cavity 22a, simplifying the external structure of the infrared sensor 100 and making the infrared sensor 100 appear more three-dimensional and aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, it avoids, to a certain extent, placing other electronic components outside the infrared sensor 100, thereby preventing signal transmission between the transmitter 11 and the receiver 21. In some embodiments, batteries may be provided in the transmitting cavity 12a and the receiving cavity 22a to power the corresponding receiver 21 and transmitter 11, thereby improving the automation level of the infrared sensor 100.

[0047] The first base 121 and the second base 122 are detachably connected to each other to form a first annular structure 301. Please refer to both. Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the transmitter of the infrared sensor provided in this application. The first base 121 may have slots 41 at both ends, and the second base 122 may have blocks 42 at both ends that cooperate with the slots 41 of the first base 121. The blocks 42 at both ends of the second base 122 are engaged with the corresponding slots 41 at both ends of the first base 121, thereby connecting the first base 121 and the second base 122 to form a first annular structure 301. In some embodiments, the first base 121 may have blocks 42 at both ends, and the second base 122 may have slots 41 at both ends that cooperate with the blocks 42 of the first base 121. In other embodiments, one end of the first base 121 may have a slot 41, and the other end may have a block 42; one end of the second base 122 may have a block 42 that cooperates with the slot 41 of the first base 121, and the other end may have a slot 41 that cooperates with the blocks 42 of the first base 121. The slots 41 and / or blocks 42 of the first base 121 and the second base 122 can be determined according to the actual situation. It is only necessary to ensure that the first base 121 and the second base 122 are detachably connected to each other. No specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0048] Please refer to the following: Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the receiver for the infrared sensor provided in this application. The third base 221 and the fourth base 222 are detachably connected to each other to form a second annular structure 302. The third base 221 may have slots 41 at both ends, and the fourth base 222 may have locking blocks 42 at both ends that cooperate with the slots 41 of the third base 221. The locking blocks 42 at both ends of the fourth base 222 are engaged with the corresponding slots 41 at both ends of the third base 221, thereby connecting the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 to form the second annular structure 302. In some embodiments, the third base 221 may have locking blocks 42 at both ends, and the fourth base 222 may have slots 41 at both ends that cooperate with the locking blocks 42 of the third base 221. In other embodiments, one end of the third base 221 may have a slot 41, and the other end may have a locking block 42; one end of the fourth base 222 may have a locking block 42 that mates with the slot 41 of the third base 221, and the other end may have a slot 41 that mates with the locking block 42 of the third base 221. The configuration of the slots 41 and / or locking blocks 42 of the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 can be determined according to the actual situation, as long as the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 are detachably connected to each other, and there are no restrictions here.

[0049] The first ring structure 301 and the second ring structure 302 are coaxially arranged to ensure the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 100.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first base 121 and the second base 122 can be detachably connected to each other by means of snap-fit ​​connection, bolt connection, magnetic adsorption, etc. The third base 221 and the fourth base 222 can also be detachably connected to each other by means of snap-fit ​​connection, bolt connection, magnetic adsorption, etc. The first base 121 and the second base 122 are fixedly connected in a detachable manner, and the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 are also fixedly connected in a detachable manner, facilitating subsequent cleaning, replacement, or maintenance of the transmitter 11 and the receiver 21. In other embodiments, the first base 121 and the second base 122 can be integrally formed, and the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 can also be integrally formed.

[0051] The transmitter module 10 and receiver module 20 have a simple structure. During their assembly, it is easy to locate the positions where the transmitter 11 and receiver 21 are installed and cooperate with each other, so as to achieve the expected positioning effect and solve the technical problem of difficult assembly of infrared sensors in the prior art.

[0052] A first circular hole 301a is provided between the first base 121 and the second base 122, and a second circular hole 302a is provided between the third base 221 and the fourth base 222. When the infrared sensor 100 is installed in the device, the center line of the first circular hole 301a and the center line of the second circular hole 302a are parallel to each other and located on the same straight line. At the same time, the center lines of the first circular hole 301a and the second circular hole 302a are both parallel to the direction AA of the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11. Therefore, the direction AA of the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11 is parallel to the line connecting the center of the first circular hole 301a and the center of the second circular hole 302a.

[0053] It should be noted that, since it is almost impossible to achieve zero-error processing in actual production, the concepts of being on the same straight line, parallel, center line, emission direction, receiving direction, infrared light direction AA, etc. in this application are only general concepts and are not absolute, and can have relative errors.

[0054] The first base 121 and the second base 122 each have an end face opposite to the receiver 21 on the side facing the receiving module 20. The third base 221 and the fourth base 222 each have an end face opposite to the transmitter 11 on the side facing the transmitting module 10. The first transmitter 111 is disposed on the end face of the first base 121 facing the receiver 21, and the second transmitter 112 is disposed on the end face of the second base 122 facing the receiver 21. The first receiver 211 is circumferentially disposed along the end face of the third base 221 facing the transmitter 11, and the second receiver 212 is circumferentially disposed along the end face of the fourth base 222 facing the transmitter 11. Specifically, the transmitting ends of the first transmitter 111 and the second transmitter 112 point towards the receiver 21, and the receiving ends of the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 point towards the transmitter 11.

[0055] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the first base 121, the second base 122, the third base 221, and the fourth base 222 can be consistent. The inner and outer diameters of the combination of the first base 121 and the second base 122 can be consistent with those of the combination of the third base 221 and the fourth base 222, facilitating the cooperation between the receiver 21 and the transmitter 11 and improving the fitting accuracy and degree of freedom of the receiver 21 and the transmitter 11. Since the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 are both semi-annular, and the first receiver 211 is arranged circumferentially along the end face of the third base 221, and the second receiver 212 is arranged circumferentially along the end face of the fourth base 222, the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212 can be spliced ​​together to form a ring structure by fixing the three bases 221 and the fourth base 222 together. There is no need to set additional fixing parts on the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212, ensuring the integrity and continuity of the receiver 21.

[0056] Since the receiver 21 is a ring structure formed by splicing the first receiver 211 and the second receiver 212, it is a continuous structure; the transmitter 11 has a strip structure, which is a discrete structure, and there is no obstruction between the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20. Therefore, no matter how the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 rotate, the receiver 21 can accurately receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11, and the signal intensity of the infrared light received by the receiver 21 is no different from the signal intensity of the infrared light received when stationary, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 100.

[0057] During the use of the infrared sensor 100, the distance between the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 can be adjusted according to specific circumstances to ensure the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 100. The transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 can operate in either a moving or stationary state. In some embodiments, both the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 can be selected to operate in a stationary state, or both can be selected to operate in a moving state. In other embodiments, the transmitting module 10 can be selected to operate in a moving state while the receiving module 20 operates in a stationary state, or the receiving module 20 can be selected to operate in a moving state while the transmitting module 10 operates in a stationary state. The aforementioned moving state can be axial circular motion or linear motion. The operating state of the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 relative to the mounting post 30 can be determined according to actual conditions and is not specifically limited here.

[0058] A first transmitter 111 is disposed opposite to either a first receiver 211 or a second receiver 212, and a second transmitter 112 is disposed opposite to the other of the first receiver 211 or the second receiver 212. That is, the first transmitter 111 can be disposed corresponding to either the first receiver 211 or the second receiver 212; similarly, the second transmitter 112 can be disposed corresponding to either the first receiver 211 or the second receiver 212. When the first transmitter 111 and the first receiver 211 are disposed corresponding to each other, the receiving end of the first receiver 211 faces the transmitting end of the first transmitter 111, and the first receiver 211 is used to receive the infrared light emitted by the first transmitter 111. When the first transmitter 111 and the second receiver 212 are disposed corresponding to each other, the receiving end of the second receiver 212 faces the transmitting end of the first transmitter 111, and the second receiver 212 is used to receive the infrared light emitted by the first transmitter 111. When the second transmitter 112 and the first receiver 211 are configured correspondingly, the receiving end of the first receiver 211 faces the transmitting end of the second transmitter 112, and the first receiver 211 is used to receive the infrared light emitted by the second transmitter 112. When the second transmitter 112 and the second receiver 212 are configured correspondingly, the receiving end of the second receiver 212 faces the transmitting end of the second transmitter 112, and the second receiver 212 is used to receive the infrared light emitted by the second transmitter 112.

[0059] Please refer to the following: Figure 12 , Figure 12This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the infrared sensor provided in this application. The end face of the first base 121 facing the receiving module 20 may have a plurality of first transmitters 111, which surround the first base 121. For example, the number of first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, or 25. The end face of the second base 122 facing the receiving module 20 may have a plurality of second transmitters 112, which surround the second base 122. For example, the number of second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, or 25. The number of first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 and the number of second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 may be the same or different. The specific number of first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 and the specific number of second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 can be determined according to specific circumstances and are not specifically limited here. Setting multiple first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 and multiple second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 can improve the detection accuracy, detection speed, and sensitivity of the infrared sensor 100. For some large equipment or equipment with relatively complex structures, the number of infrared sensors 100 can also be reduced, thereby reducing production costs.

[0060] When the first base 121 has multiple first transmitters 111 and the second base 122 has multiple second transmitters 112, the transmitting ends of all the first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 can face the first receiver 211. In this case, the first receiver 211 receives the infrared light emitted by all the first transmitters 111, thus forming an independent communication channel between the first transmitters 111 and the first receiver 211, and realizing a many-to-one data transmission mode. Correspondingly, the transmitting ends of all the second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 face the second receiver 212, and the second receiver 212 receives the infrared light emitted by all the second transmitters 112, thus forming an independent communication channel between the second transmitters 112 and the second receiver 212, and realizing a many-to-one data transmission mode. The first transmitters 111 and the first receiver 211 can transmit or receive signals independently, and the second transmitters 112 and the second receiver 212 can also transmit or receive signals independently without interference. All first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 and all second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 can emit infrared light simultaneously or be controlled individually. In some embodiments, the transmitting ends of all first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 face the second receiver 212, and correspondingly, the transmitting ends of all second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 face the first receiver 211. In other embodiments, a portion of the multiple first transmitters 111 on the first base 121 may face the first receiver 211, and the remaining portion may face the second receiver 212; correspondingly, a portion of the multiple second transmitters 112 on the second base 122 may face the first receiver 211, and the remaining portion may face the second receiver 212. Signal transmission can be achieved using the method and structure described above, thereby reducing the number of receivers 21 and lowering production costs. Compared to the case where only one first transmitter 111 is provided on the first base 121 and only one second transmitter 112 is provided on the second base 122, the signal response speed, transmission rate, stability, and anti-interference ability can be improved, thereby improving the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor 100.

[0061] The transmitting module 10 also includes a first processor 131 and a second processor 132. The first processor 131 is disposed on the first base 121, and the second processor 132 is disposed on the second base 122. Specifically, the first processor 131 is disposed in the transmitting cavity 12a of the first base 121 and is electrically connected to the first transmitter 111. The first processor 131 is used to control the first transmitter 111 to emit infrared light. The second processor 132 is disposed in the transmitting cavity 12a of the second base 122 and is electrically connected to the second transmitter 112. The second processor 132 is used to control the second transmitter 112 to emit infrared light.

[0062] The receiving module 20 also includes a third processor 231 and a fourth processor 232. The third processor 231 is disposed on the third base 221, and the fourth processor 232 is disposed on the fourth base 222. Specifically, the third processor 231 is disposed in the receiving cavity 22a of the third base 221 and is electrically connected to the first receiver 211. The third processor 231 is used to convert the infrared signal received by the first receiver 211 into an electrical signal and send the electrical signal to the next-level processing unit. The fourth processor 232 is disposed in the receiving cavity 22a of the fourth base 222 and is electrically connected to the second receiver 212. The fourth processor 232 is used to convert the infrared signal received by the second receiver 212 into an electrical signal and send the electrical signal to the next-level processing unit.

[0063] The transmitting module 10 also includes a first signal terminal 141 and a second signal terminal 142. The first signal terminal 141 is located on the side of the first base 121 opposite to the first circular hole 301a. The first processor 131 is electrically connected to the first signal terminal 141 and the first transmitter 111. The first signal terminal 141 is electrically connected to an external main control board (not shown) to power the first processor 131 and the first transmitter 111, and simultaneously controls the first transmitter 111 to emit infrared light. The second signal terminal 142 is located on the side of the second base 122 opposite to the first circular hole 301a. The second processor 132 is electrically connected to the second signal terminal 142 and the second transmitter 112. The second signal terminal 142 is electrically connected to an external main control board to power the second processor 132 and the second transmitter 112, and simultaneously controls the second transmitter 112 to emit infrared light. The first signal terminal 141 and the second signal terminal 142 are positioned as close as possible to each other to facilitate connection to an external power source and avoid overly complex wiring.

[0064] The receiving module 20 includes a third signal terminal 241 and a fourth signal terminal 242. The third signal terminal 241 is located on the side of the third base 221 opposite to the second circular hole 302a. The third signal terminal 241 is electrically connected to the third processor 231 and the first receiver 211, and is also electrically connected to an external main control board. The main control board provides power to the third processor 231 and the first receiver 211, integrates the electrical signals converted from infrared light in the third processor 231, and feeds the results back to the next-level processing unit. The fourth signal terminal 242 is located on the side of the fourth base 222 opposite to the second circular hole 302a. The fourth signal terminal 242 is electrically connected to the fourth processor 232 and the second receiver 212, and is also electrically connected to an external main control board. The main control board provides power to the fourth processor 232 and the second receiver 212, integrates the electrical signals converted from infrared light in the fourth processor 232, and feeds the results back to the next-level processing unit. The third signal terminal 241 and the fourth signal terminal 242 should be placed as close to each other as possible to facilitate their connection to an external power supply and avoid overly complex wiring.

[0065] Please see Figure 13 and Figure 14 , Figure 13 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the infrared sensor module provided in this application; Figure 14 for Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an infrared sensor module from another perspective. An infrared sensor module 200 includes an infrared sensor 100 and a mounting post 30, wherein a transmitting module 10 is disposed at one end of the mounting post 30, and a receiving module 20 is disposed at the other end of the mounting post 30. The mounting post 30 can be a structure independent of the infrared sensor 100, or it can be a structure used in conjunction with the infrared sensor 100. When the mounting post 30 is a structure independent of the infrared sensor 100, it can be a structure used in some equipment or devices in conjunction with the infrared sensor 100. The infrared sensor 100 can be used independently without the mounting post 30, as long as the receiver 21 can receive infrared light within the emission range of the transmitter 11.

[0066] When the infrared sensor module 200 is in operation, the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11 is directed AA toward the receiver 21, and the infrared light received by the receiver 21 is directed toward the transmitter 11. To ensure better cooperation between the receiver 21 and the transmitter 11 to achieve the desired positioning and usage effects, the mounting post 30 should be a structure that cooperates with the first ring structure 301 and the second ring structure 302. The mounting post 30 can be a cylindrical structure. When the mounting post 30 is a plastic or rigid object, its diameter can be smaller than the corresponding diameters of the first ring structure 301 and the second ring structure 302; when the mounting post 30 is an elastic object, its diameter can be larger than the corresponding diameters of the first ring structure 301 and the second ring structure 302.

[0067] The center lines of the first circular hole 301a and the second circular hole 302a are both parallel to the central axis of the mounting post 30. That is, the first circular structure 301, the second circular structure 302, and the mounting post 30 are coaxially arranged. Therefore, the direction AA of the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11 is parallel to the central axis of the mounting post 30, making the line connecting the receiving end of the receiver 21 and the transmitting end of the transmitter 11 parallel to the central axis of the mounting post 30. This facilitates signal transmission between the transmitter 11 and the receiver 21, while improving the detection accuracy of the infrared sensor module 200 and avoiding misjudgments. In some embodiments, the direction AA of the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11 can have an angle with the central axis of the mounting post 30, as long as the coverage area of ​​the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11 is within the receiving range of the receiver 21.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first base 121 has slots 41 at both ends, and the second base 122 has locking blocks 42 at both ends that mate with the slots 41 of the first base 121. The third base 221 has slots 41 at both ends, and the fourth base 222 has locking blocks 42 at both ends that mate with the slots 41 of the third base 221. When the transmitting module 10 is mounted on the mounting post 30, the first base 121 and the second base 122 can be simultaneously wrapped around one end of the mounting post 30, and then the locking blocks 42 at both ends of the second base 122 can be engaged with the corresponding slots 41 at both ends of the first base 121, thereby connecting the first base 121 and the second base 122 to each other and mounting them on the mounting post 30. When the receiving module 20 is placed on the mounting post 30, the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 can be wrapped around the other end of the mounting post 30 at the same time, and then the two end blocks 42 of the fourth base 222 can be locked into the corresponding slots 41 at both ends of the third base 221, so that the third base 221 and the fourth base 222 are connected to each other and fixed to the mounting post 30.

[0069] In some embodiments, the infrared sensor 100 can be used to detect the thickness of the frost layer in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. See also Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an embodiment of the infrared sensor module provided in this application applied to the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. The first wall 51 is the back wall of the freezer compartment, and the second wall 52 is the side wall of the freezer compartment. The infrared sensor module 200 is disposed on the first wall 51 and is used to detect frost formation in the freezer compartment. When the freezer compartment has not yet started to frost, the infrared light signal received by the receiver 21 is the strongest. As the thickness of the frost layer in the freezer compartment increases, the infrared light signal received by the receiver 21 gradually weakens. The strength of the infrared light signal received by the receiver 21 directly reflects the thickness of the frost layer. When the frost layer reaches a certain thickness, the receiver 21 and the transmitter 11 are blocked by the frost layer, and the receiver 21 will not be able to receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter 11, or the infrared light it can receive will be very weak. At this time, the third processor 231 and the fourth processor 232 corresponding to the receiver 21 send signals to the main control board, and the main control board controls the refrigerator to enter the defrost mode, thereby realizing the defrost of the freezer compartment. The infrared sensor module 200 can also be disposed on the second wall 52, or on the top or bottom wall of the freezer compartment.

[0070] This application provides an infrared sensor, comprising a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module includes a transmitter for emitting infrared light, and the transmitter includes a first transmitter and a second transmitter. The receiving module includes a receiver for receiving the infrared light emitted by the transmitter, and the receiver includes a first receiver and a second receiver. Both the first transmitter and the second transmitter have a strip-shaped structure, and both the first receiver and the second receiver have a semi-circular ring structure. The first receiver and the second receiver cooperate with each other to form a circular ring structure, which facilitates the rapid calibration and determination of the installation position of the transmitter and receiver during the assembly process of the infrared sensor, solving the technical problem of low assembly efficiency of infrared sensors in the prior art.

[0071] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An infrared sensor, characterized in that, The infrared sensor includes: A transmitting module, comprising a transmitter for emitting infrared light, the transmitter including a first transmitter and a second transmitter; and A receiving module, comprising a receiver disposed opposite to the transmitter, the receiver being used to receive the infrared light emitted by the transmitter, the receiver comprising a first receiver and a second receiver; Both the first transmitter and the second transmitter have a strip-shaped structure, and both the first receiver and the second receiver have a semi-circular structure. The first receiver and the second receiver cooperate with each other to form a circular structure, so that when the transmitting module and the receiving module rotate relative to each other, the signal intensity of the infrared light received by the first receiver and the second receiver remains constant.

2. The infrared sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first transmitter is positioned opposite to one of the first receiver or the second receiver, and the second transmitter is positioned opposite to the other of the first receiver or the second receiver.

3. The infrared sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmitting module further includes a first base and a second base, wherein the first transmitter is disposed on the side of the first base facing the receiver, and the second transmitter is disposed on the side of the second base facing the receiver.

4. The infrared sensor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The receiving module further includes a third base and a fourth base, wherein the first receiver is arranged circumferentially along the end face of the third base facing the transmitter, and the second receiver is arranged circumferentially along the end face of the fourth base facing the transmitter.

5. The infrared sensor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first base, the second base, the third base, and the fourth base are all hollow semi-circular rings. The first base and the second base are detachably connected to each other to form a first circular ring structure, and the third base and the fourth base are detachably connected to each other to form a second circular ring structure.

6. The infrared sensor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first ring structure and the second ring structure are coaxially arranged.

7. The infrared sensor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Both the first base and the second base have a transmission cavity. The transmission module further includes a first processor and a second processor. The first processor is disposed in the transmission cavity of the first base, and the second processor is disposed in the transmission cavity of the second base.

8. The infrared sensor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The transmitting module further includes a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal, wherein the first processor is electrically connected to the first signal terminal and the second processor is electrically connected to the second signal terminal.

9. The infrared sensor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Both the third base and the fourth base have a receiving cavity. The receiving module further includes a third processor and a fourth processor. The third processor is disposed in the receiving cavity of the third base, and the fourth processor is disposed in the receiving cavity of the fourth base.

10. The infrared sensor as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The receiving module includes a third signal terminal and a fourth signal terminal. The third processor is electrically connected to the third signal terminal, and the fourth processor is electrically connected to the fourth signal terminal.

11. The infrared sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first transmitter and the second transmitter are infrared light-emitting diodes.

12. An infrared sensor module, characterized in that, It includes an infrared sensor as described in any one of claims 1-11 and a mounting post, wherein the transmitting module is disposed at one end of the mounting post and the receiving module is disposed at the other end of the mounting post.

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