Sensing module, household appliance and sensing control method

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensing module, a household appliance and a sensing control method. The sensing module comprises a shell which comprises a light inlet and a containing cavity, and the containing cavity can be communicated with the outside through the light inlet; the light sensing element is arranged in the accommodating cavity, and the position of the light sensing element is matched with that of the light inlet, so that the light sensing element can receive external ambient light through the light inlet; the light source is arranged in the accommodating cavity and can emit irradiation light; the thermosensitive element is arranged between the light source and the light sensing element, the irradiation light can reach the light sensing element through the thermosensitive element, and the light transmittance of the thermosensitive element can change according to the change of the environment temperature. The light intensity of the ambient light and the ambient temperature can be sensed at the same time only by arranging one sensing element, so that the sensing module is more miniaturized. When the sensing module is arranged in the household electrical appliance, the occupied space is reduced, and the integrated sensing module is more convenient for wiring arrangement in the household electrical appliance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of detection, in particular to a sensing module, a household appliance and a sensing control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] The household appliance is arranged in a room and is arranged to be coordinated with the surrounding space. With the development of technology, the household appliance has more and more functions. In order to improve the experience effect of human-computer interaction and support various functions of the household appliance, a plurality of sensing elements are usually arranged on the household appliance to detect changes in, for example, ambient light and ambient temperature. In the related art, a plurality of sensing elements are arranged, which occupies space and requires a plurality of circuit structures to be configured, and the linkage between the elements is poor. SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a sensing module, a household appliance and a sensing control method with high function integration, space saving and the ability to simultaneously detect temperature parameters and ambient light parameters.

[0004] In one aspect, a sensing module is provided, which includes:

[0005] A housing including a light inlet and a receiving cavity, the light inlet being capable of communicating the receiving cavity with the outside;

[0006] A light sensing element arranged in the receiving cavity, the position of the light sensing element being matched with the light inlet, so that the light sensing element can receive external ambient light through the light inlet;

[0007] A light source arranged in the receiving cavity and capable of emitting illuminating light;

[0008] A thermosensitive element arranged between the light source and the light sensing element, the illuminating light being capable of reaching the light sensing element through the thermosensitive element, and the light transmittance of the thermosensitive element being capable of changing according to changes in ambient temperature.

[0009] In one embodiment, the light sensing element includes a sensing portion for receiving light.

[0010] In one embodiment, a light guide channel is arranged between the light source and the sensing portion, and the thermosensitive element is arranged in the light guide channel.

[0011] In one embodiment, a reflecting element 320 is arranged between the thermosensitive element and the sensing portion, and the illuminating light passing through the thermosensitive element can reach the sensing portion through the reflecting element 320.

[0012] In one of the embodiments, the light source comprises a light emitting element for emitting the irradiation light, and the light emitting element is connected with a first control switch for controlling the light emitting element to be turned on or turned off, so as to turn on or turn off the light source.

[0013] In one of the embodiments, the light inlet is provided with a communication member, and the communication member is connected with a second control switch, and the communication member can be turned on or turned off under the control of the second control switch, so as to turn on or turn off the light inlet, thereby allowing or blocking the ambient light to reach the light sensing element.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, the sensing module further comprises a master controller for controlling the light source and the light inlet, so as to turn on one of the light source and the light inlet, turn off the other one of the light source and the communication member, or turn off both of them, or turn on both of them.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, the sensing module further comprises a substrate provided in the accommodating cavity, and at least one of the master controller, the first control switch, the second control switch, the light source, the light sensing element and the thermal sensitive element is provided on the substrate.

[0016] In one aspect, a household appliance is provided, which comprises the above-mentioned sensing module.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, the household appliance is a refrigeration appliance, and the refrigeration appliance comprises a shell, an accommodating space and at least one door body, and the sensing module is provided on an inner wall of the accommodating space, or the sensing module is provided on an outer layer of the shell or an outer layer of the door body.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, a hinge structure is provided between the door body and the shell, and the door body is pivotally connected to the shell through the hinge structure, and the sensing module is provided on the hinge structure.

[0019] In one aspect, a sensing control method is provided, which adopts the above-mentioned sensing module, and comprises the following steps:

[0020] acquiring a sensing mode;

[0021] when in a temperature sensing mode, turning on the light source and turning off the light inlet, and the light sensing element detects the irradiation light after passing through the thermal sensitive element, and a current ambient temperature value is calculated according to a parameter of the detected irradiation light and a transmittance change function of the thermal sensitive element;

[0022] when in a light sensing mode, turning on the light inlet and turning off the light source, and the light sensing element detects the ambient light, thereby obtaining a parameter of the current ambient light.

[0023] In one of the embodiments, the step of acquiring the sensing mode is triggered automatically according to a program setting, or the corresponding sensing mode is acquired after a trigger signal is detected.

[0024] In one of the embodiments, the sensing control method is used for a household appliance, and the household appliance is a refrigeration appliance.

[0025] By setting the heat-sensitive element and the light source, and using the characteristic that the light transmittance of the heat-sensitive element changes with respect to the temperature change, the light-sensing element for sensing the ambient light is provided with the function of sensing the ambient temperature. The sensing module only needs to set one sensing element, and can realize the simultaneous sensing of the light intensity of the ambient light and the ambient temperature, so that the sensing module is more miniaturized. When the sensing module is arranged in the household appliance, the space occupation is reduced, and the integrated sensing module is more convenient for the wiring arrangement in the household appliance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a household appliance in one of the embodiments of the present application.

[0027] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a sensing module in one of the embodiments of the present application.

[0028] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a sensing module in another embodiment of the present application.

[0029] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of a master controller in one of the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In order to make the above objectives, characteristics and advantages of the present application more apparent and comprehensible, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a lot of specific details are set forth in order to fully understand the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, so the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0031] In the description of the application, it should be understood that, if there are these terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of the application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the application.

[0032] In addition, if there are these terms "first", "second", these terms are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the application, if the term "multiple" appears, the meaning of "multiple" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, if there are terms "installation", "connection", "connection", "fixation" and the like, these terms should be broadly understood. For example, it can be fixedly connected, or it can be detachably connected, or it can be integrated; it can be mechanically connected, or it can be electrically connected; it can be directly connected, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise explicitly limited. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, if there are similar descriptions such as "first feature on or under the second feature", the meaning can be that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are indirectly in contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature "above", "above" and "above" of the second feature can be that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature "below", "below" and "below" of the second feature can be that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or only indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is less than that of the second feature.

[0035] It is to be noted that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In addition, it is to be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "connected", "coupled", or "supported" to another element, it can be directly connected, coupled, or supported to the other element, or intervening elements can also be present. As used herein, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "up", "down", "left", "right", and the like, are merely used for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to be limiting.

[0036] Referring to Figure 2 , 3 , Figure 2 , 3 Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a sensing module 10, 10' for measuring values of an ambient light parameter and an ambient temperature with one sensor element in two different embodiments of the present application.

[0037] The sensing module 10, 10' is used in a household appliance 20, which is intended to mean an appliance for performing a specific function, which is not limited to household or commercial use, and the specific function can be, for example, washing, processing, storing, etc. of an article. The household appliance 20 can be, in particular, a refrigeration appliance, for example, a refrigerator, and the sensing module 10, 10' will be described below by way of example with reference to a refrigerator.

[0038] In combination with Figure 1 , Figure 1 Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a household appliance 20 according to an embodiment of the present application, which has a housing, a cooling system (not shown), a control system, a receiving space 24 for receiving and cooling an article, a door 23 for opening or closing the receiving space 24, an interior lighting system, and an exterior lighting system. The receiving space 24 has an opening, and the door 23 is used to open or close the opening of the receiving space 24. The household appliance 20 comprises a first side 21 and a second side 22, the first side 21 is arranged to face a user, and the second side 22 is a side of the household appliance 20 different from the first side 21. The door 23 is arranged at the first side 21, and the receiving space 24 is open towards the first side 21. The cooling system and the control system are arranged at the second side 22.

[0039] The door 23 is pivotably mounted relative to a vertically extending pivot axis, and a hinge structure 25 is arranged between the door 23 and the housing. The door 23 is pivotably connected to the housing via the hinge structure 25. When the door 23 is opened, the coolable receiving space 24 is in communication with the outside, and when the door 23 is closed, the coolable receiving space 24 is closed.

[0040] The door body 23 and the outer shell each comprise an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer itself can be a heat insulation material, or a gap between the inner layer and the outer layer is provided with a heat insulation material, when the sensing module 10, 10' is arranged in the household appliance 20, at least part of the sensing module 10, 10' can be avoided to be covered by the heat insulation material.

[0041] The ambient light and the ambient temperature sensed by the sensing module 10, 10' can be inside the household appliance 20, or outside the household appliance 20.

[0042] For sensing the ambient light and the ambient temperature inside the household appliance 20, the sensing module 10, 10' can be arranged at the inner layer of the outer shell (i.e. the inner wall of the accommodating space 24, for example Figure 1 C position in the figure), especially can be arranged at a position close to the opening. For sensing the ambient light and the ambient temperature inside the household appliance 20, as one application scenario of the sensing module 10, 10', the sensing module 10, 10' is used to sense the temperature inside the household appliance 20, so that the working of the cooling system is adjusted to match the actual temperature in the accommodating space 24 with the set temperature, and at the same time the sensing module 10, 10' is used to sense the change of the ambient light in the accommodating space 24 after the door body 23 is opened, so that the household appliance 20 cooperates with the opening of the internal lighting system.

[0043] The accommodating space 24 of the household appliance 20 at least comprises a first chamber 24a and a second chamber 24b which are not communicated with each other. The set temperature in the first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24b is different, especially the temperature of the second chamber 24b is lower than the temperature of the first chamber 24a, so that the first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24b are respectively used to realize different cooling effects. The first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24b can be arranged in parallel in the vertical direction, or the first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24b can be arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. A separation structure is arranged between the first chamber 24a and the second chamber 24b. Preferably, the first chamber 24a can be cooled to a temperature higher than a reference temperature, and the second chamber 24b is cooled to a temperature lower than the reference temperature. Preferably, the reference temperature is 0℃, the first chamber 24a is used to refrigerate and preserve the stored articles, and the second chamber 24b is used to freeze and preserve the stored articles.

[0044] The temperature inside the containment space 24 can be between -20℃ and 40℃. When the cooling system is not activated, the temperature of the containment space 24 is basically equal to the outside room temperature. After the cooling system is activated, the temperature of the containment space 24 can be reduced and maintained within a preset range of -20℃ to 20℃. The temperature range that the sensing modules 10, 10' can sense is -20℃ to 40℃. Preferably, the temperature range that the sensing modules 10, 10' can sense is -20℃ to 20℃. When the sensing modules 10, 10' are used to sense the ambient light and ambient temperature inside the household appliance 20, the sensing modules 10, 10' are located in the first chamber 24a or the second chamber 24b. The temperature ranges of different sensing modules 10, 10' can be different.

[0045] For sensing the ambient light and temperature of the household appliance 20, the sensing modules 10, 10' can be located on the outer layer of the casing, the outer layer of the door 23, or the hinge structure 25, for example... Figure 1 The positions A or B in the diagram should be positions that will not be obstructed when the door 23 is closed. When the sensing modules 10, 10' are located on the outer layer of the housing, they can be particularly positioned near the first side 21 of the home appliance 20. Preferably, the sensing modules 10, 10' are located on the top of the first side 21 of the home appliance 20, or at the hinge structure 25. The opening or closing of the door 23 does not affect the sensing modules 10, 10''s sensing of external ambient light. When the door 23 closes the opening, the sensing modules 10, 10' are not easily noticeable from the user's perspective and will not affect the overall visual effect of the home appliance 20. Furthermore, the sensing modules 10, 10' are connected to the central control system via wiring, which can extend along the pivot. For sensing the external ambient light and temperature of the home appliance 20, sensing modules 10 and 10' are used to sense the external ambient temperature and changes in ambient light. One application scenario for sensing modules 10 and 10' is as follows: based on the sensing results of sensing modules 10 and 10', the intensity of the internal lighting system (or the set temperature within the accommodating space 24) is adjusted to match the intensity of the external ambient light. Another application scenario for sensing modules 10 and 10' is as follows: based on the sensing results of sensing modules 10 and 10', the lighting mode of the external lighting system is adjusted, so that the display effect of the external lighting of the home appliance 20 changes, thereby improving the user experience.

[0046] In other embodiments, the sensing modules 10, 10' can also be used to sense the external ambient light and the internal ambient temperature of the household appliance 20, or the internal ambient light and the external ambient temperature of the household appliance 20. The household appliance 20 may also be provided with multiple sensing modules 10, 10' to achieve simultaneous detection of internal and external ambient light and ambient temperature.

[0047] The sensing module 10, 10' comprises a housing 100, a light sensing element 200, a light source 300, 300', and a heat sensitive element 400, 400'. The housing 100 comprises a light inlet 110 and a receiving cavity 120, the light inlet 110 can communicate the receiving cavity 120 with the outside. The light sensing element 200 is arranged in the receiving cavity 120, the position of the light sensing element 200 matches the light inlet 110, so that the light sensing element 200 can receive the external ambient light m through the light inlet 110. The light source 300, 300' is arranged in the receiving cavity 120, and can emit illuminating light q. The heat sensitive element 400, 400' is arranged between the light source 300, 300' and the light sensing element 200, the illuminating light q can pass through the heat sensitive element 400, 400' to reach the light sensing element 200, and the light transmittance of the heat sensitive element 400, 400' can change according to the change of the ambient temperature.

[0048] By arranging the heat sensitive element 400, 400' and the light source 300, 300', and using the characteristic that the light transmittance of the heat sensitive element 400, 400' changes with the temperature, the light sensing element 200 for sensing the ambient light m has the function of sensing the ambient temperature, and the sensing module 10, 10' only needs to arrange one sensing element to simultaneously sense the light intensity of the ambient light m and the ambient temperature, so that the sensing module 10, 10' is more miniaturized. When the sensing module 10, 10' is arranged in the household appliance 20, the space occupation is reduced, and the integrated sensing module 10, 10' is more convenient for wiring arrangement in the household appliance 20.

[0049] Specifically, the housing 100 can be a separate shell structure, or the housing 100 can be integrally formed with the outer shell or the door body 23. As an optional way, the inner layer of the outer shell or the inner layer of the door body 23 is provided with a mounting groove facing the receiving space 24, the mounting groove is consistent with the shape of the housing 100, and the sensing module 10, 10' can be mounted in the mounting groove, so that the sensing module 10, 10' can directly contact the environment in the receiving space 24, and the temperature and light in the sensing module 10, 10' can be more matched with the ambient temperature and light in the receiving space 24. When the housing 100 is integrally formed with the outer shell or the door body 23, part of the inner layer of the outer shell or the inner layer of the door body 23 is regarded as the housing 100, and the light inlet 110 and the receiving cavity 120 are formed, and at this time, the part of the housing 100 is avoided from being provided with thermal insulation material between the part of the housing 100 and the receiving space 24. As an optional way, the outer layer of the outer shell or the outer layer of the door body 23 is provided with a mounting groove facing the outside space of the household appliance; or when the housing 100 is integrally formed with the outer shell or the door body 23, part of the outer layer of the outer shell or the outer layer of the door body 23 is regarded as the housing 100. As an optional way, the sensing module 10, 10' is directly mounted or attached to the outer surface of the outer shell or the outer surface of the door body 23.

[0050] The shell 100 (structure regarded as the shell 100 in the outer shell or the door body 23) is made of light-shielding material, so that the ambient light m can only enter through the light inlet 110, and cannot enter the containing cavity 120 through the shell 100. The inner wall or the outer wall of the shell 100 (structure regarded as the shell 100 in the outer shell or the door body 23) can also be covered with a light-shielding layer composed of light-shielding material.

[0051] In one embodiment, the light sensing element 200 includes a sensing part 210 for receiving light. Specifically, the sensing part 210 is arranged towards the light inlet 110, and / or a light transmission channel 111 for transmitting ambient light m is arranged between the sensing part 210 and the light inlet 110, which defines the transmission path of the ambient light m. The sensing part 210 of the light sensing element 200 can obtain the light intensity of the sensed ambient light m and output an electrical signal to the corresponding component.

[0052] In one embodiment, the sensing part 210 is provided with one, and the light sensing element 200 can only determine the light intensity parameter of one light at the same time. In other embodiments, the sensing part 210 is provided with at least two sensing areas, and different sensing areas can respectively sense the light intensity parameters of different lights. When different sensing areas of the sensing part 210 work at the same time, different light paths should avoid mutual interference.

[0053] In one embodiment, as shown in one embodiment of the sensing module 10, Figure 2 The light source 300 and the sensing part 210 are provided with a light guide channel 310, and the thermosensitive element 400 is arranged in the light guide channel 310. Specifically, the sensing part 210 is arranged towards the light source 300, and / or a light guide channel 310 for transmitting the irradiation light q is arranged between the sensing part 210 and the light source 300, which defines the transmission path of the irradiation light q, and limits the transmission path to pass through the thermosensitive element 400. The arrangement of the light guide channel 310 improves the accuracy of light propagation, and facilitates the reasonable arrangement of the positions of the components in the containing cavity 120.

[0054] As an optional way, the light inlet 110 is arranged on one side of the shell 100, and the light sensing element 200 is arranged on the other side of the shell 100, the sensing part 210 is arranged towards the light inlet 110 and directly behind the light inlet 110, so as to save the arrangement of the corresponding light guide structure, and the ambient light m can directly enter the sensing part 210; the sensing part 210 and the light inlet 110 are spaced apart to reserve an area for the irradiation light q to enter in the containing cavity 120.

[0055] As an alternative, the light source 300 and the thermal element 400 are disposed on one side of the housing 100, and the light sensing element 200 is disposed opposite to the housing 100 on the other side. The sensing part 210 is disposed facing the light source 300 and is located directly behind the light source 300 to save on the need for a corresponding light guiding structure. The irradiated light q can be directly incident on the sensing part 210 after passing through the thermal element 400. There is a certain gap between the sensing part 210 and the light source 300 to reserve an area for the ambient light m to be incident in the receiving cavity 120. The light inlet 110 is disposed at a corresponding position in the gap area, and a light inlet channel 111 for transmitting the ambient light m is provided between the sensing part 210 and the light inlet 110.

[0056] The light guide channel 310 or light inlet channel 111 mentioned above is at least partially composed of a light guide material, which can be PC or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate).

[0057] Understandably, the sensor unit 210 can also be located in other positions. In order to facilitate the transmission of light, a light guide structure can be provided between the light source 300 and the sensor unit 210, or between the light inlet 110 and the sensor unit 210. Even if the sensor unit 210 is positioned facing the light source 300 or the light inlet 110, a light guide structure can be provided between the sensor unit 210 and the light source 300 or the light inlet 110 in order to facilitate efficient transmission of light.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 In the embodiment of the second sensing module 10' shown, a reflector 320 is provided between the thermistor 400' and the sensing unit 210. Irradiation light (i.e., transmissible light p) passing through the thermistor 400' can reach the sensing unit 210 via the reflector 320. Due to the reflector 320, the positions of the thermistor 400' and the light source 300' are... Figure 2 The embodiments shown differ. Specifically, when a reflector 320 is provided, the sensing unit 210 is not positioned facing the light source 300'. The reflector 320 is used to change the direction of light to reach the sensing unit 210. A light guide channel 310 can also be provided between the light source 300' and the thermal element 400'. The distance between the thermal element 400' and the optical sensing element 200 can be greater than the distance between the thermal element 400' and the light source 300'. The reflector 320 can assist in the transmission of light over a longer distance between the thermal element 400' and the optical sensing element 200, which facilitates the reasonable arrangement of the positions of the components within the receiving cavity 120 and also facilitates the thermal element 400' to directly receive the illumination light q emitted by the light source 300'.

[0059] In other embodiments, a reflector 320 may also be provided between the light inlet 110 and the sensing unit 210 or between the light source 300' and the thermal element 400', so that the irradiated light q, the transmissible light p, or the ambient light m can reach the sensing unit 210 through the reflector 320.

[0060] It can be understood that the above description of the "between the light inlet 110 and the sensing portion 210", "between the light source 300, 300' and the sensing portion 210" and "between the thermosensitive element 400, 400' and the sensing portion 210" refers to the positional relationship in the direction of the light transmission path. For example, if the reflecting element 320 is arranged between the thermosensitive element 400' and the sensing portion 210, the reflecting element 320 is located downstream of the thermosensitive element 400' and upstream of the sensing portion 210 in the direction of the outgoing irradiation light q.

[0061] The light source 300, 300' is arranged in the accommodation cavity 120 at a position away from the light inlet channel 111 (or not arranged on the line between the light inlet 110 and the sensing portion 210). The light source 300, 300' can emit the irradiation light q, which is incident on the selectively light-transmissive thermosensitive element 400, 400'. Part of the light is excluded, and the remaining light-transmissive light p is emitted from the thermosensitive element 400, 400'. The light source 300, 300' comprises a light-emitting element 301, which emits the irradiation light q, which can be white light in particular. The light-emitting element 301 can be an LED lamp, a fluorescent lamp, a halogen lamp or an incandescent lamp. Preferably, the light-emitting element 301 is an LED lamp.

[0062] The thermosensitive element 400, 400' can change its selective transmittance to the irradiation light q according to the ambient temperature. Correspondingly, the thermosensitive element 400, 400' changes its transmittance to the light intensity of the irradiation light q. In particular, the thermosensitive element 400, 400' is made of a material whose thermotropic property is reversible, so that the thermosensitive element 400, 400' can be repeatedly used as a component of the sensing module 10, 10'. The change of the light transmittance of the thermosensitive element 400, 400' with respect to the change of the ambient temperature conforms to a curve change rule, which is denoted as a light transmittance change function. Each material of the thermosensitive element 400, 400' corresponds to a light transmittance change function. After the light transmittance change function is known, the corresponding ambient temperature value can be calculated according to the parameters of the light-transmissive light p sensed by the sensing portion 210. The thermosensitive element 400, 400' can be a thermosensitive variable-transmittance resin.

[0063] In other embodiments, if the light sensor 200 can sense the wavelength of light, correspondingly, the thermosensitive element 400 can change its transmittance to the wavelength of the irradiation light q, and the light transmittance change function represents the relationship between the temperature and the change of the wavelength of the light-transmissive light p.

[0064] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the light source 300 is arranged in the accommodation cavity 120 at a position away from the light inlet channel 111 (or not arranged on the line between the light inlet 110 and the sensing portion 210). The light source 300 can emit the irradiation light q, which is incident on the selectively light-transmissive thermosensitive element 400. Part of the light is excluded, and the remaining light-transmissive light p is emitted from the thermosensitive element 400. Figure 4As shown, the light emitting element 301 is connected with the first control switch 302, and the first control switch 302 is used to control the light emitting element 301 to turn on or off, so as to turn on or off the light source 300, 300'.

[0065] Specifically, the first control switch 302 cooperates with the light emitting element 301 to form a module, and the first control switch 302 is powered by the sensing module 10, 10'. The first control switch 302 can also be arranged in the sensing module 10, 10' or on the total control system of the household appliance 20. The first control switch 302 is electrically connected with the light emitting element 301, and the electrical connection includes transmitting signals to the light emitting element 301 through a communication line or a wireless communication mode. The first control switch 302 can also be arranged in a mobile device, and the first control switch 302 can transmit signals to the light emitting element 301 through a wireless communication mode.

[0066] As an optional case, the household appliance 20 has a control panel that can be operated by a user. The control panel is electrically connected with the first control switch 302, and the first control switch 302 is arranged in the sensing module 10, 10' or on the total control system. The first control switch 302 can obtain the feedback signal of the control panel and send a first switch signal to the light emitting element 301 to control the light emitting element 301 to turn on or off.

[0067] As an optional case, the mobile device is communicatively connected with the household appliance 20 or the sensing module 10, 10'. The mobile device is, for example, a mobile phone or a tablet. The mobile device controls the light emitting element 301 in the networked household appliance 20 through a built-in application software and a smart interconnection mode. The first control switch 302 is an electronic element in the mobile device.

[0068] The light inlet 110 selectively communicates with the containing space 24 or the external space of the household appliance 20. When the light inlet 110 communicates with the containing space 24 or the external space of the household appliance 20, the ambient light m can enter the containing cavity 120 in the sensing module 10, 10' through the light inlet 110 and reach the light sensing element 200. In one embodiment, the light inlet 110 is provided with a communication piece 600, such as Figure 4 As shown, the communication piece 600 is connected with the second control switch 601, and the communication piece 600 can be turned on or off under the control of the second control switch 601 to turn on or off the light inlet 110, so as to allow or block the ambient light m to reach the light sensing element 200.

[0069] The communication member 600 can be movably connected or detachably connected with the housing 100, at least part of the communication member 600 shields the light inlet 110 by movement, and the movement of the communication member 600 includes but is not limited to rotation, overturning and folding, etc. The communication member 600 can also be made of a material with variable light shielding property, and by adjusting the material, the light inlet 110 can be switched between transparent and completely shielded, so as to realize the opening or closing of the light inlet 110. Preferably, the communication member 600 is a liquid crystal light valve (LCLV).

[0070] Specifically, the second control switch 601 cooperates with the communication member 600 to form a module, and the second control switch 601 is powered by the sensing module 10, 10'. The second control switch 601 can also be arranged in the sensing module 10, 10' or on the total control system of the household appliance 20. The second control switch 601 is electrically connected with the communication member 600, and the electrical connection includes transmitting signals to the communication member 600 through a communication line or wireless communication. The second control switch 601 can also be arranged in a mobile device, and the second control switch 601 can transmit signals to the communication member 600 through wireless communication.

[0071] As an optional case, the household appliance 20 has a control panel that can be operated by a user, and the control panel is electrically connected with the second control switch 601. The second control switch 601 is arranged in the sensing module 10, 10' or on the total control system, and the second control switch 601 can obtain the feedback signal of the control panel and send a second switch signal to the communication member 600 to control the opening or closing of the communication member 600 to the light inlet 110.

[0072] As an optional case, the mobile device is communicatively connected with the household appliance 20 or the sensing module 10, 10', and the mobile device is, for example, a mobile phone or a tablet. The mobile device controls the communication member 600 in the networked household appliance 20 through built-in application software and smart interconnection, and the second control switch 601 is an electronic element in the mobile device.

[0073] In one embodiment, the sensing module 10, 10' further comprises a master controller 710, which is used to control the light source 300, 300' and the light inlet 110, so that one of the light source 300, 300' and the light inlet 110 is opened, the other of the light source 300, 300' and the light inlet 110 is closed, or both are closed, or both are opened.

[0074] Specifically, when the sensing module 10, 10' needs the light sensing element 200 to acquire the ambient light m, the main controller 710 sends control signals to the first control switch 302 and the second control switch 601, the first control switch 302 controls the light emitting element 301 to be closed, and the second control switch 601 sends a second switch signal to make the connecting element 600 work to open the light inlet 110. When the sensing module 10 needs the light sensing element 200 to acquire the ambient temperature, the main controller 710 sends control signals to the first control switch 302 and the second control switch 601, the second control switch 601 controls the connecting element 600 to close the light inlet 110, and the first control switch 302 sends a first switch signal to turn on the light emitting element 301. When the sensing module 10, 10' neither needs the light sensing element 200 to acquire the ambient temperature nor needs to acquire the ambient light m, the main controller 710 sends control signals to the first control switch 302 and the second control switch 601 to control the light emitting element 301 to be closed and the connecting element 600 to close the light inlet 110, respectively.

[0075] The main controller 710 further includes a storage unit, a processing unit and an output unit, the storage unit is pre-provided with a transmittance change function, and the storage unit can store the light intensity of the light p or the ambient light m, the processing unit is used to calculate the value of the ambient temperature according to the light intensity of the light p and the transmittance change function, and the processing unit generates different control signals according to requirements, and the output unit is used to transmit the ambient temperature, the light intensity of the ambient light m and the control signals to corresponding components.

[0076] In one embodiment, the sensing module 10 further includes a substrate 700, the substrate 700 is arranged in the accommodating cavity 120, and at least one of the main controller 710, the first control switch 302, the second control switch 601, the light source 300, 300', the light sensing element 200 and the thermosensitive element 400, 400' is arranged on the substrate 700. Specifically, the substrate 700 is a circuit board of the sensing module 10, 10', the main controller 710, the first control switch 302, the second control switch 601, the light source 300, 300', the light sensing element 200 and / or the thermosensitive element 400 arranged on the substrate 700 are connected through the lines arranged on the substrate 700. The substrate 700 is provided with a light guide channel 310 or a light inlet channel 111. The substrate 700 itself can also be made of light guide material, and at least part of the substrate 700 has a certain thickness, so that the light source 300, 300', the light sensing element 200 and / or the thermosensitive element 400, 400' are embedded in the substrate 700 to realize the transmission of light in the interior of the substrate 700.

[0077] The sensing control method uses the above-mentioned sensing module 10, 10', and the sensing control method is especially used to control the linkage between the household appliance 20 and the sensing module 10, 10', and the sensing control method includes the following steps:

[0078] S100, acquiring a sensing mode;

[0079] S200, when in the temperature sensing mode, turning on the light source 300, 300', turning off the light inlet 110, the light sensing element 200 detects the irradiation light (transmittable light p) after passing through the thermosensitive element 400, 400', and calculates the value of the current ambient temperature according to the parameters of the detected irradiation light (transmittable light p) and the light transmittance change function of the thermosensitive element 400, 400';

[0080] When in the light sensing mode, the light inlet 110 is turned on, the light source 300, 300' is turned off, and the light sensing element 200 detects the ambient light m, thereby obtaining the parameters of the current ambient light m.

[0081] In step S100, the sensing mode includes a temperature sensing mode and a light sensing mode. The selection of the sensing mode can be automatically triggered by the sensing module 10, 10' or the household appliance 20 according to the program setting, or triggered after receiving an external trigger signal.

[0082] In one embodiment, the main controller 710 is pre-set with a switching program to automatically trigger the sensing mode switching. The preset t1 time is in the temperature sensing mode, the preset t2 time is in the light sensing mode, and t1+t2 time is a cycle for circulation. The duty cycle of each mode is different, and the duty cycle of each mode in each cycle can also be set to be different from the previous cycle. For example, in one cycle, t1=50s, t2=10s, the sensing module 10, 10' is in the temperature sensing mode for 50s and in the light sensing mode for 10s in one minute. This periodic mode switching can facilitate faster acquisition of changes in ambient temperature and ambient light m, and real-time update of data obtained by the light sensing element 200 in each next cycle.

[0083] In one embodiment, the main controller 710 receives a signal fed back by a mobile device or a control panel as a trigger signal to trigger the sensing mode switching. The user can select the switching mode on the mobile device or the control panel of the household appliance 20.

[0084] In one of the embodiments, one of the sensing modes is as an initial mode, and when a trigger signal is detected, another of the sensing modes is switched to. As a preferred embodiment, in the application scenario where the sensing module 10 is used to sense the ambient light m and the ambient temperature inside the household appliance 20, the temperature sensing mode is as an initial mode, the light source 300, 300' is kept on, and the value of the ambient temperature obtained by the household appliance 20 can be used for the control of the working mode of the refrigerator, such as adjusting the working state change of the compressor and the heating wire of the cooling system; when the door body 23 is opened, the sudden increase of the value of the ambient temperature is sensed as a switching signal, and the main controller 710 controls the switching to the light sensing mode. The light sensing mode verifies whether the door body 23 is opened by sensing the change of the light intensity of the ambient light m; when the light intensity increases and the temperature suddenly increases at the same time, the processing unit determines that the door body 23 is opened, and feeds back to the total control system to control the internal lighting system of the household appliance 20 to be turned on to a proper brightness.

[0085] The value of the current ambient temperature obtained in step S200 is used for the control of the cooling system of the household appliance 20, and in certain cases, the value of the ambient temperature can also be used to assist in judging whether the door body 23 is opened.

[0086] The parameter of the current ambient light m obtained in step S200 is used for the control of the internal lighting system and the external lighting system of the household appliance 20, including whether the internal lighting system and the external lighting system are turned on, the brightness of the internal lighting system and the external lighting system when they are turned on, the display effect of the external lighting system, etc. The parameter of the current ambient light m can also be used to verify whether the door body 23 is opened.

[0087] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described, but as long as the combinations of the technical features do not exist, they should be considered as the scope of the description.

[0088] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation manners of the present application, and the description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be understood as a limitation on the patent scope of the application. It should be noted that for ordinary skilled persons in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of the present application should be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensing module, characterized by, The sensing module (10, 10') comprises: a housing (100) comprising a light inlet (110) and a receiving cavity (120), the light inlet (110) being capable of communicating the receiving cavity (120) with the outside; a light sensing element (200) arranged in the receiving cavity (120), the position of the light sensing element (200) being matched with the light inlet (110) so that the light sensing element (200) can receive the ambient light from the outside through the light inlet (110); a light source (300, 300') arranged in the receiving cavity (120) and capable of emitting illuminating light rays (q); a thermosensitive element (400, 400') arranged between the light source (300, 300') and the light sensing element (200), the illuminating light rays (q) being capable of reaching the light sensing element (200) through the thermosensitive element (400, 400'), the light transmittance of the thermosensitive element (400, 400') being capable of changing according to the change of the ambient temperature.

2. The sensing module of claim 1, wherein, The light sensing element (200) comprises a sensing part (210) for receiving light rays.

3. The sensing module of claim 2, wherein, A light guide channel is arranged between the light source (300, 300') and the sensing part (210), and the thermosensitive element (400, 400') is arranged in the light guide channel (310).

4. The sensing module of claim 2, wherein, A reflecting element (320) is arranged between the thermosensitive element (400, 400') and the sensing part (210), and the illuminating light rays (q) passing through the thermosensitive element (400, 400') can reach the sensing part (210) through the reflecting element (320).

5. The sensing module of claim 1, wherein, The light source (300, 300') comprises a light emitting element (301) for emitting illuminating light rays (q), and the light emitting element (301) is connected with a first control switch (302) for controlling the light emitting element (301) to be turned on or off, so as to turn on or off the light source (300, 300').

6. The sensing module of claim 5, wherein, A communication member (600) is arranged at the light inlet (110), and the communication member (600) is connected with a second control switch (601) for controlling the communication member (600) to be turned on or off, so as to turn on or off the light inlet (110), thereby allowing or blocking the ambient light to reach the light sensing element (200).

7. The sensing module of claim 6, wherein, The sensing module (10, 10') further comprises a master controller (710) for controlling the light source (300, 300') and the light inlet (110), so that one of the light source (300, 300') and the light inlet (110) is turned on, the other of the light source (300, 300') and the light inlet (110) is turned off, or both of them are turned off or turned on.

8. The sensing module of claim 7, wherein, The sensing module (10, 10') further comprises a substrate (700) disposed in the accommodating cavity (120), and at least one of the master controller (710), the first control switch (302), the second control switch (601), the light source (300, 300'), the light sensing element (200) and the thermal sensitive element (400, 400') is disposed on the substrate (700).

9. A domestic appliance characterized in that, The sensing module (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The domestic appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The household appliance (20) is a refrigeration appliance comprising a housing, an accommodating space (24) and at least one door body (23), and the sensing module (10, 10') is disposed on an inner wall of the accommodating space (24) or an outer layer of the housing or the door body (23).

11. The domestic appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that, A hinge structure (25) is disposed between the door body (23) and the housing, and the door body (23) is pivotally connected to the housing through the hinge structure (25), and the sensing module (10, 10') is disposed on the hinge structure (25).

12. A sensing control method characterized by, The sensing module (10, 10') according to any one of claims 1-8 comprises the steps of: acquiring a sensing mode; when in a temperature sensing mode, turning on the light source (300, 300'), closing the light inlet (110), and the light sensing element (200) detects the irradiation light (q) after passing through the thermal sensitive element (400, 400'); and calculating the value of the current ambient temperature according to the parameter of the detected irradiation light (q) and the light transmittance change function of the thermal sensitive element (400, 400'); when in a light sensing mode, turning on the light inlet (110), closing the light source (300, 300'), and the light sensing element (200) detects the ambient light to obtain the parameter of the current ambient light.

13. The sensing control method according to claim 12, wherein In the step of acquiring the sensing mode, the sensing mode is automatically triggered according to a program setting, or the corresponding sensing mode is acquired after detecting a trigger signal.

14. The sensing control method according to claim 12, wherein The sensing control method is used for a household appliance (20), and the household appliance (20) is a refrigeration appliance.

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