Sensing structure, correlation sensor, reflection sensor and sensing assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a sensing structure, a correlation sensor, a reflection sensor and a sensing assembly, relates to the technical field of sensing, and adopts the technical scheme that the sensing structure comprises an emitting part capable of emitting infrared light; the receiving part is arranged corresponding to the transmitting part; the input end of the comparator is electrically connected with the output end of the receiving part, and the output end of the comparator is the output end of the sensing structure for feeding back a sensing result; the first adjusting piece can increase or reduce the sensing distance of the sensor; and the second adjusting piece can increase or reduce the interference degree of ambient light. The beneficial effects of the sensing structure are that the sensing structure can respectively adjust the sensor through the first adjusting member and the second adjusting member. Wherein the first adjusting piece is mainly used for adjusting the induction distance, and the second adjusting piece can adjust the interference degree of ambient light besides the induction distance. The sensor of the scheme can help a user to better understand and meet different scene control environment conditions, so that the intelligence and automation of a product are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of sensor technology, in particular to a sensor structure, a through-beam sensor, a reflective sensor and a sensor component. Background Art

[0002] With technological advancements, the automation level of various electronic products has also increased. The higher the level of automation, the more sensors a product contains. To prevent interference with the human eye from the light emitted by various products or devices in the environment, infrared (IR) sensors, which are imperceptible to the human eye, are used.

[0003] This type of sensor typically consists of an infrared emitter and an infrared receiver. The most common infrared emitter and receiver are infrared light-emitting diodes (IR LEDs) and phototransistors (PTs). Existing infrared sensors are generally categorized as reflective and through-beam sensors, but there's a lack of sensor design solutions that can accommodate both types of sensors.

[0004] Furthermore, ice machines typically feature a receiving area for a container. When ice is needed, the container is placed on the receiving area to catch any falling ice. To ensure that ice is only dispensed when a container is in place, a sensor is required as a feedback component for ice dispensing control. This sensor needs to provide feedback on the presence of a container and the amount of ice in the container. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of one of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a sensing structure, a through-beam sensor, a reflective sensor and a sensing assembly to solve the problem of sensing the position of an ice maker container.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: a sensing structure comprising:

[0007] The transmitter is set on one side of the area to be detected and can emit infrared light;

[0008] A receiving element, provided corresponding to the transmitting element, capable of receiving the light beam from the transmitting element and providing feedback;

[0009] A comparator, whose input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal of the receiving element, and the output terminal of the comparator is the output terminal of the sensing structure to feedback the sensing result;

[0010] The first adjustment member is an adjustable resistor R1 provided on the power supply path of the transmitter; the first adjustment member can increase or decrease the sensing distance of the sensor;

[0011] The second adjusting component is an adjustable resistor PR1 provided at the input end of the comparator; the second adjusting component can increase or decrease the interference degree of the ambient light.

[0012] Preferably, the second adjustment component is connected to the input circuit of the comparator as a shunt resistor.

[0013] A reflective sensor, using the aforementioned sensing structure, comprises:

[0014] The reflective sensing substrate serves as a circuit board and a mounting plate of the reflective sensor; the transmitting element and the receiving element are arranged on the reflective sensing substrate, and the transmitting element and the receiving element are located on the same side of the reflective sensing substrate.

[0015] A through-beam sensor, using the aforementioned sensing structure, comprises:

[0016] A transmitting unit, on which a connection interface that can be connected to an external circuit and the transmitting element are provided;

[0017] The receiving part is arranged opposite to the transmitting part, and is provided with a connection interface that can be connected to an external circuit and the receiving component.

[0018] A sensor assembly, used for receiving container sensing of an ice maker, comprising:

[0019] The shell can be connected to the external structure, and the shell is provided with discharge ports, the number of which corresponds to the number of receiving containers to be used;

[0020] The reflective mounting position has the aforementioned reflective sensor installed inside;

[0021] The first beam-transmitting installation position has the transmitting portion of the beam-transmitting sensor disposed therein;

[0022] The second beam-through installation position has the aforementioned receiving portion of the beam-through sensor disposed therein.

[0023] Preferably, the shape of the discharge port corresponds to the shape of the receiving container;

[0024] The reflective mounting position is provided for each of the feed openings; the sensing direction of the reflective sensor inside the reflective mounting position is below the feed opening.

[0025] Preferably, the reflective mounting position is located on one side of the feed opening, and on the side of the feed opening facing the user.

[0026] Preferably, the reflective mounting position includes:

[0027] The mounting box has a hollow interior and can be connected to the reflective substrate of the reflective sensor; through holes are provided at the bottom of the mounting box corresponding to the transmitting element and the receiving element on the reflective substrate;

[0028] The clamping structure can be clamped with the installation box.

[0029] Preferably, a boss is provided on at least one side of the shell, the boss is located outside the discharge port, and the first or second shooting installation position is provided below the boss.

[0030] Preferably, the first and second beam mounting positions are both long box structures, with a plurality of light through holes formed on opposite sides thereof and an open opening formed on the opposite sides thereof;

[0031] The light through holes are distributed in a vertically evenly distributed manner; the light emitted by the transmitting part of the through-beam sensor can be transmitted to the receiving part through the light through holes.

[0032] Compared with existing technologies, this solution offers the following advantages: The sensor structure of this solution can be adjusted independently via a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member. The first adjustment member primarily adjusts the sensing distance, while the second adjustment member not only adjusts the sensing distance but also the ambient light interference level. This solution's sensor can help users better understand the control environment conditions required for different scenarios, thereby improving the product's intelligence and automation.

[0033] The sensor assembly of this solution can be used to sense the container of the ice maker. By setting a reflective sensor and a through-beam sensor at different positions on the shell, the two sensors are combined for application to meet different sensing functions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 A circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective sensor structure of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective sensor structure of the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 ;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the through-beam sensor according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor usage status of the ice maker according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor component structure of the embodiment of the present application Figure 1;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor component structure of the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor component structure of the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 .

[0042] In the picture:

[0043] 1. Transmitter; 2. Receiver; 3. Comparator;

[0044] 100, reflective sensor substrate; 200, transmitting unit; 300, receiving unit;

[0045] 10. Shell; 11. Reflection mounting position; 111. Mounting box; 112. Clamping structure; 12. First reflection mounting position; 13. Second reflection mounting position; 14. Feeding port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] See also Figure 1 , this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0048] A sensing structure includes a corresponding transmitter 1 and a receiver 2. The transmitter 1 is set on one side of the area to be detected and can emit infrared light; the receiver 2 is set corresponding to the transmitter 1 and can receive the light beam of the transmitter 1 and make feedback. In addition, a comparator 3 is also provided, that is, Figure 1 In the circuit shown in U4, the input of comparator 3 is electrically connected to the output of receiver 2. The output of comparator 3 serves as the output terminal for feedback of the sensing result of this sensing structure. The circuit of this sensing structure also includes a first adjustment component and a second adjustment component. The first adjustment component is an adjustable resistor R1 located in the power supply path of transmitter 1; adjusting the first adjustment component increases or decreases the sensing distance of the sensor. The second adjustment component is an adjustable resistor PR1 located at the input of the comparator; the second adjustment component can increase or decrease the interference of ambient light and also change the sensing distance to a certain extent. The second adjustment component acts as a shunt resistor connected to the input circuit of comparator 3.

[0049] The sensing structure of this solution can be applied to both reflective sensors and through-beam sensors. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It includes a reflective sensing substrate 100, which serves as a circuit board and mounting plate of the reflective sensor; a transmitter 1 and a receiver 2 are provided on the reflective sensing substrate 100, and the transmitter 1 and the receiver 2 are located on the same side of the reflective sensing substrate 100.

[0050] As a through-beam sensor, Figure 4 It comprises a transmitter 200 and a receiver 300, each with its own independent structure. Transmitter 200 is equipped with a connection interface for connecting to external circuits and a transmitter 1. Receiver 300 is located opposite transmitter 200 and is equipped with a connection interface for connecting to external circuits and a receiver 2. During use, transmitter 200 is installed on one side of the area to be sensed, and receiver 300 is installed on the other side of the area to be sensed.

[0051] The basic operating principles of reflective sensors and through-beam sensors are similar. Taking reflective sensing as an example, this sensor structure is used. The transmitting side, where transmitter 1 resides, can be driven in either DC or pulse modes. The receiving side, where receiver 2 resides, utilizes a high-speed comparator for both reception and output. When the sensor is powered on and there's no object within the sensing area, the infrared light emitted by transmitter 1 is not reflected by receiver 2. The voltage at the input pin of comparator 3 (U4 in the figure) exceeds -IN, and VOUT outputs a high level. When there's an object within the sensing area, the infrared light emitted by transmitter 1 is reflected by the object's surface and reaches receiver 2. At this point, the voltage at the input pin of comparator 3 exceeds -IN, and VOUT outputs a low level. Receiver 2 then counts the intensity of the reflected radiation from transmitter 1 as a detection of a reflective object. Based on this principle, the transmitting power on the transmitter side and the reference proportional voltage at the input pin of receiver U4 can be adjusted to meet varying sensing distance requirements according to the application environment.

[0052] If transmitter 1 uses a DC transmission mode, adjusting the first adjustment element, R1, can increase or decrease the sensing distance. If transmitter 1 uses a pulsed mode, increasing the drive current by adjusting the PWM duty cycle can achieve a longer sensing distance. On the receiving side, adjusting the second adjustment element, PR1, adjusts the proportional voltage at the input of comparator U4, adjusting the sensing distance or increasing or decreasing ambient light interference.

[0053] Adjusting the first or second adjustment member can adjust the object detection distance. If you want to increase the detection distance without considering power consumption, it is recommended to adjust the first adjustment member on the transmitting side first, because increasing the second adjustment member (PR1) will also increase the intensity of light interference. If you want to decrease the detection distance, adjust the size of the second adjustment member first, while reducing ambient light interference.

[0054] Based on the above implementation plan, see Figures 5 to 8 This solution provides a sensor assembly for sensing the receiving container of an ice maker. The sensor assembly includes a housing 10, which can be connected to an external structure. The housing 10 is provided with a discharge port 14, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the receiving container. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the receiving container of this solution is a cup with a square cup mouth, so the discharge port 14 is designed to be square. In addition, the number of discharge ports 14 corresponds to the number of receiving containers to be used. Figure 5 There are two receiving containers in the middle, so two feeding ports 14 are opened on the shell 10. A reflective mounting position 11 is set on the shell 10, and the aforementioned reflective sensor is set inside the reflective mounting position 11; one reflective mounting position 11 is set for each feeding port 14; the sensing direction of the reflective sensor inside the reflective mounting position 11 is below the feeding port 14. Figure 8 The reflective mounting position 11 is located on one side of the feed opening 14 and on the side of the feed opening 14 facing the user.

[0055] A first and a second beaming installation position 12 and 13 are respectively provided on both sides of the area where the two material discharge ports 14 are located. The first beaming installation position 12 is provided with a transmitter 200 of the beaming sensor; the second beaming installation position 13 is provided with a receiver 300 of the beaming sensor.

[0056] Through the structure of this solution, the sensor component can realize different sensor function combinations.

[0057] Method 1: The reflective sensor in the reflective mounting position 11 senses the interior space of the container to detect the height of ice cubes in the receiving container, while the beam sensors in the first beam mounting position 12 and the second beam mounting position 13 provide feedback on whether a receiving container is placed.

[0058] Method 2 also uses a through-beam sensor to determine if a container is present, but unlike Method 1, a reflective sensor can be used to detect the specific location of the container. While Method 2 doesn't provide feedback on the ice level within the container, it can detect the specific location where the container is placed, creating a dual-sensing effect and avoiding misjudgments that could occur if the through-beam sensor fails.

[0059] Based on the above embodiment, the reflective mounting station 11 includes a mounting box 111 and a snap-on structure 112. The mounting box 111 is a rectangular box with a cavity inside. This cavity contains a connection structure for the reflective sensor's reflective substrate 100. This connection can be achieved through various means, such as bolts, slots, or wedge-shaped snap-on connections. The bottom of the mounting box 111 has through-holes corresponding to the transmitter 1 and receiver 2 on the reflective substrate 100. These through-holes enable infrared light to be transmitted and received.

[0060] The clamping structure 112 uses a clamping plate, which can be an elastic plate. A clamping block is set at the bottom of the clamping plate. The clamping plate and the installation box 111 are clamped together. After the clamping is completed, the clamping block is located on the lower side of the lower surface of the installation box 111.

[0061] Based on the above implementation scheme, an installation groove is opened on the side of the discharge port 14 facing the user. The installation groove is an upwardly concave groove body, and the reflective installation position 11 is located in the installation groove to ensure that after the installation box 111 is installed, its lower surface is slightly higher than the lower edge of the discharge port 14.

[0062] The feed opening 14 is a trapezoidal notch, with an upper end being larger and a lower end being smaller.

[0063] On the basis of the above embodiment, the two sides of the housing 10 are symmetrical, or a boss is provided on one side. When two bosses are provided, the two feed openings 14 are located side by side between the two bosses. Figure 8 As shown, a boss is provided on one side of each discharge port. A first and second beam mounting positions 12 and 13 are provided below the bosses, respectively. Each of the first and second beam mounting positions 12 and 13 is a long, box-like structure, with a plurality of light holes defined on opposite sides and an open opening on the opposite sides. The light holes are evenly distributed vertically, allowing light emitted by the transmitting unit 200 of the beam sensor to be transmitted to the receiving unit 300 through the light holes. When one boss is provided, either the first or second beam mounting position 12, 13 is located below the boss, while the other is located directly below the housing 10.

[0064] Providing a light through-hole reduces the amount of infrared light passing through. To maintain sensor sensitivity at relatively long ranges, a large through-hole prevents the receiving container from completely blocking the main infrared beam. While lowering the through-hole installation position can address this issue, it takes up space on both sides of the receiving container and makes it susceptible to bumps. This structural form of the present solution reduces the amount of infrared light passing through, allowing the transmitter 200 and receiver 300 of the through-beam sensor to be placed near the top of the receiving container, while still achieving accurate and sensitive sensing.

[0065] On the basis of the above implementation scheme, an avoidance space is provided on the side of the discharge port 14 facing the user. The avoidance space includes two upper and lower triangular prism-shaped space structures. By setting the avoidance space, the possibility of the inner reflective sensor being affected by bumps and impacts is reduced, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the sensor and extending its service life to a certain extent.

[0066] Based on the above embodiment, a first connecting shaft and a second connecting shaft are provided on both sides of the housing 10. The first connecting shaft is a cylindrical shaft, while the second connecting shaft is cylindrical overall, but the end of the second connecting shaft away from the housing 10 is a beveled structure. This structure facilitates the connection between the housing 10 and the external structure. The external structure only needs to be equipped with a corresponding connecting plate with an axial hole. The first connecting shaft and the connecting plate can be plugged into each other first, and then the second connecting shaft can be clamped into the axial hole of the other connecting plate using its beveled structure.

[0067] In the description of the present application and its embodiments, it should be understood that the terms "top", "bottom", "height", etc. indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be understood as limitations on the present application.

[0068] In this application and its embodiments, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, terms such as "disposed," "installed," "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections, electrical connections, or communication; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components or interactions between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0069] In the present application and its embodiments, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature includes the first feature being directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0070] The disclosure above provides many different embodiments or examples for realizing the different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the components and settings of specific examples are described above. Of course, they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present application. In addition, the present application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present application provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0071] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present application.

[0072] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A sensing structure, characterized in that: include: The transmitter is set on one side of the area to be detected and can emit infrared light; A receiving element, provided corresponding to the transmitting element, capable of receiving the light beam from the transmitting element and providing feedback; A comparator, whose input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal of the receiving element, and the output terminal of the comparator is the output terminal of the sensing structure to feedback the sensing result; The first adjustment member is an adjustable resistor R1 provided on the power supply path of the transmitter; the first adjustment member can increase or decrease the sensing distance of the sensor; The second adjusting component is an adjustable resistor PR1 provided at the input end of the comparator; the second adjusting component can increase or decrease the interference degree of the ambient light.

2. The sensing structure according to claim 1, wherein: The second adjustment component is connected to the input circuit of the comparator as a shunt resistor.

3. A reflective sensor, characterized in that: Using the sensing structure according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising: The reflective sensing substrate serves as a circuit board and a mounting plate of the reflective sensor; the transmitting element and the receiving element are arranged on the reflective sensing substrate, and the transmitting element and the receiving element are located on the same side of the reflective sensing substrate.

4. A through-beam sensor, characterized in that: Using the sensing structure according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising: A transmitting unit, on which a connection interface that can be connected to an external circuit and the transmitting element are provided; The receiving part is arranged opposite to the transmitting part, and is provided with a connection interface that can be connected to an external circuit and the receiving component.

5. A sensor component, characterized in that: Container sensing for ice making machines, including: The shell can be connected to the external structure, and the shell is provided with discharge ports, the number of which corresponds to the number of receiving containers to be used; A reflective mounting position, wherein the reflective sensor according to claim 3 is arranged inside; The first beam mounting position has a transmitting portion of the beam sensor as claimed in claim 4 disposed therein; The second through-beam mounting position is internally provided with a receiving portion of the through-beam sensor as claimed in claim 4 .

6. The sensor assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The shape of the discharge port corresponds to the shape of the receiving container; The reflective mounting position is provided for each of the feed openings; the sensing direction of the reflective sensor inside the reflective mounting position is below the feed opening.

7. The sensor assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The reflective mounting position is located on one side of the feed opening and on the side of the feed opening facing the user.

8. The sensor assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The reflective mounting position includes: The mounting box has a hollow interior and can be connected to the reflective substrate of the reflective sensor; through holes are provided at the bottom of the mounting box corresponding to the transmitting element and the receiving element on the reflective substrate; The clamping structure can be clamped with the installation box.

9. The sensor assembly according to claim 5, wherein: A boss is provided on at least one side of the shell, the boss is located outside the discharge port, and the first shooting installation position or the second shooting installation position is provided below the boss.

10. The sensor assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The first and second beam mounting positions are both long box structures, with a plurality of light through holes opened on opposite sides and an open opening on the opposite sides; The light through holes are distributed in a vertically evenly distributed manner; the light emitted by the transmitting part of the through-beam sensor can be transmitted to the receiving part through the light through holes.

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