DE202014008301U1 - Photoelectric sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A photoelectric sensor comprising: an optical unit having at least one of a projection device configured to emit detection light for detecting a detection object present in a detection area and an optical receiving device configured to detect the detection light from the Receive detection area, a cuboid housing that houses the optical unit, and a sensitivity parameter adjustment section, the housing comprising: a plurality of surfaces, the first surface on the side of a light passage through which at least one of the emitted detection light from the projection device and the Detection light enters the optical receiving device, and include a second surface different from the first surface, a sensitivity receiving element configured to externally input a setting value of a sensitivity spare ameters to receive and output to the sensitivity parameter adjustment section, an adjustment start element configured to automatically start adjustment of the sensitivity parameter, and an indicator configured to indicate whether a detection object is present and / or whether the detection object stably detects The sensitivity parameter adjustment section adjusts the sensitivity parameter to correspond to the setting value input to the sensitivity receiving element, the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element, and the adjustment starting element are provided on the second surface, and the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element, and from the side near the light passage the adjustment start item are arranged in the order listed.

Description

1. Technical area

The present invention relates to a photoelectric sensor.

2. State of the art

There are various types of photoelectric sensors, for example, a translucent type, a reflective type, and a retroreflective type. Photographic sensors of the translucent type are sensors in which a projector with a projection device and an optical receiver with an optical receiving device are provided on separate housings. The projector and the optical receiver are disposed opposite to each other, and a detection object is disposed between the projector and the optical receiver. A reflective type photoelectric sensor is a sensor that has the projection device and the optical receiving device in common in a housing. In photoelectric sensors of the reflective type, the light of the projection device is irradiated on the detection object while the optical reception device receives the light reflected by the detection object. A retroreflective type photoelectric sensor is also a sensor that has the projection device and the optical receiving device in common in a housing. In retroreflective type photoelectric sensors, the detection object is disposed between the retroreflective type photoelectric sensor and a retroreflector, and the receiving optical device receives the reflected light of the detection object and the retroreflector.

An example of a photo-transmissive type photoelectric sensor is shown in FIG Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-350554 An example of a reflective type photoelectric sensor is shown in FIG Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2013-206836 and an example of a retroreflective type photoelectric sensor is disclosed in U.S.P. Japanese Patent Publication No. 4158828 disclosed.

In the light-transmissive type photoelectric sensor and the retroreflective type photoelectric sensor, the detection object is detected by decreasing the amount of light of the light received by the receiving optical device relative to the amount of light emitted from the projection device. Concretely, in the light-transmitting type photoelectric sensor and the retroreflective type photoelectric sensor, the detection object is detected when the amount of light received at the optical receiving device is below a certain threshold. In the reflective type photoelectric sensor, the detection object is detected based on the increase in the amount of light of the light received by the receiving optical device relative to the amount of light emitted from the projection device. Concretely, the detection object is detected in the reflective type photoelectric sensor when the amount of light received at the optical receiving device is above a certain threshold.

For accurate detection of the detection object, it is necessary to adjust the sensitivity for detection of the detection object. Therefore, a matching element for adjusting the sensitivity is provided on the photoelectric sensor.

In addition, an indicator is provided on the photoelectric sensor. The indicator indicates, for example, by the illumination or extinction of a luminaire, whether the detection object can be detected in the sensitivity after adaptation or not. In the indicator, for example, a light is lit if the photoelectric sensor has detected the detection object in the sensitivity after adjustment within a detection range. Specifically, in the light-transmitting type photoelectric sensor and the retroreflective type photoelectric sensor, the detection object is detected as being detected and the light of the indicator lights up when the amount of light received at the optical receiving device falls below a certain threshold. In the reflective type photoelectric sensor, the detection object is regarded as detected and the light of the indicator lights up when the amount of light received at the optical receiving device exceeds a certain threshold. If, depending on the sensitivity after the adaptation, the photoelectric sensor can not detect whether the detection object is present in the detection area, the light of the indicator does not light up, for example. The user checks whether the detection object is detectable in the detection area on the basis of the lighting or extinguishing of the indicator. Based on the test result, the user then sets the sensitivity by means of the adjustment element.

overview

When the user operates the adjustment element, he is on the opposite side of the light transmission window. Depending on the location of the indicator and adapter, it may be difficult for the user to to read the indicator. When the adjustment of the sensitivity is made by operating the adjustment member, for example, when the indicator and the adjustment member are adjacently disposed, it becomes difficult for the user to read the indicator due to the hand operating the adjustment member or a tool, etc. As a result, this makes it difficult to judge whether or not the detection object can be detected, thereby making it difficult to adjust the sensitivity.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a photoelectric sensor that facilitates the adjustment of sensitivity.

A photoelectric sensor according to one aspect of the present invention includes an optical unit including at least one of a projection device and an optical receiving device, a parallelepiped housing accommodating the optical unit, and a sensitivity parameter adjusting section. The projection apparatus emits detection light for detecting a detection object existing in the detection area. The optical receiving device receives the detection light from the detection area.

The housing includes a plurality of surfaces, a sensitivity receiving element, an adaptation starting element and an indicator. The plurality of surfaces include a first surface on a light transmission side, through which at least one of the detection light from the projection device and the detection light passes to the optical receiving device. In addition, the plurality of surfaces includes a second surface that is different from the first surface. The sensitivity receiving element receives an input of a set value of the sensitivity parameter from the outside, which is output to the sensitivity parameter adjusting section. The sensitivity parameter adjustment section adjusts the sensitivity parameter to correspond to the set value input from the sensitivity receiving element. The adaptation start element is configured to start the automatic adaptation of the sensitivity parameter. The indicator indicates whether the detection object is present and / or whether the detection object can be stably detected. The indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the adjustment start element are provided on the second surface. The indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the matching start element are arranged from the side near the light passage in the order of the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the matching start element.

Starting from the light transmission, the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the adaptation starting element are arranged in the order listed. At this time, the user operates the photoelectric sensor at a position other than the light passage so that the passage of the light through the light passage is not blocked. For example, the user operates the photoelectric sensor from the side opposite to the light passage. For this reason, the adjustment start element, the sensitivity receiving element and the indicator are arranged by the user in the order listed. Thus, for the user, the indicator is located farther away than the adaptation start element and the sensitivity receiving element. In particular, since the sensitivity receiving element is disposed between the matching start element and the indicator, the matching start element and the indicator are not close to each other. In other words, between the adjustment start element and the indicator, there is provided at least one pitch configured to dispose the sensitivity receiving element. For this reason, the indicator is not obscured by the hand of the user or a tool when operating the adjustment start element. In this way, the indicator can be easily read even when the adjustment start element is actuated. Thus, the judgment as to whether the detection object can be detected or not is facilitated, whereby the adjustment of the sensitivity becomes easier. Further, by providing the indicator at the front end on the side of the light passage, while observing the indicator on the front end side, the adjustment start element is also in view and can be read. Therefore, the adjustment start element can be operated even while the indicator is being read.

In addition, the light passage comprises at least one of a light transmission window and a lens. The light transmission window is, for example, an opening into which a polarizing filter is inserted. The light transmission window is provided at least at one of the optical unit and the housing. The lens is an element that focuses light and suppresses the spread of light.

The adjustment start element automatically adjusts the sensitivity parameter to a desired value when the adjustment start element is actuated. Alternatively, when the adjustment start element is operated, the adjustment start element may also adjust the sensitivity parameter based on the set value on the sensitivity receiving element.

Preferably, the sensitivity parameter is adjusted based on at least one of the intensity of the light projected by the projection device, the gain of the amount of light received at the receiving optical device, and the threshold value forming a reference for judging the detection of the detection object on the receiving optical device.

Sensitivity is an index value that indicates how accurately the photoelectric sensor can detect a detection object to enable, for example, the detection of a small-sized detection object. The sensitivity parameter is a parameter for adjusting the sensitivity. The sensitivity parameter is at least one of, for example, the intensity of the light projected by the projection apparatus, the gain of the light received at the receiving optical device, and the threshold value, etc. The threshold value is a reference value serving as a judgment base for whether the detection object detects at the optical receiving device becomes.

In photo-transmissive type photoelectric sensors, the projector with the projection device and the optical receiver with the optical receiving device are provided on separate housings. A reflective type photoelectric sensor and a retroreflective type photoelectric sensor are sensors that have the projection device and the optical receiving device together in a housing. The sensitivity receiving element, in the case of the light-transmissive type photoelectric sensor, as adjusting the sensitivity parameter, receives the adjustment of the intensity of the light projected by the projection device of the projector. In the case of the reflective type photoelectric sensor and the retroreflective type photoelectric sensor, the sensitivity receiving element receives, as the sensitivity parameter setting value, the adjustment of the intensity of the light projected by the projection device. The sensitivity receiving element also receives the adjustment of the gain of the amount of light at the optical receiver of the translucent type photoelectric sensor and the optical receiving device of the reflective type photoelectric sensor and the retroreflective type photoelectric sensor, and the adjustment of the threshold value as the sensitivity parameter setting value.

Preferably, the plurality of surfaces of the housing further comprises a third surface opposite the first surface. The second surface intersects the first surface and the third surface. On the second surface, starting from the first surface, the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the matching start element are arranged in the order listed.

According to this configuration, starting from the light passage, the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the matching start element are arranged in the order listed. In other words, the adjustment start element, the sensitivity receiving element and the indicator are arranged by the user in the order listed. In particular, since the sensitivity receiving element is disposed between the matching start element and the indicator, the matching start element and the indicator are not arranged close to each other. In other words, between the adjustment start element and the indicator, there is provided at least one pitch configured to dispose the sensitivity receiving element. Therefore, the indicator is not obscured by the user's hand or a tool when operating the adjustment start element. Further, by providing the indicator at the front end on the side of the light passage, while observing the indicator on the front end side, the adjustment start element is also in view and can be read. Therefore, the adjustment start element can be operated even while the indicator is being read. Using a photoelectric sensor with the described configuration, the adjustment of the sensitivity is facilitated.

Preferably, the second surface is rectangular with the longitudinal direction of the second surface along the optical axis of at least one of the detection light from the projection device and the detection light extending to the optical receiving device.

According to this configuration, the longitudinal direction of the rectangular second surface along the optical axis of at least one of the detection light from the projection device and the detection light extends to the optical receiving device. Thus, in the longitudinal direction of the second surface, that is to say along the optical axis of the detection light, starting from the light transmission, the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the adaptation starting element are arranged in the order listed. In particular, at least one space configured to dispose the sensitivity receiving element is provided between the adaptation start element and the indicator. For this reason, the indicator is not obscured by the hand of the user or a tool when operating the adjustment start element. In this way, the indicator can be easily read even when the adaptation start element is pressed. Thus, the judgment as to whether the detection object can be detected or not is facilitated, whereby the adjustment of the sensitivity becomes easier.

Preferably, the sensitivity receiving element comprises an insert configured to insert a tool, and is a rotary element capable of adjusting the sensitivity parameter by operating the tool.

According to this configuration, the sensitivity receiving element is a rotary element operated by the tool. Thus, even if the sensitivity receiving element is disposed between the indicator and the adjustment starting element, it is thus possible by means of the tool to easily operate the sensitivity receiving element.

Preferably, the adjustment start element is a push-button switch.

As indicated, the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the adjustment starting element are arranged from the light passage in the order listed. For example, the user operates the photoelectric sensor from the side opposite to the light passage. For this reason, the adjustment start element, the sensitivity receiving element and the indicator are arranged by the user in the order listed. That is, the adjustment start element is located at the user's next position. Since the adjustment start element is a push-button switch, the user can easily operate the adjustment start element.

According to the present invention, a photoelectric sensor that facilitates the adjustment of the sensitivity can be provided.

Brief description of the drawings

Show it:

1 a perspective view of a photoelectric sensor 10 considered from the top left of the present invention;

2 a perspective view of the photoelectric sensor 10 of the present invention viewed from the left rear bottom;

3 an exploded perspective view of the photoelectric sensor 10 the present invention;

4 a simplified view of the overall structure of an optical unit 200 ;

5 a plan view of the photoelectric sensor 10 the above invention from above; and

6 a block diagram for describing the function of the photoelectric sensor 10 ,

Detailed description

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. The embodiment is a concrete example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention in any way.

<Embodiment>

As photoelectric sensors, there are various types such as photo-transmissive-type photoelectric sensors, reflective-type photoelectric sensors, and retroreflective-type photoelectric sensors. The present invention will be described below by the example of a photoelectric sensor of the retroreflective type, which is a photoelectric sensor 10 of the coaxial retroreflective type.

[Overall Structure]

First, the overall structure of the photoelectric sensor 10 be described according to the embodiment. 1 Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the photoelectric sensor 10 of the embodiment viewed from top left. 2 Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the photoelectric sensor 10 according to the embodiment viewed from the bottom left rear. 3 Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the photoelectric sensor 10 according to the embodiment.

The photoelectric sensor 10 essentially comprises a housing 100 ( 1 ), an optical unit 200 ( 3 ), an operating unit 300 ( 3 ) and an adapter 400 ( 3 ). The following is the configuration of the housing 100 , the optical unit 200 , the actuation unit 300 and the adapter 400 to be discribed.

In the embodiment, the photoelectric sensor becomes 10 installed and used, as for example in 1 is shown. That is, an upper surface 105 of the housing 100 at which the operating unit 300 is provided is installed so that it is the top of the photoelectric sensor 10 forms. In this case, the "front" of the photoelectric sensor 10 the direction from the light from the light transmission window 110 of the photoelectric sensor 10 exit. The "backside" of the photoelectric sensor 10 is the opposite side of the front. The "top" of the photoelectric sensor 10 is the one in the direction of the upper surface 105 of the housing 100 facing surface on which the actuator unit 300 is provided. The "bottom" of the photoelectric sensor 10 is the opposite side of the top. The "left side" and the "right side" of the photoelectric sensor 10 are defined as follows, in the event that the "top" and the "bottom" of the photoelectric sensor 10 match the "top" and "bottom" of the user. The "left side" of the photoelectric sensor 10 is the light exit direction of the photoelectric sensor 10 that is, the left direction for a "front-facing" user of the photoelectric sensor 10 considered. The "right side" of the photoelectric sensor 10 is the opposite side of the left side.

[Casing 100]

The housing 100 is essentially cuboid. The housing 100 is made of plastic. However, the case is 100 not limited to plastic and may also be made of other materials such as metal. The housing 100 includes a front surface 101 ( 1 ), a rear surface 102 ( 2 ), a left surface 103 ( 2 ), a right surface 104 ( 3 ), an upper surface 105 ( 1 ), a lower surface 106 ( 2 ) and an adapter bracket 107 ( 2 ).

The front surface 101 is on the side of the light transmission window 110 , which is translucent, arranged. The back surface 102 lies the front surface 101 and, above all, is an area facing the user of the photoelectric sensor 10 actuated. On the upper surface 105 is the operating unit 300 provided, and above all, this surface is above, when the photoelectric sensor 10 is used. The lower surface 106 lies the upper surface 105 across from. The adapter bracket 107 is between the back surface 102 and the lower surface 106 arranged and used for attaching the adapter 400 ,

The front surface 101 , the rear surface 102 , the upper surface 105 and the bottom surface 106 are each substantially rectangular. The left surface 103 and the right surface 104 have a substantially pentagonal shape, wherein the part is recessed, on which the adapter 400 is appropriate. The left surface 103 and the right surface 104 have a larger surface than the front surface 101 on.

The back surface 102 , the left surface 103 , the right surface 104 and the bottom surface 106 are formed continuously connected. That is, the case 100 includes a housing body 100a ( 3 ), which is the back surface 102 , the left surface 103 , the right surface 104 and the bottom surface 106 includes. On the housing body 100a are the back surface 102 , the left surface 103 , the right surface 104 and the bottom surface 106 formed in one piece.

The housing body 100a includes a front opening 100a-1 , The front opening 100a-1 is in front of the optical unit 200 arranged. The front opening 100a-1 is dimensioned such that the optical unit 200 can be introduced therein. More specifically, the front opening is 100a-1 when viewing the housing body 100a out 3 from the front in both the left and right direction greater than the cross section of the optical unit 200 , When assembling the photoelectric sensor 10 can the optical unit 200 therefore through the front opening 100a-1 from the front of the case body 100a forth in the housing body 100a be introduced. The front surface 101 is separate from the housing body 100a educated. The front opening 100a-1 is from the front surface 101 locked.

The housing body 100a includes an upper opening 100a-2 , The upper opening 100a-2 is above the optical unit 200 arranged. The area of the upper opening 100a-2 is smaller than the front opening 100a-1 , The upper surface 105 is separate from the housing body 100a educated. The upper opening 100a-2 is from the top surface 105 locked.

That the case 100 Is "substantially cuboid", stating that it's like a mold with the adapter mount described above 107 may also have a shape other than a cuboid in the strict sense.

Next, the overall structure of the optical unit 200 be outlined in outline. 4 is a simplified view of the overall structure of the optical unit 200 ,

[optical unit 200]

The optical unit 200 is in the case 100 added. The optical unit 200 includes a projection element 201 , a light receiving element 203 , a panel 205 , a half mirror 207 , a lens 209 , a polarizing filter 211 and a total reflector 213 , In addition, the optical unit includes 200 a first substrate 215 , a second substrate 217 and a third substrate 219 , As in 3 shown includes the optical unit 200 furthermore, a first element 241 and a second element 243 , at which the various elements and the substrate are attached.

A plate-shaped surface of the third substrate 219 is arranged so that it is along the right surface 104 runs. On the side of the back surface 102 of the third substrate 219 is for example an elongate connecting element 221 arranged. A connection port 221a at the front end of the connecting element 221 is with the third substrate 219 connected. The other end of the connecting element 221 is with the adapter 400 connected. The connecting element 221 is wired such that an electrical connection with the third substrate 219 can be made and includes, for example, elements that are referred to as plugs, cables, power cords, etc. In the photoelectric sensor 10 the embodiment is applied to one of the light receiving element 203 received signal processing such as amplification performed by an amplifier in the optical receiving device 231 etc. is included. The connecting element 221 serves to signal the signal processed from the photoelectric sensor 10 to send out.

The first substrate 215 is essentially parallel to the upper surface 105 arranged. The first substrate 215 lies the upper surface 105 across from. The first substrate 215 is substantially perpendicular to the third substrate 219 , The first substrate 215 is with the sensitivity receiving element described later 301 and adaptation start element 302 electrically connected.

The second substrate 217 is essentially parallel to the rear surface 102 arranged. The second substrate 217 lies the back surface 102 across from. The second substrate 217 is substantially perpendicular to the third substrate 219 , At the second substrate 217 are the projection element 201 and the light receiving element 203 intended. The first substrate 215 , the second substrate 217 and the third substrate 219 are electrically connected. Therefore, the sensitivity parameter described later becomes when the sensitivity receiving element is operated 301 and the adaptation start element 302 from the switching element of the first substrate 215 and the second substrate 217 customized.

The projection element 201 is an element that emits detection light A that is incident on a detection object 6 and a retro reflector 2 is blasted. The light receiving element 203 is an element that receives backlight B, that of the detection object 6 and the retro reflector 2 is reflected. The projection element 201 and the light receiving element 203 are on the same second substrate 217 arranged. A projection circuit described later 202 that the projection element 201 controls, and an optical receiving circuit described later 204 that the light receiving element 203 are also on the second substrate 217 intended.

The aperture 205 is in front of the projection element 201 arranged. In other words, the aperture 205 is in the direction of emission of the detection light A from the projection element 201 arranged. The aperture 205 has an opening 205a on. The opening 205a specifically allows such light from the projection element 201 radiated light through, which is substantially parallel.

The half mirror 207 leaves part of the detection light A from the projection element 201 through, through the aperture 205 has entered. The half mirror 207 also reflects a part of the tail light B, that of the object to be detected 6 and the retroreflector 2 is reflected back.

The objective 209 is behind the polarizing filter 211 arranged. In other words, the lens 209 is arranged in the opposite direction to the emission direction of the detection light A. The objective 209 bundles the light and suppresses its spread.

The polarization filter 211 is in a light transmission window 110 inserted, extending to the front surface 101 opens and polarizes the light depending on the state of the transmitted light. Specifically, as in 3 shown, the polarizing filter 211 in a groove of the first element 241 (not shown) and into a groove of the second element 243 (not shown) used. By the first element 241 and the second element 243 Together, the polarizing filter 211 at the light transmission window 110 attached.

The total reflector 213 is adjacent to the light receiving element 203 arranged. The total reflector 213 reflects the entire of the half mirror 207 reflected tail light B and passes it to the light receiving element 203 further.

The course of the detection light A and the backlight B will be described in order. That of the projection element 201 radiated detection light A passes through the aperture 205 and the half mirror 207 and is from the lens 209 bundled. In addition, the detection light A is transmitted through the polarizing filter 211 polarized and on the detection object 6 blasted. If the detection object 6 is a transparent body, becomes a part of the detection light A from the detection object 6 reflected while the detection light A, by the detection object 6 steps, from the retroreflector 2 is reflected. That of the detection object 6 and the retroreflector 2 reflected tail light B passes through the polarizing filter 211 and the lens 209 , In addition, the tail light B from the half mirror 207 and the total reflector 213 reflected and to the light receiving element 203 directed. When the amount of tail light B emitted by the light receiving element 203 is received, falls below a certain threshold, the detection object 6 detected.

[Operating unit 300]

Next, the overall structure of the actuator unit 300 to be discribed. 5 is a plan view of the photoelectric sensor 10 the embodiment from above. 6 Fig. 10 is a block diagram for describing the function of the photoelectric sensor 10 ,

The operating unit 300 includes the sensitivity receiving element 301 , the adjustment start element 302 and the indicator 303 , The sensitivity receiving element 301 , the adjustment start element 302 and the indicator 303 are on the upper surface 105 appropriate. The adaptation start element 302 , the sensitivity receiving element 301 and the indicator 303 are in the direction of the radiation of the detection light A from the projection element 201 arranged in the order listed.

In other words, starting from the light transmission window 110 the indicator 303 , the sensitivity receiving element 301 and the adaptation start element 302 arranged in the order listed. The emission direction of the detection light A extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface 105 ,

The sensitivity receiving element 301 receives from the user the set value of the sensitivity parameter. The adaptation start element 302 receives from the user the instruction to start setting the sensitivity parameter. So by the adaptation start element 302 is actuated, the adjustment of the sensitivity parameter on the sensitivity receiving element starts based on the setting value 301 , The indicator 303 indicates whether the detection object 6 is detected based on the set sensitivity parameter or not. Hereinafter, the function for adjusting the sensitivity parameter to sensitivity receiving element 301 , Adaptation start element 302 and indicator 303 be described in detail.

The photoelectric sensor 10 has a projection device as a function for adapting the sensitivity parameter 230 , an optical receiving device 231 a judging device 232 , a sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 , the sensitivity receiving element 301 , the adjustment start element 302 and the indicator 303 on, like in 6 shown.

The projection device 230 emits detection light A for detecting a detection object 6 that in the detection area 5 is available. The projection device 230 includes the projection element described above 201 and a projection circuit 202 for driving the projection element 201 , In the projection element 201 For example, it is a light emitting diode, the detection light A emits. The projection circuit 202 For example, it may adjust the power of the detection light A by, for example, controlling a value of the current passing through the projection element 201 flows. Opposite the projection element 201 is the retro reflector 2 arranged. That of the projection element 201 radiated detection light A is at the retroreflector 2 reflects and becomes the tail light B.

The optical receiving device 231 receives the tail lamp B. The optical receiving device 231 includes the above-described light receiving element 203 and the optical receiving circuit 204 , In the light receiving element 203 For example, it is a photodiode that changes an output signal according to the amount of return light B received. The optical receiving circuit 204 amplifies an output signal of the light receiving element 203 and outputs an output signal value subjected to A / D conversion (hereinafter referred to as a light receiving signal value) to the judging device 232 out.

The judging device 232 compares the light reception signal value and the threshold value and judges whether a detection object 6 exists or not. Specifically, the light receiving signal value exceeds the threshold value when no detection object 6 in the detection area 5 is available. But if the detection object 6 in the detection area 5 is present, the received amount of tail light B decreases, and therefore, the light receiving signal value becomes smaller. When the light receiving signal value falls below the threshold value, the judging device judges 232 that the detection object 6 in the detection area 5 is available. The judging device 232 gives a signal to the indicator based on the result of the judgment 303 out. The indicator 303 For example, it lights up when it receives the signal that the detection object 6 in the detection area 5 is available. The indicator also lights up 303 for example, not when it receives the signal that no detection object 6 in the detection area 5 is available.

The sensitivity receiving element 301 receives the set value of the sensitivity parameter according to the operation by the user. As in 3 and 5 is the sensitivity receiving element 301 a dome-shaped element that is near the center of the operating unit 300 is provided. The sensitivity receiving element 301 essentially has an insert in its center 301 configured to insert a tool such as a Phillips screwdriver and configured as a rotatable member. In the embodiment, the insert 301 cross-shaped (+). However, the use can 301 also be slit-shaped (-).

In addition, the sensitivity receiving element has 301 a pointer 301b on. The pointer 301b is formed for example by a depression. On the upper surface 105 is in the vicinity of the sensitivity adjusting element 301 a scale 301c intended. The scale 301c indicates the value of the sensitivity parameter. The position to which the pointer 301b at the scale 301c indicates is the set value of the sensitivity parameter. Thus, the user inserts the tool into the insert 301 and rotates the sensitivity receiving element 301 until the desired sensitivity parameter is reached. In this way, a desired set value of the sensitivity parameter is set based on the rotation amount, that is, the rotation angle. The sensitivity receiving element 301 is connected, for example, to a variable resistor, the resistance value changing according to the amount of rotation. This resistance value corresponds to the setting value of the sensitivity parameter.

The sensitivity is an index value that indicates how exactly the photoelectric sensor 10 a detection object 6 can detect so that the photoelectric sensor 10 about a detection object 6 of small size can detect. The sensitivity parameter is a parameter for adjusting the sensitivity. As a sensitivity parameter, for example, at least one of the power of the detection light A (light intensity), the gain of the optical receiving device 231 received amount of light and the threshold, which is a reference value for judging the detection of the detection object 6 at the optical receiving device 231 forms, call.

When the light intensity of the detection light A is adjusted based on the sensitivity parameter, the scale becomes 301c For example, the light intensity of the detection light A on the basis of scale graduation 301c displayed. By the user the pointer 301b to the desired position of the scale 301c brings, the light intensity of the detection light A, which is on the scale 301c is displayed, the setting value.

If, due to the sensitivity parameter, the gain of the optical receiving device 231 received light is set on the scale 301c for example, the gain based on the scale graduation 301c displayed. By the user the pointer 301b to the desired position of the scale 301c brings the reinforcement that is on the scale 301c is displayed, the setting value.

If the threshold is set based on the sensitivity parameter, the scale will be displayed 301c For example, the threshold based on the scale graduation 301c displayed. By the user the pointer 301b to the desired position of the scale 301c brings, is the threshold, which is on the scale 301c is displayed, the setting value.

The sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 receives from the sensitivity receiving element 301 the set value of the sensitivity parameter. The sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 adjusts the sensitivity parameter to match that of the sensitivity receiving element 301 entered setting value corresponds. When the sensitivity receiving element 301 For example, when concretely connected to a variable resistor as described above, the sensitivity parameter adjusting device receives 233 the resistance value as the setting value of the sensitivity parameter. When the set value indicates the power of the detection light A (light intensity), the sensitivity parameter adjustment device fits 233 according to the setting value, the current value supplied by the projection circuit 202 to the projection element 201 is output, or its pulse width. If the setting value is the gain of the optical receiving device 231 indicates the amount of received light, the sensitivity parameter adjustment device fits 233 according to the setting value, the gain of the optical receiving device 231 at. When the set value of the threshold at the optical receiving device 231 is the sensitivity parameter adjustment device fits 233 the threshold corresponding to the setting value.

The adaptation start element 302 receives the instruction for adjustment start by the user when the user makes the adjustment via the sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 starts. The adaptation start element 302 is formed, for example, as a depressible pushbutton. If the adjustment start element 302 is operated, the leads Sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 an adjustment process for the sensitivity parameter.

The indicator 303 indicates on the basis of different luminous colors, whether the detection object 6 can be detected stable. The indicator 303 is a domed element protruding in the direction of the radiation of the detection light A. The indicator 303 includes an operation indicator light 303a and a stability indicator light 303b ,

The operation indicator light 303a lights up as desired either when the light reception signal value is above the threshold value or when it is below the threshold value. When the light-receiving signal value is sufficiently far from the threshold and the detection object 6 can be stably detected without misdetection due to external disturbance, the stability indicator light illuminates 303b on. The operation indicator light 303a and the stability indicator light 303b are light-emitting diodes, each with different display color.

When the user has set the sensitivity parameter, he checks both for the case that in the detection area 5 a detection object 6 is present, as well as in the event that none is present, whether the stability indicator light 303b lights, and also checks for the presence of a detection object in one of the cases 6 and the absence thereof, whether the operation indicator lamp 303a lights, and in the other of these cases, whether the operation indicator light 303a has gone out. In this way, the user can judge whether the signal passing through the sensitivity receiving element 301 set sensitivity parameter is a reasonable value.

As indicated above, the adaptation starting element is 302 , the sensitivity receiving element 301 and the indicator 303 arranged in the direction of the radiation of the detection light A in the order listed. That is, starting from the light transmission window 110 are the indicator 303 , the sensitivity receiving element 301 and the adaptation start element 302 arranged in the order listed.

At this time, the user operates the photoelectric sensor 10 at a position other than the light transmission window 110 such that the light passes through the light transmission window 110 is not blocked. For example, the user operates the photoelectric sensor 10 from the light transmission window 110 opposite side. For this reason, the adaptation starting element 302 , the sensitivity receiving element 301 and the indicator 303 arranged by the user in the listed order. For the user is thus the indicator 303 further away than the adaptation start element 302 and the sensitivity receiving element 301 , In particular, since the sensitivity receiving element 301 between the adaptation start element 302 and the indicator 303 is the adaptation start element 302 and the indicator 303 not arranged close to each other. In other words, between the adaptation start element 302 and the indicator 303 At least a distance is provided for arranging the sensitivity receiving element 301 is configured. For this reason, the indicator becomes 303 upon actuation of the adaptation start element 302 not obscured by the user's hand or a tool. This is the indicator 303 easy to read even if the adjustment start element 302 is pressed. Thus, the judgment as to whether the detection object 6 can be detected or not, facilitated, whereby the adjustment of the sensitivity is easier. In addition, the indicator 303 at the front end on the side of the light transmission window 110 is contemplated while viewing the indicator 303 on the side of the front end also the adaptation start element 302 in the field of vision and can be read. Therefore, the adaptation start element 302 also be pressed while the indicator 303 is read.

In addition, the sensitivity receiving element must 301 and the adaptation start element 302 not both are provided, and it is sufficient if only the sensitivity receiving element 301 is provided. In addition, the sensitivity parameter may also be alone according to the operation of the adjustment start element 302 be adjusted.

[Adapter 400]

Next is the overall construction of the adapter 400 be outlined in outline. As in 2 is shown on the photoelectric sensor 10 an adapter 400 attached to the photoelectric sensor 10 to connect with other devices. The adapter 400 is on an adapter bracket 107 attached to the rear surface 102 and the bottom surface 106 to cut. The adapter 400 is rotatably configured. For example, the adapter 400 , as in 2 etc., may be mounted such that their longitudinal extent in the direction along the lower surface 106 runs. By turning the adapter 400 it is also possible to use the adapter 400 such that its longitudinal extent in the direction along the rear surface 102 runs.

<other variations>

• (1) In the embodiment described above, the description was made by the example of a photoelectric sensor 10 of the coaxial retroreflective type. However, the present invention is also applicable to photoelectric sensors other than the photoelectric sensor 10 of the retroreflective type. For example, it can be applied to photoelectric sensors such as retroreflective but not coaxial retroreflective type photoelectric sensors, translucent type photoelectric sensors, reflective type photoelectric sensors and so on. Even with these photoelectric sensors, the same effect can be achieved.
• (2) In the above embodiment, the first element 241 and on the second element 243 the optical unit 200 a light transmission window 110 intended. However, the light transmission window can be used instead of the optical unit 200 also on the front surface 101 of the housing 100 be provided. It is in the optical unit 200 an opening provided the light passage window of the front surface 101 equivalent. Through this opening, the light passes through the light passage window of the front surface 101 enters, inside the optical unit 200 or is emitted to the outside.
• (3) In the above-described embodiment, the sensitivity parameter adjustment device fits 233 the sensitivity parameter based on the sensitivity receiving element setting 301 at. However, it is not necessary for the sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 the sensitivity parameter compelling based on the setting of the sensitivity receiving element 301 adapts. It is also possible that the sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 upon actuation of the sensitivity parameter adjustment device 233 automatically sets the sensitivity parameter to a desired value.

The present invention can be applied to various photoelectric sensors such as coaxial retroreflective type photoelectric sensors, translucent type photoelectric sensors, reflective type photoelectric sensors, and so forth.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2002-350554 [0003]
• JP 2013-206836 [0003]
• JP 4158828 [0003]

Claims (6)

Photoelectric sensor comprising: an optical unit having at least one of a projection device configured to emit detection light for detecting a detection object provided in a detection area and an optical reception device configured to receive the detection light from the detection area; a cuboidal housing accommodating the optical unit, and a sensitivity parameter adjustment section, the housing comprising: plural areas including a first area on the side of a light passage through which at least one of the emitted detection light from the projection device and the detection light passes to the optical receiving device, and a second area different from the first area; a sensitivity receiving element configured to externally receive an input of a set value of a sensitivity parameter and output to the sensitivity parameter adjusting section; an adaptation start element configured to automatically start adjusting the sensitivity parameter, and an indicator configured to indicate whether a detection object exists and / or whether the detection object can be stably detected, wherein the sensitivity parameter adjusting section adjusts the sensitivity parameter so as to correspond to the set value input to the sensitivity receiving element, wherein the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the adjustment starting element are provided on the second surface and are arranged from the light transmission close side starting from the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the matching starting element in the order listed. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein the sensitivity parameter is set based on at least one of the intensity of light projected by the projection device, the gain of the amount of light received at the receiving optical device, and the threshold value of a reference for judging the detection of the detection object on the receiving optical device becomes. The photoelectric sensor of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of surfaces of the housing further comprises a third surface opposite the first surface. the second surface intersects the first surface and the third surface, and on the second surface from the side of the first surface, the indicator, the sensitivity receiving element and the adjustment starting element are arranged in the order listed. A photoelectric sensor according to claim 3, wherein the second surface is rectangular, the longitudinal direction of the second surface being along the optical axis of at least one of the detection light from the projection device and the detection light to the optical receiving device. A photoelectric sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensitivity receiving element comprises an insert configured to insert a tool and configured as a rotary element capable of adjusting the sensitivity parameter by operating the tool. A photoelectric sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the adjustment starting element is a push-button switch.

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