JP2002289073A - Setting system for multiple optical axis photo electric sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable setting for defining a detecting operation easily in the vicinity of a sensor without changing the configuration of a multiple optical axis photo electric sensor. SOLUTION: A light projecting part 1 and a light receiving part 2 comprise RS485 communication circuits 17 and 27, respectively. A branch connector 4 for relaying communication lines 6A, 6B and power supply lines 7A, 7B from an external power supply 5 and branching them is arranged between the light projecting part 1 and the light receiving part 2. A console 3 including a RS485 communication circuit 37 is detachably connected with the branch connector 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor which detects a light-shielded state for each of a plurality of optical axes and outputs the detection result, and in particular, sets a definition of the detection operation in the sensor. For technology.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A general multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor includes a light projecting section in which a plurality of light projecting elements are arranged in a row, and a light receiving section in which the same number of light projecting elements are arranged in a row. The light emitting and receiving elements are arranged so as to face each other in a one-to-one relationship. The light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are connected via a communication line,
By causing each light emitting element to emit light sequentially on the light emitting part side, and by taking out the amount of light received at a timing synchronized with the light emitting operation of the light emitting element from the light receiving element corresponding to each light emitting element on the light receiving part side, The light blocking state for each optical axis is detected in order. Further, the light receiving unit determines whether or not there is an object in the detection area using the detection result for each optical axis, and outputs a signal indicating the determination result (hereinafter, referred to as “object detection signal”).

[0003] This kind of multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is mainly
It is used for the purpose of taking measures to prevent accidents such as stopping the machine or outputting an alarm by detecting that the worker's body has approached a danger area caused by the operation of the machine or the like. Therefore, normally, when the light blocking state is detected in any one of the optical axes, the setting is made so that the object detection signal is turned on. However, depending on the installation state of the sensor, it may be necessary to invalidate the detection result at a specific optical axis.

FIG. 7 shows a specific example in which it is necessary to invalidate a specific optical axis. In the drawing, 101 indicates a light projecting unit, 102 indicates a light receiving unit, and 103 indicates a machine. In this example, the light emitting and receiving units 101 and 102 are adjusted according to the danger area of the machine 103.
Is installed, a part of the optical axis (indicated as P1, P2, P3 in the figure) is cut off by the machine 103 as shown in FIG. It is impossible to perform a proper detection operation. In such a case, as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
P2 and P3 are invalidated in advance, and a setting is made so that detection is performed only with an effective optical axis.

[0005] The process of invalidating a part of the optical axis is called "fixed blanking". Conventionally, to perform this fixed blanking, switching the dip switch set in the sensor, the aircraft is set to the teaching mode, the light emitting and receiving operation is performed, and the number of optical axes in the light-shielded state and the number of optical axes Is stored.

In recent multi-axis photoelectric sensors, in addition to fixed blanking, the number of optical axes according to the size of an object to be detected, the type of output signal, and a threshold value for determining a light blocking state For example, it is necessary to set various functions for performing an optimal detection operation. Under such circumstances, in recent years, instead of the DIP switch, a sensor that is set by an external device such as a dedicated controller or a personal computer has been provided.

[0007]

The setting by the dip switch is inferior in operability, and there is a limit to the items that can be set as described above. In addition, when setting the fixed blanking, there is a risk that the optical axis that should not be in the light-shielded state due to noise such as dust is in the light-shielded state and may be set incorrectly. Therefore, it is impossible to confirm whether the user has made the correct settings.

On the other hand, a controller for a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is superior to a dip switch in terms of operability, but this type of controller is usually stored in a switchboard remote from the sensor installation position. Therefore, even if the controller is provided with a display function, it is difficult to confirm whether or not the detected light shielding state correctly reflects the actual light shielding state of the sensor. In addition, since one conventional controller of this type is required for each sensor, the cost is high in a site where a plurality of sensors are introduced.

On the other hand, when the setting is performed by a small personal computer, the light-shielding state of the optical axis and the contents of the setting are displayed in the vicinity of the sensor, so that the correspondence with the actual light-shielding state of the sensor is displayed. Can be set while confirming. In addition, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to prepare a setting device individually for each sensor.

[0010] However, when setting is performed by a personal computer, the sensor side has an RS connection for connection to a computer in addition to the configuration for communication between the light emitting and receiving units.
Since it is necessary to provide a communication interface and a connector of the 232C standard, the cost increases. In addition, there is a problem that the outer shape of the sensor is increased by the location where these interfaces and connectors are provided. In addition, since this type of connector is set at a fixed position of the sensor, it may be difficult to connect to the connector, for example, when the sensor is installed in a deep place in the apparatus. Further, even when a plurality of sensors are connected and used, the connection must be switched for each sensor to perform the setting, which causes a problem that the setting operation becomes complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and uses a portable console without changing the configuration of the sensor body of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor to define a detection operation in the vicinity of the sensor. It is a first object of the present invention to easily execute the process of setting the.

A second object of the present invention is to greatly improve the convenience by allowing the position where the console is connected to be freely selected according to the installation location and installation conditions of the sensor. And

Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of sets of multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors are connected and used, setting to each sensor can be performed individually and efficiently through a communication line for multi-drop communication. The third object is to do so.

[0014]

A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor to which the present invention is applied is provided with a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit having a longitudinal body, which are arranged with light projecting and receiving surfaces facing each other. A plurality of light-emitting elements,
A plurality of light receiving elements are provided along the longitudinal direction of the body, and a control circuit, a communication circuit, and the like for controlling light emitting and receiving operations are incorporated. Each communication circuit is connected via a communication line, and by exchanging signals via this communication line, each optical axis is sequentially enabled to detect a light-shielded state, and output the detection result.

In the present invention, the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are connected by a communication line capable of two-way communication.
Attach a branch connector to branch the communication line to the outside. Furthermore, a console for setting the definition of the detection operation is detachably connected to the branch connector. The branch connector can be formed as a T-shaped connector that relays the communication line between the original light emitting and receiving sections and branches the communication line in one direction at the relay point. The console is
It is a portable device of a portable size, and when setting to the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is required, it can be detached from the branch connector after being connected via the branch connector and after the setting is completed.

The "definition of the detection operation" set by the console includes conditions for determining an optical axis not used in the detection processing, such as the fixed blanking, a threshold value for judging a light-shielded state, and detection. Various conditions related to the sensor detection operation, such as the type of signal output as a signal and whether or not to accept an external input signal (such as a signal from a relay interposed between the sensor and the drive system on the machine side) Mean definition.

According to the above configuration, since the console is connected using the communication line used for communication between the light emitting and receiving units and the definition of the detection operation of the sensor is set, various settings can be easily performed in the vicinity of the sensor. It is possible to do. Further, unlike the case where a personal computer is connected, there is no need to change the configuration of the sensor main body such as providing a connector for connection on the main body of the sensor or providing an interface separate from communication between the light emitting and receiving units. Moreover, the console can be connected to the branch connector as needed,
The setting of a plurality of sensors can be performed by one console, and the cost can be reduced.

According to a preferred aspect, the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion are provided with a connection connector having the same diameter at at least one end in the longitudinal direction, and the branch connector is connected to each connection connector. It is configured to be possible. The above-mentioned connector is used not only for installing the light emitting and receiving unit, but also for connecting to the light emitting and receiving unit of another sensor when connecting a plurality of sensors, and for connecting the communication line. In addition, a signal line such as a power supply line, an external output line for outputting a detection signal, and an input line for the external relay may be relayed. However, only the communication line may be branched to the outside, and the power supply line and the external output line may be branched together as necessary.

According to the above aspect, the branch connector can be attached to either the light-emitting unit or the light-receiving unit. Therefore, the connector that is more convenient for connecting the console is selected and used. By attaching the connector, the console can be easily attached to and detached from the sensor, and the convenience can be greatly improved.

According to a further preferred aspect, the console is provided with a display, and data indicating the amount of light received for each optical axis or the detection result of the light-shielded state is taken in via the communication line and displayed on the display. Means to be incorporated. According to this configuration, when setting the fixed blanking, it is necessary to confirm whether the optical axis detected as the light blocking state is appropriate or to set a threshold value for detecting the light blocking state. The optimal threshold value can be set by checking the relationship between
Incorrect setting can be prevented.

Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors are connected in series and the detection operation of each sensor is integrated, the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of each sensor are connected by a multi-drop sensor. A series of connections are made by a communication line capable of communication, and a branch connector for branching the communication line to the outside is attached to the communication line. Further, a console for individually setting the definition of the detection operation for each sensor is detachably connected to the branch connector. In addition, each of the above sensors is applied to a purpose of extending a detection area by connecting in one direction, and a sensor arranged in a vertical direction and a sensor arranged in a horizontal direction are connected to each other to form a three-dimensional sensor. It is also used when detecting an object in space.

The communication line capable of performing the multi-drop communication corresponds to a standard such as RS485 that can individually transmit signals from one device to a plurality of other devices. , And a console, a communication interface conforming to a similar standard is incorporated. Signals for interlocking the detection operations of the sensors are exchanged between the sensors, for example, when the detection operation of the first sensor ends, the detection operation of the second sensor starts. . Signals for synchronizing the light emitting and receiving operations are exchanged between the light emitting and receiving units of the same sensor as in the case of a single sensor. Further, between the sensors, the detection result of each sensor can be transmitted to a specific sensor, and the specific sensor can output an integrated detection result.

Further, it is necessary to send a command for performing various settings to the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of each sensor from the console, and to send a command for requesting transmission of a detection result for each optical axis. Data transmission. According to such a configuration, when performing individual setting processing for a plurality of connected sensors, a console is connected via a branch connector provided on a communication line connecting each sensor, so that each sensor is connected. Since the setting can be performed, it is not necessary to reconnect the console even if the sensor to be set changes, and a simple and efficient setting process can be performed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the above system, the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of each sensor are provided with connection connectors having the same diameter at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and each sensor is projected by these connection connectors. The light unit and the light receiving unit are connected. The branch connector is configured to be connectable to each of the connection connectors. According to this aspect, it is possible to select a location optimal for connection of the console from among the two end portions of the plurality of sets of the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion and attach the branching connector, so that the console can be easily attached and detached. And convenience can be improved.

[0025]

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor S includes a light projecting unit 1 in which a plurality of light projecting elements 11 are provided.
And a light receiving unit 2 provided with the same number of light receiving elements 21 as the light emitting elements 11 are provided with their light emitting / receiving surfaces facing each other. The light projecting unit 1 includes, in addition to the light projecting elements 11, a driving circuit 12 for individually driving each of the light projecting elements 11, an optical axis sequential selecting circuit 13, a control circuit 16, a communication circuit 17, and a power supply circuit 18.
And so on. In addition to the light receiving elements 21, an amplifier 22 and an analog switch 23 for each light receiving element 21, an optical axis sequential selection circuit 25, a control circuit 2
6, amplifier 24 for input to control circuit 26, communication circuit 2
7, a power supply circuit 28 and the like are incorporated.

Each of the control circuits 16 and 26 of the light emitting and receiving sections 1 and 2
Is constituted by a microcomputer having a CPU and a memory. Each of the communication circuits 17 and 27 is an RS4
85, and two communication lines 6A and 6B of a type also corresponding to RS485.
, The exchange of signals between the light emitting and receiving units 1 and 2 is controlled.

Each of the power supply circuits 18 and 28 receives power from a common external power supply 5 (DC power supply) and supplies power to each unit in the same device (in the light projecting unit 1 or the light receiving unit 2). The power supply from the external power supply 5 to each of the power supply circuits 18 and 28 is performed by branching the two power supply lines 7A and 7B, and providing one to the power supply circuit 18 on the light emitting unit 1 side and the other to the light receiving unit 2 This is done by connecting to the power supply circuit 28 on the side. Therefore, the light emitting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 are connected to the communication line 6.
A, 6B and power supply lines 7A, 7B.

The control circuit 16 of the light projecting section 1 generates a timing signal at predetermined time intervals and supplies the timing signal to the optical axis sequential selection circuit 13. The optical axis sequential selection circuit 13 is a gate circuit for sequentially connecting the drive circuits 12 of the respective light projecting elements 11 to the control circuit 16, and the switching signal in this circuit causes the timing signal from the control circuit 16 to be The light is sequentially supplied to the drive circuit 12 so that the light emitting elements 11 sequentially emit light. Further, the timing signal is also supplied to the control circuit 26 on the light receiving unit 2 side via the communication circuits 17 and 27.

In the light receiving section 2, an output from each light receiving element 21 (hereinafter, referred to as a light receiving output) is sent to an input line 29 to a control circuit 26 via an amplifier 22 and an analog switch 23. The control circuit 26 sends the timing signal from the light projecting unit 1 to the optical axis sequential selection circuit 25 to turn on the analog switches 23 of the respective optical axes in order, and from the light receiving element 21 corresponding to the light emitting element 11 that has emitted light. The received light output is taken in, and each received light output is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether or not each optical axis is in a light-shielded state. When the reception of the light receiving outputs for all the optical axes is completed, the control circuit 26 performs a final determination process by combining the determination results for each optical axis, generates an object detection signal indicating the determination results, and Output to the outside via an output circuit (not shown).

Further, in this embodiment, the light emitting and receiving units 1, 1
Between the communication lines 6A, 6B by the branch connector 4.
While relaying the power supply lines 7A and 7B, these lines are branched to the outside and the setting console 3 is connected. When a battery is incorporated in the console 3, it is not necessary to branch off the power supply lines 7A and 7B.

The console 3 is for setting the sensor S before operation to a teaching mode and setting various detection operations such as the fixed blanking described above. FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the console 3. A display 31 for displaying numerical values and the like is provided on the front of the body.
In addition to A and 31B, a plurality of notification lamps 32 and push button keys 33 for notifying the setting mode are provided. A connection terminal (not shown) for connecting a connection cable 57 from the branch connector 4 is provided on the upper surface of the body.

The push-button key 33 is used to set the sensor S to the teaching mode and to input setting data and commands. The display units 31A and 31B
Display data corresponding to the operation content of the push button key 33,
It is used to display the amount of received light for each optical axis or the detection result of the light blocking state, for example, when setting fixed blanking.

Returning to FIG. 1, inside the body of the console 3, a communication circuit 37, a power supply circuit 38, a display circuit 34, an input unit 35 and the like are incorporated in addition to a control circuit 36 by a microcomputer. The communication circuit 37 is an interface of the RS485 standard similarly to the communication circuit of the light emitting and receiving unit 2 and is connected to the communication lines 6A and 6B branched by the branch connector 4. The power supply circuit 28 is connected to the power supply lines 7A and 7B branched by the branch connector 4, and plays a role of taking in power from the external power supply 5 and supplying the power to each unit in the console 3.

The display circuit 34 includes a display 3 on the front of the body.
This is a display interface for performing control for displaying information on 1A and 31B and for turning on the notification lamp 32. The input unit 35 is an input interface for receiving an input from the push button key 33 and transmitting the input content to the control circuit 36.

FIG. 3 shows the appearance of the light emitting and receiving sections 1 and 2 together with an example of mounting the branch connector 4. Note that FIG.
In the above, P, P,
Although Q is attached, in the following description, when referring to both the configurations of the light emitting and receiving units 1 and 2, only the numeral part common to each configuration will be shown.

The body of the light projecting section 1 and the light receiving section 2 of this embodiment is constituted by a long case body 51 having both ends opened. Lids 54 are hermetically fixed to the openings at both ends of the case body 51. On the upper surface of each lid 54, connectors 52 and 53 for connection are provided, respectively. These upper and lower connectors 52 and 53 are for relaying a plurality of input / output signal lines in addition to the communication lines 6A and 6B and the power supply lines 7A and 7B. Are formed to have the same diameter as female connectors.

Each of the connectors 52P, 52Q, 53P,
Although the terminal arrangement of 53Q is the same, the signals handled by each terminal are slightly different depending on the light projecting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2. However, as for the communication lines 6A and 6B and the power supply lines 7A and 7B, the terminals at the same positions are used in all the connectors.

The light projecting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 have lower male connectors 53P and 53Q, respectively, attached to a wiring board (not shown) via a cable 54. The branch connector 4 is a T-shaped connector and includes connectors 53P, 5P.
The signal is relayed between one of the 3Qs (in the illustrated example, the connector 53Q on the light receiving unit 2 side) and the cable 58Q, and the branch path is connected to the cable 57 for connection to the console 3. Note that the branching connector 4 branches the communication lines 6A and 6B and the power line 7
A and 7B only, and for other signal lines, only a signal path for relay from the connector 53 for connection to the cable 58 is formed. In the figure, 55a, 55b, 55c
Are knurls for fixing the connection of each member, 5
6, 59 are relay connectors.

As described above, the male connectors 53P and 53Q of the light emitting and receiving sections 1 and 2 have the same diameter, and have the communication lines 6A and 6A.
6B and the terminals for the power supply lines 7A and 7B are arranged at the same position, and therefore, as shown in FIG.
P, 53Q can also be connected.

Each of the relay connection ports of the branch connector 4 is formed so that one of them corresponds to the male connector 53 and the other corresponds to the female connector 52. Therefore, the branch connector 4 can also be connected to the upper female connectors 52P and 52Q. Therefore, the optimum connector for connection can be selected according to the conditions such as the installation location of the sensor, and the branch connector 4 can be attached. The connection and detachment of the console 3 can be performed very easily. Also, since the branch connector 4 itself can be easily removed,
It is possible to easily cope with a case where the installation location of the sensor is changed. However, a lid 54 without a connector may be provided on the upper surfaces of the light emitting and receiving units 1 and 2. In this case, the connectors 53 P and 5 below the light emitting and receiving units 1 and 2 are provided.
The connector that is more convenient for the connection is selected from the 3Q.

Further, since the console 3 can be connected to the branch connector 4 as required, even in an environment where a plurality of sensors are provided, if a similar branch connector is attached to each sensor, a common branch connector is provided. The console 3 can be used, and the cost for the setting device can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the communication circuits 17, 27, 37 of the light projecting unit 1, the light receiving unit 2, and the console 3 are used.
Since an interface of the RS485 standard is used, the light-emitting unit 1, the light-receiving unit 2, and the console 3 are set as individual devices, and bidirectional communication is individually performed between the devices. Then, individual setting processing can be performed for both the light projecting unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2.

When a plurality of such multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors are connected via connectors 52 at both ends, the same applies.
It can be configured to perform multi-drop communication. Therefore, even in this system, the branch connector 4
If the console 3 is connected by using, it is possible to individually set the definition of the detection operation for each sensor.

FIG. 5 shows a plurality of multi-optical axis sensors (S _A, S
Only two of _B are shown. 3) shows an example of a configuration in the case of connecting.
In FIG. 5, among the configurations of the light emitting units 1A and 1B and the light receiving units 2A and 2B, as for the configuration relating to the light emitting and receiving operation (not shown), all the sensors have the same configuration as that of FIG. The illustration is omitted, and only the components (control circuits 16 and 26, communication circuits 17 and 27) involved in communication and the power supply circuits 18 and 28 are shown.

In this embodiment, the connection connectors at both ends are connected.
Sensors S via the sensors 52 and 53 _A,S_BIs for each light emitting part,
Each light receiving unit is connected. Top sensor S_AFloodlight 1
A and the light receiving section 2A are connected to the communication line 6 in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG.
A, 6B and power supply lines 7A, 7B.
And between the sensors, the connector
The communication lines 6A and 6B and the power line
7A and 7B are serially relayed. In addition, each emitter / receiver
Communication circuits 17 and 27 are connected to communication lines 6A and 6B by a power supply circuit.
18 and 28 are connected to power supply lines 7A and 7B, respectively.
Then, each light emitting and receiving unit is connected in series.

Further, in this embodiment, the uppermost sensor S
The communication lines 6A and 6B and the power supply lines 7A and 7B between the light emitting and receiving sections 1A and 1B of _A are relayed by the branch connector 4 as in the case of FIG. I have to.

According to the configuration shown in FIG. 5, since each of the light emitting and receiving units 1 and 2 and the console 3 are assigned an individual address, the light emitting and receiving units 1 and 2 of the same sensor are allocated between the sensors.
Two-way communication can be performed individually between the two and between each sensor and the console. For example, if it is set to perform detection operation in order from the upper sensor, the upper sensor S _A light projecting portion of the sensor to be next operation from the light projecting unit 1A or the light receiving portion 2A of the side 2A or the light receiving portion 2
By transmitting the command to B, the detection process is taken over between the sensors. In each sensor,
By transmitting a timing signal for each optical axis from the light emitting units 1A and 1B to the corresponding light receiving units 2A and 2B, the light emitting and receiving operations are synchronized in the same manner as in a single sensor, and a series of object detection is performed. Execute the process. The lower sensor S projecting portion 1B or the light receiving portion 2B of _B, the above sensor S _A
Each time a series of detection operations is completed, a final detection result of the own device is output to the light emitting unit 1A or the light receiving unit 2A.

When the console 3 is further connected,
The console 3 can individually communicate with the light emitting and receiving units of the sensors S _{A and} S _B to set the machine in the teaching mode and perform various settings. In particular, when it is necessary to perform teaching while checking the light blocking state for each optical axis such as fixed blanking, the detection result for each optical axis is taken in from the light receiving unit of the corresponding sensor, and the display unit 31A,
The setting process can be performed while displaying on the 31B.

Conventionally, when this type of setting was performed by a personal computer, the connection of the personal computer had to be switched for each sensor. However, according to this embodiment, the user can change the communication destination on the console 3. Since it is sufficient only to perform an operation such as designating the address of the sensor, the complexity due to connection switching can be eliminated, and efficient setting processing can be performed.

The connecting connectors 52 and 53 of the light emitting and receiving sections 1 and 2 of each sensor are formed to have the same diameter, so that the branch connector 4 is located at any position as shown in FIG. Connector 52, 53 can also be attached. Therefore, the user can use these sensors S _A , S _B
The most suitable location for connecting the console 3 can be selected from the connection connectors according to the installation environment of the device and the positional relationship between the sensors S _A and S _B , greatly improving the convenience. be able to.

[0051]

As described above, according to the present invention, the branch connector is attached to the communication line used for communication between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, and the console connected via the branch connector is provided. , So that the definition of the detection operation is set, without changing the configuration on the sensor side,
Various setting processes can be easily executed at a position near the sensor. Also, when a plurality of sensors are installed at the site, one console can be shared by each sensor, so that the cost can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, when a plurality of sensors are connected and used, the light emitting part and the light receiving part of each sensor are connected in series by a communication line for multi-drop communication, and the console is connected to the communication line. Since the connection branch connector is attached, there is no need to reconnect the console even if the sensor to be set changes, and simple and efficient setting processing can be performed.

Further, according to the present invention, the branch connector is configured to be connectable to the connection connector of the light emitting / receiving section.
By selecting an optimum location for connecting the console and attaching the branching connector, the console can be easily attached and detached, and the convenience can be greatly improved.

Further, according to the present invention, the console includes:
Since the function to capture and display the data indicating the amount of light received for each optical axis or the result of detection of the light blocking state from the sensor side is provided,
When performing settings such as setting a threshold for detecting a fixed blanking or light blocking state, it is possible to confirm whether or not the correct settings have been made, and efficiently and accurately at a position near the sensor. Teaching work can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a setting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the console.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the appearance of the light emitting and receiving unit and an example of mounting a branch connector.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of mounting a branch connector.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a setting system when a plurality of sensors are connected.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of mounting a branch connector.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of fixed blanking.

[Explanation of symbols]

 S Multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 Light emitting unit 2 Light receiving unit 3 Console 5 Branch connector 6A, 6B Communication line 16, 26, 36 Control circuit 17, 27, 37 Communication circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04B 10/135 H04B 9/00 Q 10/13 10/12 // F16P 3/14 (72) Inventor Kawaike 801 F-term in Omron Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor which forms a plurality of optical axes by arranging a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit to face each other, detects a light-shielded state for each optical axis, and outputs a detection result. Wherein the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are connected by a communication line capable of two-way communication, and the communication line is connected to the outside through the communication line. A setting system for a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, wherein a console for setting the definition of the detection operation is detachably connected to the branch connector. 2. The light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit each have a connection connector having the same diameter at at least one end in the longitudinal direction, and the branch connector is configured to be connectable to each connection connector. 2. A setting system for a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, comprising: 3. The console is provided with a display on a body thereof, and receives data indicating the amount of light received for each optical axis or the result of detecting a light-shielded state via the communication line and displays the data on the display. Means comprising:
Or a setting system for a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to item 2. 4. A light emitting unit and a light receiving unit are arranged opposite to each other to form a plurality of optical axes, and a plurality of multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors for detecting a light blocking state for each optical axis and outputting the detection result are connected. A system for individually setting the definition of a detection operation for each sensor, wherein the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of each sensor are connected in series by a communication line capable of multi-drop communication, and are connected to the communication line. A multi-axis photoelectric sensor is provided, in which a branch connector for branching the communication line to the outside is attached, and a console for setting the definition of the detection operation is detachably connected to the branch connector. Setting system. 5. A light emitting part and a light receiving part of each of the sensors are provided with connecting connectors having the same diameter at both ends in a longitudinal direction, and the connecting connectors allow each sensor to be connected to each of the light emitting part and the light receiving part. The setting system for a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to claim 4, wherein the branch connector is configured to be connectable to each connection connector.