JP2003097793A - Method for adjusting optical axis of multi optical axis photoelectric safety device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for adjusting optical axes of multi optical axis photoelectric safety device capable of arranging a light curtain a narrow optical axis interval as close to a press machine as possible. SOLUTION: Optical axis adjustment between a sub light receiver 13 and a sub light projector 14 is performed at first. Then, optical axis adjustment between a main light projector 11 and the sub light receiver 13 is performed by adjusting position and/or direction of the main light projector 11. Then, optical axis adjustment between the sub light projector 14 and a main light receiver 12 is performed. Adjustment thereof is performed by fine adjustment of position and/or direction of the main light receiver 12.

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 safety device, and more particularly to a method of installing a safety device including a main light-emitter and a sub-emitter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to detect the presence or absence of an object in a wide detection area, a light projector including a large number of light emitting elements arranged in a row and a light receiver including a large number of light receiving elements corresponding thereto are provided. A multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device is used as one unit. Explaining typical usage examples of multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device, machine tools, punch machines, press machines, casting machines,
Create a protective fence, that is, a light curtain with a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device at the boundary of the device installation area such as an automatic controller,
For example, if a part of the worker's body enters the work area,
This is detected by the multi-axis photoelectric safety device and used to immediately stop the operation of the machine and / or give an alarm.

Regarding the arrangement of the light transmitter and the light receiver of the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, when a device 1 such as a press machine includes an interfering object or a protruding portion 2 protruding toward an operator, The safety device 3 may be arranged so as to avoid the protruding portion 2, that is, at a position where it does not interfere with the protruding portion 2.

However, according to such an arrangement example, since the horizontal distance X1 from the work center O of the apparatus 1 to the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device 3 (light curtain) is increased, an area where a press machine or the like is installed is installed. And the work efficiency decreases.

When the device 1 such as a press machine includes the protruding portion 2 protruding toward the operator, another example of the arrangement of the safety device 3 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the illustrated conventional example, a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device 3 (light curtain) is arranged close to the device 1, and an area 4 where the protruding portion 2 interferes with the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 3, that is, a light curtain. Many optical axes forming the
It is performed in advance to invalidate the area 4 in which a part of the optical axis is shielded. That is, by using the blanking function of previously setting the area 4 where the protruding portion 2 which is an interfering object exists in the non-detection area, the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device 3 (light curtain) is located at a position where it interferes with the protruding portion 2. Are placed.

According to this, since the protective fence, that is, the light curtain can be arranged close to the device 1 (X2 <X1), the work efficiency can be improved by ensuring the minimum necessary safety distance related to the device 1. Has the advantage that

However, of the many optical axes 5 of the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device 3, the optical axis of the area 4 in which the protruding portion 2 is present is invalidated, and this area 4 is made a non-detection area. There is a problem that the safety of this area 4 is impaired. To solve this problem, as shown in FIG.
It is necessary to take another safety measure such as forming the fence 6 on the area 4 with a metal plate or a fence.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-43099 proposes a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device in the presence of an interfering substance as described above. The safety device disclosed in this publication is composed of a pair of light emitters / receivers each having a large number of light emitting elements and a large number of light receiving elements paired with the light emitting elements, and a pair of reflecting mirrors arranged adjacent to an interfering object. As for the area that interferes with the interferer, the light emitted from the light emitter / receiver is reflected by the reflection mirror, and the reflected light is received by the same light emitter / receiver to form a light curtain.

[0009]

However, according to the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-43099, the optical axis adjustment between a pair of light-emitter and light-receiver and each light-emitter and light-receiver and this It is difficult to make adjustments with respect to the reflection mirror associated with the above-mentioned, and this problem becomes remarkable especially when the distance between adjacent optical axes is small. Further, it is necessary to incorporate a light projecting element and a light receiving element for projecting and receiving light on the reflection mirror in each of the pair of light projecting and receiving devices, which causes a problem that the size of each light projecting and receiving device becomes large. .

It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical axis adjusting method for a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device which allows a light curtain having a narrow interval between optical axes to be arranged as close as possible to a press or the like. .

[0011] A further object of the present invention relates to a device such as a press including a projecting portion projecting toward the operator side.
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical axis adjusting method for a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device capable of forming a light curtain without an invalid area by approaching the press machine.

[0012]

According to one aspect of the present invention, such a technical problem is a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device for forming a light curtain with a plurality of optical beams of optical axes around an interfering object. A main light emitter having a large number of light projecting elements arranged in a row at equal intervals, and a light receiving element of the same number as the light projecting elements, the light receiving elements being arranged in a row at equal intervals. The main light receiver and at least one light receiving element that is disposed adjacent to one side of the interferer that blocks the light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain and that can receive the light beam from the main light projector. And a sub-receiver that includes two sub-receivers, and a light projector that is disposed adjacent to the other side of the interferer that blocks the light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain and that can emit the light beam toward the main light receiver. Element at least A main detection area formed by the main light emitter and the main light receiver, and a first sub detection area formed by the main light emitter and the sub light receiver. A method for adjusting an optical axis of a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device comprising a second sub-detection area formed by the sub-emitter and the main light-receiver, wherein the sub-emitter and the sub-light receiver are provided. Between the main light projector and the sub-light receiver by finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the main light projector, and the main light receiver. Optical axis adjustment between the sub light projector and the main light receiver by finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the optical device. It is achieved by providing an adjustment method.

Regarding the optical axis adjusting step between the main light emitter and the sub light receiver and the optical axis adjusting step between the sub light emitter and the main light receiver, the light between the main light emitter and the sub light receiver is The axis adjusting step may be performed first, or the optical axis adjusting step between the sub light projector and the main light receiver may be performed first.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device for forming a light curtain with a large number of optical beams of optical axes around an interfering object,
A main light emitter having a large number of light emitting elements arranged in a row at equal intervals, and a main light receiver having the same number of light receiving elements as the light emitting elements, and the light receiving elements being arranged in a row at equal intervals. And a sub-light receiving unit including at least one light receiving element that is arranged adjacent to one side of the interferer that blocks the light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain and that can receive the light beam from the main projector. And a light projecting element that is disposed adjacent to the other side of the interferer that blocks the light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain and that can emit the light beam toward the main light receiver. And a sub floodlight that includes two, the light curtain,
A main detection area formed by the main light emitter and the main light receiver, a first sub detection area formed by the main light emitter and the sub light receiver, and a sub light emitter and the main light receiver. A method of adjusting an optical axis of a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device configured with a second sub-detection area, comprising finely adjusting a position and / or an orientation of the main projector and / or the sub-receiver, A first optical axis adjustment between the main projector and the sub-receiver
And a second step of adjusting the optical axis between the main light emitter and the main light receiver by finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the main light receiver, and the position and / or the sub light emitter. A third step of performing optical axis adjustment between the sub-emitter and the main light-receiver by finely adjusting the direction is provided. An optical axis adjustment method for a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device is provided. It is achieved by

According to another aspect of the present invention, such a technical problem is a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device for forming a light curtain with light beams of a large number of optical axes around an interfering object,
A main light emitter having a large number of light emitting elements arranged in a row at equal intervals, and a main light receiver having the same number of light receiving elements as the light emitting elements, and the light receiving elements being arranged in a row at equal intervals. And a sub-light receiving unit including at least one light receiving element that is arranged adjacent to one side of the interferer that blocks the light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain and that can receive the light beam from the main projector. And a light projecting element that is disposed adjacent to the other side of the interferer that blocks the light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain and that can emit the light beam toward the main light receiver. And a sub floodlight that includes two, the light curtain,
A main detection area formed by the main light emitter and the main light receiver, a first sub detection area formed by the main light emitter and the sub light receiver, and a sub light emitter and the main light receiver. A method of adjusting an optical axis of a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device configured with a second sub-detection area, comprising: finely adjusting a position and / or a direction of the sub-emitter and / or the main light-receiver, A first optical axis adjustment between the sub light projector and the main light receiver,
And a second step of adjusting the optical axis between the main light emitter and the main light receiver by finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the main light emitter, and the position and / or the sub light receiver. A third step of adjusting the optical axis between the main light emitter and the sub light receiver by finely adjusting the direction is provided. An optical axis adjustment method for a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device is provided. It is achieved by

[0016]

The above and other objects of the present invention, as well as the effects thereof, will be apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 5, a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device 1
00 includes a main projector 11 and a corresponding main light receiver 12 as a basic unit, and the main projector 11 and the light receiver 12 which are the basic units can both be added in series and / or in parallel. In addition, the safety device 100
Is a sub-light receiver 13 that partially corresponds to the main light projector 1.
And the sub-emitter 1 that partially corresponds to the main light receiver 12.
Includes 4 and.

The main projector 11 is an elongated case 11a.
In the case 11a, n (eight in this embodiment) light projecting elements (not shown) are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the case 11a at equal intervals. The distance between adjacent light projecting elements is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 20 m.
m.

The main light receiver 12 has an elongated case 12a, like the main light projector 11, and the case 12a.
Inside the main floodlights 1 in rows along its length
The same number as the number of the light projecting elements of 1 (n = 8 in this embodiment)
Light receiving elements (not shown) are arranged at equal intervals. The distance between the adjacent light receiving elements is the same as that of the main light projector 11, and if the distance between the adjacent light emitting elements is 20 mm, the distance between the adjacent light receiving elements is also 20 mm.

The sub-light receiver 13 is a case 1 having a relatively short length.
3a, in the case 13a, the main projector 1
One or a plurality of light receiving elements (not shown), which are smaller in number than the light emitting elements or light receiving elements included in the main light receiver 12, are arranged in a line. In this embodiment, two light receiving elements are arranged, the interval between the two light receiving elements is the same as the interval between the adjacent light projecting elements of the main light projector 11, and the pitch of the light projecting elements of the main light projector 11 is equal to that of the main light projector 11. Is 20
If it is mm, the distance between the light receiving elements of the sub light receiver 13 is also 20.
mm.

The sub-projector 14 is a relatively short case 1
4a, and the sub-light receiver 13 in this case 14a.
The same number of light projecting elements (not shown) as the light receiving elements of are arranged in a line. In this embodiment, two light projecting elements are arranged, and the distance between the two light projecting elements is set to the main light receiver 12
Is the same as the distance between adjacent light emitting elements, and if the pitch of the light receiving elements of the main light receiver 12 is 20 mm, the distance between the light emitting elements of the sub light projector 14 is also 20 mm.

The numbers 1, 2 ... 8 shown in FIG. 5 indicate the numbers of the optical axes between the main light projector 11 and the main light receiver 12. As can be understood from the figure, the main projector 11
The main light receiver 12 and the main light receiver 12 are arranged facing each other on the same plane, and light is transmitted and received between the main light emitter 11 and the main light receiver 12 to form a main detection area or a main light curtain 15 (Fig. 7). Sub receiver 13
The sub-emitter 14 is arranged in the main detection area, and the first and second sub-emitters are provided between the main light-emitter 11 and the sub-light receiver 13 and between the sub-emitter 14 and the main light-receiver 12. The detection areas 16 and 17 are created (FIG. 7).

That is, the sub-light receiver 13 is disposed adjacent to one side surface of the protruding portion or the interfering object 21 of the apparatus 20 protruding toward the operator side and facing the main light projector 11.
A first sub-detection area 16 is formed with the corresponding light-projecting element of the main projector 11. In addition, the sub-projector 14 is the device 2
It is arranged adjacent to the other side surface of the protruding portion 21 of 0 and faces the main light receiver 12, and forms a second sub-detection area 17 with the corresponding light receiving element of the main light receiver 12.

In FIGS. 5 and 7, the sub light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 14 are arranged on the third and fourth optical axes between the main light projector 11 and the main light receiver 12, respectively. Although the sub detection areas 16 and 17 are formed on the axis, this is merely an example, and the sub light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 1 are provided.
4 is arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the interfering object such as the protruding portion 21. Further, the number of light receiving elements and light projecting elements of the sub light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 14 is the size of an interfering substance such as the projecting portion 21, that is, the light which the projecting portion 21 blocks in the main detection area 15. Any number corresponding to the number of axes may be used.

The main light projector 11, the main light receiver 12, the sub light receiver 13, and the sub light projector 14 are connected to each other via a communication line or a signal line 22.

Referring to FIG. 8, the main projector 11 and the main light receiver 12 constituting the basic unit are both provided with an optical axis adjustment display section 30 in which a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) segments are vertically arranged side by side. For the LED segment, for example, a two-color light emitting diode that emits red or green light is adopted. In addition, the main projector 11 and the main light receiver 12 emit, for example, green light during normal times, and on the other hand, when an unplanned optical axis blocks or receives light other than during normal times or when the system itself fails. Is provided with an output indicator lamp, that is, an on / off indicator lamp 31, which is an LED that emits red light.

The display format of the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment display section 30 composed of a plurality of light emitting diode segments is not particularly limited, but all the optical axes or light beams are all incident on the main light receiver 12. When the light is entering, all the LED segments emit green. When a part of the optical axes is shielded, the optical axis adjustment display section 30 emits red light from the bottom in a number of segments corresponding to the proportion of the shielded optical axes, in other words, the proportion of the incident optical axes. , The number of segments corresponding to the shaded optical axis goes out from the top. That is, as the light entrance rate increases, or in accordance with the degree of optical axis adjustment, that is, the ratio of the light blocking optical axis and the light entering optical axis, a red bar extending upward is displayed in a bar format.

Further, the sub light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 14
Is provided with an optical axis adjustment display section 32 having substantially the same function as the optical axis adjustment display lamp or the optical axis adjustment display section 30 described above.

Regarding the optical axis adjustment display section 30 provided on the main photodetector 12 and / or the optical axis adjustment display section 32 provided on the sub photodetector 13, etc., there are conventionally known display formats listed below. It may be one. (1) Indicator light that is turned on or off when all the optical axes are incident and the optical axis adjustment is completed; (2) When all the optical axes are incident and the optical axis adjustment is completed, for example, from red to green Indicator light whose color changes; (3) LE that lights up according to the amount of light received by the light receiver
Indicator light in which the number of D increases or decreases; (4) Indicator light whose blinking speed changes according to the ratio of the light-shielding optical axis and the incident light axis; (5) The blinking speed changes according to the amount of light received by the light receiver. Indicator light: (6) An indicator lamp is provided for each optical axis, and an indicator lamp that indicates the state of incident light or light interception for each optical axis; (7) The projector and many optical axes of the projector are divided into several blocks, The indicator light for each block displays the light-in / out state.

Further, the optical axis adjustment display section 30 and / or 3 is provided.
Regarding No. 2, as shown in FIG. 9, an indicator lamp 33 may be provided for each optical axis to display the light incident / shielded state for each optical axis. Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the main light receiver 12 is provided with the indicator lamp 33 for each optical axis, the indicator lamp 33 may be provided in the main projector 11, or the main projector 11 and the main light receiver. It may be provided in both the container 12 and the container 12. The same applies to the sub light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 14, and the sub light receiver 13 and / or the sub light projector 14 may be provided with the indicator lamp 33 for each optical axis.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a liquid crystal display or a 7-segment LED 34 for displaying the number of light entering optical axes or the number of light blocking optical axes or the ratio between the light entering optical axes and the light blocking optical axes by numbers.
May be In FIG. 10, the projector 11 and the receiver 1
Although the example in which the numeral display 34 is provided on both of the two is shown, the numeral display 34 may be provided on either the projector 11 or the light receiver 12. Sub light receiver 13,
The same applies to the sub light emitter 14, and the sub light receiver 13
A number display 34 may be provided on the sub-projector 14.

Referring to FIG. 11, the main projector 11 is
N light projecting circuits 41 that drive the light projecting elements 40 including N (e.g., 8) light emitting diodes, and a light projecting element switching circuit (optical axis switching) that scans these light projecting circuits 41 in a time division manner. Circuit 42 and a light projecting element control circuit 43 for controlling the main light projector 11 as a whole, and a control signal is output from the light projecting element control circuit 43 to the optical axis adjustment display section 30 and the output indicator lamp 31.

The main light projector 11 further includes a first light projector communication control circuit 44 for controlling bidirectional signal transmission / reception with the main light receiver 12, the sub light receiver 13, and the like, and an additional main light projector (not shown) connected in series. No. 2) and a second projector communication control circuit 45 for controlling communication with the second projector.

On the other hand, the main photodetector 12 has N photodetector circuits 51 for driving N photodetectors 50 (eg, 8 photodetectors).
A light receiving element switching circuit 52 for scanning these light receiving circuits 51 in a time division manner, an amplifier circuit 53, and a main light receiver 1
A light receiving element control circuit 54 for controlling the whole 2 is provided, and a control signal is output from the light receiving element control circuit 54 to the optical axis adjustment display section 30 and the output indicator lamp 31.

The main light receiver 12 further includes a first light receiver communication control circuit 55 for controlling bidirectional signal transmission / reception with the main light emitter 11, the sub light receiver 13 and the like, and an additional light receiver connected in series (see FIG. Second to control communication with (not shown)
And a light receiver communication control circuit 56.

The main light receiver 12 also receives a light-shielding signal from the light-receiving element control circuit 54, and outputs 2 to 2 signals within a predetermined period.
A light reception signal processing circuit 57 for performing detection processing or signal processing for detecting the occurrence of three times of light blocking is included, and a light blocking signal or OFF from the output circuit 58 via this light receiving signal processing circuit 57.
The signals are, for example, the main light emitter 11 and the main light receiver 12
Press device 2 related to the light curtain formed by
0 is sent to an external device (not shown) such as a control panel and a warning light, and the operation of the press device 20 is immediately stopped.

The sub-light receiver 13 is, as shown in FIG.
In this embodiment, two light receiving circuits 61 for driving the two light receiving elements 60, a light receiving element switching circuit 62 for scanning these light receiving circuits 61 in a time division manner, an amplifier circuit 63, and a sub light receiver 13 are provided as a whole. A light-receiving element control circuit 64 for controlling and a sub-light-receiver communication control circuit 65 for controlling bidirectional signal transmission / reception with the main projector 11, the sub-projector 14, etc. A control signal is output to 32.

As shown in FIG. 13, the sub-projector 14 includes
N light projecting circuits 71 for driving the two light projecting elements 70,
A light projecting element switching circuit (optical axis switching circuit) 72 that scans these light projecting circuits 71 in a time division manner, and a light projecting element control circuit 73 that controls the sub light projector 14 as a whole are provided. The sub light projector 14 also includes a main light receiver 12 and a sub light receiver 1.
3 and the like, and a sub floodlight communication control circuit 74 for controlling bidirectional signal transmission / reception, and a control signal is output from the light projecting element control circuit 74 to the optical axis adjustment display section 32.

The safety device 100 transmits / receives information between the main light projector 11, the main light receiver 12, the sub light receiver 13, and the sub light projector 14 via a signal line or a communication line 22, thereby making it possible to communicate with the related light projectors. The light projecting element and the light receiving element included in the light receiver are sequentially and selectively activated at a predetermined timing so as not to receive a light beam of an optical axis other than the related optical axis.

Main projector 11 and main light receiver 12
Is conveniently preset to execute the basic operation sequence shown in FIG. 14. For example, when the light curtain is made without the sub-light receiver 13 and the sub-light projector 14, in other words, When a light curtain is made up of only the main light emitters / receivers 11 and 12, the operation is performed according to a preset basic operation sequence of FIG. 14 shows the basic operation sequence of the main light projector 11, the associated light receiving elements of the main light receiver 12 become effective in synchronization with the activation of each light emitting element of the main light projector 11.

As can be understood from FIG. 14, in the basic operation sequence of the main light-emitters / receivers 11 and 12, the period (T1) during which each light-emitter / receiver is activated is constant and the next light-emitter / receiver is activated. The span (T2) up to is also constant.
That is, the main light-emitters 11 and 12 are set so that the light-emitter elements and the light-receiver elements that are associated with each other are enabled at the same timing for the same period one after another. Therefore, the operation sequence shown in FIG.
It can be automatically set based on 1, T2 and the number of optical axes. Although such an operation sequence may be realized by an operation program, it may be realized by an electric circuit instead.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the multi-detection or second operation sequence when the sub light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 14 are incorporated. According to this second operation sequence, as can be understood from FIG. 15, after activating the light projecting element for the third optical axis of the main light projector 11, next, activating the related light projecting element of the sub light projector 14, Next, after activating the light projecting element for the fourth optical axis of the main light projector 11, next, the related light projecting element of the sub light projector 14 is activated.

In the safety device 100, as can be seen from the above description, 6 between the main projector 11 and the main optical receiver 12 associated with the first and second optical axes and the fifth to eighth optical axes.
The main detection area 15 is formed by the two light beams, and the two light beams between the main light emitter 11 and the sub light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 1 are associated with the third and fourth optical axes.
Two sub-detection areas 16 and 17 are formed by 4 and the two light beams between the main light receiver 12. That is,
The safety device 100 has a total of 10 light beams and the protrusion 2
A light curtain composed of a main detection area 15 and sub detection areas 16 and 17 is formed in an area surrounding the area 1.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, in the main detection area 15 formed by the main light projector 11 and the main light receiver 12, the first optical axis is shielded by an interfering object S such as a part of the human body. And the first light receiving element of the main light receiver 12, which is activated in synchronization with the first light emitting element of the main light projector 11, does not receive the light beam, so that the presence of the interferer S is immediately detected. This means that the output circuit 58 passes through the light reception signal processing circuit or the detection circuit 57 built in the main light receiver 12 to the external device and the OF
The F signal is output, and the operation of the press device 20 is immediately stopped.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the third optical axis is shielded by the interference S in the first sub-detection area 16 formed by the main light projector 11 and the sub-light receiver 13, Since the corresponding light receiving element of the sub light receiver 13 activated in synchronization with the third light emitting element of the main light projector 11 does not receive the light beam, the light emitting element of the sub light projector 14 with respect to the third optical axis emits light. Not done. Therefore,
Since the corresponding light receiving element of the main light receiver 12 does not receive the light beam at a predetermined timing, it is possible to immediately detect the presence of the interfering object S, whereby the light reception signal processing built in the main light receiver 12 can be performed. An OFF signal is output from the output circuit 58 to the external device through the circuit or the detection circuit 57, and the operation of the press device 20 is immediately stopped.

When an interfering object S such as a part of a human body enters the first sub detection area 16 described with reference to FIG. 17, the sub light receiver 13 does not receive the light beam from the main light projector 11 at a predetermined timing. Directly to the main light receiver 12, and the main light receiver 12
It is also possible to cause the output circuit 58 to output a light-shielding output to an external device via the light-receiving signal processing circuit or the detection circuit 57 built in to immediately stop the operation of the press device 20.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 18, when the third optical axis is shielded by the interfering object S in the second sub detection area 17 formed by the sub light projector 14 and the main light receiver 12, Since the corresponding light receiving element of the main light receiver 12 does not receive the light beam from the third light emitting element of the sub light projector 14, it is possible to immediately detect the presence of the interfering object S. The light-shielding signal or the OFF signal is output from the output circuit 58 to the external device through the light-receiving signal processing circuit or the detection circuit 57 built in the main light receiver 12, and the operation of the press device 20 is immediately stopped.

Regarding the safety device 100, the main projector 11
, Main light receiver 12, sub-light receiver 13, sub-emitter 1
Since 4 are connected to each other by a communication line or a signal line 22, as a modified example, a light reception signal processing circuit or a detection circuit 57 and an output circuit 58 are provided in the main projector 11, and the main projector 11 shields the external device from light. A signal or an OFF signal may be output.

Although the safety device 100 is operated by incorporating an operation sequence in the main projector 11 and the like, as shown in FIG.
8 may be provided, and in this safety device 200, the controller 38 substantially controls the light-emitter / receiver such as the main light-emitter 11. Then, the light shielding signals from the main light receiver 12 and the sub light receiver 13 are input to the controller 25, and the controller 25 outputs an ON signal or an OFF signal to an external device.

Even in the apparatus 200, the main light receiver 12
The light receiving element control circuit 54 may substantially generate the second operation sequence in a procedure described later in detail. However, the function of the light receiving element control circuit 54, that is, the function of generating the second operation sequence is not required. It may be realized by the controller 25.

Further, in the safety device 200, instead of the optical axis adjustment display section 30 provided in the main projector 11 and the optical axis adjustment display section 32 provided in the sub-light receiver 13, the optical axis adjustment display is displayed in the controller 38. The section 39 may be provided, or the teaching switch 36 may be provided (FIG. 19). The optical axis adjustment display unit 39 may have the same configuration as the optical axis adjustment display unit 30 or 32 described above, or may employ any of the optical axis display modes listed above. .

Further, the controller 38 is provided with the signal processing circuit 57 and the output circuit 58 of the main light receiver 12 described above.
A circuit similar to that shown in FIG. 11 may be provided so that the controller 38 outputs a light-shielding signal to an external device (FIG. 1).
9).

The safety device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings starting from FIG.
A method of adjusting the optical axis at the time of installing the light emitter / receiver regarding the installation of 00 or 200 will be described. 20 to 25 are diagrams relating to the first method, and FIGS. 26 to 30 are diagrams relating to the second method.

[0054]First optical axis adjusting method (FIGS. 20 to 23) (1)First step:In the detection area, for example, the press device 2
The position of the interferer such as the protruding portion 21 is determined from 0. This
, The interfering object 21 is not always present at that position.
You don't have to.

(2)Second step: sub-emitters / receivers 13, 14
Optical axis adjustment (Fig. 20) Install the sub-emitters / receivers 13 and 14 beside the interferer 21,
The relative positioning between them is performed. That is, the sub
The back surfaces of the light receiver 13 and the sub light projector 14 face each other.
In this way, they are arranged on both sides of the interferer 21. Then
Positioning of the sub-light receiver 13 and the sub-emitter 14, that is, light
Adjust the axis. This optical axis adjustment is performed with the sub-light receiver 13 and the sub-light receiver.
Since the projector 14 and the projector 14 are opposite to each other,
The optical axis cannot be adjusted directly. From this,
The relative positioning of the sub-emitters / receivers 13, 14 by
Should be done.

As shown in FIG. 20, the sub-emitter / receiver 1
The laser pointer unit LPU is removably attached to 3 and 14 to adjust the optical axis between the sub-emitters / receivers 13 and 14.

On the back surfaces of the sub-emitters / receivers 13 and 14, that is, on the surfaces facing each other, a pair of light-projecting elements and light-receiving elements for adjusting the optical axis are provided, and the sub-emitters / receivers for the optical axis adjustment are provided. The optical axes of 13 and 14 are adjusted. For example, a light projecting element is provided on the back surface of the sub light projector 14,
When the light beam emitted from the light projecting element provided on the back surface of the sub light receiver is received by the light receiving element provided on the back surface of the sub light receiver 13, the optical axis adjustment display unit 32 of the sub light receiver 13 is turned on to light both , 14 can be easily adjusted.

A jig for mechanically connecting the sub-emitters / receivers 13, 14 such as a rail is prepared, and the sub-emitters / receivers 13, 14 are fixed to the jig to fix the sub-emitters / receivers 13, 14 to each other. Relative positioning, that is, the optical axis adjustment is performed. When the relative positioning of the sub-emitters / receivers 13 and 14 is completed, the jig is removed at an appropriate time, or a cuttable rail is prepared as a positioning rail to position the sub-emitters / receivers 13 and 14. Once completed, the rails may be cut at the appropriate time.

(3)Third step: main floodlight 11 and sub
Optical axis adjustment of the light receiver 13 (Fig. 21) When the main light projector 11 faces the sub light receiver 13,
Install so that. Next, the main projector 11 and the sub
The optical axis between the light receiver 13 is adjusted. In this case, the sub
The optical device 13 has an optical axis corresponding to the main projector 11, that is,
It receives only the optical beam of the optical axis that the sub-light receiver 13 should receive.
It is preferable to adjust the timing so that light is emitted. This tab
The aiming setting is performed by the controller 38 (FIG. 19) or an external device.
The sub-light receiver 13 can be
The optical axis number to be responded, for example, in the example of FIG.
This can be done by setting the 3rd and 4th optical axis numbers.
Wear.

Next, the main projector 11 is finely adjusted by finely adjusting the position and / or the direction of the main projector 11 while confirming the degree of optical axis adjustment by the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment indicator 32 of the sub light receiver 13. The optical axis is adjusted so that the light beam from the light enters the sub-light receiver 13. If the sub-light receiver 13 does not include the optical-axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical-axis adjustment display unit 32, the optical-axis adjustment display unit 39 (FIG. 19) of the controller 38 is used to set the degree of light incident on the sub-light receiver 13. You may confirm.

(4)Fourth step: sub-projector 14 and main
Optical axis adjustment of the light receiver 12 (Fig. 22) When the main light receiver 12 faces the sub light projector 14,
Install so that. This main light receiver 12 is installed
You can go with the main projector 11 in the third step.
Yes.

The optical axis adjustment between the sub light projector 14 and the main light receiver 12 can be performed by emitting a light beam from the sub light projector 14. That is, by finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the main light receiver 12 while confirming the degree of optical axis adjustment by the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp of the main light receiver 12 or the optical axis adjustment display unit 30, the sub projector 1
The optical axes are aligned so that the light beam from 4 enters the main light receiver 12. As a result, the main light emitter / receiver 11,
12 and the sub-emitters / receivers 13, 14 are all substantially adjusted in optical axis, and the main emitters / receivers 11, 12
It is basically unnecessary to adjust the optical axis between them.

If the safety device 100 or 200 operates in the sequence shown in FIG. 15, for example,
Since the light beams are sequentially emitted from the main light projector 11 and the sub light projector 14 toward the main light receiver 12,
While checking the degree of optical axis adjustment by the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment display section 30 of the main optical receiver 12, so that all of these light beams enter the main optical receiver 12, The position and / or orientation can be adjusted.

(5)Fifth step: Confirmation of the minimum detection object (Fig. 2
3) Main light emitter / receiver 11, 12 and sub light emitter / receiver 13, 14
All the detection areas formed by
It is possible to detect the smallest detection object with the light curtain
Check if This confirmation work is performed with the minimum detection object (not shown).
No.) is moved along the route shown by the arrow in FIG.
When the minimum detection object is located in the exit area, the device 10
Confirm that the shading signal is output from 0 or 200
By doing.

[0065]Modification of the first optical axis adjusting method (FIG. 24, FIG.
25) 24 and 25 are modified examples of the first optical axis adjusting method.
It is a figure for explaining. Optical axis adjustment method of this modification
Then, the first step and the second step are the same,
The third step and the fourth step are different.

[0066]Third step: sub light projector 14 and main light receiver
12 optical axis adjustments (Fig. 24) When the main light receiver 12 faces the sub light projector 14,
Install so that. Next, the sub projector 14 and the main
The optical axis between the optical receiver 12 and the optical receiver 12 is adjusted. In this case, the main
The light receiver 12 has an optical axis corresponding to the sub light projector 14, that is,
Only the optical beam of the optical axis that the main light receiver 12 should receive
It is preferable to adjust the timing so that light is received. this
The timing is set by the controller 38 (Fig. 19) or external
The main light receiver 1
2 is the number of the optical axis that should respond, for example, as explained in the example of FIG.
For example, it can be done by setting the 3rd and 4th optical axis numbers.
You can

Next, the position and / or orientation of the main light receiver 12 is finely adjusted while confirming the degree of optical axis adjustment by the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp of the main light receiver 12 or the optical axis adjustment display section 30. The optical axes are aligned so that the light beam from 14 enters the main light receiver 12. In the case of the safety device 200, the light incident degree of the main light receiver 12 may be confirmed on the optical axis adjustment display section 39 (FIG. 19) of the controller 38.

[0068]Fourth step: main projector 11 and sub receiver
13 optical axis adjustment (Fig. 25) When the main light projector 11 faces the sub light receiver 13,
Install so that. Installation of this main floodlight 11
You may go with the main photodetector 12 in the third step.
Yes.

The optical axis adjustment between the main light projector 11 and the sub light receiver 13 is performed while confirming the degree of optical axis adjustment by the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment display section 32 of the sub light receiver 13. By finely adjusting the position and / or the direction of, the optical axis is adjusted so that the light beam from the main light projector 11 enters the sub light receiver 13. In addition,
In the case of the safety device 200, the degree of light incident on the sub light receiver 13 may be confirmed on the optical axis adjustment display section 39 (FIG. 19) of the controller 38.

[0070]Second optical axis adjustment method (FIGS. 26 to 28) (1)First step: Main projector 11 and sub-light receiver 13
Optical axis adjustment (Fig. 26) The main light projector 11 and the sub light receiver 13 are installed. Na
Along with this, the sub light projector 14 and the main light receiver 12
May be installed.

Next, the main projector 11 and the sub-receiver 1
Adjust the optical axis between 3 and. In this case, the sub-light receiver 13
However, it is preferable to adjust the timing so that only the optical axis corresponding to the main projector 11, that is, the optical beam of the optical axis to be received by the sub light receiver 13 is received. This timing setting is performed by the controller 38 (FIG. 19), an external personal computer, or the like, and the optical axis number to which the sub-light receiver 13 responds, for example, the third and fourth optical axes in the example of FIG.
This can be done by setting the optical axis number of.

Next, the position and / or orientation of the main projector 11 and / or the sub-light receiver 13 is finely adjusted while confirming the degree of optical axis adjustment by the optical-axis adjustment indicator lamp of the sub-light receiver 13 or the optical-axis adjustment display section 32. By doing so, the optical axis is aligned so that the light beam from the main light projector 11 enters the sub light receiver 13. If the sub light receiver 13 does not include the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment indicator 32, the optical axis adjustment indicator 39 (FIG. 19) of the controller 38.
The degree of incident light of the sub light receiver 13 may be confirmed by.

(2)Second step: main floodlight 11 and May
Optical axis adjustment of optical receiver 12 (Fig. 27) The optical axes of the main light-emitters 11 and 12 are adjusted by the main receiver.
According to the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp of the optical device 12 or the optical axis adjustment display section 30.
While checking the degree of optical axis adjustment,
By fine-tuning the position and / or orientation,
The light beam from the optical device 11 enters the main optical receiver 12.
Optical axis alignment.

(3)Third step: sub floodlight 14 and main
Optical axis adjustment of the light receiver 12 (Fig. 28) Adjusting the optical axis between the sub projector 14 and the main light receiver 12
By emitting a light beam from the sub-emitter 14.
Can be done. That is, the light of the main light receiver 12
The degree of optical axis adjustment is indicated by the axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment display section 30.
While confirming the matching, the position and / or the position of the sub projector 14
The light from the sub projector 14 can be adjusted by finely adjusting the direction.
Align the optical axis so that the beam enters the main light receiver 12.
I do. As a result, the main light emitters / receivers 11, 12 and the support
Substantially complete adjustment of all optical axes of projectors and receivers 13 and 14
Will be done.

[0075]Modification of Second Optical Axis Adjustment Method (FIG. 29, FIG.
30) 29 and 30 are modifications of the second optical axis adjusting method.
It is a figure for explaining. Optical axis adjustment method of this modification
Between the sub light projector 14 and the main light receiver 12.
It is designed to start from the optical axis adjustment of. That is,
The two steps are substantially common, and the first step and the third step are
Is different.

(1)First step: Sub floodlight 14 and main
Optical axis adjustment of the light receiver 12 (Fig. 29) First, the main light receiver 12 corresponds to the sub light projector 14.
Light on the optical axis, that is, the optical axis that the main light receiver 12 should receive
Adjust the timing so that only the beam is received. this
The timing is set by the controller 38 (Fig. 19) or external
The main light receiver 1
2 is the number of the optical axis that should respond, for example, as explained in the example of FIG.
For example, it can be done by setting the 3rd and 4th optical axis numbers.
You can

Next, preferably, the emission of the light beam from the main light projector 11 is canceled and the light beam is emitted only from the sub light projector 14, so that the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment of the main light receiver 12 is performed. While confirming the degree of optical axis adjustment on the display unit 30, the position and / or orientation of the sub light projector 14 and / or the main light receiver 12 is finely adjusted so that the light beam from the sub light projector 14 enters the main light receiver 12. To do. In the present embodiment, the fine adjustment of the position and / or the direction of the sub-emitter 14 with respect to the main light receiver 12 uses the above-described optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment display unit 30 of the main light receiver 12. Alternatively, the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment display unit 32 provided in the sub light projector 14 may be used.

(2)Second step: main floodlight 11 and May
Optical axis adjustment of optical receiver 12 Fine adjustment of the position and / or orientation of the main projector 11
Adjusts the optical axes of the main light emitters / receivers 11, 12.
U

(3)Third step: main floodlight 11 and sub
Optical axis adjustment of the light receiver 13 (Fig. 30) Optical axis adjustment between main projector 11 and sub receiver 13
Is an optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or optical axis adjustment display of the sub-light receiver 13.
While checking the degree of optical axis adjustment by the part 32,
The main throw while finely adjusting the position and / or direction of the container 13
The light beam from the optical device 11 enters the sub light receiver 13.
Align the optical axis. In addition, even if the safety device 200
For example, the optical axis adjustment display section 39 of the controller 38 (FIG. 19)
Even if the light receiving degree of the sub light receiver 13 is confirmed with
Good.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating an example of installation of a conventional multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device from a side view.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing another example of installation of a conventional multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device from the side.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an installation example of the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device of FIG. 2 from the front.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing from the front a conventional example in which an invalid area is covered with a wire mesh or the like in relation to FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an overall system diagram of an exemplary multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device related to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an arrangement example of the safety device shown in FIG. 5 from a side surface.

7 is a main detection area formed by a main light emitter and a main light receiver included in the safety device shown in FIG.
It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st sub detection area formed by a main light projector and a sub light receiver, and the 2nd sub detection area formed by a sub light projector and a main light receiver.

8 is an overall configuration diagram of the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of an optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or an optical axis adjustment display unit provided in a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device related to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the optical axis adjustment indicator lamp or the optical axis adjustment display unit provided in the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device related to the present invention.

11 is a block diagram of a main light emitter and a main light receiver that are basic units of the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device shown in FIG.

12 is a block diagram of a sub-light receiver included in the safety device illustrated in FIG.

13 is a block diagram of a sub-projector included in the safety device illustrated in FIG.

14 is a diagram for explaining a basic operation sequence of a main light emitting / receiving device as a basic unit included in the safety device shown in FIG.

15 is a diagram for explaining an operation sequence for multi-detection of the safety device shown in FIG.

16 is a diagram for explaining a state where an interfering object has entered the main detection area in the safety device shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a state in which an interfering object has entered the first sub detection area in the safety device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a state in which an interfering object has entered the second sub detection area in the safety device illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 19 is an overall system diagram of a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device as another example related to the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a first step in the first embodiment regarding the optical axis adjustment method for the light emitter / receiver included in the multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a drawing for explaining the second step in the first example.

FIG. 22 is a drawing for explaining the third step in the first example.

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the fourth step in the first example.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a step which replaces the second step of FIG. 21 as a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a step that replaces the third step of FIG. 22 as a modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a drawing for explaining the first step in the second example.

FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the second step in the second example.

FIG. 28 is a drawing for explaining the third step in the second example.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a step that replaces the first step in FIG. 26 as a modification of the second embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a step that replaces the third step of FIG. 28 as a modification of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

100, 200 Multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device 11 Main light emitter 12 Main light receiver 13 Sub light emitter 14 Sub light receiver 15 Main detection area 16 First sub detection area 17 Second sub detection area 20 Equipment such as press 21 Equipment side For example, a protruding portion of a press machine (interfering object) 30 Optical axis adjustment display section or optical axis adjustment indicator of the main light emitter / receiver 32 Optical axis adjustment display section or optical axis adjustment indicator light of the sub emitter / receiver 38 Controller 39 Optical axis adjustment display section of controller or optical axis adjustment indicator light

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F term (reference) 5J050 AA49 BB18 CC00 EE31 EE39                       FF04 FF08

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device for forming a light curtain with a plurality of light beams of optical axes around an interfering object, comprising a large number of light-projecting elements arranged in rows at equal intervals. A main light projector, a main light receiver having the same number of light receiving elements as the light projecting elements, the light receiving elements being arranged in a row at equal intervals, and a light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain being shielded A sub-receiver that is disposed adjacent to one side of the interferer and that includes at least one light-receiving element capable of receiving the light beam from the main projector, and a light beam on at least one optical axis of the light curtain. A sub-projector that is disposed adjacent to the other side of the interferer that shields light and that includes at least one light-projecting element that can emit a light beam toward the main photoreceiver; A main detection area formed by a light projector and the main light receiver, and a first detection area formed by the main light emitter and the sub light receiver
A second sub-area formed by the sub-sensing area, the sub-emitter and the main light-receiver
A method for adjusting an optical axis of a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device including a sub-detection area, the step of performing relative positioning between the sub-emitter and the sub-receiver, and the position of the main light-emitter. And / or finely adjusting the orientation to adjust the optical axis between the main light emitter and the sub-light receiver, and finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the main light receiver to A method for adjusting an optical axis between a light projector and the main light receiver, the optical axis adjusting method for a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device. 2. A multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device for forming a light curtain with a plurality of light beams of optical axes around an interfering object, comprising a large number of light projecting elements arranged in rows at equal intervals. A main light projector, a main light receiver having the same number of light receiving elements as the light projecting elements, the light receiving elements being arranged in a row at equal intervals, and a light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain being shielded A sub-receiver that is disposed adjacent to one side of the interferer and that includes at least one light-receiving element capable of receiving the light beam from the main projector, and a light beam on at least one optical axis of the light curtain. A sub-projector that is disposed adjacent to the other side of the interferer that shields light and that includes at least one light-projecting element that can emit a light beam toward the main photoreceiver; The formed by the main detection area formed by said optical device main photodetector, the main projector and said sub light receiving device 1
A second sub-area formed by the sub-sensing area, the sub-emitter and the main light-receiver
A method for adjusting an optical axis of a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device configured with a sub-detection area, wherein the main projector is finely adjusted by finely adjusting a position and / or a direction of the main projector and / or the sub-receiver. A first step of adjusting an optical axis between the main light receiver and the sub-light receiver, and an optical axis between the main light emitter and the main light receiver by finely adjusting a position and / or a direction of the main light receiver. And a third step of performing an optical axis adjustment between the sub light projector and the main light receiver by finely adjusting a position and / or a direction of the sub light projector. Optical axis adjustment method for multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device. 3. A multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device for forming a light curtain with a plurality of light beams of optical axes around an interfering object, comprising a large number of light projecting elements arranged in rows at equal intervals. A main light projector, a main light receiver having the same number of light receiving elements as the light projecting elements, the light receiving elements being arranged in a row at equal intervals, and a light beam of at least one optical axis of the light curtain being shielded A sub-receiver that is disposed adjacent to one side of the interferer and that includes at least one light-receiving element capable of receiving the light beam from the main projector, and a light beam on at least one optical axis of the light curtain. A sub-projector that is disposed adjacent to the other side of the interferer that shields light and that includes at least one light-projecting element that can emit a light beam toward the main photoreceiver; A main detection area formed by a light projector and the main light receiver, and a first detection area formed by the main light emitter and the sub light receiver
A second sub-area formed by the sub-sensing area, the sub-emitter and the main light-receiver
A method for adjusting an optical axis of a multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device configured with a sub-detection area, wherein the sub-emitter is provided by finely adjusting a position and / or an orientation of the sub-emitter and / or the main light-receiver. A first step of adjusting the optical axis between the main light receiver and the main light receiver, and adjusting the optical axis between the main light emitter and the main light receiver by finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the main light emitter. And a third step of performing optical axis adjustment between the main light projector and the sub light receiver by finely adjusting the position and / or orientation of the sub light receiver. Optical axis adjustment method for multi-optical axis photoelectric safety device.