JP2004320767A - Photoelectric fiber sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a virtual occupancy width per channel in the case of mounting a plurality of photoelectric fiber sensors in series. <P>SOLUTION: The photoelectric fiber sensor includes two pairs of lighting circuits and light-receiving circuits, respectively corresponding to a first and a second detection channel; a single CPU performing time-division detection operations of the two detection channels; two output lines, corresponding to the two detection channels; four fiber insertion inlets disposed on the front face, being arrayed vertically in such a way that the lower two inlets correspond to a lighting and receiving pair corresponding to the first detection channel, and the upper two inlets correspond to a lighting and receiving pair, corresponding to the second detection channel; and a first and a second numerical display section, disposed on the upper face in parallel along the longitudinal direction of a case, each capable of displaying a plurality of numeral digits in parallel, along the longitudinal direction of the case. The light quantity of the first detection channel received is to be displayed in the first numeric display section, while the light quantity of the second detection channel received is to be displayed in the second numeric display section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a fiber-type photoelectric sensor which can be installed closely adjacent to each other via a mounting rail such as a DIN rail, and more particularly to a fiber-type photoelectric sensor suitable for mounting a large number in a small space.

  A fiber-type photoelectric sensor that can be connected in large numbers via a DIN rail and has one set of light emitting and receiving fibers, one set of light emitting and receiving circuits, and one output line is already known (Patent Document 1). reference).

  In addition, a sensing system circuit for realizing a desired sensing function in connection with the fiber head, and a light emitting and receiving element for performing bidirectional optical communication with a sensor on one side in a state where a plurality of sensors are connected in series are provided. And a second optical communication system circuit including a light emitting / receiving element for performing bidirectional optical communication with an adjacent sensor on the other side in a state in which a plurality of adjacent optical sensors are connected to each other. A fiber-type photoelectric sensor which is housed in a housing capable of being connected in a large number via a plurality of sensors, thereby enabling two-way optical communication between adjacent sensors in a connected state is already known (see Patent Document 2). .

  Further, the handshake process is attempted with the sensors on both sides using the communication circuits on the first and second sides, the own position in the sensor array is learned, and the learned unique address is assigned and set. In addition, a timing of a sensing operation specific to a position is generated, and a sensing operation is realized by driving a sensing system circuit in accordance with the operation timing, and received from an adjacent sensor on one side during the sensing operation. A fiber provided with a data selective transfer function for transferring data to an adjacent sensor on the other side, excluding data applied only to itself, and a function for executing a command included in received data addressed to self. Type photoelectric sensors are already known (see Patent Document 3).

In addition, one unit has a plurality of detection channels, and the optical fiber insertion ports of the light emitting and receiving pair corresponding to one detection channel are arranged vertically on the front surface, and the number of such optical fiber insertion ports is equal to the number of the detection channels. A multi-channel fiber-type photoelectric sensor arranged in a horizontal direction is already known (see Patent Document 4).
JP-A-2002-279871 International Publication No. 01/31607 pamphlet JP 2001-222786 A JP-A-7-301733

  In recent years, with the sophistication of control in industrial sites, it has become necessary to control a large number of detection targets with a single control device. When a large number of objects to be detected exist at a high density, a fiber-type photoelectric sensor tends to be frequently used due to the small size and easy handling of the sensor head. In particular, a fiber-type photoelectric sensor of a continuous type that can be mounted densely via a DIN rail is suitable in that a large number of sensors can be mounted in a small space.

  However, the conventional fiber-type photoelectric sensors described in Patent Literatures 1 to 3 can only cover the detection operation for one channel. Therefore, for example, 8 channels (8 locations) and 16 channels (16 locations) When there are a plurality of detection targets such as 32 channels (32 locations), a large number of fiber-type photoelectric sensors such as 8, 16, and 32 must be arranged in accordance with the number of channels. Of course, as for the width or thickness of these sensors in the connecting direction, each manufacturer has studied thinning, and as a result, for example, a thickness of about 10 mm has been achieved. However, these efforts to reduce the thickness are limited, and as the number of channels increases, the continuous length of the sensor group along the DIN rail is not negligible. In particular, when it has to be installed inside a control device such as a machine tool, space restrictions are greater than when it is installed inside a general control panel.

  Further, since the sensor is an independent product for each channel, the use of many sensors increases the cost. Since the size of the sensor case may be large, it may be possible to reduce the cost by handling a large number of detection channels with a single product.However, since the number of channels required by the user varies, In order to satisfy these needs, many models having different numbers of channels are required, and as a result, a sufficient cost reduction effect cannot be obtained. In addition, it is not clear what consideration should be given to the configuration in terms of performance such as output responsiveness, the function of coordination with other fiber-type photoelectric sensors to be connected, and ease of use when multi-channeling is used. Furthermore, if the optical fiber insertion ports of a plurality of detection channels are arranged in the horizontal direction as in the fiber type photoelectric sensor described in Patent Document 4, the space saving effect due to the multi-channel cannot be sufficiently obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a fiber capable of reducing a substantial occupied width per channel in a case where a plurality of units are connected in series. It is to provide a type photoelectric sensor.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a fiber-type photoelectric sensor in which the operation and display function of each channel are maintained as much as possible while reducing the substantial occupation width per channel. It is in.

  Another object of the present invention is to perform an output operation and a display operation by effectively utilizing detection information between adjacent channels while substantially reducing the occupied width per channel. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fiber type photoelectric sensor which can be used.

  It is still another object of the present invention to provide a highly adaptable fiber-type photoelectric sensor which can be directly applied to a conventional single-channel type continuous sensor system.

  Still another object of the present invention is to reduce costs regardless of whether a relatively small number of detection channels are used or a relatively large number of detection channels are required. An object of the present invention is to provide a fiber type photoelectric sensor.

  Further, other objects and operational effects of the present invention will be easily understood by those skilled in the art by referring to the description in the following specification.

  The fiber-type photoelectric sensor of the present invention has a rail mounting portion on the bottom surface, a display portion and an operation portion on the upper surface, a fiber insertion port on the front surface, a cord pull-out type or connector type output portion on the rear surface, and a dimension in the rail longitudinal direction. Is 15 mm or less.

  Here, the term "rail mounting portion" is mainly intended for a DIN rail or the like, but what is meant by a "rail" does not mean a specific physical shape. Therefore, it goes without saying that rails or fixtures of any shape used when attaching this type of fiber type photoelectric sensor to the inside of a control panel or a control device are obviously included. The “upper surface” provided with the “display unit and the operation unit” means the upper surface when temporarily mounted on a horizontal mounting surface, and is a surface located vertically upward in an arbitrary mounting state. Not to mention that it is not. The upper surface here may be a transparent cover or the like on the upper surface. Further, the upper surface does not necessarily have to be a flat surface, and any surface that is inclined or forms a gentle curved surface for easy viewing is included in the upper surface.

  The "front surface" provided with the fiber insertion port also means the front surface when mounted on a horizontal surface, and does not mean the front surface in any posture. Further, when the housing of the sensor and the housing of the fiber clamper are separated from each other, the surface of the clamper into which the fiber is inserted corresponds to the “front surface” here. The meaning of "front" should be understood from comparison with "rear" described later.

  It is needless to say that the “rear surface” on which the output unit is provided is the “rear surface” with respect to the “front surface” when similarly attached to a horizontal surface. In addition, the “code withdrawal method” refers to a method in which the tip of an electric cord corresponding to a power supply line or a signal line is permanently fixed inside the sensor housing with solder or screws, and cannot be attached or detached in normal operation. In other words, the connector system is one in which a power supply line and a signal line are detachably attached to a sensor main body case via a connector, as disclosed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-196127. At this time, there is also known a connector in which adjacent connectors are connected to share a power line.

  Further, the dimension of the rail in the longitudinal direction is set to 15 mm or less in the invention applied to a thin product having the same size as that expected by the current product and expected to be standard in the future. This is to clarify something. If the dimensions of the fiber-type photoelectric sensor are too small, the display and the operation switches become small, which makes it difficult to use. Therefore, it is considered that the fiber-type photoelectric sensor does not become thinner but has suitable dimensions. The preferred dimensions are about 5 to 15 mm, more preferably 7 to 12 mm.

  Based on the above premise, in the present invention, two sets of light emitting circuits and light receiving circuits corresponding to the first and second detection channels are provided. Here, the light receiving circuit does not include an A / D converter provided at a subsequent stage. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an A / D converter separately for each of the two sets of light receiving circuits. That is, the "two sets of light receiving circuits" mentioned here satisfies the requirement if there are two sets of light receiving elements and analog amplifier circuits. In particular, when the CPU is configured using a microprocessor, the A / D converter with a built-in microprocessor does not have a very large number of bits, and thus limits the accuracy of measurement and display. In such a case, it is somewhat expensive, but if an external A / D converter is used and the selector is used to switch between the first channel and the second channel, the cost will not increase significantly. By ensuring a sufficient number of data bits, it is possible to realize high precision in detection and display.

  Next, in the present invention, a single operation of detecting two detection channels in a time-division manner (controlling the timing of projecting light and the timing of acquiring the amount of received light and determining the amount of received light based on a threshold). It has a CPU. As means for realizing such a CPU, not only a microprocessor but also hardware such as a programmable gate array may be used. Further, the time division described here is not limited to “a series of processes from light emission / reception until determination is performed alternately”, and may include various methods of time division. As a result, the space factor occupied by the circuit components can be reduced and the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where two CPUs are provided for each detection channel.

  In the present invention, two output lines corresponding to the two detection channels are provided. Here, the meaning of "two output lines" is to exclude one corresponding to two detection channels in a time division manner using one output line. With such a configuration, a dedicated output line exists for each channel, so that output responsiveness is not impaired as compared with the time division configuration.

  In addition, the present invention has four fiber insertion ports arranged vertically on the front surface. Here, the lower two are light emitting and receiving pairs corresponding to the first channel, and the upper two are light emitting and receiving pairs corresponding to the second detection channel. When such a configuration is adopted, when a one-channel type fiber-type photoelectric sensor is manufactured, the light-emitting / receiving pair constituting the detection channel is provided at a position corresponding to the lower two portions of the housing. And the two-channel type housing structure of the present invention have the same basic configuration, and parts can be shared. In addition, the light-emitting fiber and the light-receiving fiber used in this type of fiber-type photoelectric sensor are closely integrated in a parallel state, so that the fiber insertion ports corresponding to one channel are vertically adjacent to each other. When it is arranged, it becomes easy to mount the light-emitting fiber and the light-receiving fiber of the close contact integral type in which only the portion to be inserted into the sensor main body is branched.

  Further, in the present invention, the first and second numerical display portions are provided on the upper surface. In each of these numerical display portions, numbers are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case. In addition, the first and second numerical display portions themselves are arranged at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the case. Accordingly, the longitudinal direction of the case and the vertical direction of each numerical value are orthogonal to each other, and numerical values can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case with a minimum space, thereby increasing the number of numerical values that can be arranged. .

  Further, according to the present invention, the first numerical display unit can display the received light amount of the first detection channel, and the second numerical display unit can display the received light amount of the second detection channel. That is, instead of switching one numerical display unit to selectively display the first detection channel and the second detection channel, it is possible to simultaneously confirm the light reception amounts of both channels. As a result, although the detection function and display function for two channels are housed in one housing, those functions are not different from those of the conventional two one-channel type sensors, and the functionality is improved. The space factor in the connected state can be improved without spoiling.

  According to the fiber-type photoelectric sensor of the present invention described above, photoelectric sensors of two functions (two channels) can be installed in a width of approximately one device, and the operation status of both channels can be simultaneously checked. There is an effect that can be done. Furthermore, since a single sensor product includes two detection channels, the case and the CPU can be shared between the channels, so that the cost can be reduced. Moreover, a user who needs any number of channels can satisfy the demand by combining the sensor of the present invention having two detection channels and the sensor having one conventional detection channel. An increase in cost due to the provision of the sensor can be avoided. When a large number of detection channels are used, even if the number of channels is one more, the waste of cost is relatively small, so that only the sensor of the present invention may be used.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first operation indicator is provided adjacent to the first numerical display, and a second operation indicator is provided adjacent to the second numerical display. Either the first or second operation indicator lamp is interposed between the first and second numerical display units.

  According to such a configuration, since the operation indicator is provided adjacent to each channel, it is possible to easily understand the relationship between the operation state and the amount of received light in each detection channel, and it is easy to use. Become.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display contents of the first numerical display unit and the second numerical display unit are changed by the selection operation to the light receiving amount of the first detection channel and the light receiving amount of the second detection channel. , The received light amount and threshold value of the first detection channel, and the received light amount and threshold value of the second detection channel.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately and selectively display the amount of received light or the amount of received light and the threshold value for each channel on two numerical display units provided in advance. While the functions for the channels are covered by one sensor, the display function for each channel is not impaired at all.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a logical operation means for performing a logical operation between a detection result of the first detection channel and a detection result of the second detection channel, and a logical operation result by the logical operation means Is provided. The “logical operation means” includes both a logic circuit constituted by wired logic and software executed by a microprocessor. As for the "output line for outputting a logical operation result", one of the above-mentioned two output lines may be used, or a dedicated output line may be separately provided.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to being able to output a logical operation result of two adjacent channels, communication between sensors is not required as compared with a conventional logical operation performed between adjacent sensors. A high logical operation output can be obtained. In addition, since communication between adjacent sensors is not necessary, the time can be omitted and more complicated logical operation can be performed.

  Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a difference calculation means for calculating a difference between a light reception amount of the first detection channel and a light reception amount of the second detection channel, and a difference calculation by the difference calculation means A determination means for determining the result based on a threshold value and an output line for outputting a result of the determination by the determination means are provided. Here, the "difference calculation means" can also include both a case where an analog difference calculation circuit is used and a case where execution is performed by software using a microprocessor. As for the “output line for outputting the determination result”, one of the two output lines described above may be used, or a dedicated output line may be provided separately from them.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fiber lock mechanism for simultaneously locking four fibers inserted into four fiber insertion ports arranged vertically by operating a single clamp operator is provided. Provided. Conventionally, when locking a pair of optical fibers, the two optical fibers are integrally clamped by one movable block. If there are two pairs of light emitting and receiving optical fibers as in the present invention, there may be cases where attachment / detachment is required for each fiber pair. However, if two pairs of optical fibers arranged vertically are separately locked and unlocked, as a result, two clamp operators (also called clamp levers, lock buttons, etc.) are required. Then, for example, when the clamp operator is a clamp lever, in order to make the two clamp levers coexist in the narrow space of the sensor housing and to be able to operate independently of each other, the rotation of the two levers is performed. Either the shaft is shifted back and forth or the width of the lever is reduced, and the levers are arranged in parallel in the width direction of the sensor housing. In any case, an extremely complicated structure must be adopted. As in the present invention, when the main purpose is to reduce the occupied space in the continuous state, the accommodation of the two fiber pairs in the case is simplified by simplifying the structure, at the cost of making it possible to separately attach and detach the two fiber pairs. Ease should be a priority. From this point of view, a fiber lock mechanism that locks four fibers simultaneously by operating a single clamp operator can be said to be optimal for the above-described space saving purpose. Here, the fiber lock mechanism includes a base block in which four fiber insertion holes for receiving the tip of the fiber are arranged at appropriate intervals in the vertical direction (the interval may or may not be constant); And four flexible C-rings fixed to the base block corresponding to the entrances of the four fiber insertion ports, respectively, and four slidably supported vertically on the front side of the base block. A common slide actuator that engages with each of the C-rings to increase or decrease the diameter thereof, and a clamp lever that is rotatably supported by the base block and slides the slide actuator by the rotation. It may be included.

  Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each time a detection operation timing generated based on an external synchronization signal arrives, a detection channel on which a detection operation is to be performed is set to a first detection channel and a second detection channel. Switching means for alternately switching to the detection channel is provided.

  Generally, in this type of sensor system, a plurality of slave units are connected to one master unit (the master unit and the slave unit have the same configuration, and are set by the self-configuration or external setting. The master unit periodically sends a synchronization signal to an adjacent sensor by a timer, while each of the connected slave units outputs the synchronization signal by, for example, a bucket brigade method. The handover sensors are sequentially transferred to adjacent sensors, and each slave unit sensor performs a detection operation after receiving a synchronization signal from the adjacent sensor, and transmits a synchronization signal to the adjacent sensor with a slight delay time. . Thereby, while the master unit manages synchronization of all the systems, the slave unit emits and receives light with a slight time difference, thereby preventing interference between adjacent sensors. On the other hand, in each of the master units or the slave units, a certain amount of time is required for processing the received light data following the light emission and reception, and such time is required during the cycle of the operation of all the sensors constituting the system. , The receiving processing operation in the last sensor must be completed. However, if the conventional one-channel built-in sensor and the two-channel built-in sensor of the present invention coexist, or if all the sensors constituting the sensor system are the two-channel built-in sensors of the present invention, the same is true. If the detection operation is performed with a slight delay time consecutively between adjacent channels in the sensor, especially if two receiving circuits are mounted on the same circuit board, noise mixing between channels or voltage fluctuation of the power supply line will occur. It is assumed that the detection operation will be affected by the influence of.

  In addition, if the detection operation for two channels is performed continuously in one sensor, the time required for the operation occupied by one sensor is naturally prolonged. Even if the expected maximum number of channels such as 16 channels and 32 channels are mounted, the operation on the last channel should end within a predetermined cycle, but there are sensors with 2 channels in the system. By doing so, it is possible that one cycle may be exceeded (so-called cycle time over), which may hinder the operation of the entire sensor system.

  On the other hand, as in this embodiment of the present invention, two channels are provided in the sensor housing, but two adjacent channels in one sensor are not operated continuously, that is, each time the operation of the sensor system makes one cycle. If the adjacent sensors perform the detection operation alternately, the time required for the detection operation is the same as that of the one-channel built-in sensor even if one sensor has the function of two channels. Even in a sensor system that has performed the synchronization management of the above, the detection operation can be performed normally without causing any trouble to the entire sensor system.

  In this embodiment, not only a sensor system of a type in which a plurality of slave units exist for one master unit described above and a synchronization signal is sequentially transferred, but also a sensor system in which a common synchronization line constitutes a system in parallel , And has an inherent delay time on the individual sensor side, and functions effectively even in a sensor that is synchronized as a whole. In other words, even in a sensor system using such a common synchronous line, the maximum cycle time according to the maximum planned number of connected devices such as 8, 16, and 32 is determined. If the occupation time per unit increases due to the mounting, similar inconvenience should occur in the entire system.

  Therefore, as in this embodiment, every time the detection operation timing generated based on the external synchronization signal arrives, the detection channel to be subjected to the detection operation is alternately switched between the first detection channel and the second detection channel. Even if a sensor system having a predetermined cycle (cycle time) is provided, even if a sensor having two channels is installed in one or all of the sensors constituting the sensor system, the entire system is provided. Has the advantage of not adversely affecting

  The fiber-type photoelectric sensor of the present invention defined from another viewpoint has a rail mounting portion on the bottom surface, a display portion and an operation portion on the upper surface, a fiber insertion port on the front surface, and an output portion of a cord pull-out type or connector type on the rear surface, Two light-emitting circuits and light-receiving circuits corresponding to the first and second detection channels, a single CPU for performing time-division detection of the two detection channels, and two detection channels Are provided on the upper surface of the case, and a plurality of digits can be displayed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the case. A display configured to be able to display the received light amount of the channel and the received light amount of the second detection channel by numerical values. According to this fiber type photoelectric sensor, as described above, it can be manufactured at a lower cost than two sensors for one channel. Further, the amount of received light of each channel can be confirmed by a numerical value, so that the usability is good.

  According to a preferred embodiment of the fiber-type photoelectric sensor, the display device can display a plurality of digits each arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case, and the first and the second arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case. A second numerical display unit is provided. The first numerical display unit can display the received light amount of the first detection channel, and the second numerical display unit can display the received light amount of the second detection channel. It is said. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the light receiving amounts of both channels at the same time. As another embodiment of the display, the amount of received light of each channel may be switched and displayed on one numerical display unit.

  This fiber type photoelectric sensor can adopt various arrangements of four fiber insertion ports. For example, two fiber insertion ports of one channel are arranged vertically, and fiber insertion ports of different channels are arranged side by side. Two fiber insertion ports of one channel are arranged horizontally, and fiber insertion of different channels is performed. An arrangement in which the mouths are arranged vertically, an arrangement including these oblique positional relationships, and the like. According to another preferred embodiment of this fiber type photoelectric sensor, the dimension in the rail longitudinal direction is 15 mm or less, and four fiber insertion ports are vertically arranged on the front surface. As a result, the four fiber insertion ports can be arranged without difficulty on the front surface of the narrow sensor, and the photoelectric sensor having two functions (two channels) can be arranged in the width of almost one sensor. .

  The four fiber insertion ports can be arranged such that the lower two are light emitting and receiving pairs corresponding to the first detection channel, and the upper two are light emitting and receiving pairs corresponding to the second detection channel.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the photoelectric sensor of the present invention, the detection operation for two channels can be performed by one device, and the received light amount of each channel can be confirmed by a numerical value. It can be manufactured at a lower cost than two corresponding sensors.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a fiber type photoelectric sensor according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the gist of the present invention is, of course, defined only by the appended claims.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a connected state of photoelectric sensors according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal structure of the photoelectric sensor.

  As shown in the drawings, the photoelectric sensor 1 of this embodiment includes a case body 10 having an upper surface opened, a body assembly 20 inserted into the case body 10 and closing the opening 106 of the case body 10, And a clamper assembly (corresponding to a lock mechanism of the present invention) 30 housed and held in a clamper holder 210 provided at a front portion of the main assembly 20. The case body 10 is a synthetic resin integrally molded product, and has a hexahedral structure including a front plate 101, a rear plate 102, a right side plate 103, a left side plate 104, and a lower plate (bottom plate) 105. The front plate 101 has a fiber insertion port 107 for first channel light emission, a fiber insertion port 108 for first channel light reception, a fiber insertion port 109 for second channel light emission, and a fiber insertion port 109 for second channel light reception. A fiber insertion port 110 is provided. That is, the front plate 101 is provided with four vertically arranged fiber insertion ports, and two lower fiber insertion ports 107 and 108 are for inserting a light emitting and receiving pair corresponding to the first detection channel. The upper two fiber insertion ports 109 and 110 are for inserting a light emitting and receiving pair corresponding to the second detection channel.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electric cord 5 is drawn from the rear plate 102 of the case body 10. The electric cord 5 is of a fixed type, and includes a core 51 for outputting a first channel, a core 52 for outputting a second channel, a core 53 for Vcc, and a core 54 for GND. Have been. As described above, when the electric cord of the connector connection method is pulled out, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-196127, when power is exchanged between adjacent connectors, the end of the serially connected end is connected. The Vcc core wire 53 is not included except for the electric cord output from the sensor of the section.

  On the right side plate 103 and the left side plate 104 of the case main body 10, light transmitting and receiving windows 112 for performing optical communication with adjacent sensors are provided at the same positions on the left and right. Therefore, when a plurality of sensors are connected in series via the DIN rail 2, the light emitting / receiving windows 112 are opposed to each other between adjacent sensors. In the figure, Lt is infrared light for transmission, and Lr is infrared light for reception.

  A DIN rail fitting groove 111 for attaching to the DIN rail 2 is formed in the lower surface plate 105 of the case body 10. Although not shown, an engagement mechanism for facilitating attachment and detachment with the DIN rail 2 is provided in each DIN rail fitting groove 111.

  An upper surface of the case main body 10 is formed as an opening 106, into which the main body assembly 20 is inserted, and the opening 106 is closed by an upper surface panel 20 </ b> A of the main body assembly 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main body assembly 20 is configured by integrally assembling a component mounting board 20 </ b> B housed inside the case main body 10 and a top panel 20 </ b> A for closing the upper opening 106 of the case main body 10. The upper panel 20A is provided with a “display section” occupying approximately ／ of the left region in FIG. 2 and an “operation portion” occupying approximately １ ／ of the right region in FIG.

  The display unit includes a first numerical display unit 201, a second numerical display unit 202, a first operation indicator 203, and a second operation indicator 204. In other words, a first operation indicator 203 is provided adjacent to the left of the first numerical display unit 201, and a second operation indicator 204 is provided adjacent to the left of the second numerical display 202. As a result, the second operation indicator lamp 204 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the first numerical display unit 201 and the second numerical display unit 202. Each of the first numerical display unit 201 and the second numerical display unit 202 is composed of a 4-digit 7-segment LED display, and the numerals of each digit are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the main body case 10. I have. In other words, each digit is oriented such that the vertical direction is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the case body 10. Therefore, a four-digit numerical display and two operation indicators are efficiently arranged in a limited space on the upper panel 20A. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the received light amount of the first channel can be displayed on the first numerical value display unit 201 and the received light amount of the second channel can be displayed on the second numerical value display unit 202. The received light amount of two channels may be displayed, and the received light amount of the first channel may be displayed on 202. In this case, 201 can be called a second numerical display unit, and 202 can be called a first numerical display unit.

  On the other hand, the operation unit occupying approximately 1/3 of the right side of the top panel 20A includes a push button 205 functioning as an operation unit of an UP switch, a push button 206 functioning as an operation unit of a DOWN switch, and a operation button of a MODE switch. A push button 207 that functions, a slide operator 208 that functions as an operation unit of a SET / RUN switch, and a slide operator 209 that functions as an operation unit of a channel switch are provided. Hereinafter, the push button 205 is called an UP button, the push button 206 is called a DOWN button, and the push button 207 is called a MODE button.

  A clamper holder 210 is provided at a front portion of the main body assembly 20, and the clamper assembly 30 is housed and fixed to the clamper holder 210.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the clamper assembly, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the clamper assembly in an unclamped state, and FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the clamped state of the clamper assembly. 6 is a perspective view of the fiber gripper as viewed obliquely from the front, FIG. 7 is a front view and a rear view of the fiber gripper, and FIG. 8 is a left side view and a right side view of the fiber gripper.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the clamper assembly 30 includes a base block 310, a lower fiber gripper 320, an upper fiber gripper 330, a clamp lever 340, and a slide actuator 350.

  On the front surface of the base block 310, four fiber insertion holes 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d are provided. The insertion hole 310a is for inserting the distal end of the optical fiber 31 for light projection of the first channel, and the insertion hole 310b is for receiving the distal end of the optical fiber 32 for light reception of the first channel. is there. Similarly, the insertion hole 310c is for receiving the tip of the light emitting optical fiber 41 of the second channel, and the insertion hole 310d is for receiving the tip of the light receiving optical fiber 42 of the second channel. Things. On the front surface of the base block 310, in addition to these insertion holes, positioning holes 310e and 310f for the lower fiber gripper 320 and a mounting stage 310i are provided. Similarly, on the front surface of the base block 310, positioning holes 310g and 310h for the upper fiber gripper 330 and a mounting stage 310j are provided. In addition, guide protrusions 310 n, 310 o, and 310 p that engage with the slide actuator 350 are provided on the left and right edges on the front side of the base block 310. A bracket 3101 is provided on an upper portion of the base block 310, and the bracket 3101 is provided with a shaft hole 310m. A clamper lever 340 is rotatably attached to the shaft hole 310m via a pin 310k.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the lower fiber gripper 320 has a shape in which an upper C-ring portion 320 a and a lower C-ring portion 320 b are connected, and is integrally formed using plastic. As shown in FIG. 6, the gap 320f of the upper C-ring 320a is located on the left side, and the gap 320g of the lower C-ring 320b is located on the right. An ear 320c is provided at a free end of the upper C-ring 320a, and an ear 320d is provided at a free end of the lower C-ring 320b. By pushing these ears 320c and 320d downward, the inner diameters of the upper C-ring 320a and the lower C-ring 320b are reduced. Conversely, when the downward force on the ears 320c and 320d is released, the C-rings 320a and 320b return to their original shapes by elasticity, and the inner diameter increases. As will be described in detail later, when the slide actuator 350 slides up and down, a downward force is applied to the ear portions 320c and 320d, and the upper C-ring portion 320a and the lower C-ring portion 320b bend, and the inner diameter is reduced. Are reduced, and the fibers inserted into those ring portions are firmly gripped.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, on the back surface of the lower fiber gripper 320, a round bar-shaped projection 320h and a flat plate-shaped projection 320i are formed. As described above, the protrusion 320h is inserted into the positioning hole 310e of the base block 310, and the protrusion 320i is inserted into the positioning hole 310f. In addition, the bottom surface of the lower fiber gripper 320 abuts on the stage 310i, whereby the entire lower fiber gripper 320 is mounted on the stage 310i and fixed firmly to the base block 310 via the positioning holes 310e and 310f. Is done. The structure of the upper fiber gripper 330 is the same, and is mounted on the stage 310j and fixed to the base block 310 via the positioning holes 310g and 310h. As a result, four C-ring portions 320a, 320b, 330a, 330b are located at the entrances of the four fiber insertion holes 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d provided in the base block 310.

  The slide actuator 350 has a U-shaped cross section when viewed from above. On the front side, a lower window 350a and an upper window 350b are formed with openings. Also, three guide slits 350c, 350d, and 350e are provided on both left and right side surfaces. By engaging these guide slits 350c, 350d, 350e with the guide protrusions 310n, 310o, 310p on the base block 310 side, the slide actuator 350 is held on the base block 310 side and with a slight stroke in the vertical direction. You can slide freely. Four protrusions 350f, 350g, 350h, 350i are provided on the left and right side walls in the slide actuator 350. When the slide actuator 350 slides downward, the protrusion 350f formed on the inner left side surface of the slide actuator 350 comes into contact with the ear 320c of the upper C-ring portion 320a of the lower fiber gripper 320. At the same time, the projection 350g formed on the right side inside the slide actuator 350 comes into contact with the ear 320d of the lower C-ring portion 320b of the lower fiber gripper 320. Therefore, when the slide actuator 350 slides further downward, the lugs 320c and the lugs 320d of the lower fiber gripper 320 are pushed downward, and the C-rings are bent, so that the respective inner diameters are reduced. As a result, the fibers inserted into the ring portions 320a and 320b are firmly gripped. The same operation is performed in the upper fiber gripper 330, and the protrusions 350h and 350i of the slide actuator 350 abut on the corresponding ears of the upper C ring portion 330a and the lower C ring portion 330b of the upper fiber gripper 330. The inner diameters of these ring portions are reduced, and similarly, the inserted fiber is firmly gripped.

  A clamp lever 340 is rotatably attached to the shaft hole 310m of the bracket 330l of the base block 310 via a pin 310k. That is, in a state where the shaft hole 310m of the bracket 310l and the shaft hole 340a of the clamp lever 340 are aligned with each other, the pin 310k is passed through the shaft hole so that the clamp lever 340 can be rotated with respect to the bracket 3101. It is fixed movably. In such a state, the cam portion 340b formed on the lower surface of the clamp lever 340 contacts the upper end surface 350j of the slide actuator 350. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the clamp lever 340 is lifted, the slide actuator 350 is lifted upward by the restoring force of the C-ring portion. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the clamp lever 340 is pressed down, the cam portion 340b presses the upper end surface 350j of the slide actuator 350 downward, so that the slide actuator 350 slides downward. As described above, the projections 350f to 350i hit the corresponding ears of the upper and lower fiber grippers 320, 330, and push down the same, so that the corresponding ears of the respective C-rings 320a, 320b, 330a, 330b are lowered. When depressed, the fiber is firmly gripped.

  As described above, according to the clamper assembly of the present embodiment, the base block 310 in which the four fiber insertion holes 310a to 310d for receiving the distal ends of the fibers are arranged at appropriate intervals in the vertical direction, Four flexible C-rings 320a, 320b, 330a, 330b fixed to the base block corresponding to the entrances of the fiber insertion holes 310a to 310d, respectively, And one common slide actuator 350 that engages with each of the four C-rings 320a, 320b, 330a, and 330b to increase or decrease the diameter thereof, and is rotatably mounted on the base block 310. The slide actuator 350 is slid by its rotation. That is one having a clamp lever 340. Therefore, by operating one clamp lever 340, the four fibers of the first channel and the second channel can be collectively locked simultaneously. In addition, although the clamp lever 340 and the slide actuator 350 are common, the four C-ring portions are integrated into two, separated into a lower fiber gripper 320 and an upper fiber gripper 330. Since the grippers 320 and 330 are independent and do not cooperate with each other, if this sensor is configured for one channel instead of two, only one of the fiber grippers needs to be removed, and most of the components are removed. One channel and two channels can be selectively produced in common. Further, since the slide actuator 350 has a U-shaped cross section when viewed from above, it is structurally strong and can maintain its strength even if it is made thin, so that it can be accommodated in a narrow case. This is suitable for transmitting the force from the clamp lever 340 to the upper and lower fiber grippers 320 and 330. In each of the upper and lower fiber grippers 320 and 330, the upper and lower C-ring portions 320a and 320b have their gap portions 320f and 320g arranged so as to be different from each other on the left and right sides, and the side of the slide actuator 350 engaged with this. The projections 350f and 350g are also separated into left and right sides, so that a force from above can be evenly applied to the upper C-ring portion 320a and the lower C-ring portion 320b, and the fiber can be gripped in a well-balanced manner.

  Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a hinge 211 is provided at the rear of the upper panel 20A, and the transparent upper cover 6 that opens and closes the upper panel 20A is rotatably attached by the hinge 211. In FIG. 4, projections 322 are guide pins when the clamper assembly 30 is mounted on the clamper holder 210.

  Next, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the outer dimensions of the photoelectric sensor described with reference to FIGS. As shown in the drawing, the photoelectric sensor 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 has a width W, a height H, and a depth L. Here, the width W corresponds to the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the DIN rail as shown in FIG. Further, the depth L corresponds to a dimension in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the DIN rail. Further, the height H corresponds to a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface of the DIN rail 2. In particular, in the photoelectric sensor 1 according to this embodiment, the width W is set in a range of 7 mm to 12 mm, the height H is set in a range of 25 mm to 40 mm, and the depth L is set in a range of 60 mm to 80 mm. As a more specific example, the width W is 10 mm, the height H is 32 mm, and the depth L is 70 mm. According to the two-channel mounting type photoelectric sensor having such a width W, the connecting width when eight units are connected is a capacity of 16 channels at 80 mm, and the connecting width when 16 units are connected is 32 channels at 160 mm. The capacity per minute, that is, the connecting width when 32 units are connected in series, can cover a capacity of 64 channels at 320 mm. Therefore, compared to the conventional one-channel mounting type photoelectric sensor, the same number of units can provide twice the channel capacity, which is more suitable for high-density mounting.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical hardware configuration of the photoelectric sensor according to the embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 700 denotes a board mounted circuit included in the component mounting board 20B shown in FIG. The board mounting circuit 700 is mainly configured by a control unit (CPU) 701. In this embodiment, the control unit (CPU) 701 is realized by a microprocessor functioning as a one-chip microcomputer.

  The entire board mounted circuit 700 is divided into a detection system circuit and a communication system circuit. First, the detection system circuit will be described in detail. The detection system circuit is divided into a first channel side and a second channel side. The configuration of both is almost the same.

  That is, the first channel side includes a light emitting system circuit, a light receiving system circuit, and an APC system circuit. The light emitting system circuit includes a light emitting circuit 701a that operates upon receiving a signal S11 from a control unit (CPU) 701, and an LED 702a that is driven by the light emitting circuit 701a. The light emitted from the LED 702a constituting the light projecting system circuit is introduced into the light projecting optical fiber 31, and sent to a fiber head (not shown). The light receiving system circuit includes a main light receiving PD 703a for receiving light coming from the light receiving fiber 32, and an amplifier circuit 704a for amplifying an output signal of the main light receiving PD 703a. The APC circuit includes an APC light receiving PD 705a that receives light from the LED 702a that forms the light projecting system circuit, and an APC light receiving circuit 706a that amplifies an output signal of the APC light receiving PD. The output signal S13 of the APC light receiving circuit 706a is taken into the CPU 701 via an A / D converter built in the CPU (not shown). As a result, the CPU 701 executes the automatic power control for the LED 702a constituting the light emitting system circuit.

  Similarly, the second channel side also includes a light projecting circuit, a light receiving circuit, and an APC circuit. The light projecting circuit includes a light projecting circuit 701b that operates upon receiving a signal S21 from a control unit (CPU) 701, and an LED 702b that is driven by the light projecting circuit 701b. The light emitted from the LED 702b is introduced into the light emitting fiber 41 and sent to a fiber head (not shown). The light receiving system circuit includes a main light receiving PD 703b that receives light from the light receiving fiber 42, and an amplifier circuit 704b that amplifies the output of the main light receiving PD 703b. The APC circuit includes an APC light receiving PD 705b for receiving light from the LED 702b constituting the light projecting circuit, and an APC light receiving circuit 706b for amplifying the output of the APC circuit 705b. The output signal S23 of the APC light receiving circuit 706b is taken into a control unit (CPU) 701 via an A / D converter with a built-in CPU (not shown), and is used for automatic power control of an LED 702b constituting a light emitting system circuit.

  On the other hand, to the input side of the channel switching circuit 707, the output signal S12 of the first channel amplifier circuit 704a and the output signal S22 of the second channel amplifier circuit 704b are input in parallel. The channel switching circuit 707 performs a switching operation under the control of the CPU 701. Further, an external A / D converter 708 provided separately from the CPU 701 is provided on the output side of the channel switching circuit 707. The number of output bits of this converter 708 is set to be sufficiently larger than that of an A / D converter built in control unit (CPU) 701. As an example, the number of bits of the external A / D converter 708 is 12 bits while the current number of A / D converters with a built-in CPU is about 10 bits. For this reason, the CPU 701 controls the channel switching circuit 707 as appropriate so that the light receiving output of the main light receiving PD 703a of the first channel or the output of the main light receiving PD 703b of the second channel can be output with high precision via an external A / D converter 708. Can be detected.

  Next, a communication system circuit will be described. This communication system circuit is also divided into a left side and a right side. That is, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the light emitting and receiving windows 112 are provided on the left and right side plates of the case body 10 of the photoelectric sensor 1. By performing the optical communication, the individual photoelectric sensors arranged adjacent to each other can perform optical communication with the photoelectric sensors on both the left and right sides. The optical communication system circuit is divided into a right side and a left side.

  The left communication circuit includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. The transmission system circuit includes a communication light emitting drive circuit 709a that operates in response to the signal S41 from the CPU 701, and a communication LED 710a driven by the communication light emission drive circuit 709a. Here, the communication LED 710a is set to emit infrared light. The receiving system circuit includes a communication PD 711a that receives infrared light from an adjacent sensor, and a communication amplification circuit 712a that amplifies the output of the communication PD 711a. The output signal S42 of the communication amplification circuit 712a is taken into the CPU 701. The transmission data is included in the signal S41, and the reception data is included in the signal S42.

  The communication circuit on the right side includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit. The transmission system circuit includes a communication light emitting drive circuit 709b that operates in response to the signal S51 from the CPU 701, and a communication LED 710b that is driven by the communication light emission drive circuit 709b. Here, the communication LED 710b is set to emit infrared light. The receiving system circuit includes a communication PD 711b that receives infrared light emitted from an adjacent sensor, and a communication amplification circuit 712b that amplifies the output of the communication PD 711b. The output signal S52 of the communication amplifier circuit 712b is input to the CPU 701. The transmission data is included in the signal S51, and the reception data is included in the signal S52.

  The output system circuit includes a control output circuit 715 for the first channel and a control output circuit 716 for the second channel. The control output circuit 715 for the first channel generates a detection output of the first channel system, and the detection output thus obtained is sent to the core 51 for the first channel output included in the electric cord 5. The control output circuit 716 for the second channel generates a control output of the second channel, and the signal from the control output circuit 716 for the second channel is transmitted to the second channel included in the electric code 5. It is sent out to a core wire 52 for output. Thus, this photoelectric sensor has separate control output circuits 715 and 716 for the first channel and the second channel. Therefore, when a detection output is generated asynchronously in either the first channel or the second channel, this signal can be immediately sent to the core wire 51 or 52 included in the electric cord 5 immediately at any time. That is, if one control output circuit common to the first channel and the second channel is provided, and the control output circuit is appropriately switched and used in a time-division manner, the response of the detection output is impaired. Has dedicated control output circuits 715 and 716 for each channel, so that the response speed is not impaired.

  The power supply circuit 718 stabilizes the power obtained from the Vcc core wire 53 and the GND core wire 54 and supplies the power to the entire board mounted circuit 700. Further, the CPU reset circuit 717 has an operation of resetting a microprocessor constituting the control unit (CPU) 701 in response to a predetermined operation by a user.

  Next, the configuration of the display system will be described. A display drive circuit 719 is provided as a display element. The display drive circuit 719 includes, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a seven-segment display that forms the first numerical display unit 201 and a seven-segment display that forms the second numerical display unit 202. , The operation indicator 203 of the first channel and the operation indicator 204 of the second channel are driven. The data to be driven is generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 701.

  Next, the configuration of the operation system will be described. The operation system includes an operation circuit 720. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation circuit 720 includes an UP switch 205a corresponding to the UP button 205, a DOWN switch 206a corresponding to the DOWN button 206, and a MODE switch corresponding to the MODE button 207. 207a, signals from the SET / RUN switch 208a corresponding to the SET / RUN slide operator 208, and the channel switch 209a corresponding to the channel switch slider 209 are processed to operate the switches. This is communicated to the control unit (CPU) 701, and the corresponding control program is started.

  In FIG. 10, reference numeral 714 denotes an EEPROM for storing various setting data necessary for the control unit (CPU) 701, and reference numeral 713 denotes a clock required for the operation of the control unit (CPU) 701. It is a crystal oscillator for generating.

  Next, FIG. 11 is a general flowchart showing the entire software configuration of the photoelectric sensor, and FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing each processing content of the flowchart in a table format. The operation of the photoelectric sensor shown in the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to those drawings.

  When the process is started in FIG. 11, first, an initial setting process (step 1101) is executed. As shown in FIG. 18, in this initial setting process (step 1101), initialization of various memories, indicator lights, and control outputs is executed, and a process of calling essential items from the EEPROM 714 and performing data check is executed. Thereafter, the state of the SET / RUN switch 208a shown in FIG. 10 is referred to (step 1102).

  As a result of referring to the state of the SET / RUN switch 208a, if it is set on the SET side (step 1102SET), the SET mode initial setting process (step 1103) is subsequently executed. As shown in FIG. 18, in the SET mode initial setting processing (step 1103), the setting values for the SET mode and the function number F are initialized (F = 0). As will be described in detail later, FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the function number F and the function contents and the availability of individual channel setting in a table format. Here, teaching (F = 0), operation mode setting (F = 1), detection function setting (F = 2), timer function setting (F = 3), display content setting (F = 4), key function assignment setting (F = 5), power tuning target value setting (F = 6), display direction setting (F = 7), and output content setting (F = 8). When the SET mode initial setting process (Step 1103) ends, the SET mode process (Step 1104) is subsequently executed according to the contents of the SET mode specified at that time. Thereafter, as long as the content of the SET / RUN switch 208a is determined to be "SET" (step 1105 YES), the SET mode process (step 1104) is continuously executed, and the content of the SET / RUN switch 208a is set to "RUN". Is determined (NO in step 1105), the process returns to step 1102.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the entire SET mode processing, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of each processing of the SET mode processing in FIG. 12 in a table format. As shown in these figures, when the SET mode process is started, a function-specific display process (step 1201) is executed to control the display lamp and display according to the set function number (F). Is performed.

  Thereafter, a key input detection process (step 1202) is executed, and a key input is detected at regular intervals, and when an input is detected, a setting is made so that the corresponding process can be executed. Here, the key input is detected through the operation of the UP button 205, the DOWN button 206, the MODE button 207, the slide operator 208, and the slide operator 209. Thereafter, a state of waiting for a key input is entered (step 1203 NO).

  In this state, it is determined that there is a key input (YES in step 1203), and if it is determined that this is a command to switch the function (YES in step 1204), the value of the function number (F) is incremented by +1 each time. The value is increased until the value reaches (Step 1206 NO) (Step 1205), and is reset to zero (Step 1207) each time the value reaches the maximum value (Step 1206 YES). Thus, by operating the UP button 205 shown in FIG. 2, the operator can select a desired function while changing the function number (F).

  On the other hand, if the operator selects the function number (F) and then, for example, operates the MODE button 207 to instruct execution of the function (NO in step 1204, YES in 1208), execution processing for each function is performed (step 1209). In this function-specific execution process (step 1209), a process corresponding to the set function number (F) is executed. If the function allows individual channel setting, the state of the channel switch 209a is detected, and The processing for the channel to be performed is performed.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the function number (F) and the function content, and whether individual channel setting is possible or not in a table format.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 20, if the function number (F) is “0”, the teaching function is selected. In this teaching function, various teachings are performed in accordance with a key input to determine a threshold value. As various teaching methods, teaching without work, teaching with and without work, maximum sensitivity setting, and the like can be adopted as already known. In this example, individual settings can be made for each channel for the teaching function. Therefore, while performing teaching without work for the first channel, it is possible to freely use teaching without work for the second channel or to make the threshold different between the first and second channels. Can be done. Therefore, while one sensor covers two channels, different types of teaching are used for each channel to achieve the same function as if two sensors with one channel were used. can do.

  When the function number (F) is “1”, the operation mode setting function is selected. In this operation mode setting function, it is possible to set operation modes such as a light-ON mode and a light-ON mode. Also in this operation mode setting function, individual settings can be made for each channel. Therefore, even if two channels are included in one sensor, different operation modes are set for each channel, such as setting the first channel to the ON mode when light enters and the second channel to the ON mode when light is blocked. Can be performed. Even with this, it is possible to achieve the same function as if two sensors with one channel are used, while one sensor covers two channels.

  When the function number (F) is “2”, the detection function setting function is selected. In the detection function setting function, the detection function can be selected. The detection algorithm at the time of ON / OFF determination differs depending on the selection of this function. Here, as a detection function, a standard mode, a fastest mode, a high accuracy mode, and the like are prepared. In this embodiment, the individual setting for each channel is denied for the detection function setting function.

  When the function number (F) is “3”, the timer function setting function is selected. In this timer function setting function, a timer mode and a timer time are set. With this setting, the output timing at the time of ON / OFF determination is set. Here, in the timer mode, timer off, off delay, on delay, one shot and the like are prepared. In addition, specifications are provided such that the timer time is set within a possible range except when the timer is off. Also in this timer function setting function, individual setting for each channel is possible. Therefore, various setting contents can be selected, such as setting the timer mode to the off delay for the first channel and setting the on delay to the second channel. From this point, although one sensor has a function for two channels, the timer function can be set for each channel, so that the usability is good.

  When the function number (F) is “4”, the display content setting function is selected. In this display content setting function, the display content is selected. Here, as the display contents, a light reception amount, a threshold value, a bar display, and the like are prepared. Further, it is also possible to display the above display contents in combination, and it is also possible to display the hold value (peak, bottom, etc.) of each content. However, regarding this display content setting function, individual setting for each channel is denied.

  When the function number (F) is "5", the key function assignment setting function is selected. In this key function assignment setting function, the role of the key in the RUN mode is selected. Here, power tuning, zero reset, and the like are prepared as key assignments. Regarding this key function assignment setting function, individual setting for each channel is denied.

  When the function number (F) is “6”, the power tuning target value setting function is selected. In this power tuning target value setting function, a target value at the time of executing power tuning is set. Regarding the power tuning target value setting function, the individual setting for each channel is denied.

  When the function number (F) is “7”, the display direction setting function is selected. In the display direction setting function, a display direction is selected. Here, if "normal" is set, display in the normal direction is performed, and if "reverse" is selected, display in the reverse direction is performed. Regarding the display direction setting function, the individual setting for each channel is denied.

  When the function number (F) is “8”, the output content setting function is selected. In the output content setting function, the output content of the second channel is set in a two-output type model. Here, as the output contents, usually an independent output, an AND output, an OR output, and a difference output are prepared. Although it is usually unnecessary to explain the independent output, when the AND output is selected, the logical product of the detection output of the first channel and the detection output of the second channel is calculated, and this is output to a specific output line. Is output. When the OR output is set, the logical sum of the detection output of the first channel and the detection output of the second channel is obtained by calculation, and this logical sum output is sent to a specific output line. When the difference output is further set, a difference operation between the light reception amount of the first channel and the light reception amount of the second channel is performed, and a result of comparing the obtained difference output with a predetermined threshold value and determining It is sent to a specific output line. That is, the determination result is sent to a specific output line according to whether or not the deviation between the light reception amount of the first channel and the light reception amount of the second channel exceeds a predetermined threshold. This difference calculation is performed by a microprocessor constituting the control unit (CPU) 701, as will be described later when the RUN mode is executed. However, even if an analog operation circuit such as an OP amplifier is separately provided, the operation is performed outside the control unit (CPU) 701, and the operation result is further discriminated by the analog comparator, the same function can be obtained. Needless to say, this can be achieved. In particular, with respect to this difference output, what was previously performed by two adjacent photoelectric sensors is taken into one of the sensors through communication between the adjacent sensors, and then the logical determination is performed, and the logical determination is performed. Although there is an output type, the two-channel built-in sensor of the present invention does not require communication between adjacent sensors, so that output responsiveness is improved and communication is improved. By not intervening, a more advanced judgment output can be realized with a sufficient time margin. Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 12, even if a key input is detected (YES in 1203), if the key input is not related to the SET mode processing, the SET mode processing is skipped (NOs in 1204 and 1208), and another processing is executed. .

  Returning to FIG. 11, when it is determined that the state of the SET / RUN switch 208a is "RUN" (step 1102 RUN), the RUN mode initial setting process (step 1106) is executed. In this RUN mode initial setting process (step 1106), as shown in FIG. 18, the indicator and control output are initialized, threshold values and various RUN mode setting values are initialized, Initialization of C (C = 1) is performed. Here, the value of the light emitting / receiving channel number C is used for controlling which detection channel should be operated in the RUN mode described later. That is, in this embodiment, the first channel system and the second channel system are alternately executed in a time-division manner by one CPU. Is determined according to the value of.

  Thereafter, as long as the content of the SET / RUN switch 208a is determined to be "RUN" (step 1108 YES), the RUN mode process (step 1107) is continuously executed.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the entire RUN mode processing, and FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing each processing content of the RUN mode processing in a table format. In FIG. 13, when the process is started, first, an indicator light control process is executed (step 1301). In the indicator light control process (step 1301), the lighting control of the 7-segment display is performed according to the specified display content. Here, the “designated display content” is determined by first selecting the display content setting function by setting the function number (F) to “4” in the SET mode processing (step 1104). This means the display content of the received light amount, threshold value, and bar display.

  Subsequently, a communication command execution process (step 1302) is executed. This communication command execution processing (step 1302) means that when a communication command is received in a measurement interrupt processing (step 1350) described later, the processing of the corresponding command is executed. As disclosed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-222788, a data setting command, an operation disable command, a hidden function execution command, and the like are provided. Subsequently, in the APC process (step 1303), the monitor received light amount acquired in the measurement interrupt process (step 1350) described later is monitored, and the APC (auto power control) Control ') Perform the correction. At this time, the APC correction is performed for each channel. Therefore, even if the characteristics of the light emitting element and the light receiving element or the light emitting circuit and the light receiving circuit are different for each channel, the appropriate automatic power control is always performed for each channel. Is performed.

  Subsequently, in a key input detection process (step 1304), a key input is detected at regular intervals, and if an input is detected, settings are made so that the corresponding process can be executed. Thereafter, based on the detected key input state, the contents instructed by the key input include a channel switching instruction (step 1306), a threshold adjustment instruction (step 1307), a power tuning instruction (step 1308), and a zero reset instruction. (Step 1309), it is determined which of the key lock command (Step 1310). Here, according to these determination results, channel switching processing (step 1311), threshold adjustment processing (step 1312), power tuning processing (step 1313), zero reset processing (step 1314), key lock processing (step 1314) 1315) is executed.

  Here, when the channel switching process (step 1311) is executed, the designated channel is switched according to the key input. That is, in FIGS. 1 and 2, if the slide operator 209 is set to one of the first channel and the second channel, the setting state is read via the channel changeover switch 209a, and the selected channel is switched to the specified channel. Is performed.

  When the threshold adjustment processing (step 1312) is executed, the threshold is changed in accordance with the key input, and the threshold adjustment processing corresponding to the designated channel is performed. Done. That is, depending on whether the slide operator 209 is set to the first channel or the second channel at that time, the threshold is changed for the designated channel in accordance with a predetermined key operation.

  When the power tuning process (step 1313) is executed, the optimum adjustment of the light projection power and the light reception gain is performed so that the target detection value is obtained (power tuning is performed). On the other hand, when "power tuning release" is requested, a return to the default projection power and light receiving gain state is performed (power tuning release). Further, the execution of the power tuning and the cancellation of the power tuning are performed on the designated channel in accordance with the setting state of the channel switch 209. This makes it possible to separately perform power tuning for the first channel or the second channel. Even when the characteristics of the light emitting / receiving system are different between the first channel and the second channel, each channel can be individually tuned. Optimum power tuning is performed, and the same usability as using two 1-channel built-in sensors can be obtained.

  When the zero reset process (step 1314) is executed, the starting light receiving amount is determined so that the present light receiving amount display becomes “0”. Thereafter, the amount of change is displayed based on the received light amount at the starting point. The threshold value is similarly shifted and displayed according to the above-mentioned starting point received light amount (zero reset execution). On the other hand, when "zero reset release" is requested, a return to the default received light amount display state is performed (zero reset release). The execution of the zero reset or the release of the zero reset can be performed individually for the designated channel, as in the previous case, so the operation is exactly the same as using two sensors with a built-in one channel. At intervals, a zero reset can be performed for each channel. Since the zero reset process has been disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-124594 by the present applicant, the description is omitted here.

  When the key lock process (step 1315) is executed, “key lock” is set. When this “key lock” is set, it acts so as not to accept an input other than a specific key. On the other hand, when "key lock release" is requested, the locked state is released.

  Subsequently, a detailed description will be given of the measurement interruption process (step 1350) executed in the regular interruption. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the measurement interruption processing, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of each processing of the measurement interruption processing in a table format.

  When the process is started in FIG. 14, a synchronous communication process (step 1401) is first executed. In this synchronous communication process, as shown in FIG. 22, a light emission synchronization signal is transmitted to an adjacent sensor. As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the left and right side plates 103 and 104 of the main body case 10 of the photoelectric sensor 1 are formed with openings 112 for light emitting and receiving light, and are formed therein. As described above with reference to FIG. 10, the left communication LED 710a, the left communication PD 711a or the right communication LED 710b, and the right communication PD 711b are arranged. By appropriately driving these LEDs and PDs, it is possible to transmit and receive information to and from adjacent sensors via optical communication. The details of the transmission and reception of such information are disclosed in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-222786 by the present applicant. That is, in this synchronous communication processing (step 1401), a light emitting synchronization signal is transmitted from the master located at the end of the series of sensors to the adjacent slaves at regular intervals by the regular timer processing. . Then, each of the slave units connected to the slave unit sequentially transmits the light emission synchronization signal to the adjacent slave unit with a certain delay time. As a result, in the master unit and each slave unit adjacent thereto, the operation timing at which the master unit should operate can be acquired at a period of, for example, 100 μsec with a slight phase delay.

  As a result of the execution of the synchronous communication processing (step 1401), when it is determined that the own operation timing has come, the content of the set channel at that time is determined based on the content of the channel setting register C. Here, if “C = 1”, it is determined that the first channel is set, and if “C = 2”, it is determined that the second channel is set.

  As a result of referring to the content of the channel designation register C, if the content is determined to be “1”, the processing of the first channel system is performed thereafter, whereas if it is determined to be “2”, the second channel processing is performed. Channel-related processing is executed.

  Now, assuming that it is determined that the value of the channel designation register C is “1” (Step 1402 C = 1), subsequently, the light emitting / receiving process for the first channel (Step 1403) is executed. In the light emitting / receiving process for the first channel (step 1403), the lighting control of the light emitting LED 702a of the first channel is performed according to the set detection mode, and in this state, the amount of light received via the main light receiving PD 703a Is converted and amplified into an electric signal, and then A / D conversion is performed via an A / D converter 708 to obtain a detection value. The detection value detected here is used for ON / OFF determination processing for the first channel, display in the RUN mode processing, and the like.

  Subsequently, an ON / OFF determination process (step 1404) for the first channel is executed. In the ON / OFF determination processing for the first channel (step 1404), the obtained detection value is compared with a threshold level to determine the set detection function, timer mode, and operation mode (L.ON / D.ON). ), ON / OFF determination of the first channel is performed.

  Subsequently, an output control process (step 1405) for the first channel is executed. In the output control process for the first channel (step 1405), output control of the first channel control output and lighting control of the operation indicator are performed according to the ON / OFF state of the first channel. At this time, the transmission of the control output of the first channel to the outside is performed via the first channel control output circuit 715 shown in FIG. 10, and the lighting control of the operation indicator lamp 203 is performed via the display drive circuit 719. Done.

  After the output control process for the first channel (step 1405) is completed, the value of the channel designation register is rewritten from "1" to "2" (step 1406). Thereafter, when the command communication process (step 1413) is executed and the command communication is received by communication, the received content is saved and the command is transferred to the adjacent sensor.

  Next, when the next interrupt processing is executed, in the synchronous communication processing (step 1401), the contents of the channel designation register C are determined (step 1402) after the arrival of the operation timing is detected. At this time, since the value of the channel designation register C has been rewritten from “1” to “2” in the previous interrupt processing (step 1406), it is determined that C = 2 in the present determination processing (step 1402). A determination is made, and as a result, a light emitting / receiving process (step 1407) for the second channel is performed.

  In the light emitting / receiving process for the second channel (step 1407), lighting control of the light emitting LED 702b of the second channel is performed according to the set detection mode, and the amount of light received via the main light receiving PD 703b is converted into an electric signal. Then, the detected value is obtained by performing A / D conversion via the A / D converter 708. The detection value acquired here is used for ON / OFF determination processing relating to the second channel, display in the RUN mode processing, and the like.

  When the light emission / reception processing (step 1407) for the second channel is completed in this way, it is subsequently determined whether or not the difference detection output is set (step 1408). As described above, this difference detection output can be designated by setting “8” as the function number (F) in the SET mode process (step 1104) and selecting the output content setting function. . If it is determined that there is no difference detection output designation (step 1408 NO), then ON / OFF determination processing for the second channel (step 1409) is executed.

  In the ON / OFF determination processing for the second channel (step 1409), the obtained detection value is compared with a threshold level to set a detection function, a timer mode, and an operation mode (L.ON / D.ON). ), ON / OFF determination of the second channel is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a difference detection output designation (step 1408 YES), a difference determination process (step 1410) is subsequently performed. In this difference determination processing (step 1410), the timer mode and the operation mode (L.ON./) are compared by comparing the value obtained by subtracting the amount of received light of the second channel from the amount of received light of the first channel with the threshold level. D. ON), ON / OFF determination of the second channel is performed. That is, by this difference determination processing, a difference between the two received light amounts is obtained between the two channels incorporated in one sensor, and a determination output is determined based on whether or not the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It can be generated.

  Subsequently, an output control process (step 1411) for the second channel is executed. In this output control process (step 1411), output control of the second channel control output and lighting control of the operation indicator are performed according to the output content setting in the SET mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 20, as the output content setting, usually, an independent output, an AND output, an OR output, and a difference output are prepared. In the “normally independent output”, an ON / OFF determination result for the second channel is output. In the “AND output”, an AND output of the ON / OFF determination result of the first channel and the second channel is transmitted. In the case of "OR output", an OR output of the ON / OFF determination results of the first channel and the second channel is generated and sent to the outside. Further, in the “difference output”, the determination result obtained in the difference determination processing (step 1410) is output.

  When the output control process for the second channel (step 1411) is thus completed, immediately after that, the value of the channel designation register C is rewritten from "2" to "1" (step 1412). After that, when the command communication process (step 1413) is executed and the command communication is received by the communication, the received content is held, the command is transferred to the adjacent sensor, and after the timer is started, the next time, the command is received. Move on to measurement interrupt processing.

  As a result, as a result of referring to the channel designation register C in step 1402 and rewriting the channel designation register performed in steps 1406 and 1412, the value of the channel designation register C becomes “1” and “ 2 ", the processing of the first channel system (steps 1403 to 1405) and the processing of the second channel system (steps 1407 to 1411) are executed alternately.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 17, in a sensor system in which many sensors are connected via a DIN rail, in each of the two-channel built-in sensors, the first channel and the second channel are connected by the master unit. The execution is alternately performed with the determined light emission cycle interposed, and the individual sensors operate normally without disturbing the synchronization management at all, similarly to the conventional one-channel built-in photoelectric sensor.

  In other words, although two channels are incorporated in one sensor, only one channel in each sensor operates in each operation cycle, so that eight points, Even in models in which the maximum number of connected devices is limited, such as 16 points and 32 points, even if one or all of the sensors are two-channel built-in sensors according to the present invention, the number of sensors within one operation cycle is limited. Due to the simultaneous operation of two channels within one sensor with a slight delay near the end of the operation, there is a risk that the operation period of the final sensor may exceed the predetermined period and cause a problem for the entire system. It can be prevented before it happens.

  That is, the example of FIG. 17 takes three sensors (sensors U1, U2, and U3) as an example, and when each sensor is a two-channel built-in sensor, the operation cycle (cycle) of the conventional one-channel built-in type is set. This indicates that this operates normally while maintaining the time.

  1CH and 2CH are allocated to the sensor U1 as the parent device, 3CH and 4CH are allocated to the sensor U2 as the child device, and 5CH and 6CH are further allocated to the U3 as the child device. In this state, when the sensor U1 serving as the master unit takes the initiative and transmits a synchronization signal to the sensor U2 serving as an adjacent sensor at a fixed period, the sensor U2 performs a detection operation regarding 3CH, and then performs a sensor operation from the sensor U2. The synchronization signal is transmitted to U3 by optical communication. Then, in the subsequent sensor U3, a detection operation regarding 5CH is performed. After that, when the synchronization period elapses, the sensor U1 performs a detection operation regarding 2CH by timer management, and sends a synchronization signal to the sensor U2 that is slightly later than the detection operation. Then, in the sensor U2, the detection operation for the 4CH is performed, and then, with a slight delay, the transmission of the synchronization signal by optical communication is performed for the sensor U3. Then, the detection operation for 6CH is performed in the sensor U3, and then, after the elapse of the light emission period by the internal timer management, the detection operation for 1CH is performed in the sensor U1, which is the parent device. . Thereafter, with a slight delay, a synchronization signal is sent to the sensor U2 by an optical signal. Then, the detection operation for 3CH is performed in the sensor U2, and a synchronization signal is transmitted to the sensor U3 by optical communication with a slight delay thereafter. Then, the sensor U3 performs a detection operation on 5CH, and thereafter, in each of the sensors U1, U2, and U3, two adjacent channels are alternately executed. As a result, although two channels are built in each sensor, the time occupied in each sensor is the same as that of the one-channel built-in sensor, so long as the maximum number of connected sensors is maintained. By increasing the number of connected sensors to the maximum specified number, it is possible to double the number of channels that can be handled while maintaining a certain sensor occupation width.

  Finally, FIG. 15 is an enlarged explanatory diagram showing details of the entire display unit, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display mode of the first and second numerical value display units.

  That is, in the present invention, various display modes related to the first channel and the second channel can be obtained by skillfully using the first numerical value display unit 201 and the second numerical value display unit 202.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, when the display of <light reception amount + light reception amount> is selected, the light reception amount of the first channel is displayed as “1000” in the first numerical display unit 201 and the second numerical display unit is displayed. At 202, the received light amount of the second channel is displayed as "3000".

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the display of <light reception amount + threshold> is selected in a state where the channel changeover switch 209a is set to the first channel, the first numerical value display unit 201 is displayed. Is displayed as the light reception amount of the first channel is "4000", and at the same time, the threshold value of the first channel is displayed as "1800" on the second numerical value display section 202.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16C, if the display of <light reception amount + threshold value> is selected in a state where the channel changeover switch 209a is set to the second channel side, the first numerical value display unit 201 is displayed. , The light reception amount of the second channel is displayed as “3000”, and the threshold value of the second channel is displayed as “700” on the second numerical value display section 202.

  As shown in FIG. 16D, if the display of <bar> is selected, the first numerical value display unit 201 displays the light incident side light amount of each channel as a bar divided into upper and lower areas, and at the same time, In the second numerical value display section 202, the light-shielding light amount of each channel is similarly displayed as a bar by dividing the area vertically.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16 (e), for example, in a state where the channel changeover switch 209a is set to the second channel side, if <light reception amount difference value + threshold> display is selected, the first The numerical value display unit 201 displays the difference between the amount of received light of the first channel and the amount of received light of the second channel as “+300”, and the second numerical display unit 202 displays the difference threshold value as “−500”. You.

  As described above, according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16E, the two numerical value display units 201 and 202 are provided while incorporating the functions of two channels in one sensor. By using this, various data such as the amount of received light, the threshold value, and the difference can be displayed to the operator in an easy-to-understand manner. In addition to the numerical display, as shown in FIG. The light amount on the light side or the light shielding side can be displayed as a bar.

  As described in detail above, according to the two-channel built-in fiber type photoelectric sensor of the present embodiment, the same channel capacity can be covered in half the space as compared with the conventional one-channel built-in type photoelectric sensor. If the same space is secured as in the previous system, the channel capacity can be doubled. In addition, since the two channels incorporated in each sensor operate alternately only one at a time for each synchronization cycle, the synchronization cycle is disturbed even when applied to a conventional one-channel embedded system. And the other sensors are not adversely affected, and the two channels do not operate almost simultaneously at a slight time difference within one sensor. It is possible to provide a highly reliable and easy-to-use sensor system without causing the problem that the potential fluctuation affects the operation of the other channel.

  In addition, by skillfully utilizing the two numerical display units and the two operation indicators provided on both sides of the sensor case, the received light amount of both channels can be simultaneously viewed, and the received light amount and threshold value of each channel can be checked. Good usability can be provided to the operator, for example, by observing while comparing, and furthermore, displaying the light amount data of the two channels in the upper and lower two rows of the numerical display with bar codes.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the photoelectric sensors are connected in series. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the photoelectric sensor. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an internal structure of the clamp assembly. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a non-clamp state of the clamp assembly. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a clamp state of the clamp assembly. It is the perspective view which looked at the fiber gripper from diagonally forward. It is a figure showing the front and back of a fiber gripper. It is a figure which shows the left side surface and the right side surface of a fiber gripper. It is explanatory drawing of the external dimension of a photoelectric sensor. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical hardware configuration of the photoelectric sensor. It is a general flowchart which shows the whole software structure of a photoelectric sensor. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the entire SET mode process. It is a flowchart which shows the whole RUN mode processing. It is a flowchart which shows a measurement interruption process. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the entire display unit in an enlarged manner. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display mode of first and second numerical value display units. 6 is a time chart for explaining operation timings of two channels allocated to each of sensors U1, U2, and U3. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing, in a table format, the contents of each process of the general flowchart in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing contents of each processing of the SET mode processing of FIG. 12 in a table format. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing, in a table form, a relationship between a function number F and function contents, and whether or not individual channel setting is possible. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing, in a table form, details of each process of the RUN mode process of FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing, in a table form, details of each processing of the measurement interrupt processing of FIG. 14.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoelectric sensor 2 DIN rail 5 Electric cord 6 Top cover 10 Case main body 20 Main assembly 20A Top panel 20B Component mounting board 30 Clamp assembly 31 Optical fiber for first channel light emission 32 Optical fiber for first channel light reception 41 Second Optical fiber for channel light emission 42 Optical fiber for second channel light reception 51 First channel output core wire 52 Second channel output core wire 53 Vcc core wire 54 GND core wire 101 Front plate 102 Rear plate 103 Right side plate 104 Left side plate 105 Bottom plate (bottom plate)
106 Opening 107 Fiber insertion port for first channel light emission 108 Fiber insertion port for first channel light reception 109 Fiber insertion port for second channel light emission 110 Fiber insertion port for second channel light reception 111 DIN rail fitting groove 112 Emitter / receiver window 201 First numerical display unit 202 Second numerical display unit 203 First operation indicator 204 Second operation indicator 205, 206, 207 Push button 205a UP switch 206a DOWN switch 207a MODE switch 208, 209 Slider 208a SET / RUN switch 209a Channel switch 210 Clamper holder 211 Hinge 310 Base block 310a-310d Fiber insertion hole 310e, 310g Positioning hole 310f, 310h Positioning hole 3 0i, 310j Stage 310n, 310o, 310p Guide projection 310l Bracket 310m Shaft hole 310k Pin 320 Lower fiber gripper 320a Upper C-ring part of lower fiber gripper 320b Lower C-ring part of lower fiber gripper 320h Round bar-shaped projection 320i Flat plate Protrusion 320f, 320g Air gap 330 Upper fiber gripper 330a Upper C-ring part of upper fiber gripper 330b Lower C-ring part of upper fiber gripper 340 Clamp lever 340a Shaft hole 340b Cam part of clamp lever 350 Slide actuator 350a Lower window 350b Upper window 350c, 350d, 350e Guide slit 350f, 350g, 350h, 350i Projection for operating fiber gripper 350j Slider Upper surface 700 substrate mounting the circuit 701 the control unit of the Chueta (CPU)
701a First channel light emitting circuit 701b Second channel light emitting circuit 702a First channel LED
702b 2nd channel LED
703a Main light receiving PD of the first channel
703b Main light receiving PD of second channel
704a First-channel amplifier circuit 704b Second-channel amplifier circuit 705a First-channel APC light-receiving PD
705b Light receiving PD for APC of 2nd channel
706a APC light receiving circuit of the first channel 706b APC light receiving circuit of the second channel 707 Channel switching circuit 708 External A / D converter 709a Left communication light emission drive circuit 710a Left communication LED
710b Right communication LED
711a Communication PD on left side
711b Right communication PD
712a Communication amplification circuit on the left 712b Communication amplification circuit on the right 713 Oscillator 714 EEPROM
715 One-channel control output circuit 716 Two-channel control output circuit 717 CPU reset circuit 718 Power supply circuit 719 Display drive circuit 720 Operation circuit W Sensor width H Sensor height L Sensor depth

Claims (9)

A fiber type having a rail mounting section on the bottom, a display section and an operation section on the top, a fiber insertion port on the front, an output section of a cord drawing type or a connector type on the rear side, and a dimension in the rail longitudinal direction of 15 mm or less. A photoelectric sensor,
Two sets of light emitting circuits and light receiving circuits corresponding to the first and second detection channels,
A single CPU that performs time-division detection operations for two detection channels;
Two output lines corresponding to the two detection channels;
Four fiber insertion ports vertically arranged on the front surface such that the lower two light emitting / receiving pairs corresponding to the first detection channel and the upper two light emitting / receiving pairs corresponding to the second detection channel,
A first and a second numerical display unit, each of which can display a plurality of digits in the longitudinal direction of the case, and are provided on the upper surface of the case in a longitudinal direction;
A fiber type, wherein the first numerical value display unit can display the amount of received light of a first detection channel, and the second numerical value display unit can display the amount of received light of a second detection channel. Photoelectric sensor. A first operation indicator is provided adjacent to the first numerical display, a second operation indicator is provided adjacent to the second numerical display, and any one of the first and second operation indicators is provided. 2. The fiber-type photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first and second numerical display portions are sandwiched between the first and second numerical display portions. By the selection operation, the display contents of the first numerical value display unit and the second numerical value display unit are set to the light reception amount of the first detection channel, the light reception amount of the second detection channel, and the light reception amount of the first detection channel. The fiber-type photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein the fiber-type photoelectric sensor can be switched to any one of a value, a light reception amount of the second detection channel, and a threshold. It has a logical operation means for performing a logical operation between the detection result of the first detection channel and the detection result of the second detection channel, and an output line for outputting a logical operation result by the logical operation means. The fiber-type photoelectric sensor according to claim 1. Difference calculating means for calculating a difference between the amount of light received by the first detection channel and the amount of light received by the second detection channel; determining means for determining a difference calculation result by the difference calculating means by a threshold value; 2. The fiber type photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, further comprising: an output line for outputting a determination result by the means. A fiber-type photoelectric sensor having a rail mounting portion on the bottom surface, a display portion and an operation portion on the top surface, a fiber insertion port on the front surface, and an output portion made of a cord drawing method or a connector method on the rear surface,
Two sets of light emitting circuits and light receiving circuits corresponding to the first and second detection channels;
A single CPU that performs time-division detection operations for two detection channels;
Two output lines corresponding to the two detection channels;
Four fiber insertion ports arranged on the front,
Provided on the upper surface of the case, a plurality of digits can be displayed side by side in the longitudinal direction of the case, and the received light amount of the first detection channel and the received light amount of the second detection channel can be displayed numerically. A fiber-type photoelectric sensor, comprising: a display; The display is capable of displaying a plurality of digits each arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case, and includes first and second numerical display units arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case.
The light receiving amount of the first detection channel may be displayed on the first numerical display unit, and the light receiving amount of the second detection channel may be displayed on the second numerical display unit. Item 7. A fiber type photoelectric sensor according to item 6. The dimension in the rail longitudinal direction is 15 mm or less,
The fiber-type photoelectric sensor according to claim 6, wherein the four fiber insertion ports are vertically arranged on a front surface. The four fiber insertion ports are arranged such that lower two light emitting / receiving pairs corresponding to the first detection channel and upper two light emitting / receiving pairs corresponding to the second detection channel. A fiber-type photoelectric sensor according to claim 8.

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