JP2005326362A - Photoelectric sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a miniaturizable photoelectric sensor capable of changing the size or the shape of a light spot, while maintaining detection accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: Light generated from a light source is floodlighted to an object in a detection domain through an optical fiber cable 20 and a fiber light draw-out part 200. The fiber light draw-out part 200 is constituted of a holder member 210, a slide member 220, a plate spring 230 and a lever member 240. The optical fiber cable 20 is mounted on the holder member 210. The slide member 220 is mounted slidably in the Y-direction on the slit support surface 213 of the holder member 210 so that one surface of a slit part 221 of the slide member 220 becomes flat with the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. Through holes 221a, 221b, 221c having different sizes and shapes are provided in the slit part 221. Light from the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted from one of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a photoelectric sensor including a light projecting element and a light receiving element.

  A photoelectric sensor is used to detect the presence / absence of an object in the detection area, the position of the object, the color of the object, and the like by projecting light onto the detection area and receiving reflected or transmitted light.

  A light spot is formed on the object in the detection region by the light projected from the photoelectric sensor. It is necessary to adjust the diameter of the light spot formed on the object according to the shape, size, or position of the object.

Conventionally, a photoelectric switch capable of adjusting the diameter of a light spot has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this photoelectric sensor, the diameter of the light spot can be changed by making the distance between the light source and the projection lens variable.
JP 2001-264453 A

  By the way, in a photoelectric sensor for detecting the color of an object, when a small light spot is formed on an object having color unevenness, the detected color differs depending on the position of the light spot. For this reason, in order to detect the average color of an object with uneven color, the light spot must be enlarged.

  However, when the diameter of the light spot is increased by changing the distance between the light source and the light projecting lens, the light spot is blurred. In addition, the structure for moving the projection lens is complicated, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the photoelectric sensor.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric sensor that can change the size or shape of a light spot and can be downsized while maintaining detection accuracy.

  A photoelectric sensor according to the present invention is a photoelectric sensor that projects light onto a detection region and receives light from the detection region, and has a plurality of through-holes having different sizes or shapes from a light source that generates light. A member and a support mechanism that movably supports the movable member so that the light generated by the light source passes through any of the plurality of through holes.

  In the photoelectric sensor according to the present invention, the light generated by the light source passes through any of the plurality of through holes of the movable member, and the light is projected onto the detection region. The movable member is movably supported by the support mechanism. By moving the movable member, the through-hole through which the light from the light source passes can be switched. Thereby, the size or shape of the light spot can be changed.

  In this case, since the focus of the light projected on the detection region does not change, no light blur occurs. Therefore, detection accuracy can be maintained. In addition, the configuration is simplified, and downsizing is realized.

  The movable member has a first end face and a locking portion, the plurality of through holes include a first through hole and a second through hole, and the support mechanism moves the movable member in one direction and in the opposite direction. And a support member having a first contact surface that contacts the first end surface of the movable member as the movable member moves in one direction, and supports the movable member. And an elastic member provided so as to be able to lock the locking portion while being pressed against the surface, and the movable member is moved in one direction from the first state where the elastic member locks the locking portion. The first end face is disengaged from the locking portion and is provided so as to be able to shift to a second state where the first end face comes into contact with the first contact face. Light generated by the light source in the first state passes through the first through hole. The light that passes through and is generated by the light source in the second state passes through the second through hole, and the elastic member is Prevents movement in one direction and the opposite direction of the movable member in the state, may be provided to bias the movable member in one direction in the second state.

  In the first state, the elastic member locks the locking portion of the movable member and presses the movable member against the support surface, thereby preventing the movable member from moving in one direction or the reverse direction. In this state, light generated by the light source passes through the first through hole.

  In this case, the movable member is fixed by the elastic member and the support member.

  Further, when the elastic member is disengaged from the engaging portion of the movable member, the movable member is urged in one direction and shifts to the second state. In the second state, the first end surface of the movable member is in contact with the first contact surface. In this state, light generated by the light source passes through the second through hole.

  In this case, since the movable member is fixed by the first contact surfaces of the elastic member and the support member, the deviation of the light projected through the second through hole and projected onto the detection region is reliably prevented.

  In this way, by moving the movable member between the first state and the second state, a light spot having a size or shape corresponding to each of the first through hole and the second through hole is detected. Can be selectively formed.

  The movable member further includes a second end surface, the plurality of through holes further include a third through hole, and the support member is disposed on the second end surface of the movable member as the movable member moves in the reverse direction. The movable member has a second abutting surface that abuts, and the movable member further moves to a third state in which the elastic member is disengaged from the engaging portion by moving in the reverse direction and the second end surface abuts on the second abutting surface. The light generated by the light source in the third state passes through the third through hole, and the elastic member is provided to urge the movable member in the reverse direction in the third state. Also good.

  In this case, when the elastic member is disengaged from the engaging portion of the movable member, the movable member is urged in the reverse direction to shift to the third state. In the third state, the second end surface of the movable member is in contact with the second contact surface. In this state, light generated by the light source passes through the third through hole.

  In this way, by moving the movable member to the first state, the second state, and the third state, it corresponds to each of the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole. It is possible to selectively form a light spot having a size or shape to be formed in the detection region.

  The locking portion has a pair of protrusions formed at intervals in a cross section in a direction substantially parallel to one direction, and the elastic member is between the pair of protrusions in a cross section in a direction substantially parallel to one direction. A projecting portion formed into a projecting shape that can be fitted to the projecting portion, the projecting portion abuts between the pair of projecting portions in the first state, and the projecting portion in the second state is a pair of projecting portions. One of them may be pressed in one direction.

  In this case, the movable member is fixed in the first state by fitting the convex portion of the elastic member between the pair of protrusions of the movable member.

  Further, when the convex portion of the elastic member is removed from between the pair of protrusions of the movable member, one of the protrusions is pressed in one direction, and the movable member is fixed in the second state.

  Thereby, the movement of the movable member from the first state to another state is easily performed.

  The movement in one direction or the reverse direction of the movable member may be linear movement or rotational movement. When the movable member moves linearly, the structure of the support member becomes simple. Further, when the movable member rotates, the support member can be reduced in size.

  A light emitting surface for emitting the light generated by the light source so as to pass through any of the plurality of through holes is further provided, and the first through hole of the movable member may be formed larger than the light emitting surface. Good.

  In this case, in the first state, even when a slight displacement of the movable member occurs, the first through hole is formed larger than the light emitting surface, so that the light passing through the first through hole is Further, it is sufficiently prevented from being blocked by the inner surface of the first through hole or the movable member. As a result, a desired light spot shape is accurately formed in the detection region.

  The movable member has a first end surface and a second end surface, and has a convex portion, the plurality of through holes include the first through hole and the second through hole, and the support mechanism includes the movable member. A first contact surface that has a support surface that is movably supported in one direction and in the opposite direction, and that contacts the first end surface of the movable member as the movable member moves in one direction, and the reverse movement of the movable member Accordingly, the support member having a second contact surface that contacts the second end surface of the movable member, and the movable member is pressed against the support surface of the support member, and the convex portion is urged in one direction or the opposite direction. The movable member includes a first state in which the elastic member urges the convex portion in one direction and the first end surface contacts the first contact surface, and the elastic member has a convex shape. The second end surface is urged in the reverse direction so that the second end surface is brought into contact with the second contact surface, and can be shifted to the second state. , Light generated by the light source in the first state to pass through the first through hole, light generated by the light source in the second state may pass through the second through hole.

  In the first state, the first end surface of the movable member is in contact with the first contact surface. In this state, light generated by the light source passes through the first through hole.

  In this case, since the movable member is fixed by the first contact surface of the elastic member and the support member, the deviation of the light that passes through the first through hole and is projected onto the detection region is reliably prevented.

  On the other hand, in the second state, the second end surface of the movable member contacts the second contact surface. In this state, light generated by the light source passes through the second through hole.

  In this case, since the movable member is fixed by the second contact surface of the elastic member and the support member, the deviation of the light that passes through the second through hole and is projected onto the detection region is reliably prevented.

  In addition, since the movable member can move between the first state and the second state, a light spot having a size or shape corresponding to each of the first through hole and the second through hole is selected as the detection region. Can be formed.

  The movable member has a plurality of first locking portions provided respectively corresponding to the plurality of through holes, and the support mechanism includes a support member that supports the movable member so as to be movable in one direction and in the opposite direction. A locking member capable of locking any one of the plurality of first locking portions, and the light source in a state where any of the plurality of first locking portions is locked by the locking member. The light generated by may pass through the through hole corresponding to the locked first locking portion.

  In this case, the movable member is supported by the support member so as to be movable in one direction and in the opposite direction. When any one of the plurality of first locking portions provided on the movable member is locked by the locking member, movement of the movable member in one direction or the opposite direction is prevented. The light generated by the light source passes through the through hole corresponding to the first locking portion locked in a state where any one of the plurality of first locking portions is locked by the locking member.

  Since the movable member is fixed by the locking member, the deviation of the light projected through the through hole corresponding to the locked first locking portion and projected onto the detection region is reliably prevented.

  By moving the movable member in one direction and in the opposite direction, a light spot having a size or shape corresponding to each of the plurality of through holes can be selectively formed in the detection region.

  The support member has a second locking portion, and the second locking portion is locked by the locking member in a state where any of the plurality of first locking portions is locked by the locking member. May be.

  In this case, since the second locking portion of the support member is locked by the locking member in a state where any one of the first locking portions is locked by the locking member, the movable member is the support member. At the same time, it is more securely fixed.

  As a result, the deviation of the light projected through the through hole corresponding to the first locking portion where the light generated by the light source is locked is reliably prevented.

  The movable member may be supported by the support member so as to be rotatable in one direction or the opposite direction. In this case, the support member can be reduced in size.

  The movable member may include a thin metal plate, and the plurality of through holes may be formed in the thin metal plate.

  In this case, the influence that the light generated by the light source is affected by the inner surface of the through hole of the metal thin plate is sufficiently reduced. As a result, a light spot corresponding to the size or shape of the through hole is accurately formed in the detection region.

  You may further provide the moving member provided in connection with a movable member and used in order to move a movable member. In this case, the movable member can be easily moved by the moving member.

  A main body having a light source, a head provided separately from the main body and having a movable member and a support mechanism, and an optical fiber cable for guiding light generated by the light source of the main body to the movable member and the support mechanism of the head And may further be provided.

  In this case, the light generated by the light source of the main body is guided to the movable member and the support mechanism of the head by the optical fiber cable and projected onto the detection area. Thereby, since the head part does not have a light source, the head part can be miniaturized.

  A holding member for holding the end face of the optical fiber cable, wherein the plurality of through holes of the movable member are arranged so as to be positioned on the end face of the optical fiber cable held by the holding member by the movement of the movable member; One of the holding members is provided with a recess, and the other of the movable member and the holding member is provided with a projection that fits into the recess. When the movable member moves, there is a gap between the movable member and the end face of the optical fiber cable. When one of the plurality of through holes is formed on the end face of the optical fiber cable, the convex portion is fitted into the concave portion, so that the end face of the optical fiber cable and the end face of the movable member are substantially flush with each other. Also good.

  In this case, when the movable member moves, a gap is formed between the movable member and the end face of the optical fiber cable. When one of the plurality of through holes is positioned on the end face of the optical fiber cable by the movement of the movable member, the convex portion provided on the other of the movable member and the holding member is provided in the concave portion provided on one of the movable member and the holding member. And the end face of the optical fiber cable and the end face of the movable member are substantially flush with each other.

  This prevents the end face of the optical fiber cable from becoming dirty and scratched when the movable member is moved, and the end face of the optical fiber cable is fixed to the end of the movable member when any of the plurality of through holes is located on the end face of the optical fiber cable. Proximity to any of the plurality of through holes.

  Thereby, the position in the optical axis direction of the through hole, which is the light source reference position of this optical system, is constant. As a result, a light spot corresponding to the size or shape of the through hole is accurately formed in the detection region.

  In the photoelectric sensor according to the present invention, the light generated by the light source passes through any of the plurality of through holes of the movable member, and the light is projected onto the detection region. The movable member is movably supported by the support mechanism. By moving the movable member, the through-hole through which the light from the light source passes can be switched. Thereby, the size or shape of the light spot can be changed.

  In this case, since the focus of the light projected on the detection region does not change, no light blur occurs. Therefore, detection accuracy can be maintained. In addition, the configuration is simplified, and downsizing is realized.

  Hereinafter, a photoelectric sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the photoelectric sensor according to the first embodiment. The photoelectric sensor according to the first embodiment is a color determination sensor that determines the color of an object.

  The photoelectric sensor 100 according to the first embodiment includes a sensor head portion 10, an optical fiber cable 20, an electric cable 30, a main body portion 40, and an output cable 50.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the connector C <b> 1 of the optical fiber cable 20 extending from the sensor head 10 is connected to the connector C <b> 3 of the main body 40. Further, the connector C2 of the electric cable 30 extending from the sensor head portion 10 is connected to the connector C4 of the main body portion 40. The output cable 50 extending from the main body 40 is connected to another external device (not shown).

  The sensor head portion 10 is provided with a light projecting optical system 11 and a light receiving optical system 12. A light spot is formed on the object W by the light L emitted from the light projecting optical system 11. The light L is reflected by the object W and enters the light receiving optical system 12.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the first embodiment.

  The sensor head 10 of the photoelectric sensor 100 includes a light projecting optical system 11, a light receiving optical system 12, a light receiving element 13, and a light receiving circuit 14. The main body 40 of the photoelectric sensor 100 includes a light projecting control unit 41, a plurality of light projecting elements 42a, 42b, and 42c, a signal processing control unit 43, an output circuit 44, a setting input unit 45, and a main body side display unit 46.

  The light projection control unit 41 controls the light emission operation of the plurality of light projecting elements 42a, 42b, and 42c. Specifically, a light projection timing signal ST indicating the light emission timing of each of the plurality of light projecting elements 42 a, 42 b, 42 c is output to the plurality of light projecting elements 42 a, 42 b, 42 c and the signal processing control unit 43.

  The plurality of light projecting elements 42a, 42b, 42c are, for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes). When the light projecting elements 42a, 42b, and 42c are LEDs, the LEDs may be a surface emitting type.

  The light L generated by the plurality of light projecting elements 42 a, 42 b, 42 c is guided to the light projecting optical system 11 of the sensor head 10 through the optical fiber cable 20. The fiber optic cable 20 includes a single optical fiber.

  In the light projecting optical system 11, the light L guided through the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted to the outside. Further, the light projecting optical system 11 includes a fiber light deriving unit described later. Details of the structure and operation of the fiber light outlet will be described later.

  In the light receiving optical system 12, the light L reflected by the object W out of the light L emitted to the outside by the light projecting optical system 11 is incident. The light L incident on the light receiving optical system 12 is guided to the light receiving element 13. The light receiving element 13 generates a light receiving signal S1 corresponding to the amount of received light.

  The light receiving circuit 14 amplifies the light reception signal S <b> 1 generated by the light receiving element 13 and transmits the amplified light reception signal S <b> 1 to the signal processing control unit 43 of the main body 40 through the electric wire cable 30.

  The signal processing control unit 43 performs predetermined signal processing on the light reception signal S <b> 1 and outputs a detection signal S <b> 2 indicating detection and non-detection of the object W to the outside via the output circuit 44. Further, the signal processing control unit 43 causes the main body side display unit 46 to display predetermined information based on the received light reception signal S1 and the operation of the setting input unit 45 by the user.

  In the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, the size and shape of the light spot formed on the object W can be changed. The change of the light spot is performed based on the structure of the fiber light derivation unit provided in the light projecting optical system 11 and its operation. Hereinafter, the details of the structure and operation of the fiber light deriving unit of the light projecting optical system 11 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a fiber light lead-out portion in the sensor head portion 10 of FIG. In FIG. 3, the sensor head unit 10 has a head unit casing 10K.

  The head casing 10K incorporates the light projecting optical system 11, the light receiving optical system 12, the light receiving element 13, and the light receiving circuit 14 shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the fiber light outlet 200 of the light projecting optical system 11 is provided in the head casing 10K.

  The head casing 10K has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an upper surface up, a lower surface bt, a front surface fw, a back surface bk, and side surfaces sl and sr.

  In the following description, as indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z in FIG. 3, the direction perpendicular to the front surface fw and the back surface bk is referred to as the X direction, the direction perpendicular to the side surfaces sl and sr is referred to as the Y direction, and The direction perpendicular to up and the lower surface bt is called the Z direction. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction used in the description related to FIGS. 4 to 10 described later is based on the definition of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fiber light outlet 200 is provided on the upper surface up side and the back surface bk side in the head portion casing 10K. An optical fiber cable 20 is inserted into the fiber light lead-out unit 200 from the back bk side of the sensor head unit 10.

  The light L guided from the main body portion 40 by the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted in the X direction from the front surface fw of the head portion casing 10K through the fiber light outlet portion 200.

  The structure of the fiber light derivation unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is an assembled perspective view of the fiber light outlet 200 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the fiber light outlet 200 of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fiber light derivation unit 200 includes a holder member 210, a slide member 220, a leaf spring 230, and a lever member 240.

  The holder member 210 has a through hole (not shown) extending in the X direction. One end of the optical fiber cable 20 is inserted into the through hole of the holder member 210. The end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 inserted into the through hole of the holder member 210 is fixed so as to be exposed from the slit support surface 213 formed in the holder member 210 and perpendicular to the X direction. The slit support surface 213 of the holder member 210 is formed with a recess extending in the Y direction, and the bottom surface of the recess serves as a slide surface 212.

  The slit support surface 213 extends in the Y direction. The holder member 210 has spring mounting surfaces 213r and 213l formed vertically from both ends of the slit support surface 213 in the Y direction. A T-shaped leaf spring fitting groove 211 is formed on each of the spring mounting surfaces 213r and 213l.

  The slide member 220 includes a bottom surface portion 220a extending in the Y direction and a pair of side surface portions 220b and 220c, and is integrally formed in a U-shaped cross section. A lever insertion groove 220A is formed at the center of the side surface portion 220b. A plate-like slit portion 221 extends in the Z direction from the side surface portion 220c. Two projecting portions 220B and 220C are formed in the central portion on the bottom surface portion 220a on the inner side of the slide member 220 so as to be separated from each other in the Y direction.

  In the slit portion 221, through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c are formed so as to be arranged in the Y direction. The through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c have different sizes and shapes. The sizes of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c are smaller in the order of the through holes 221b, 221a, and 221c. The through holes 221a and 221c have a circular shape, and the through hole 221b has a substantially square shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, each of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c is formed so as to gradually increase in diameter in the X direction from the holder member 210 side.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a protrusion 232 is formed at the center of the leaf spring 230 extending in the Y direction so as to protrude in the X direction. T-shaped spring fitting pieces 231 bent in the X direction are formed at both ends of the leaf spring 230.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lever member 240 has a moving column 240X extending in the X direction and a flange portion 240F extending in the Y direction. One end of the moving column 240X becomes the insertion end 240A, and the other end becomes the knob portion 240B.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bottom surface portion 220 a of the slide member 220 is attached to the slide surface 212 of the holder member 210 so as to be slidable in the Y direction.

  When the slide member 220 is slid in the Y direction on the slide surface 212, one of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c of the slit portion 221 is exposed from the slit support surface 213 of the holder member 210. Located on the end face 214 of the.

  In a state where the slide member 220 is attached to the holder member 210, the spring fitting pieces 231 formed at both ends of the leaf spring 230 are formed in the leaf spring fitting groove 211 formed on the spring attachment surfaces 213r and 213l of the holder member 210. Mated.

  In this case, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 is positioned on the bottom surface 220 a inside the slide member 220 attached to the holder member 210. In this state, the elastic force of the leaf spring 230 acts on the bottom surface portion 220 a inside the slide member 220. As a result, the slide member 220 is held on the slide surface 212 of the holder member 210 so as to be slidable in the Y direction.

  With the slide member 220 held by the holder member 210 by the leaf spring 230, the insertion end 240A of the lever member 240 is inserted into the lever insertion groove 220A of the slide member 220.

  In a state where the fiber light lead-out portion 200 is built in the head portion casing 10K, the knob portion 240B of the lever member 240 is provided on the upper surface up of the head portion casing 10K in FIG. 3, and the opening OP (see FIG. 3) extending in the Y direction. ) To the outside. Here, when the user operates the knob portion 240B in the Y direction, the slide member 220 moves on the slide surface 212 in the Y direction.

  When the knob portion 240B of the lever member 240 is provided so as to protrude outward from the head portion casing 10K, the flange portion 240F of the lever member 240 closes the opening OP of the head portion casing 10K from the outside of the head portion casing 10K. Thereby, the penetration | invasion of the dust etc. from the opening part OP of the head part casing 10K to the inside of the head part casing 10K is prevented.

  Here, in order to more reliably prevent dust from entering the inside of the head portion casing 10K from the opening OP, the flange portion 240F of the lever member 240 is preferably positioned by the head portion casing 10K. On the other hand, the slide member 220 is positioned by the holder member 210 and the leaf spring 230 as described above.

  Accordingly, the lever member 240 and the slide member 220 may be integrally formed, but are preferably formed separately.

  In the state shown in FIG. 5, the light guided from the main body 40 by the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted in the X direction from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 through the through hole 221 b of the slide surface 212.

  As described above, the slide member 220 is movable in the Y direction. The movement of the slide member 220 in the Y direction will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first state of the slide member 220 of FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 6A shows a partially cutaway plan view of the sensor head portion 10 of FIG. 3 as viewed from the front surface fw side of the head portion casing 10K.

  In FIG. 6A, the slide member 220 is located at the center of the slide surface 212 extending in the Y direction. The through hole 221b of the slit portion 221 is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 exposed from the slit support surface 213. In this state, the entire end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is exposed through the through hole 221b. Thus, the through hole 221b is formed sufficiently larger than the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20.

  Thereby, all of the light guided from the main body 40 by the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted in the X direction through the through hole 221b.

  FIG. 6B shows a cross section taken along the line S-S in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6B, when the slide member 220 is positioned at the center of the slide surface 212, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 abuts between the protrusions 220 </ b> B and 220 </ b> C of the slide member 220.

  In this state, the leaf spring 230 presses the slide member 220 against the slide surface 212 as indicated by an arrow a1. Thereby, the slide member 220 is fixed on the slide surface 212.

  As described above, the slide member 220 moves when the knob portion 240B of the lever member 240 is moved in the Y direction by the operation of the user.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second state of the slide member 220 of FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 7A shows a partially cutaway plan view of the sensor head portion 10 of FIG. 3 as viewed from the front surface fw side of the head portion casing 10K.

  In FIG. 7A, the slide member 220 is located at one end (side sr side) of the slide surface 212 extending in the Y direction. The through hole 221 a of the slit portion 221 is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 exposed from the slit support surface 213. In this state, a part of the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is exposed through the through hole 221a.

  Thereby, a part of the light guided from the main body 40 by the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted in the X direction according to the size and shape of the through hole 221a.

  FIG. 7B shows a cross section taken along the line S-S in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, slide contact surfaces 212a and 212b perpendicular to the slide surface 212 are formed at both ends of the slide surface 212 in the Y direction. Further, slide end surfaces t1 and t2 are formed at both ends of the slide member 220 in the Y direction.

  When the slide member 220 is positioned at one end of the slide surface 212, the slide end surface t1 of the slide member 220 contacts the slide contact surface 212a. In this state, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 biases the protrusion 220B of the slide member 220 in the direction of the arrow a2.

  Thereby, on the slide end surface t1 of the slide member 220, a force acts in the direction of the arrow a3 parallel to the X direction and the direction of the arrow a4 parallel to the Y direction. As a result, the slide member 220 is fixed in a state where it is located at one end of the slide surface 212.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third state of the slide member 220 of FIGS. 4 and 5.

  FIG. 8A shows a partially cutaway plan view of the sensor head unit 10 of FIG. 3 as viewed from the front surface fw side of the head unit casing 10K.

  In FIG. 8A, the slide member 220 is located at the other end (side sl side) of the slide surface 212 extending in the Y direction. The through hole 221c of the slit portion 221 is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 exposed from the slit support surface 213. In this state, a part of the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is exposed through the through hole 221c.

  Thereby, a part of the light guided from the main body 40 by the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted in the X direction according to the size and shape of the through hole 221c.

  FIG. 8B shows a sectional view taken along line S-S in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8B, when the slide member 220 is positioned at the other end of the slide surface 212, the slide end surface t2 of the slide member 220 contacts the slide contact surface 212b. In this state, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 biases the protrusion 220C of the slide member 220 in the direction of the arrow a5.

  Thereby, on the slide end surface t2 of the slide member 220, force acts in the direction of the arrow a6 parallel to the X direction and the direction of the arrow a7 parallel to the Y direction. As a result, the slide member 220 is fixed in a state where it is located at the other end of the slide surface 212.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the slide member 220 can be easily moved and fixed by operating the lever member 240 by the user. Accordingly, the user can easily change the size and shape of the light spot formed on the object by the light emitted from the fiber light deriving unit 200.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the movement state of the slit portion 221. In FIG. 9, the cross section of the slit part 221 and the holder member 210 of the Z direction is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, a plurality of protrusions 221p are formed on one surface of the slit portion 221 at equal intervals in the Y direction. The plurality of protrusions 221p are formed at positions shifted in the Z direction from the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c.

  On the slit support surface 213, six concave portions 213i that can be fitted to the protrusion portions 221p of the slit portion 221 are formed at equal intervals in the Y direction.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when the protrusion 221p and the recess 213i are fitted, one surface of the slit portion 221 and the slit support surface 213 are flush with each other. Further, the through hole 221b of the slit portion 221 is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20, and the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 and the through hole 221b are substantially flush with each other.

  The end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 and any of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c are substantially flush with each other so that the light L emitted from the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 in the X direction does not spread. , 221b, 221c. As a result, a light spot corresponding to the size and shape of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c is accurately formed on the object.

  When the slit portion 221 moves, the protrusion 221p of the slit portion 221 is detached from the recess 213i as indicated by an arrow R2 in FIG.

  Thereby, when the slit part 221 moves, one surface of the slit part 221 and the slit support surface 213 are separated. Thereby, when the slit portion 221 moves, the occurrence of dirt and scratches due to the contact of one surface of the slit portion 221 with the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is sufficiently prevented.

  As described above, each of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c is formed so as to gradually increase in diameter from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. Therefore, when the light L is emitted from the end face 214, the emitted light L is prevented from being affected by the inner side surfaces of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c.

  In addition, in order to further prevent the influence of the inner surface of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c, the slit portion 221 may have the following configuration.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the slit portion 221 in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 10A shows a plan view of the slit portion 221 of this example in the X direction, and FIG. 10B shows a cross section taken along the line TT of FIG. 10A.

  As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the slit portion 221 of this example has a rectangular opening 221H at the center thereof. The opening 221H is provided with a thin metal plate 221M in which through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c are formed. In addition, the plurality of protrusions 221p described above are formed on one surface of the slit portion 221 in FIG.

  The size and shape of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c of the thin metal plate 221M are the same as the shape of the minimum cross section of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c of FIGS.

  In this case, the light emitted from the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 passes through the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c formed in the metal thin plate 221M. This sufficiently prevents the light emitted from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 from being affected by the inner side surfaces of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c. Thereby, a light spot corresponding to the size and shape of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c is formed on the object with high accuracy.

  In FIGS. 9 and 10, only one protrusion 221 p may be provided on one surface of the slit portion 221. In this case, the slit support surface 213 may be provided with one or a plurality of recesses 213i.

  As described above, in the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, since the light generated by the main body 40 is guided to the sensor head 10 by the optical fiber cable 20, the sensor head 10 has the light projecting elements 42a and 42b. , 42c need not be provided. Therefore, size reduction of the sensor head part 10 is implement | achieved.

  Further, in the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, the light generated by the main body 40 passes through any of the plurality of through holes 221a, 221b, 221c of the slit part 221, so that the through holes 221a, 221b, A light spot corresponding to each size and shape of 221c is formed on the object.

  In this case, since the focus of the light projected on the object does not change, no light blur occurs. Therefore, detection accuracy can be maintained. In addition, the configuration is simplified, and downsizing is realized.

  Furthermore, by moving the slide member 220, the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c through which the light emitted from the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 passes can be switched. Thereby, the size and shape of the light spot formed on the object can be changed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the slide member 220 is positioned at the center of the slide surface 212, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 is fitted between the two protrusions 220 </ b> B and 220 </ b> C of the slide member 220. In this state, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 presses the slide member 220 against the slide surface 212. This prevents the slide member 220 from moving in the Y direction. In this state, the light from the optical fiber cable 20 passes through the largest through hole 221b.

  In this case, since the slide member 220 and the slit portion 221 are fixed by the leaf spring 230 and the slide surface 212, the deviation of the light that passes through the through hole 221b and is projected onto the object is reliably prevented.

  When the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 is disengaged from between the two protrusions 220B and 220C of the slide member 220, the slide member 220 moves in the Y direction as shown in FIGS.

  As described above, when the slide member 220 is located at the center of the slide surface 212, the through hole 221 b is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. Here, the through hole 221 b is formed sufficiently larger than the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20.

  As a result, even when play or play occurs in the fitted state between the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 and the two protrusions 220B and 220C of the slide member 220, the light emitted from the end face 214 is transmitted through the through hole 221b. It is prevented from being blocked by the inner surface or the slit portion 221. As a result, a desired light spot shape is accurately formed in the detection region.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the slide member 220 is located at one end of the slide surface 212, the slide end surface t1 of the slide member 220 contacts the slide contact surface 212a. In this state, light from the optical fiber cable 20 passes through the through hole 221a that is smaller than the through hole 221b and larger than the through hole 221c.

  In this case, since the slide member 220 and the slit portion 221 are fixed to the holder member 210 by the leaf spring 230, the slide surface 212, and the slide contact surface 212a, the deviation of the light projected through the through-hole 221a to the target object Is reliably prevented.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the slide member 220 is positioned at the other end of the slide surface 212, the slide end surface t2 of the slide member 220 contacts the slide contact surface 212b. In this state, light from the optical fiber cable 20 passes through the smallest through hole 221c.

  In this case, since the slide member 220 and the slit portion 221 are fixed by the leaf spring 230, the slide surface 212, and the slide contact surface 212b, it is possible to reliably prevent the deviation of light projected through the through-hole 221c onto the object. Is done.

  In this manner, the slide member 220 can be shifted to the state shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, or FIG. 8, so that the light spot having a size and shape corresponding to each of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c is used as an object. It can be selectively formed.

  Further, as described above, when the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 is disengaged between the two protrusions 220B and 220C of the slide member 220, the slide member 220 is moved in the Y direction. The transition to the state of FIGS. 6-8 is easily performed.

  The slide member 220 and the slit portion 221 move linearly on the slide surface 212 and the slit support surface 213 in the Y direction. Thereby, the structure of the holder member 210 is simple.

  The slide member 220 and the slit portion 221 may be provided on the holder member 210 so as to be rotatable. In this case, in the holder member 210, the slide surface 212 and the slit support surface 213 are formed according to the shapes of the slide member 220 and the slit portion 221. The slide surface 212 and the slit support surface 213 can be reduced in size by the rotational movement of the slide member 220 and the slit portion 221.

  In the present embodiment, the bottom surface portion 220a and the slit portion 221 of the slide member 220 are formed in parallel, but the bottom surface portion 220a and the slit portion 221 may be formed to be orthogonal to each other. That is, in the holder member 210, the slide surface 212 and the slit support surface 213 may be surfaces orthogonal to each other.

(Another example of the first embodiment)
In the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the first embodiment, the slide member 220 may have the following structure.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the slide member 220 used in the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the first embodiment.

  FIG. 11 (a) shows a partially cutaway plan view of the sensor head unit 10 of FIG. 3 as viewed from the front surface fw side of the head unit casing 10K.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, in the slide member 220 of this example, two through holes 221a and 221c are provided in the slit portion 221.

  FIG. 11B shows a cross section taken along the line S-S in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11B, in the slide member 220 of this example, one protrusion 220U is formed at the center on the bottom surface 220a (see FIG. 4) inside the slide member 220.

  In FIG. 11A, the slide member 220 is located at one end (side sr side) of the slide surface 212 extending in the Y direction. The through hole 221 a of the slit portion 221 is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 exposed from the slit support surface 213. In this state, a part of the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is exposed through the through hole 221a.

  Thereby, a part of the light guided from the main body 40 by the optical fiber cable 20 is emitted in the X direction according to the size and shape of the through hole 221a.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, slide contact surfaces 212a and 212b perpendicular to the slide surface 212 are formed at both ends of the slide surface 212 in the Y direction. Further, slide end surfaces t1 and t2 are formed at both ends of the slide member 220 in the Y direction.

  When the slide member 220 is positioned at one end of the slide surface 212, the slide end surface t1 of the slide member 220 contacts the slide contact surface 212a. In this state, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 biases the protrusion 220U of the slide member 220 in the direction of the arrow a2.

  Thereby, on the slide end surface t1 of the slide member 220, a force acts in the direction of the arrow a3 parallel to the X direction and the direction of the arrow a4 parallel to the Y direction. As a result, the slide member 220 is fixed in a state where it is located at one end of the slide surface 212.

  When the user operates the lever member 240, the slide member 220 is positioned at the other end (side sl side) of the slide surface 212 extending in the Y direction.

  FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line S-S in FIG. 11A when the slide member 220 is positioned at the other end (side sl side) of the slide surface 212. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the slide member 220 is positioned at the other end of the slide surface 212, the slide end surface t2 of the slide member 220 contacts the slide contact surface 212b. In this state, the protrusion 232 of the leaf spring 230 biases the protrusion 220U of the slide member 220 in the direction of the arrow a5.

  Thereby, on the slide end surface t2 of the slide member 220, force acts in the direction of the arrow a6 parallel to the X direction and the direction of the arrow a7 parallel to the Y direction. As a result, the slide member 220 is fixed in a state where it is located at the other end of the slide surface 212.

  As described above, even when the two through holes 221a and 221c are provided in the slit part 221, the user can determine the size of the light spot formed on the object by the light emitted from the fiber light deriving part 200 and The shape can be easily changed.

  11B and 11C, the slide member 220 is fixed by the projection 232 of the leaf spring 230 and the slide contact surfaces 212a and 212b, so that the through holes 221a and 221c. The deviation of the light that passes through and is reliably prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
The photoelectric sensor 100 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration and operation as the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the first embodiment, except for the following points.

  The structure of the fiber light derivation unit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 are assembled perspective views of the fiber light derivation unit 200 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 14 is an external perspective view of the fiber light derivation unit 200 according to the second embodiment.

  FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing details of the structure of the slit member and the holder member provided in the fiber light outlet 200 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 16 is an upper surface of the head casing 10K of the second embodiment. It is a perspective view for demonstrating opening and closing operation | movement of the upper cover 10f provided in FIG.

  Also in the present embodiment, the head casing 10K has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has an upper surface up, a lower surface bt, a front surface fw, a back surface bk, and side surfaces sl and sr. In the following description, as indicated by arrows X, Y, and Z in FIG. 3, the direction perpendicular to the front surface fw and the back surface bk is referred to as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the side surfaces sl and sr is referred to as the Y direction. A direction perpendicular to the upper surface up and the lower surface bt is referred to as a Z direction. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction used in the description related to FIGS. 17 to 20 described later is also based on the definition of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 12-16, the fiber light derivation | leading-out part 200 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is comprised from the holder member 210R, the slit member 221R, the leaf | plate spring 230R, and the upper cover 10f.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the holder member 210 </ b> R is provided with a through hole for inserting the optical fiber cable 20. The end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 of the optical fiber cable 20 inserted into the through hole of the holder member 210R is fixed so as to be exposed from the slit support surface 213R perpendicular to the X direction formed in the holder member 210R.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the slit support surface 213R extends in the Y direction. The holder member 210R has side surfaces 215sr and 215sl formed at both ends in the Y direction of the slit support surface 213R.

  A slit holding piece 216a is integrally formed so as to extend in the Z direction from one end in the Y direction of the slit support surface 213R. A slit holding piece 216c is integrally formed so as to extend in the Z direction from the other end in the Y direction of the slit support surface 213R. Further, a slit holding piece 216b is integrally formed so as to extend in the Z direction from the center portion of the slit support surface 213R.

  Thereby, the slit rotation space SJ1 is formed between the slit holding pieces 216a and 216b, and the slit rotation space SJ2 is formed between the slit holding pieces 216b and 216c.

  A slit rotation hole 210H penetrating in the X direction is formed at the center of the slit holding piece 216b. Furthermore, a holder locking groove 210k extending in the Y direction is formed on the end face of the slit holding piece 216b.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 15, the slit member 221R has a disk shape. A rotation center piece 221u protruding in the X direction from both surfaces of the slit member 221R is formed at a substantially center of gravity of the slit member 221R.

  A plurality of positioning members 221S are formed so as to extend in the X direction from a part of the side surface of the slit member 221R. A slide locking space 221k is formed between the plurality of positioning members 221S.

  A grip surface 221G made of fine irregularities is formed in a range where the positioning member 221S is formed on the side surface of the slit member 221R. In FIG. 15, since the drawing is complicated, the shape of the grip surface 221G is omitted.

  Through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c are formed in the slit member 221R. Each of these through holes 221a, 221b, 221c is different in size and shape. The through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c are smaller in this order. The through holes 221b and 221c have a circular shape, and the through hole 221a has a substantially semicircular shape.

  A recess (not shown) is formed on one surface of the slit member 221R perpendicular to the X direction. The through holes 221a, 221b, 221c are formed in the recesses of the slit member 221R.

  As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the leaf | plate spring 230R is arrange | positioned so that it may extend in a Y direction. One end of the leaf spring 230R is bent in a cross-sectional shape. The leaf spring 230R is bent in two stages at the center.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the upper lid 10f has a plate shape. A rotation shaft 341 is formed at one end of the upper lid 10f. A locking projection 343 is integrally formed at the center of the upper lid 10f.

  As shown in FIGS. 12-15, the rotation center piece 221u of the slit member 221R is rotatably fitted in the slit rotation hole 210H of the holder member 210R. Thereby, the slit member 221R is attached to the holder member 210R.

  As the slit member 221R rotates about the rotation center piece 221u, each of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c is positioned on the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20.

  With the slit member 221R attached to the holder member 210R, the holder member 210R is attached to the head portion casing 10K.

  Here, a plurality of holder holding pieces 310h for holding the holder member 210R on the inner side surface 310 on the side surface sr are formed in the head casing 10K in advance. Thereby, the holder member 210R is attached to the inner side surface 310 by the plurality of holder holding pieces 310h.

  Also, a cable lead-out groove 320 is provided on the back surface bk side of the head portion casing 10K. When the holder member 210R is attached, the optical fiber cable 20 inserted into the holder member 210R extends from the cable lead-out groove 320 to the outside.

  Further, a leaf spring holding portion 330 is formed in the head portion casing 10K. A leaf spring insertion hole 330 h is formed in the leaf spring holding portion 330.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, one end of the leaf spring 230 </ b> R is inserted into the leaf spring insertion hole 330 h with the holder member 210 </ b> R attached to the inner side surface 310 of the head casing 10 </ b> K. . As a result, the other end of the leaf spring 230 is positioned at the center (rotation center piece 221u) of the slit member 221R. Accordingly, the leaf spring 230 presses the slit member 221R against the slit support surface 213R of the holder member 210R.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 16, an upper surface opening 340 and an upper lid rotation hole 342 are formed in the upper surface up of the head casing 10K.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a rotation shaft 341 formed at one end of the upper lid 10f is rotatably fitted in the upper lid rotation hole 342 of the head portion casing 10K. As a result, the upper lid 10f opens and closes as indicated by the arrow Q around the upper lid rotation hole 342.

  With the upper lid 10f opening the upper surface up of the head casing 10K, the grip surface 221G and the positioning member 221S of the slit member 221R attached in the head casing 10K are exposed from the upper opening 340. Thereby, the user can touch the grip surface 221G from the outside.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the user operates the grip surface 221G, the slit member 221R rotates around the rotation center piece 221u as indicated by a thick arrow. Accordingly, the positioning member 221S moves on the slit rotation space SJ1, the slit rotation space SJ2, and the slit holding piece 216b of the holder member 210R.

  By moving the positioning member 221S, the user can communicate any one of the plurality of slide locking spaces 221k of the slit member 221R with the holder locking groove 210k of the holder member 210R.

  Each of the plurality of slide locking spaces 221k is associated with each of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c. Accordingly, any one of the plurality of slide locking spaces 221k communicates with the holder locking groove 210k, and any of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c corresponding to the slide locking spaces 221k is an optical fiber cable. 20 end faces 214.

  In this state, the upper lid 10f closes the upper surface up of the head casing 10K. Accordingly, the locking protrusion 343 of the upper lid 10f is inserted into the head portion casing 10K through the upper surface opening 340.

  Inside the head casing 10K, as indicated by an arrow Q in FIGS. 15 and 16, the locking protrusion 343 of the upper lid 10f is inserted into the slide locking space 221k and the holder locking groove 210k. As a result, in a state where any of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20, the rotation of the slit member 221R is prevented and the slit member 221R is fixed.

  When the light from the sensor head 10 is projected, the light emitted from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is projected to the object through one of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c located in the end surface 214. .

  The rotational movement of the slit member 221R will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a first state of the slide member 220. FIG. 17 is a partially cutaway plan view of the sensor head unit 10 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front surface fw side of the head unit casing 10K.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the slit member 221 </ b> R is rotated and fixed by the locking projection 343, and the through hole 221 a is positioned on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20, so that the light is emitted from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. All the emitted light is emitted in the X direction through the through hole 221a.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a second state of the slide member 220. FIG. 18 is a partially cutaway plan view of the sensor head unit 10 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front surface fw side of the head unit casing 10K.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the slit member 221 </ b> R is rotated and fixed by the locking projection 343, and the through hole 221 b is positioned on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20, so that the light is emitted from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. A part of the light L emitted in the X direction according to the size and shape of the through-hole 221b.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a second state of the slide member 220. FIG. 19 is a partially cutaway plan view of the sensor head unit 10 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the front surface fw side of the head unit casing 10K.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the slit member 221 </ b> R is rotated and fixed by the locking protrusion 343, and the through hole 221 c is positioned on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20, so that the light is emitted from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. A part of the light L is emitted in the X direction according to the size and shape of the through hole 221c.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the slit member 221R can be easily rotated and moved by the user operating the grip surface 221G, and can be fixed by the locking protrusion 343 of the upper lid 10f. Accordingly, the user can easily change the size and shape of the light spot formed on the object by the light emitted from the fiber light deriving unit 200.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a moving state of the slit member 221R.

  FIG. 20A shows a plan view when the slit member 221R is mounted on the slit support surface 213R. 20B and 20C show a cross section taken along line FF of FIG. 20A.

  As shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, one protrusion J is provided on one surface of the slit member 221R facing the slit support surface 213R. Further, on the slit support surface 213R, three concave portions U1, U2, U3 are provided at equal intervals on a concentric circle centering on the slit rotation hole 210H provided in the slit holding piece 216b of FIG.

  As described above, the slit member 221R is rotatable about the slit rotation hole 210H. Further, the slit member 221 </ b> R rotates to be positioned on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20.

  Here, the recesses U1, U2, U3 of the slit support surface 213R are associated with the through holes 221c, 221b, 221a of the slit member 221R attached on the slit support surface 213R, respectively.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the slit member 221R rotates about the rotation center piece 221u and the protrusion J and the recess U2 are fitted, FIG. As shown, the through hole 221 b is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. The end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 and the through hole 221b of the slit member 221R are flush with each other.

  Similarly, when the slit member 221R rotates and the protrusion J and the recess U1 are fitted, the through hole 221c is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20, and the end surface 214 and the through hole 221c are formed. It will be the same.

  Further, when the slit member 221R rotates and the protrusion J and the recess U3 are fitted, the through hole 221a is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20, and the end surface 214 and the through hole 221a are surfaces. Become one.

  As described above, the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 and any of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c are substantially flush with each other, so that the light L emitted in the X direction from the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is spread. Without passing through any of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c. As a result, a light spot corresponding to the size and shape of the through holes 221a, 221b, 221c is accurately formed on the object.

  When the slit member 221R moves, the protrusion J of the slit member 221R is detached from the recess U2 as indicated by an arrow R3 in FIG.

  Thereby, when the slit member 221R rotates, the slit member 221R and the slit support surface 213R are separated from each other. Accordingly, the occurrence of dirt and scratches due to the contact of the slit member 221R with the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 during the rotation of the slit member 221R is sufficiently prevented.

  As described above, in the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, the locking protrusion 343 prevents the slit member 221R from rotating and is fixed. In this state, any of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c is located on the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20. Thereby, since the light radiate | emitted from the end surface 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 is projected from either through-hole 221a, 221b, 221c, the shift | offset | difference of the light projected on a target object is prevented reliably.

  Furthermore, in the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, the slit member 221R is fixed by the slide locking space 221k of the slit member 221R and the holder locking groove 210k of the holder member 210R, so that the light projected on the object The deviation is further reliably prevented.

  In the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, any one of the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c is positioned on the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 by the rotational movement of the slit member 221R. Thus, since the slit member 221R moves by rotating, the size of the slit support surface 213R of the holder member 210R is reduced, and the miniaturization is realized.

  As described above, in the photoelectric sensor 100 according to the first and second embodiments, the photoelectric sensor 100 corresponds to a photoelectric sensor, the light projecting elements 42a, 42b, and 42c correspond to light sources, and the through holes 221a, 221b, and 221c. Corresponds to a plurality of through holes, the slide member 220 corresponds to a movable member, the holder member 210 corresponds to a support mechanism, the slide end surface t1 of the slide member 220 corresponds to a first end surface, and the protrusion 220B and the protrusion The part 220C corresponds to the locking part, the through hole 221b corresponds to the first through hole, the through hole 221a corresponds to the second through hole, the slide surface 212 corresponds to the support surface, and the slide The contact surface 212a corresponds to a first contact surface, the holder member 210 corresponds to a support member, and the leaf spring 230 corresponds to an elastic member.

  The slide end surface t2 of the slide member 220 corresponds to the second end surface, the through hole 221c corresponds to the third through hole, the slide contact surface 212b corresponds to the second contact surface, and the protrusion 220B. , 220C corresponds to the first protrusion, and the protrusion 232 and the protrusion 220U correspond to the convex portion.

  Furthermore, the slide locking space 221k corresponds to a first locking portion, the holder member 210R corresponds to a support member, the locking protrusion 343 corresponds to a locking member, and the holder locking groove 210k is a second locking member. Corresponds to the stop.

  In addition, the thin metal plate 221M corresponds to a thin metal plate, the lever member 240 corresponds to a moving member, the main body portion 40 corresponds to a main body portion, the sensor head portion 10 corresponds to a head portion, and the optical fiber cable 20 is an optical fiber cable. The holder member 210 corresponds to a fiber cable, the holder member 210 corresponds to a holding member, and the end face 214 of the optical fiber cable 20 corresponds to the end face of the optical fiber cable.

  The recesses 213i, U1, U2, and U3 correspond to recesses, and the protrusions 221p and J correspond to protrusions.

  The photoelectric sensor of the present invention can be used to detect the presence / absence of an object in the detection area, the position of the object, the color of the object, etc. by projecting light onto the detection area and receiving the reflected or transmitted light. It is.

1 is an external perspective view of a photoelectric sensor according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the photoelectric sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the fiber light derivation | leading-out part in the sensor head part of FIG. FIG. 4 is an assembled perspective view of the fiber light outlet portion of FIG. 3. It is an external appearance perspective view of the fiber light derivation | leading-out part of FIG. It is a figure which shows the 1st state of the slide member of FIG. 4 and FIG. It is a figure which shows the 2nd state of the slide member of FIG. 4 and FIG. It is a figure which shows the 3rd state of the slide member of FIG. 4 and FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement state of the slit part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the slit part of FIG. 4 and FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of the slide member used for the photoelectric sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an assembly perspective view of the fiber light derivation part concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is an assembly perspective view of the fiber light derivation part concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the fiber light derivation | leading-out part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the detail of the structure of the slit member with which the fiber light derivation | leading-out part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is equipped, and a holder member. It is a perspective view for demonstrating the opening / closing operation | movement of the upper cover provided in the upper surface of the head part casing of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 1st state of a slide member. It is a figure which shows the 2nd state of a slide member. It is a figure which shows the 2nd state of a slide member. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement state of the slit member which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Sensor head part 20 Optical fiber cable 40 Main body part 42a, 42b, 42c Light projection element 100 Photoelectric sensor 210, 210R Holder member 210k Holder latching groove 212 Slide surface 212a, 212b Slide contact surface 214 End surface 220 Slide member 220a Bottom surface part 220b Side surface portion 220B, 220C, 232 Protruding portion 221 Slit portion 221a, 221b, 221c Through hole 221k Slide locking space 221M Thin metal plate 230 Leaf spring 240 Lever member 343 Locking protrusion t1, t2 Slide end surface

Claims (14)

A photoelectric sensor that projects light onto a detection region and receives light from the detection region,
A light source that generates light;
A movable member having a plurality of through holes of different sizes or shapes;
A photoelectric sensor, comprising: a support mechanism that movably supports the movable member so that light generated by the light source passes through any of the plurality of through holes. The movable member has a first end surface and a locking portion,
The plurality of through holes include a first through hole and a second through hole,
The support mechanism is
A first contact surface that has a support surface that supports the movable member so that the movable member can move in one direction and in the opposite direction, and contacts the first end surface of the movable member as the movable member moves in the one direction. A support member having
An elastic member provided to press the movable member against a support surface of the support member and to be capable of locking the locking portion;
The movable member includes a first state in which the elastic member engages the engaging portion and a movement in the one direction so that the elastic member is detached from the engaging portion and the first end face is in the first contact state. Provided so as to be capable of transitioning to a second state of contacting the contact surface,
The light generated by the light source in the first state passes through the first through hole, the light generated by the light source in the second state passes through the second through hole,
The elastic member is provided to prevent the movable member from moving in the one direction and the reverse direction in the first state, and to bias the movable member in the one direction in the second state. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1. The movable member further has a second end surface;
The plurality of through holes further include a third through hole,
The support member has a second contact surface that contacts the second end surface of the movable member as the movable member moves in the reverse direction;
The movable member is provided so as to be able to further shift to a third state in which the elastic member is detached from the locking portion by the movement in the reverse direction and the second end surface is in contact with the second contact surface,
Light generated by the light source in the third state passes through the third through-hole,
The photoelectric sensor according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is provided so as to bias the movable member in the reverse direction in the third state. The locking portion has a pair of protrusions formed at intervals in a cross section in a direction substantially parallel to the one direction,
The elastic member has a convex portion formed in a convex shape that can be fitted between the pair of projection portions in a cross section in a direction substantially parallel to the one direction,
The convex portion abuts between the pair of protrusions in the first state, and the convex portion presses one of the pair of protrusions in the one direction in the second state. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 2 or 3. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 2, wherein the movement of the movable member in the one direction or the reverse direction is a linear movement or a rotational movement. A light emitting surface for emitting the light generated by the light source so as to pass through any of the plurality of through holes;
The photoelectric sensor according to claim 2, wherein the first through hole of the movable member is formed larger than the light emitting surface. The movable member has a first end surface and a second end surface and has a convex portion,
The plurality of through holes include a first through hole and a second through hole,
The support mechanism is
A first contact surface that has a support surface that supports the movable member so that the movable member can move in one direction and in the opposite direction, and contacts the first end surface of the movable member as the movable member moves in the one direction. And a support member having a second contact surface that contacts the second end surface of the movable member as the movable member moves in the reverse direction,
An elastic member that presses the movable member against the support surface of the support member and urges the convex portion in the one direction or the opposite direction;
The movable member includes a first state in which the elastic member urges the convex portion in the one direction and the first end surface comes into contact with the first contact surface, and the elastic member has the convex shape. The second end surface is urged in the reverse direction so that the second end surface is in contact with the second contact surface, and is capable of shifting to a second state;
The light generated by the light source in the first state passes through the first through hole, and the light generated by the light source in the second state passes through the second through hole. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1. The movable member has a plurality of first locking portions provided corresponding to the plurality of through holes, respectively.
The support mechanism is
A support member that supports the movable member so as to be movable in one direction and in the opposite direction;
A locking member capable of locking any of the plurality of first locking portions;
The light generated by the light source in a state where any one of the plurality of first locking portions is locked by the locking member is a through hole corresponding to the locked first locking portion. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein The support member has a second locking portion, and in a state where any one of the plurality of first locking portions is locked by the locking member, the second locking portion is held by the locking member. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 8, wherein the stop portion is locked. 10. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 8, wherein the movable member is supported by the support member so as to be able to rotate in the one direction or the opposite direction. The movable member has a thin metal plate,
The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of through holes are formed in the metal thin plate. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a moving member provided to be connected to the movable member and used to move the movable member. A main body having the light source;
A head part provided separately from the main body part, and having the movable member and the support mechanism;
The photoelectric device according to claim 1, further comprising: an optical fiber cable that guides light generated by the light source of the main body portion to the movable member and the support mechanism of the head portion. Sensor. A holding member for holding the end face of the optical fiber cable;
The plurality of through holes of the movable member are
Arranged to be located on the end face of the optical fiber cable held by the holding member by the movement of the movable member,
A concave portion is provided on one of the movable member and the holding member, and a convex portion that fits into the concave portion is provided on the other of the movable member and the holding member,
When the movable member moves, a gap is formed between the movable member and the end surface of the optical fiber cable, and the convex portion is formed when any of the plurality of through holes is positioned on the end surface of the optical fiber cable. The photoelectric sensor according to claim 13, wherein an end surface of the optical fiber cable and an end surface of the movable member are substantially flush with each other by fitting a portion into the recess.

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