JP2006310080A - Detection sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detection sensor changeable in a setting value by a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: In the detection mode, when a rotation operating knob 15 having a variable resistor 16 is rotated from a reference position to an operative position, a setting value of a threshold level is changed by a variation quantity according to the quantity of operation from the reference position to the operative position while the rotation operating knob is in the operative position. The changed threshold level is compared with a level of a detection signal outputted according to a detection state of an object W to be detected, and the detection of the object W to be detected is performed on the basis of the comparison result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a detection sensor.

  Conventionally, for example, a detection sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of an object is known. In general, this type of light is used to amplify the detection signal level or emit light to the detection object so that the detection signal level has a sensitivity capable of detecting the detection object according to the distance to the detection object. The sensitivity of the detection sensor is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount of light emitted.

When adjusting the sensitivity, the detection sensor is provided with a multi-rotation volume, and this volume is rotated until it is set to a desired setting value (light emission amount, etc.), thereby setting the setting value for sensitivity adjustment. There are things that can be changed.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-254331

  However, when the setting value is changed, if the volume must be continuously rotated until the setting value is changed to a desired setting value, a complicated rotation operation is required. In particular, in order to change the setting to a desired setting value, the rotation is performed more than once, which makes the operation more complicated.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a detection sensor capable of changing a set value with a simple operation.

As means for achieving the above object, the invention of claim 1 comprises an operator,
Setting means for performing setting change of a setting value applied to a predetermined condition in accordance with an operation of the operation element,
A detection sensor that performs a detection operation based on the predetermined condition,
Display means;
Display control means for causing the display means to display a value based on a setting value to be changed by the setting means,
A reference position is set for the operation element,
The setting means continuously changes a setting value by a change amount corresponding to an operation amount from the reference position to the operation position when the operation element is at an operation position different from the reference position. It is characterized by its configuration.
Thereby, the setting means continues to change the set value when the operating element is at an operation position different from the reference position, and the set value is changed by a change amount according to the operation amount from the reference position to the operation position. Can be changed.

The “predetermined condition” includes, for example, detection sensitivity, timing and output time of an output signal, a light projection period in the photoelectric sensor, and the like. In addition, as the “set value”, for example, if “condition” is detection sensitivity, a threshold value, the amount of light emitted by a photoelectric sensor, and the like are included. If “condition” is an output time, the output time is extended. included.
“Display the value based on the set value on the display means” displays the set value as it is on the display means, or displays the relative value between the set value and the detection signal level output in response to detection of the detected object. Things are included.
The “change amount according to the operation amount” means that the change amount of the set value per unit time at the operation position is determined by the operation amount from the reference position to the operation position.

The invention of claim 2 is the one according to claim 1, wherein the reference position of the operation element is a position different from an upper limit and a lower limit of an operable range of the operation element,
The setting means is characterized in that the increase / decrease of the change amount is switched according to the operation direction from the reference position of the operation element.

The invention of claim 3 is the one described in claim 2, wherein a predetermined range that does not include an upper limit and a lower limit of an operable range of the operation element is defined as a reference position of the operation element,
The setting means is characterized in that the setting value setting is not changed even if the operation position varies within the predetermined range.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the setting value is configured to be changeable within a predetermined settable range.
The setting means is characterized in that the setting value is set to the limit value when an operation of the setting value exceeding a limit value of a settable range is performed by the operator.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the change amount of the set value changes exponentially according to the operation amount from the reference position of the operation element. However, it has characteristics.
“Exponential” means that the amount of change in the set value increases gradually as the operation amount from the reference position of the operator increases.

  A sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the fifth aspect of the invention, the change amount of the set value changes stepwise.

  A seventh aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the operating element is a rotatable rotary operating element.

The invention according to an eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, the rotary operation element performs a single rotation operation.
The “single rotation” is not limited to a rotation operator that rotates 360 degrees, but includes a rotation operator that can rotate only at a rotation angle of 360 degrees or less. Moreover, the rotary operation element exceeding the rotation angle of 360 degree | times may be sufficient.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the operation element includes a variable resistor whose resistance value changes according to an operation amount of the operation element, and the variable value. Voltage measuring means for measuring the voltage level of the resistor,
The setting means includes
The setting value is changed by an amount of change corresponding to a difference between a voltage level corresponding to the operation amount of the operating element measured by the voltage measuring unit and a reference voltage level when the operating element is at a reference position. However, it has characteristics.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the setting means is configured to be able to change a setting value applied to the detection sensitivity as the condition. Has characteristics.

The invention of claim 11 is the detection signal output means according to claim 10, wherein the detection signal output means outputs a detection signal of a level corresponding to the detection state of the detected object.
Comparing means for comparing the level of a detection signal output from the detection signal output means and a threshold level, and detecting an object to be detected based on the comparison result of the comparing means,
The setting means is characterized in that the threshold level can be set and changed as a setting value applied to the detection sensitivity.

The invention of claim 12 is the one described in claim 11, further comprising storage means for storing in advance a reference threshold level at a predetermined level excluding the upper and lower limits of the settable range,
The comparison means is characterized in that the level of the detection signal output from the detection signal output means is compared with the reference threshold level.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the method according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, wherein a relative value between the threshold level changed by the setting means and the detection signal level output from the detection signal output means is calculated. Computing means for
The display control means is characterized in that the display means displays the relative value calculated by the calculation means as a value based on the set value.

The invention of claim 14 is the one according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the display means comprises a plurality of digital display units,
The display control means is characterized in that at least the detection signal level output from the detection signal output means and the threshold level are respectively displayed on the plurality of digital display units.

A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the tenth to twelfth aspects, wherein the detection mode for detecting an object to be detected, and the setting mode capable of changing a setting value other than the detection sensitivity, And a first mode switching means capable of switching between,
The setting means changes the setting value of the detection sensitivity when the operation element is operated in the detection mode, and when the operation element is operated in the setting mode. The present invention is characterized in that setting values other than the detection sensitivity are changed.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, in the fifteenth aspect, the setting mode relates to a selection mode for selecting a setting item whose setting is to be changed from a plurality of setting items, and a setting item selected in the selection mode. A second mode switching unit capable of switching between a change mode for changing the setting value;
In the selection mode, the setting item is changed by an operation of the operator, and in the change mode, the setting is changed by an operation of the operator.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the sixteenth aspect, the first mode switching unit and the second mode switching unit are configured by the same switching key, and the operation time of the switching key is long or short. The first mode switching unit and the second mode switching unit are changed.

<Invention of Claim 1>
According to this configuration, when the operation element is at an operation position different from the reference position, the setting value is continuously changed with a change amount corresponding to the operation amount from the reference position to the operation position, so that the setting change is performed. The setting value can be changed with a simple operation.

<Invention of Claim 2>
According to this configuration, since the increase / decrease in the amount of change in the set value is switched according to the operation direction from the reference position of the operation element, the operation method can be easily recognized and workability at the time of changing the set value setting can be improved. be able to.

<Invention of Claim 3>
Although it is conceivable that the operation position of the operation element fluctuates when the user does not intend due to an external factor or the like, according to this configuration, the setting means can change the set value even if the operation position varies within a predetermined range. Since the setting is not changed, the setting change of the setting value not intended by the user can be prevented.

<Invention of Claim 4>
Generally, the set value displayed on the display means can be displayed within a displayable range. Here, when the operator is operated so that the set value changes to a range exceeding the displayable range, the set value different from the actual set value is displayed on the display means, so that the set value of the operator etc. There is a risk that errors will be recognized.
On the other hand, according to the present configuration, the setting means sets the setting value to the limit value when the setting value exceeds the limit value of the settable range by the operation element. Recognition errors can be prevented.

<Invention of Claim 5>
According to this configuration, for example, when it is desired to change the setting value greatly, if the operation amount is increased, the amount of change in the setting value increases exponentially. Can be improved.

<Invention of Claim 6>
According to this configuration, the amount of change in the set value when the operation amount of the operator is equal to or less than the predetermined amount can be made constant.

<Invention of Claim 7>
According to this configuration, for example, it is possible to reduce the size in the moving direction as compared with an operation element (slide switch or the like) that moves to the left and right to change the set value.

<Invention of Claim 8>
According to this configuration, setting value setting change work is facilitated as compared with a multi-rotation type rotary operator that requires a plurality of rotations for setting value setting change.

<Invention of Claim 9>
According to this configuration, the setting value can be changed using a variable resistor that is relatively cheaper than a rotary encoder or the like.

<Invention of Claim 10>
According to this configuration, the detection sensitivity can be set and changed by operating the operation element.

<Invention of Claim 11>
According to this configuration, an object to be detected can be detected based on the threshold level that has been set and changed by operating the operation element.

<Invention of Claim 12>
According to this configuration, it is not necessary for the user to change the setting of the threshold level during use.

<Invention of Claim 13>
According to this configuration, it is possible to easily recognize the detection state of the detected object by visually recognizing the relative value between the threshold level and the detection signal level.

<Invention of Claim 14>
According to this configuration, since the detection signal level and the threshold level can be visually recognized, the detection state of the detected object can be easily recognized.

<Invention of Claim 15>
Generally, when detecting an object to be detected, the detection sensitivity is often changed. For setting changes other than the detection sensitivity (for example, setting the light projection period), the object to be detected is not detected. Change settings often. Therefore, according to this configuration, the detection sensitivity can be changed by operating the operation element in the detection mode in which the detection object is detected, and the operation element can be changed in the setting mode in which the detection object is not detected. The setting values other than the detection sensitivity can be changed by operation. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the trouble of switching to another mode when the detection sensitivity setting is changed.

<Invention of Claim 16>
According to this configuration, either the setting item setting change or the setting value setting change can be performed by switching between the selection mode and the change mode.

<Invention of Claim 17>
According to this configuration, the first mode switching means and the second mode switching means can be changed by an easy method of changing the length of the operation time. Further, since the first mode switching means and the second mode switching means are constituted by the same switching key, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where they are constituted by different parts.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1. Configuration of Detection Sensor The fiber sensor 1 according to the first embodiment of the detection sensor of the present invention detects the presence or absence of the detection object W by comparing the level of a detection signal corresponding to the amount of received light with a threshold level. A main body case 10 formed in a rectangular parallelepiped is provided, and a CPU 30 and the like to be described later are provided therein. Although not shown, an insertion hole for inserting a light projecting and light receiving fiber cable is formed on the front surface of the main body case 10, while an electric wire is drawn out from the rear surface.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a changeover switch 12, a rotary operator 15 (operation means), and a digital display 20 are provided on the upper surface 10 </ b> A of the main body case 10.

  The changeover switch 12 (corresponding to the “switching key, first mode switching means, second mode switching means” of the present invention) is pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) or longer to detect the setting mode and the setting mode. Can be switched, and is initially set to the detection mode. Then, each time the change-over switch 12 is pressed for a long time from the state set in the detection mode, a mode switching signal is sent to the CPU 30, and the CPU 30 sets the detection mode and the setting mode alternately. ing. It should be noted that when the changeover switch 12 is not pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) or longer when the setting mode is set, the mode is automatically returned to the detection mode. It has become.

  The detection mode is a mode when the detection operation of the detection target W is possible. In this detection mode, a detection signal level and a threshold value (set value) serving as a reference for comparing the detection signal level are set. Is displayed on the digital display 20 (see FIG. 6). When the rotary operator 15 described later is rotated and is at an operation position different from the reference position, the display of the threshold level is changed at predetermined time intervals, and the detection sensitivity is adjusted.

  The setting mode is a mode that is selected when a detection operation is not performed (for example, before product shipment). This setting mode further includes a plurality of setting items (response time switching, light emission amount switching) for different functions. A selection mode in which any of the setting items can be selected, and a change mode in which setting values related to the setting items selected in the selection mode can be changed. When the detection mode is switched to the setting mode, the selection mode is set first.

  In the selection mode, by rotating the rotary operation element 15, a plurality of setting items are switched in the order corresponding to the rotation direction (in FIG. 6, when rotating clockwise, the setting item is switched to the lower setting item step by step and counterclockwise). When it is rotated, the setting item is switched one step at a time) and displayed on the digital display 20. When the setting item whose setting value is to be changed is displayed on the digital display 20, the setting item is selected by pressing the changeover switch 12 for a short time (for example, within one second). It shifts to the change mode that can change the value.

  The change mode is configured so that a desired setting value can be selected (switched) from a plurality of different setting values stored in advance in the storage unit 18 such as a memory for each setting item. When the 15 rotates and is at an operation position different from the reference position, the display of the set value is switched in turn at predetermined time intervals.

  In FIG. 6, among the setting items, the response time can be switched among three types of time (set value) (FAST (high speed 150 μs), STd (standard 500 μs), UL9 (long distance 4.5 ms)). The light intensity can be switched between four levels (setting values) (I (minimum), II, IIII, IIIIIIII (maximum)), and the timer function has three types of operations (setting values) related to pulse signals. It can be switched (on delay, off delay, one shot), and other setting items (display inversion function, peak / bottom hold function) can be switched on / off (set value).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary operation element 15 has a columnar shape and is provided with a circular upper end projecting from the upper surface 10 </ b> A of the main body case 10, and in a desired direction (clockwise and counterclockwise around the rotation axis). As shown in FIG. 2, the rotatable angle is set to a predetermined angle (for example, 120 degrees) clockwise from the center A (0 degree) of the upper central portion of the rotary operation element 15. (MAX position in FIG. 2). Corresponding to “upper limit of operable range” of the present invention) or a predetermined angle counterclockwise (for example, −120 degrees (MIN position in FIG. 2). It is possible to rotate only within the range up to "lower limit of range" (single rotation is possible).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the rotary operator 15 includes a variable resistor 16 that changes electric resistance by rotation of a rotary shaft, and both ends of the resistance of the variable resistor 16 have a voltage V [ V] and ground (0 [V]) are connected to each other, and a voltmeter 17 (corresponding to “voltage measuring means” of the present invention) is connected to the contact terminal and ground (0 [V]) terminal of the variable resistor 16. ) Is connected.

  Thus, when the rotary operator 15 is rotated, a voltage corresponding to the operation position (resistance value) of the rotary operator 15 is detected by the voltmeter 17, and a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage level is output to the CPU 30. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a cross-shaped groove is formed on the surface (upper surface) of the rotary operator 15, and a tool (plus screwdriver or the like) is engaged with the groove to be rotated. .

  In addition, a reference position (center A) serving as a reference for detecting the operation position of the rotary operator 15 is defined in the upper central portion of the surface (upper surface) of the rotary operator 15. A change amount of a set value (threshold level or the like) is determined according to the rotation amount (operation amount) from the reference position to the operation position.

  Accordingly, when the rotary operator 15 is in the operation position in the detection mode, a threshold value is set with a change amount (change amount per unit time) corresponding to the rotation amount (operation amount) from the reference position to the operation position of the rotary operator 15. When the level of (set value) is changed and the rotary operator 15 is in the operation position in the setting mode, the change amount (unit) according to the rotation amount (operation amount) from the reference position to the operation position of the rotary operator 15 The setting value (response time, light emission amount, etc.) in each setting item (response time switching, light emission amount switching, etc.) is changed by the amount of change per time.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the reference position has a predetermined rotation angle 2θ (predetermined range) defined as the reference position, and a predetermined rotation angle from the center A at the upper center of the rotary operator 15. Even if the rotary operator 15 is rotated within θ, the setting value is not changed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the digital display 20 (corresponding to “digital display means” of the present invention) is provided on the substantially left half of the upper surface 10 </ b> A of the main body case 10, and both are composed of four-digit 7-segment LEDs. A pair of left and right first display portions 21 and second display portions 22 are provided.

  Among these, the first display unit 21 displays a threshold level in the detection mode, and displays setting items in the setting mode. On the other hand, the second display section 22 displays the received light amount level (detection signal level) of the received light in the detection mode, and the setting item setting values (for example, “FAST”, “STd”) in the setting mode. Is displayed.

  Further, a left and right operation indicator lamp 34 and a stable operation indicator lamp 35 are provided at the left end of the main body case 10 (left side of the digital display 20 in FIG. 1).

  The operation indicator lamp 34 is turned on when the detected object W is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected. With this operation indicator lamp 34, it is possible to visually recognize whether or not the detection object W can be detected.

  The stable operation indicator lamp 35 is lit when the detection of the detection target W is stably performed. Specifically, a shift level for shifting the threshold level to a stable level at which the detection object W can be detected with stable accuracy is stored in advance in the storage unit 18, and the detection output from the light receiving circuit 32. When the level of the signal is higher than the stable level, the stable operation indicator lamp 35 is turned on, assuming that the detection object W is detected with high accuracy. With this stable operation indicator lamp 35, the operator can visually check whether the detected state or the non-detected state of the detected object W is in a stable state.

2. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the fiber sensor 1. Reference numeral 30 in the figure denotes a CPU.
The CPU 30 is connected to the changeover switch 12, the storage unit 18, and the voltmeter 17.
When the change-over switch 12 is pressed for a long time in the detection mode, it sends a mode switching signal to the CPU 30. When the CPU 30 receives the mode switching signal, it changes from the detection mode to the setting mode (selection mode). Further, when the changeover switch 12 is short-pressed in the setting mode, a signal is sent to the CPU 30 each time, and the CPU 30 switches between the selection mode and the change mode.

The voltmeter 17 sends a voltage signal corresponding to the rotation angle (operation amount) of the rotary operator 15 to the CPU 30 as a digital signal.
The storage means 18 stores in advance the voltage level (V / 2 [V]) detected by the voltmeter 17 when the rotary operator 15 is at the center A of the reference position. The difference (V′−V / 2) between the voltage level (V ′ [V]) at the operation position of the rotary operator 15 transmitted from the total 17 and the voltage level (V / 2 [V]) at the center A of the reference position. [V]) is calculated, and the rotation amount (operation amount) from the center A of the reference position of the rotary operator 15 to the operation position is detected from the difference.

  The storage means 18 stores the relationship (relational expression) between the operation amount of the rotary operator 15 (voltage difference V′−V / 2 [V]) and the change amount of the threshold level per unit time in the operation amount. Has been. As shown in FIG. 5, when the operation amount (rotation angle) increases (decreases), the change amount of the set value per unit time increases exponentially as shown in FIG. (Decrease).

  Here, when the operation position of the rotary operator 15 is not at the reference position, the CPU 30 continues to change the threshold level by a change amount corresponding to the operation amount. In other words, even if the rotary operator 15 is not currently operated, the set value (threshold level) continues to change as long as the rotary operator 15 is rotated to an operation position away from the reference position. Yes.

The storage unit 18 stores a limit value within a range in which the threshold level in the detection mode can be set. When the threshold level reaches the limit value, the CPU 30 does not change the threshold level (limit). Keep the value). The limit value is a limit value that can be displayed on the digital display 20.
As a result, only the numerical value within a predetermined range is displayed on the digital display 20 (for example, when only the numerical value of 1 to 4000 can be displayed on the first display unit 21). When rotated, it is possible to prevent an operator from recognizing the set value due to a difference between the value displayed on the digital display 20 and the actual set value.

  Further, the CPU 30 is connected to the digital display device 20. The CPU 30 causes the digital display device 20 to display the changed setting value each time the setting value is changed. Therefore, the CPU 30 corresponds to the “display control means” of the present invention.

  The CPU 30 is connected to a light projecting circuit 31 having a light projecting element (light projecting means) and a light receiving circuit 32 having a light receiving element, and the CPU 30 projects light to the light projecting circuit 31 at a predetermined period in the detection mode. The CPU 30 performs a light projecting operation for projecting the optical element, and the CPU 30 responds to the received light level of the light reflected by the detected object W and received by the light receiving element (light receiving means) out of the projected light. The detected signal (pulse signal) is received from the light receiving circuit 32 (corresponding to “detection signal output means” of the present invention).

  When the CPU 30 receives the detection signal from the light receiving circuit 32, the CPU 30 displays the level of the detection signal on the second display unit 22 of the digital display 20, and compares the level of the detection signal with the set threshold level. . When the level of the detection signal exceeds the threshold level, the CPU 30 determines that the detection target W has been detected, outputs an output signal of the determination result to the output circuit 33, and also displays the operation indicator lamp 34. Lights up. Therefore, the CPU 30 corresponds to “comparison means” of the present invention. The threshold level to be compared with the level of the detection signal can be changed by rotating the rotary operator 15 in the detection mode, but the reference threshold level is stored in advance in the storage means 18 (nonvolatile memory or the like) ( If the threshold level setting is not changed, the detection target W may be detected by comparing the reference threshold level with the level of the detection signal.

  Further, the CPU 30 compares the level of the detection signal with a stable level obtained by shifting (increasing) the threshold level, and turns on the stable operation indicator lamp 35 when the level of the detection signal exceeds the stable level. .

3. Processing of CPU at the time of sensitivity adjustment Next, processing of the CPU at the time of sensitivity adjustment performed in the detection mode will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 30 detects that the voltage level V ′ [V] received from the voltmeter 17 has changed from the reference voltage level V / 2 [V] at the center A of the reference position (“Y” in S1). ]), The reference voltage range (predetermined range) of the reference position stored in the storage means 18 is read, and the difference (absolute value of the difference) between the voltage level V ′ [V] and the reference voltage level V / 2 [V] Is determined to be greater than or equal to a predetermined reference range (S2).

  When it is determined that the difference (absolute value) between the voltage level V ′ [V] received from the voltmeter 17 and the reference voltage level V / 2 [V] is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference range (“Y” in S2) ”), Since the operation position of the rotary operator 15 is outside the reference position, the relational expression between the voltage difference (operation amount) stored in the storage means 18 and the change amount of the set value is read, and the setting at the voltage difference is performed. Calculate the amount of change in value. Then, the change amount obtained by the calculation is added (subtracted) to the current threshold level (S3), and the threshold level is displayed on the digital display 20.

  Here, if the threshold level does not reach a predetermined settable limit value (“Y” in S4), as long as the operation position is outside the reference position (a position rotated by an angle θ or more from the center A of the reference position). Then, the addition (subtraction) of the threshold level is repeated with a change amount corresponding to the operation amount (S1 to S4).

  On the other hand, when the settable limit value is reached (“N” in S4), the limit value is exceeded even if the operation position is outside the reference position (a position rotated by an angle θ or more from the center A of the reference position). For the portion, the threshold level is not changed and the threshold level is set to the limit value (S5), and the limit value is displayed on the digital display 20.

3. Effects of this embodiment According to this embodiment, when the rotary operator 15 is at an operation position different from the reference position, the set value is continuously changed by a change amount corresponding to the operation amount from the reference position to the operation position. Since the setting is changed, the setting value can be changed with a simple operation.
In addition, since the increase / decrease in the amount of change in the set value is switched depending on the operation direction from the reference position of the rotary operator 15, it is easy to recognize the operation method and improve workability when changing the setting of the set value. it can.

  Further, since the CPU 30 (setting unit) does not change the setting value even if the operation position varies within a predetermined range (reference position), the setting value setting change unintended by the user due to an external factor or the like is prevented. can do.

  The CPU 30 (setting means) sets the setting value to the limit value when the rotation operator 15 performs an operation that exceeds the limit value of the settable range. Recognition errors can be prevented.

  Furthermore, for example, when the setting value is to be changed greatly, if the operation amount is increased, the amount of change in the setting value increases exponentially, so that the workability at the time of changing the setting value is improved. Can do.

In addition, setting value setting change work is facilitated as compared with a multi-rotation type rotary operator that requires a plurality of rotations for setting value setting change.
Furthermore, since the detection signal level and the threshold level can be visually recognized, the detection state of the detected object W can be easily recognized.

  In general, the detection sensitivity is often changed when detecting the detected object W. For setting changes other than the detection sensitivity (for example, setting of the light projection period), the detected object W is detected. The setting is often changed when not performed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in the detection mode in which the detection object W is detected, the detection sensitivity setting can be changed by operating the rotary operator 15 and the detection object W is not detected. In some cases, setting values other than the detection sensitivity can be changed by operating the rotary operator 15. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the trouble of switching to another mode when the detection sensitivity setting is changed.

  Furthermore, it is possible to change between the detection mode and the setting mode and between the selection mode and the change mode during the setting mode by an easy method of changing the length of the pressing (operation) time of the changeover switch 12. Further, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where these modes are switched by separate parts.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the structure same as Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.
In the second embodiment, the relationship (relational expression) between the rotation angle (operation amount) of the rotary operation element 15 and the amount of change in the threshold level per unit time at the rotation angle is expressed stepwise and exponentially. It is set as the structure to change (Structure of Claim 6).

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the rotation angle (operation amount) of the rotary operator 15 and the change amount of the threshold level that changes exponentially according to the operation amount (voltage difference) Is stored in the storage unit 18 by sampling and quantizing the relational expression for each predetermined operation amount (voltage difference). In this table, as shown in FIG. 8B, the operation amount of the rotary operator 15 and the change amount of the threshold level corresponding to the operation amount are associated (for example, the angles θ1 to θ2 are +1). , Angles θ2 to θ3 are stored as +2, and angles θ3 to θ4 are stored as +3,. The table may be stored in the storage unit 18 in advance.
In this way, it is possible to make the change amount of the set value constant when the operation amount of the rotary operator 15 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the first embodiment, the threshold level and the level of the detection signal are displayed on the first display unit 21 and the second display unit 22 of the digital display 20, respectively. In the second embodiment, the second display unit 22 is displayed. The relative value (hereinafter referred to as “margin”) between the threshold level and the level of the detection signal is displayed on the first display unit 21 (configuration of claim 13). The margin displayed on the first display unit 21 is the ratio (relative value) of the detection signal level to the threshold level, and is equivalent to the margin (%) = (detection signal level) / (threshold level) × 100. To do.

The CPU 30 calculates a margin from the set threshold level and the detection signal level received from the light receiving circuit 32 using the above calculation formula, and causes the first display unit 21 to display the calculated margin. As shown in FIG. 9, the margin is displayed as a numerical value in the upper three digits of the first four-digit display unit 21 and the displayed value is a margin in the lower one digit. A symbol P is displayed.
Thereby, for example, if the operator adjusts the margin with reference to 200%, the sensitivity (threshold level) is set, so that the sensitivity adjustment operation becomes easy.

  Also, there are two types of operating directions that are generally different, such as threshold value and sensitivity (generally, the sensitivity decreases when rotating (clockwise) in the direction to increase the threshold value, but the sensitivity increases clockwise when setting direct sensitivity). If a display is attached, it may not be possible to judge at a glance whether the displayed numerical value is a sensitivity or a threshold, and the operator may be confused about the operation method. On the other hand, according to the third embodiment, for example, if the same clockwise direction as that of normal recognition is set as a direction of increasing the margin, the operator can easily recognize the operation direction. Moreover, it can be easily recognized that the display is a margin by the symbol P indicating the margin.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and further, within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention other than the following. Various modifications can be made.
(1) In the first embodiment, the digital display 20 displays two values, the threshold level and the detection signal level. In the second embodiment, the digital display 20 displays the relative value between the threshold level and the detection signal level. The value (margin) is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the threshold level and the relative value (margin) between the threshold level and the level of the detection signal may be displayed on the digital display 20, and the level of the detection signal, the threshold level, and the level of the detection signal And the relative value (margin) may be displayed on the digital display 20.

  (2) In the above embodiment, the sensitivity is adjusted by changing the threshold level. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light projection amount of light projected from the light projecting element can be increased or decreased. The sensitivity may be adjusted by changing the amplification amount of the received light amount of the light received at.

  (3) In the embodiment described above, the detection mode and the selection mode (setting mode) are switched by long pressing of the changeover switch 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection switch, the selection mode, and the change mode may be switched by long pressing (or short pressing) of the changeover switch 12.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the setting value is increased or decreased depending on the direction in which the rotary operator 15 is operated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to be rotatable only in one direction, and the set value may return to the original value (for example, return to 0) when rotated by a predetermined amount or more.

  (5) In the above embodiment, the setting value is changed by rotating the rotary operation element 15 to the operation position. However, the setting value may be changed by using another operation element. For example, a lever (operator) that can be tilted may be provided, and the setting value may be changed by a change amount corresponding to the tilt angle of the lever. Alternatively, the set value may be changed with a change amount corresponding to the displacement amount by sliding a slide switch (operator).

Top view of the fiber sensor according to the first embodiment Front view of rotary control The figure which shows notionally the state where the voltmeter is connected to the variable resistor Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the fiber sensor The figure which shows the relationship between the operation amount of a rotary operator, and the variation | change_quantity of a threshold level A diagram conceptually showing the relationship among modes, setting items, and setting values Flowchart showing CPU processing during sensitivity adjustment The figure which shows the relationship between the operation amount of the rotary operation element of Embodiment 2, and the variation | change_quantity of a threshold level. The figure which shows the state by which the margin of Embodiment 3 is displayed

Explanation of symbols

12 ... changeover switch (switching key, first mode switching means, second mode switching means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Rotary operation element 16 ... Variable resistor 17 ... Voltmeter (voltage measurement means)
18 ... Storage means 20 ... Digital display (digital display means)
30 ... CPU (setting means, comparison means, display control means)
W: Object to be detected

Claims (17)

An operator,
Setting means for performing setting change of a setting value applied to a predetermined condition in accordance with an operation of the operation element,
A detection sensor that performs a detection operation based on the predetermined condition,
Display means;
Display control means for causing the display means to display a value based on a setting value to be changed by the setting means,
A reference position is set for the operation element,
The setting means continuously changes a setting value by a change amount corresponding to an operation amount from the reference position to the operation position when the operation element is at an operation position different from the reference position. A detection sensor characterized by that. The reference position of the operation element is a position different from the upper limit and the lower limit of the operable range of the operation element,
The detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit switches increase / decrease of the amount of change according to an operation direction from a reference position of the operation element. Within a predetermined range that does not include the upper and lower limits of the operable range of the operating element is defined as a reference position of the operating element,
The detection sensor according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit does not change the setting value even if the operation position varies within the predetermined range. The set value is configured to be changeable within a predetermined settable range,
The said setting means sets the said setting value to the said limit value, when operation with which the said setting value exceeds the limit value of the setting range is performed with the said operation element. Item 4. The detection sensor according to any one of Items 3 to 3. 5. The detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the change amount of the set value changes exponentially according to an operation amount from a reference position of the operation element. The detection sensor according to claim 5, wherein the amount of change in the set value changes in a stepwise manner. The detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the operation element is a rotatable rotation operation element. The detection sensor according to claim 7, wherein the rotation operator performs a single rotation operation. The operation element has a variable resistor whose resistance value changes according to the operation amount of the operation element, and includes voltage measuring means for measuring a voltage level of the variable resistor,
The setting means includes
The setting value is changed by an amount of change corresponding to a difference between a voltage level corresponding to the operation amount of the operating element measured by the voltage measuring unit and a reference voltage level when the operating element is at a reference position. The detection sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detection sensor is provided. The detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit is configured to be able to change a setting value applied to detection sensitivity as the condition. Detection signal output means for outputting a detection signal at a level corresponding to the detection state of the detection object;
Comparing means for comparing the level of a detection signal output from the detection signal output means and a threshold level, and detecting an object to be detected based on the comparison result of the comparing means,
The detection sensor according to claim 10, wherein the setting unit is configured to be capable of setting and changing the threshold level as a setting value applied to the detection sensitivity. A storage means is provided in which a reference threshold level at a predetermined level excluding an upper limit and a lower limit of the settable range is stored in advance,
The detection sensor according to claim 11, wherein the comparison unit compares the level of the detection signal output from the detection signal output unit with the reference threshold level. Computation means for computing a relative value between the threshold level changed by the setting means and the detection signal level output from the detection signal output means,
The detection sensor according to claim 11, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the relative value calculated by the calculation unit as a value based on the set value. The display means includes a plurality of digital display units,
14. The display control unit displays at least the detection signal level output from the detection signal output unit and the threshold level on the plurality of digital display units, respectively. The detection sensor according to any one of the above. A first mode switching means capable of switching between a detection mode for detecting an object to be detected and a setting mode capable of changing a setting value other than the detection sensitivity;
The setting means changes the setting value of the detection sensitivity when the operation element is operated in the detection mode, and when the operation element is operated in the setting mode. The detection sensor according to claim 10, wherein a setting value other than the detection sensitivity is changed. The setting mode is a second mode capable of switching between a selection mode for selecting a setting item whose setting is to be changed from among a plurality of setting items and a changing mode for changing the setting value related to the setting item selected in the selection mode. Switching means,
The setting item is changed by an operation of the operation element in the selection mode, and the setting is changed by an operation of the operation element in the change mode. The detection sensor described. The first mode switching unit and the second mode switching unit are configured by the same switching key, and the first mode switching unit and the second mode switching unit are changed depending on the operation time of the switching key. The detection sensor according to claim 16, wherein:

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