JP2008181719A - Multiple optical-axis photoelectric sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To firmly fix the end in the longitudinal direction of a front cover of an outer case to the outer case. <P>SOLUTION: The protruding end of a body cover 11 and an end cover 12 are adhered to a flange 31 via a double-faced adhesive sheet 36 in an end case 5. The protruding end of the body cover 11 and the end cover 12 are constrained by stoppers 40. Each stopper 40 has substantially the same T-shaped outer contour as the T-shaped flange 31 of the end case 5. Each stopper is provided with a pair of arms 41, 41 which is provided on both sides of the inward end and extends in a belt shape while traversing each side end 5a of the open end of the end case 5, and a lip 42 that corresponds to the closed end 5b of the end case 5. Each claw 41a of the two arms 41 and an engaging hole 42a of the lip 42 are engaged with the outer face of the end case 5 so as to fix the stopper 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor.

  Multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors are frequently used to detect entry into a dangerous area in a factory or the like (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). That is, the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is composed of a combination of a projector that emits a large number of light beams and a light receiver that receives the light beams, and one of the light beams is blocked and the light receiver receives the light beams. When this is not possible, a signal is supplied to an alarm device, etc., assuming that there is an entry into the danger area, and this is used to activate an alarm or a lamp.

  Several types of multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors with different numbers of optical axes are prepared, but a plurality of multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors are connected via an external cable in order to deal with a wide danger area. In Patent Documents 2 and 3, the optical axis is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal end face of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, and the interval between the two adjacent multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors is reduced, so that the adjacent multi-optical axis is arranged. A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor capable of reducing the optical axis pitch between the photoelectric sensors has been proposed. Specifically, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, an outer case of a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is configured by a main body case and two end cases, and this end case also accommodates two optical axes, It has been proposed to provide the case with a connector receptacle that is open in a direction transverse to the end case.

  Patent Document 2 further includes a front cover that seals the light projecting surface and the light receiving surface of the outer case with a main body cover substantially corresponding to the main body case and an end cover substantially corresponding to the end case. In addition to proposing a split structure, it is proposed to extend the end portion of the main body cover to the open end portion of the end case and restrain the extension portion with a metal band stopper. The belt-like stopper extends in a direction transverse to the end case (extension of the main body cover) and is bent at both ends in the longitudinal direction to form leg portions at the respective end portions. It is fixed to the end case by inserting it between the standing wall of the part case.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-90900 JP 2004-179031 A JP 2004-311384 A

  The usage environment of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is diverse, and further waterproof and dustproof measures are required depending on the usage environment. For this reason, it is necessary to firmly fix the front cover for sealing the front surface of the outer case, that is, the light projecting surface or the light receiving surface, to the outer case. The band-shaped stopper disclosed in Patent Document 2 is intended to restrain both ends of the main body cover. However, since the bonding area of the end cover is limited, the end cover portion is firmly attached. A structure that can be fixed is required.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor in which an optical axis is disposed from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction, and to dispose the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the front cover that seals the front surface of the outer case. An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor that can be firmly fixed to a case.

According to the present invention, the above technical problem is
An outer case in which a plurality of optical axes are arranged from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction;
A flange provided on the front surface of the outer case;
A front cover bonded to the flange;
A fixing tool detachably mounted on an end of the front cover and having a fixed length in the longitudinal direction of the outer case,
The fixing device includes a pair of arms that engage with outer surfaces of both side walls of the outer case, and a lip that engages with an outer surface of the closed end of the outer case. This is achieved by providing a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor characterized by being fixed to the outer case by three-point support with engagement of the tip of the lip.

  That is, in the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor of the present invention, the fixture for restraining the longitudinal end portion of the front cover has a constant length in the longitudinal direction of the outer case, and the outer surfaces of both side walls of the outer case. Since it is fixed to the outer case with the three-point support of the engagement with the outer surface of the closed end, it can be firmly fixed to the outer case, so that the longitudinal end portion of the front cover can be fixed. The restraint can be made certain.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 show the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors 1 and 2. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 in FIG. 1 is a multi-photoelectric sensor having a minimum number of optical axes, that is, eight optical axes, and the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 2 in FIG. 2 is a 20-optical axis multi-photoelectric sensor with an additional optical axis. . The basic structure of the 8-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 in FIG. 1 and the 20-optical axis photoelectric sensor 2 in FIG. 2 is the same.

  FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary 20 optical axis photoelectric sensor 2 (FIG. 2). The photoelectric sensor 2 with 20 optical axes has an elongated outer case 6 formed by connecting end cases 5 and 5 to both ends of a main body case 4, and has eight optical axes spaced at equal intervals therein. The basic module 7 and the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 that are unitized by connecting them in series are accommodated. The basic module 7 and the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 are plastic molded products, and are members for forming a light guide for guiding the light of each optical axis.

  The first extension module 8 includes eight optical axes spaced at equal intervals. The second extension module 9 includes four optical axes spaced at equal intervals. In the photoelectric sensor 2 with 20 optical axes, the first expansion module 8 and the second expansion module 9 are selected as expansion modules in order to set the number of optical axes to “20”, and the first and second expansion modules 8 and 9 are selected. Are connected to the basic module 7 in series to form a “20” optical axis unit. On the other hand, the 8-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes only the basic module 7 having eight optical axes. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 or 2 includes a pair of a projector and a light receiver. The light projector and the light receiver have substantially the same appearance.

  As described above, the outer case 6 includes the main body case 4 and the two end cases 5 connected to both ends thereof. FIG. 4 is an end view of the main body case 4. The main body case 4 has the same cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, is made by cutting an extrusion molding material made of, for example, aluminum with a predetermined length dimension, and has a form in which both ends thereof are open. On the other hand, the end case 5 is composed of a plastic molded product or a die-cast molded product of zinc or aluminum, and as can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, has one end opened and the other closed. It has a length dimension that can accommodate the optical axis (two optical axes in this embodiment).

  The difference in length between the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors 1 and 2 is adjusted by the length of the main body case 4. That is, the difference in length of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 or 2 due to the difference in the number of optical axes is defined by the length dimension of the outer case body 4. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor of the embodiment is not limited to the 8-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 or the 20-optical axis photoelectric sensor 2, but by combining the first and / or second extension modules 8 and 9 with the basic module 7, Multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors such as optical axis, 16 optical axis, 20 optical axis, 24 optical axis can be made, and long for 12 optical axis, for 16 optical axis, for 20 optical axis, for 24 optical axis, etc. Different body cases 4 are prepared. On the other hand, the end case 5 is common even if the number of optical axes is different.

  The light projecting surface or the light receiving surface of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors 1 and 2 is constituted by a front cover 10 through which light of a specific wavelength can pass, as can be best understood from FIG. The light beam is emitted from the projector, or the light beam from the projector enters the light receiver. The front cover 10 may be formed of a single member in the longitudinal direction of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors 1 and 2, but in this embodiment, a three-part structure is adopted. That is, the front cover 10 is provided with a rectangular main body cover 11 having a length that is slightly longer than the main body case 4 and enters a part of the end case 5, and the remaining length of each end case 5. The boundary between the main body cover 11 and the end cover 12 is offset from the boundary between the main body case 4 and the end case 5 toward the end case 5. The body cover 11 is prepared for 8 optical axes, 12 optical axes, 20 optical axes, etc. corresponding to multi-optical axis photoelectric sensors having different numbers of optical axes.

  The end case 5 has an open side end 5a having substantially the same outer shape as the main body case 4, and has a shape in which one side wall 5d is cut out from the open side end 5a to the closed end 5b. (FIG. 5). The end case 5 further has a connector receptacle 15 that faces the recess 13 and opens in a direction crossing the end case 5, and an external connector 16 that is a female connector is projected to the connector receptacle 15. Alternatively, the connector can be connected by being accessed from the light receiving surface side toward the back surface side and inserted into the connector receiving port 15 and connected to an internal male connector described later after being provided in the connector receiving port 15.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the connector receptacle 15 is disposed adjacent to one side wall 5 d so as not to interfere with the optical axes of the two optical axes housed in the end case 5. A cable passage groove 17 adjacent to the closed end 5 b is formed in line with the receiving port 15. That is, the cable passage groove 17 extends in a direction crossing the end case 5 and opens to the recess 13 and the back surface 5c. As can be seen from FIG. 1 and the like, the external connector 16 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the cable 16a extending from the outer end extends to the back surface 5c side of the end case 5 through the cable passage groove 17, This cable 16a is used to connect to another multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 or 2.

  Referring to FIG. 4, the end face shape, that is, the cross-sectional shape of the main body case 4 will be described. The main body case 4 has a U-shaped cross section that is open toward the light projecting surface or the light receiving surface, and both sides facing each other. Walls 4a and 4b and a back wall 4c are provided. At the free ends of the side walls 4a and 4b, there is a first flange 20 extending horizontally inward from the ends of the side walls 4a and 4b in a stepped state, corresponding to the first flange 20 The receiving part 21 which receives the main body cover 11 is comprised by the step part formed of the inner wall surface of the free end of the side walls 4a and 4b to perform. The main body case 4 further includes a second flange 23 adjacent to the first flange 20, and the second flange 23 and the first flange 20 extend continuously in the longitudinal direction of the main body case 4. A lateral groove 24 is formed. As will be described later, the module unit including the basic module 7 or the extension modules 8 and 9 is guided to be inserted into the main body case 4 by the lateral grooves 24 and is supported by the main body case 4.

  FIG. 6 is also a diagram for explaining a structure for attaching the main body cover 11 to the main body case 4. On the first flange 20 of the main body case 4, a double-sided adhesive tape 25 extending in a strip shape is bonded over the entire length in the longitudinal direction, and the main body cover 11 is bonded onto the double-sided adhesive tape 25. Both side portions of the main body cover 11 are fixed to the main body case 4 over the entire length thereof.

  As best seen from FIG. 1, the end case 5 has an open end 5a on the side of the main body case 4 that is substantially the same as the main body case 4 in terms of the shape and outer shape of the light projecting surface or light receiving surface. It has a T-shape extending in a rectangular shape from the central portion in the transverse direction of the end portion 5a toward the closed end 5b. In this rectangular shape portion, the open end portion 5a is slightly offset toward the closed end 5b side. A rectangular opening 30 for light projection or light reception extending from the position to the vicinity of the closed end 5b along the axial direction is formed (FIG. 5). And the circumference | surroundings of the opening 30 for this light projection or light reception are surrounded by the flange 31 which spreads over the perimeter (FIG. 5). That is, the flange 31 of the end case 5 has a T-shape, and the T-shaped flange 31 has a rectangular shape at a position offset from the central portion in the transverse direction of the open end 5a toward the closed end 5b. An opening 30 for projecting or receiving light is formed. As described above, it has a length corresponding to the two optical axes accommodated in the end case 5, but as a modification of the opening 30, for example, two circular openings corresponding to each optical axis are provided in the flange 31. You may make it provide.

  Reference numeral 33 shown in FIG. 7 is a pin insertion hole, and the end case 5 is connected to the end of the body case 4 by three screw pins P inserted from the end case 5 side (FIG. 1). ). The third threaded pin P is inserted into a pin insertion hole (not shown) provided on the back side of the end case 5. The three threaded pins P are screwed into a total of three receiving grooves 35 formed in the free ends of the side walls 4a and 4b and the back wall 4c of the body case 4 as shown in FIG. The

  The main body cover 11 has a length that protrudes outward from both ends of the main body case 4, and has a length that reaches the open end 5 a of the end case 5. On the other hand, the end cover 12 is shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction of the end case 5 and covers the rectangular portion of the flange 31 that forms the periphery of the rectangular light projecting or receiving opening 30 of the end case 5. Have dimensions. As seen in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 7, it is bonded to the flange 31 via the double-sided adhesive sheet 36. The double-sided adhesive sheet 36 has a T-shaped outer contour corresponding to the outer contour of the flange 31, and an opening 36 a is formed corresponding to the rectangular opening 30 of the flange 31.

  A T-shaped double-sided adhesive sheet 36 bonded to the entire area of the flange 31 of the end case 5 bonds the protruding end of the main body cover 11 to the open end 5a of the end case 5, and also the end cover. 12 is bonded to a rectangular portion around the opening 30 for projecting or receiving light. The protruding end portion of the main body cover 11 and the end cover 12 fixed by the T-shaped double-sided adhesive sheet 36 in this manner are restrained by a stopper 40 that is detachably mounted thereon. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the 8-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 of FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 8, the stopper 40 is made of metal and has a T-shaped outer profile substantially the same as the T-shaped flange 31 of the end case 5 when viewed in plan, An opening 40a corresponding to the rectangular opening 30 of the flange 31 is provided (FIGS. 7 and 8).

  With reference to FIG. 7, the stopper 40 has substantially the same longitudinal length as the end case 5. The stopper 40 includes a pair of arms 41 and 41 provided on both sides of a portion corresponding to the inner end portion that extends in a strip shape across the end case 5, that is, the open end portion 5 a, and the closed end of the end case 5. 5b, and a claw 41a is provided at the tip of each arm 41, while an engaging hole 42a is formed in the lip 42. Further, a pair of side bent pieces 43 are provided on both side edges of the rectangular portion where the opening 40a of the stopper 40 is provided, and the pair of side bent pieces 43 allows the rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the stopper 40, More specifically, the rigidity around the rectangular opening 40 a of the stopper 40 can be increased by the pair of side bent pieces 43.

  9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 9 to 11, the stopper 40 is configured such that the claws 41 a of the arm 41 are opposed to each other in the transverse direction on the outer wall surfaces of both side walls of the open side end portion 5 a of the end case 5. The engagement hole 42a of the lip 42 is engaged with the formed slit 45 (FIGS. 7 and 9), and the claw 46 is provided so as to project to the center in the transverse direction on the outer wall surface of the closed end 5b of the end case 5. (FIGS. 7 and 19) are fixed to the end case 5 in a three-point support manner. When the stopper 40 is attached to the end case 5, the pair of side bent pieces 43 of the stopper 40 face both side surfaces of the end cover 12 (FIG. 11).

  The protruding end portion of the main body cover 11 and the end portion cover 12 are restrained by a stopper 40 that covers the entire area including the boundary region. The stopper 40 has a triangular shape composed of a pair of arms 41 and 41 corresponding to the open end 5a of the end case 5 and a lip 42 corresponding to the closed end 5b of the end case 5. Since it is locked to the end case 5 by the three-point support consisting of two vertices, it is possible to accurately restrict the protruding end portion of the main body cover 11 and the end cover 12. Further, the protruding end portion and the end of the main body cover 11 are connected to the end case 5 via a double-sided adhesive tape 36 that is bonded to the entire area of the flange 31 that surrounds the entire circumference of the light projecting or receiving opening 30. Since the part cover 12 is bonded, the sealing at the boundary region between the main body cover 11 and the end cover 12 is ensured, whereby the boundary region between the main body cover 11 and the end cover 12 and the end case 5 are related. Accurate waterproofing and dustproofing are possible.

  (1) Connection structure of the first extension module 8 or the second extension module 9 to the basic module 7, (2) Connection structure of the first extension module 8 and the second extension module 9, (3) First extension modules 8, 8 (4) The connection structure between the second extension modules 9 and 9 has a common configuration. 12-16 is a figure which illustrates the connection between the 1st expansion module 8 and the 2nd expansion module 9, but it is the same also in the connection of (1), (3), (4) mentioned above. .

  The second extension module 9 and the first extension module 8 have a connection structure 50. The connection structure 50 includes a rigid rod 51 protruding in the longitudinal direction from one side wall and a bend arm 52 protruding in the longitudinal direction from the other side wall at the other end of the second extension module 9. A claw 52a is provided at the tip of (Figs. 12 and 14). The rigid rod 51 and the bend arm 52 are preferably provided at the same height level when the second extension module 9 is viewed from the side. The bend arm 52 extends in parallel with the rigid rod 51 having a substantially rectangular cross section, and can be elastically deformed in a direction away from the side wall of the second extension module 9. The rigid rod 51 is preferably longer than the bend arm 52. In other words, the bend arm 52 is preferably short and the rigid rod 51 is preferably long.

  FIG. 13 is a side view seen from the direction of arrow X13 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 53 shown in FIG. 13 indicates a rectangular recess that engages with the claw 52a of the bend arm 52. The recess 53 is formed on the side surface of the other end of the first extension module 8, and the width of the recess 53 is the bend. Although it is substantially the same as the width of the claw 52a of the arm 52, the length dimension of the concave portion 53 in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction of the second extension unit 9) is larger than that of the claw 52a. Accordingly, the claw 52a can be displaced in the longitudinal direction (left and right direction in FIG. 13) of the first extension module 8 while the displacement in the width direction (up and down direction in FIG. 13) is restricted inside the recess 53.

  FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a connecting portion between one end of the second extension module 9 and the other end of the first extension module 8 as viewed from the rigid rod 51 side. The rigid rod 51 includes a protrusion 51a extending in the longitudinal direction and having a rectangular cross section on the inner surface of the bend arm 52 side. On the other hand, a guide groove 54 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed on the side surface of the first extension module 8 facing the rigid rod 51, and the protrusion 51 a of the rigid rod 51 is received in the guide groove 54. The protrusion 51 a is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the guide groove 54. As a result, the protrusion 51a can be moved in the longitudinal direction while being guided by the guide groove 54 while the displacement of the guide groove 54 in the width direction is restricted, and the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 approach each other. The operation to perform is guided.

  FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a state in which the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 are connected in series to form a unit. In this state, the claw 52a of the bend arm 52 has a recess 53 (FIG. 13). Formed by being accepted by.

  14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X14-X14 in FIG. As best seen from FIG. 14, a spring piece 55 is integrally formed on the end face of the second extension module 9, that is, the end face on the side where the rigid rod 51 and the bend arm 52 are provided. In a state where the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 are connected in series, the spring piece 55 is elastically deformed and biased in a direction to separate the first and second extension modules 8 and 9. That is, as best seen from FIG. 16 which is a partial plan view of the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 connected and unitized, the spring piece 55 is pressed against the end face of the first extension module 8. Thus, the claw 52a of the bend arm 52 is maintained in a state of being firmly locked to the engaging edge of the concave portion 53 opposed to the claw 52a. Here, in this state, the tip of the rigid rod 51 is in a state of being separated from the stepped portion 57 (FIG. 12) as a stopper of the first extension module 8. That is, there is a clearance C (FIG. 16) between the tip of the rigid rod 51 and the stepped portion 57 of the first extension module 8, and the first and second extension modules 8, 9 are provided by this clearance C. Can be displaced to a closer but closer state. That is, when the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 are connected in series by the connecting structure 50 described above, the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 are compressed in the longitudinal direction by the spring piece 55. The compression direction is regulated by the step portion 57, but the extending direction is determined by the engagement between the claw 52a of the bend arm 52 and the engaging edge of the recess 53 that receives the claw 52a. Be regulated. In other words, the total length of the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 can be expanded and contracted in a slight range, but the adjacent light beams even when the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 are in the most separated state. The inter-axis pitch is maintained at a predetermined pitch. The predetermined pitch is preferably the same as the pits between the optical axes of the first and second extension modules 8 and 9.

  Reference numeral 60 shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 indicates a light guide. As can be seen best from FIG. 12, at the end of the second extension module 9 on the side where the rigid rod 51 and the bend arm 52 are provided, the separation distance between the end surface and the light guide path 60 adjacent thereto is as follows. This is slightly smaller than the separation distance from the light guide path adjacent thereto. At the end of the first extension module 8 that engages with the rigid rod 51 and the bend arm 52 of the second extension module 9, the separation distance between the end surface and the light guide path 60 adjacent thereto is extremely small. When the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 are connected in series, the separation distance (optical axis pitch) between the light guide paths 60 and 60 located at the outer ends of the first and second extension modules 8 and 9 ) Is substantially equal to or less than the distance between the light guides 60 and 60 adjacent to each other in the first and second extension modules 8 and 9.

  FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view corresponding to the 8-optical axis photoelectric sensor 1 of FIG. With reference to this FIG. 17, the photoelectric sensor 1 is comprised by the basic module 7 as mentioned above. It will be understood that among the eight light guide paths 60 included in the basic module 7, the light guide paths 60 located at both ends thereof are arranged close to the end faces of the basic module 7.

  Although the description related to the basic module 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 17, the same description applies to the first and second extension modules 8 and 9. The control board 61 is connected to the back side of the basic module 7 in a positioned state. The positioning of the control board 61 is performed by a plurality of positioning stepped pins 62 protruding from the back surface of the basic module 7 entering a positioning hole 63 provided on the board 61 side. This positioning includes the distance between the basic module 7 and the substrate 61 and the relative position in the horizontal plane. Also, a plurality of hook pieces 65 extend from the back surface of the basic module 7, and a lateral slit 65a is formed at the tip of the hook piece 65, and a recess is formed on the peripheral surface of the substrate 61 corresponding to the lateral slit 65a. A protrusion 67 is formed in the center of 66 or the peripheral surface of the substrate 61, and the protrusion 67 enters the lateral slit 65a, whereby the basic module 7 and the substrate 61 are positioned.

  In addition to a control circuit (not shown), an optical element 70 made up of a light receiving element or a light projecting element is mounted on the substrate 61 at a predetermined interval. The arrangement position of the optical element 70 corresponds to the position of the light guide path 60 of the basic module 7. In a preferred embodiment, a shield plate 71 is interposed between the basic module 7 and the substrate 61. The shield plate 71 is positioned by a plurality of pin holes 72 provided at the same position as the predetermined pin hole 63 of the substrate 61. Of course, the shield plate 71 is provided with a through hole 74 at a position corresponding to the optical element 70 of the substrate 61, and light associated with the optical element 70 can pass through the through hole 74. Instead of mounting the optical element 70 on the substrate 61, the optical element 70 is detachably mounted on the module side, that is, the end of the light guide path 60 of the basic module 7, the first extension module 8, and the second extension module 9. It may be.

  Male connectors 80 and 80 are mounted on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 61 adjacent to the shape portions 61a and 61a in which the corners of the portions not covered with the shield plate 71 are cut out in an L shape. . Reference numeral 81 is a connector pin of the male connector 80. The position of the male connector 80 corresponds to the connector receiving port 15 of the end case 5 described above.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the end case 5 has a basic module 7 integrated with the control board 61 via a plastic insulating cover 82 formed in substantially the same shape as the entire inner wall of the back surface 5c. The two optical axes at the end of the control board 61 are received, and the back surface and the side portion of the male connector 80 provided at the end of the control board 61 are surrounded by the insulating cover 82. Although the insulating cover 82 is provided on the end case 5, the corresponding insulating member is not provided on the main body case 4. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the control board 61 is incorporated into the basic module 7 and is unitized. In this state, the control board 61 is inserted from one end of the main body case 4, and then the unitized basic module 7 and the control board 61 are attached to the end portions. The end case 5 is attached, and then the end case 5 is coupled to the end of the main body case 4.

  Returning to FIG. 17, what should be noted here is that a pair of positioning plates 84 extending laterally are formed integrally with the basic module 7 at both ends of the basic module 7. The positioning plate 84 is formed with claw pieces 84a extending in parallel with the substrate at the edge on the substrate side. The pair of positioning plates 84, 84 are formed at positions corresponding to the notch-shaped portions 61a, 61a adjacent to the male connectors 80, 80 provided at both ends of the control board 61. The claw pieces 84a of the positioning plate 84 are While engaging with the edge of the notch-shaped portion 61a, the insulating cover 82 is adjacent to the upright wall 82a and the back wall 82b (FIG. 20).

  19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X19-X19 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by X20 in FIG.

  As best understood from FIG. 20, the portion of the control board 61 where the male connector 80 is disposed is locked by the claw piece 84a of the positioning plate 84 formed integrally with the basic module 7 described above, and this The tip 84b of the positioning plate 84 is supported on the inner surface of the end case 5 via the insulating cover 82 when the connector is connected.

  By adopting such a configuration, when the external female connector 16 is connected to the internal male connector 80, a force that presses the internal male connector 80 toward the back surface 5c of the end case 5 acts. Since the front end 84b of the positioning plate 84 extending in the direction is supported by the back surface 5c of the end case 5 via the insulating cover 82, the escape of the internal male connector 80 when connecting the external female connector 16, that is, the control board It is possible to prevent the end portion of 61 from being bent and deformed toward the back surface 5 c side of the end case 5, thereby preventing the external female connector 16 from being illegally connected to the internal male connector 80.

  Note that a basic module 7 built in an outer case 6 formed by the main body case 4 and two end cases 5 connected to both ends thereof (if the module is added, the first and / or the second module 8 is added). , 9) is provided with protrusions 86 (FIG. 6) that engage with the lateral grooves 24 continuous in the longitudinal direction of the main body case 4 on both sides of the central portion. However, since such a specific support structure is not adopted in the end case 5, the external female connector 80 is inserted into the external female connector 80. The above-described configuration for suppressing the bending deformation of the end portion of the long control board 61 provided with the connector 16 is effective.

  A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor having a different number of optical axes can be produced by preparing the body case 4 having a different length and connecting the first or second extension module 8 or 9 in series to the basic module 7. Since the body case 4 is made by cutting the extruded member as described above, the length of the body case 4 is likely to vary due to manufacturing errors. In this regard, since a unit in which a plurality of modules are connected in series can be expanded and contracted by a spring piece 55 provided on the end face of each module, the unit case 4 and the two end cases 5 Even if there is a slight variation in the length dimension of the outer case 6, it is absorbed by the expansion and contraction of the unit by the spring piece 55.

  In addition, since the unit in which a plurality of modules are connected is supported by the main body case 4 in a suspended state, the end of the extendable unit described above is formed by a protrusion that engages with the lateral groove 24 of the main body case 4. The portion is pressed against the closed end 5b of the end case 5 and the like, so that the unit composed of the basic module 7 and the first and / or second modules 8 and 9 is housed in the outer case 6 in a stable state. .

  In addition, regarding the bending deformation of the control board 61 when the external female connector 16 is connected to the internal male connector 80, the internal male connector 80 connects the claw piece 84a of the positioning plate 84, the end of the positioning plate 84, and the insulating cover 82. As described above, it is supported by the back surface 5c of the end case 5 through the inner male connector 80, that is, the end portion of the control board 61 can be prevented from being bent and deformed toward the back surface 5c side of the end case 5. However, since the unit is biased in the extending direction by the spring piece 55, the portion of the control board 61 where the male connector 80 is disposed can be reliably engaged with the claw piece 84a of the positioning plate 84. it can.

It is a perspective view of the photoelectric sensor of 8 optical axes comprised with the basic module. It is a front view before installing the front cover which consists of a main body cover and an end cover to the photoelectric sensor of 20 optical axes which connected the extension module to the basic module in series. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the outer case of the photoelectric sensor of 20 optical axes of FIG. 2, and the unit incorporated in this. It is an end view of a main body case. It is a perspective view of an end case. It is sectional drawing along the VI-VI line of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view for demonstrating the attachment structure of the edge part cover with respect to an edge part case. It is a front view of the photoelectric sensor of 8 optical axes of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view in alignment with the IX-IX line of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view in alignment with the XX line of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view in alignment with the XI-XI line of FIG. It is a partial front view for demonstrating the connection structure between adjacent modules. It is a partial side view for demonstrating the connection structure between adjacent modules. It is sectional drawing along the X14-X14 line | wire of FIG. It is a fragmentary perspective view for demonstrating the connection structure between adjacent modules. It is a fragmentary top view of the state which connected the adjacent module in series. It is a disassembled perspective view before accommodating the edge part of the unit which interposed the shield board between the basic module and the control board in the edge part case via the insulating cover. It is a side view of the unit which interposed the shield board between the basic module and the control board. It is sectional drawing along the X19-X19 line | wire of FIG. It is an enlarged view of the site | part shown by arrow X20 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 8 optical axis photoelectric sensor 2 20 optical axis photoelectric sensor 4 Main body case 5 End case 5a Open side end part 5b Closed end 5c Back surface 5d Side wall provided with connector receptacle 6 Outer case 7 Basic module 8 First extension module 9 Second Extension Module 10 Front Cover 11 Body Cover 12 End Cover 13 Recess of End Case 15 Connector Receptor 16 External Connector 20 First Flange (Main Body Case)
25 Double-sided adhesive tape for body cover 30 Rectangular opening for light projection or light reception of end case 31 Flange of end case 36 Double-sided adhesive sheet (for end case)
36a Rectangular opening 40 T-shaped stopper 40a Opening 41 A pair of arms 41a Claw at the tip of the arm 42 Lip 42a Engagement hole at the tip of the lip

Claims (5)

An outer case in which a plurality of optical axes are arranged from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction;
A flange provided on the front surface of the outer case;
A front cover bonded to the flange;
A fixing tool detachably mounted on an end of the front cover and having a fixed length in the longitudinal direction of the outer case,
The fixing device includes a pair of arms that engage with outer surfaces of both side walls of the outer case, and a lip that engages with an outer surface of the closed end of the outer case. A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor, which is fixed to the outer case by three-point support with engagement of a tip portion of the lip.   The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to claim 1, wherein the fixture has a length extending over a plurality of optical axes provided at an end portion of the outer case. The outer case comprises a main body case, an end case having an open side end and a closed end connected to an end of the main body case, and a plurality of optical axes are disposed;
The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to claim 2, wherein the fixture has a length corresponding to a longitudinal length of the end case.   The front cover has a split structure of a main body cover having a length dimension that penetrates from the main body case into a part of the end case, and an end cover having a length dimension corresponding to the remaining portion of the end case. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to claim 3. The end case further includes a connector opening positioned closer to the closed end than the open end, and an optical axis built in the end case is disposed closer to the closed end than the open end. ,
The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor according to claim 4, wherein the main body cover has a length dimension extending to an open end of the end case.

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