JP3328709B2 - Optical fiber lock device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fiber lock device used for an optical fiber type photoelectric sensor for tightening or releasing an optical fiber cable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a photoelectric sensor provided with a light projecting unit for projecting light to a detection object and a light receiving unit for detecting reflected light or transmitted light from the detection object. In such a photoelectric sensor, a part of the light projecting part and the light receiving part is constituted by an optical fiber cable, and an optical fiber type photoelectric sensor is connected to the photoelectric sensor main body installed at a place remote from the detection object by an optical fiber cable. Is used. Such an optical fiber type photoelectric sensor is provided with an optical fiber lock device for fastening (locking) or releasing (release) the optical fiber cable to the photoelectric sensor main body.

The optical fiber lock device is such that an optical fiber cable coated with a glass fiber is easily locked or released by operating a lever or the like at a connection end on a light emitting side and a light receiving side. As such an optical fiber lock device, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-98441 discloses a "cable fixing mechanism".
Is disclosed.

In this cable fixing mechanism, the optical fiber cables on the light emitting side and the light receiving side are passed through a cap, further passed through an annular band, and then held on a base block. In order to fix the optical fiber cable to the base block, a rotatable lock lever is provided on the annular band, and by rotating this lock lever, the optical fiber cable is fastened to the base block by the annular band. The connector of such an optical fiber cable is connected to the case main body of the photoelectric sensor, emits light to the detection object side, amplifies light from the detection object, and outputs a detection signal of the object.

In order to provide a plurality of optical fiber type photoelectric sensors as described above and to process multi-channel optical signals, the optical fiber cable connector of each channel and the case body are made thin, and these are arranged adjacent to each other. Must be fixed.

[0006]

However, in such a conventional optical fiber type photoelectric sensor, when a multi-channel type optical sensor is used, each lock lever is individually operated to lock or release the optical fiber cable of each channel. Must be operated. Therefore, in consideration of the operability of the lock lever at the installation site, the mounting pitch of each optical fiber photoelectric sensor could not be made too small.

In general, when the number of channels of the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor is increased, it is required that the case body including the photoelectric sensor body is also arranged at high density. Further, the optical fiber cables including the light emitting side and the light receiving side are often removed or attached collectively for each channel.
Therefore, it is required to lock and release a large number of optical fiber cables while minimizing the number of lock levers. Further, when a multi-channel optical fiber cable is provided, an optical fiber lock device capable of easily identifying the locked or released state of each channel from the outside is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and has as its object to realize an optical fiber lock device which can easily lock or release a multi-channel optical fiber cable with a small number of operations. I do.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pair of optical fiber comprising a light emitting side and a light receiving side.
A cable holder that holds multiple detachable cable sets
Is held rotatably with respect to the cable and the cable holder,
Tighten optical fiber cable against cable holder
Lock lever to open and engage with cable holder
A light emitting element for outputting light to the light emitting side optical fiber;
Main body including light receiving element that photoelectrically converts light from optical side optical fiber
A case, and an optical fiber lock device comprising:
The cable holder inserts the optical fibers on the emitting and receiving sides.
The inner diameter of the insertion port is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the optical fiber.
Multiple sets of fiber mounting holes that elastically deform
It is integrally molded in a fan shape on the side of the hole,
Multiple sets of fan-shaped protrusions that change the diameter of the fiber mounting hole
And two sets of fan-shaped projections are pressed simultaneously.
A vertical groove that provides a rotation space for the bar,
The lock lever is a pair of
A projection cam with pressing projections formed on both sides and a fan-shaped projection
Rotate the projection cam to the position where it comes into contact with the
And an arm for causing
You.

[0010] The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is directed to a light emitting side and a light receiving side.
Multiple pairs of optical fiber cables consisting of side optical fibers
A cable holder for holding the cable
Fiber optic cable
Holder for tightening and releasing the cable to the cable holder
Engage with the tightening member and the cable holder, and
Light emitting element that outputs light to the fiber, and light from the receiving side optical fiber
A main body case including a light receiving element for photoelectrically converting
An optical fiber lock device, wherein the cable holder comprises:
The optical fibers on the emitting and receiving sides are inserted, and the inside diameter of the insertion port is
Sets whose elastic deformation is larger or smaller than the outer diameter of the optical fiber
Fiber mounting hole and the side of the fiber mounting hole
Molded and changes the diameter of the fiber mounting hole by pressing
Fin-shaped claw and U-shaped, one end of which
Is rotatably held by a part of the holder, and the other end is
A pin slidably engaged with a part of the attachment member.
Therefore, the holder tightening member is
Tongue and lock button
Holder with a notch for releasing tightening
And a part of the holder tightening part.
By engaging the end, the holder
Heart shaped to move the cable to the tightening or releasing position
And a cam.

[0011]

[0012]

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention having such features, a plurality of optical fiber cables can be connected to an optical fiber type optical fiber cable.
When attaching to the main body of the electric sensor,
Into the fiber mounting hole of the cable holder. Next
When the lock lever is rotated, the pressing protrusion also rotates, and the fiber
Ride on the pressing protrusion formed on the side surface of the mounting hole. this
The diameter of the specific fiber mounting hole is reduced due to the pressure
The optical fiber cable is tightened. Also each light
To remove the fiber cable from the cable holder,
Rotate the clever in the opposite direction. At this time, the pressing projection
It moves and comes off from the fan-shaped projection. And release the pressure
The diameter of the fixed fiber mounting hole increases,
Cable becomes easy to fall out. In this way, multiple optical fiber cables
Cables to the main body of the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor.
Can be released or released.

According to the invention of claim 2 of the present application, a plurality of
Optical fiber cable to the main body of the optical fiber photoelectric sensor
When attaching the optical fiber cable to the cable holder,
Insert the fiber into the fiber mounting hole. Next, the holder tightening member
When the pin is pressed down and slid through the lock button, the pin
Grip, holder tightening member locks under the cable holder
Is done. At this time, the claw formed on the side of the fiber mounting hole
Pressed inward, the diameter of multiple fiber mounting holes
It becomes smaller and the fiber optic cable is tightened. Ma
Remove each optical fiber cable from the cable holder
Slides the holder tightening member in the opposite direction. At this time
Tab of the cable holder is a notch for releasing the tightening of the holder tightening member
Get into it. For this reason, the diameter of the multiple fiber mounting holes is large.
And the optical fiber cable is easily pulled out. Like this
To connect multiple optical fiber cables
Can be locked and released together from the main body
Wear.

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An optical fiber lock device in a first embodiment of a photoelectric sensor according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the configuration of a main part of an optical fiber photoelectric sensor. FIG. 1A shows two lock levers 1 and FIG. 1B shows four channels (c).
h) shows the cable holder 2. 2A shows the cover 3 for four channels, and FIG. 2B shows the main body case 4 for four channels. The lock lever 1 shown in FIG. 1A is rotatably held by a cable holder 2 to be described later, and locks and releases the cable when an optical fiber cable for two channels (not shown) is inserted into the cable holder 2. Means. The lock lever 1 is a member integrally formed in a T-shape, and has an operation portion 1a for operating with a finger and a columnar projection cam 1b.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the lock lever 1. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, a shaft hole 1c is opened at the center of the protrusion cam 1b, and two pressing protrusions 1d are formed on its annular side surface.
One is formed. As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of pressing projections 1d is formed at a position symmetrical with respect to the shaft hole 1c, and a pair of pressing projections is provided on each of the right and left side surfaces. The pressing projection 1d is of a conical shape, abuts on a fan-shaped projection 2a described later formed on the cable holder 2, and is viewed from the projection cam 1b.
Is deformed outward.

Next, the cable holder 2 will be described.
FIG. 4A is a front view of the cable holder 2, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. FIG. 4
(C) is a sectional view taken along line YY in (a). The cable holder 2 is a cable holding means that fits into the main body case 4 while holding the optical fiber cable. In this embodiment, eight fiber mounting holes 2c for four channels are formed. For example, the upper fiber mounting hole 2c is a mounting hole for an optical fiber cable on the light receiving side, and the lower one is a mounting hole for the light emitting side. As shown in FIG. 4, the fiber mounting hole 2c is provided with a flexible portion 2g which is cut out in an arc shape so as to coincide with the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber cable. It functions to pinch the optical fiber cable from the left and right by utilizing. Fiber mounting hole 2
The inner diameter of c is slightly larger than the outer sheath of the optical fiber cable in the released state, and smaller than that in the locked state.

A vertical groove 2b is provided at the center of the fiber mounting hole for the left and right two channels of the cable holder 2. The fan-shaped projections 2a, 2a 'are formed on the side of the flexible portion 2g on the side of the vertical groove 2b. FIG. 1 (b)
As shown in FIG. 3, a pin hole 2d is formed so as to penetrate the cable holder 2 in the horizontal direction. And FIG. 4 (b),
As shown in (c), the fan-shaped projections 2a and 2a 'are projections formed in a fan shape with the pin hole 2d as the axis of symmetry. The fan-shaped protrusion 2a shown in FIG. 4B is centered on the ZZ line,
For example, 15 ° in the clockwise (CW) direction and 15 ° in the counterclockwise (CW) direction.
It is a fan-shaped projection that opens at 60 ° in the CW) direction. FIG. 4
The fan-shaped protrusion 2a 'shown in FIG.
It is a fan-shaped projection that opens 15 ° in the direction and 90 ° in the CCW direction.

As shown in FIG. 1B, a plurality of claws 2f are integrally formed on the upper and lower rear surfaces of the cable holder 2 and are engaged with the main body case 4. To assemble the cable holder 2 configured as described above, the pin 2e is inserted into the pin hole 2d. Next, each lock lever 1 is inserted into the vertical groove 2b of the cable holder 2, and the slit 1e shown in FIG.
Is mounted so as to be rotatable with respect to the pin 2e via the projection cam 1b.

The main body case 4 shown in FIG. 2B includes a photoelectric sensor main body of the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor, and has a box-shaped housing 4a on the front surface thereof. The housing 4 a is fitted to the cable holder 2 and allows light of each optical fiber cable to be input to and output from the main body case 4. The cover 3 shown in FIG. 2A is engaged with the claw 4b of the main body case 4 and has a function of covering the cable holder 2 in a state where the optical fiber cable is connected.

The operation of the optical fiber lock device according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 5 (a)
Denotes a projection cam 1b of the lock lever 1 and a cable holder 2
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between fan-shaped projections 2a and 2a 'formed in FIG. FIG. 5B is an explanatory view showing a locked and released state of the optical fiber cable in the cable holder 2, and A to D show positions of the lock lever 1. FIG. 3 shows the position of the lock lever 1 and the state shown in FIG.

In order to fix the optical fiber cable to the cable holder 2, first, a predetermined number of channels (here, four channels), that is, eight optical fiber cables are covered with the cover 3.
Through the fiber insertion port 3a of the cable holder 2 and into the eight fiber mounting holes 2c of the cable holder 2. At this time, since the inner diameter of the fiber attachment hole 2c must be larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber cable, the lock lever 1 is released. When the lock lever 1 is rotated to the position D shown in FIG. 3, the pressing projection 1d of the lock lever 1 does not come into contact with the fan-shaped projections 2a and 2a 'as shown in FIG. For this reason, the upper and lower flexible portions 2g of the cable holder 2
Does not deform, and the optical fiber cable can be easily inserted into the fiber mounting hole 2c.

Next, in order to lock all the optical fiber cables, the pressing projection 1d of the lock lever 1 is rotated so as to be at the position B shown in FIG. In this state, each pressing projection 1d provided on both annular surfaces of the lock lever 1
Moves on the fan-shaped projections 2a 'and 2a to elastically deform the upper and lower flexible portions 2g of the cable holder 2. For this reason, the inner diameter of the fiber mounting hole 2c is reduced, and the end of each optical fiber cable is strongly fixed.

In this state, the cable holder 2 shown in FIG. 1 ( b ) is fitted to the main body case 4 shown in FIG. 2 (b).
In this way, the optical fiber cables of the respective channels and the photoelectric sensor main body in the main body case 4 are coupled to each other, so that the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor can be operated.

Next, an operation for removing an optical fiber cable of a specific channel will be described. As shown in FIG. 5B, for example, when the optical fiber cable of ch2 is disconnected while the channel (ch) 1 is locked, the lock lever 1 is rotated to the position A shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A. . In this state, the pressing projection 1d of ch1 remains riding on the fan-shaped projection 2a, but comes off the fan-shaped projection 2a 'of ch2. For this reason, the flexible portion 2g of the channel 2 does not elastically deform, and the inner diameter of the fiber mounting hole 2c increases. If the optical fiber cable of ch2 is pulled out in this state, it can be easily removed from the cable holder 2. Similarly, when the lock lever 1 is rotated to the position indicated by C in FIGS. 3 and 5A, ch1 is released and ch2 is locked.

By rotating the lock lever 1 to a predetermined position as described above, the optical fiber cables of the two channels can be locked or released independently. If the color of the resin forming the lock lever 1 is changed from the color of the resin forming the cover 3 and the body case 4, the rotation state of the lock lever 1 can be easily identified from the outside, and the light of each channel can be easily identified. The locked state of the fiber cable can be easily recognized. Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (a), in the lock lever 1, the rotation arm length between the operation portion 1a and the projection cam 1b is sufficiently ensured, so that the operation force for locking the optical fiber cable is small. .

Although the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 shows the case of four channels, one set of the cable holder 2, the cover 3 and the main body case 4 further include a larger number of optical fiber cables. It can also be formed long in the horizontal direction. If the height of the operating portion 1a of the lock lever 1 is determined so as not to be exposed from the upper surface of the main body case 4 in the locked state, the lock lever 1 is released even if the hand is inadvertently touched. No more.

Next, an optical fiber lock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded perspective views showing the configuration of a main part of an optical fiber photoelectric sensor 10 including the optical fiber lock device of the second embodiment. Optical fiber photoelectric sensor 10
Is a holder fastening member 11 shown in FIG. 6 (a), and FIG.
7 and the cover 1 shown in FIG.
3, and includes a main body case 14 shown in FIG.

The holder fastening member 11 shown in FIG.
These are cable fastening means which are arranged so as to be in contact with each other, and respectively engage with the cable holder 12 to hold a plurality of optical fiber cables (not shown). The cable holder 12 shown in FIG. 6B is cable holding means for locking the optical fiber cable and connecting the optical fiber cable to the photoelectric sensor main body of the main body case. The cover 13 shown in FIG.
When the cable holder 12 and the cable holder 12 are coupled to the main body case 14, the holder tightening member 11 together with the optical fiber cable is provided.
And a cover for covering the cable holder 12. FIG. 7 (b)
The main body case 14 includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and has a photoelectric sensor main body that photoelectrically converts detection light and processes a signal.

The holder tightening member 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A and FIGS. 8 is a front view of the holder tightening member 11 viewed from the mounting direction of the cover 13, FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG. 8, and FIG. FIG.

The holder tightening member 11 includes a lock button 11a pressed by a finger or the like and a holder tightening portion 11b slidably engaged with the cable holder 12. As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the lock button 11a is formed by cutting one side surface of a hollow prism member and integrally forming a flat plate portion 11c for pressing with a finger on the upper surface thereof. On the other hand, the holder tightening portion 11b is formed of resin in a box shape or a frame shape, and has four long holes 11d on a side surface (a front portion in FIGS. 8 and 10) having a maximum area, and a heart-shaped cam in the center. Fifteen
Are integrally formed. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the elongated hole 11d is an elongated hole for escape from the optical fiber cable when the holder tightening member 11 is moved up and down in a state where the optical fiber cable is locked to the cable holder 12. .

FIG. 11A shows the lock button 11a of FIG.
Is a sectional view taken along line FF, and FIG. 11B is a top view of the lock button 11a. A spring holding portion 11e is formed inside the lock button 11a. The spring holding portion 11e is a cavity for holding a coil spring 17 described later. As shown in FIG. 11B, the flat plate portion 11c is a pressing surface pressed by a finger against the elasticity of the coil spring 17.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.
1b, a square projection 1 is provided on the back surface of the heart-shaped cam 15.
1f is formed. Since the heart-shaped cam 15 receives a large pressing force due to a sliding force of a pin 16 described later, the square protrusion 11f is a reinforcing portion for preventing the heart-shaped cam 15 from being elastically deformed to the rear surface. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9, the end face of the square projection 11f is the same as the end face of the outer peripheral frame of the holder fastening portion 11b, and the inside of the square projection 11f is
One recess is formed. This recess is a square projection 11f.
In this state, the weight of the holder tightening portion 11b is reduced while maintaining the rigidity.

Next, the heart-shaped cam 15 will be described.
FIG. 12A is a plan view showing a configuration of the heart-shaped cam 15, and FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing a shape of a sliding surface of the heart-shaped cam 15. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the heart-shaped cam 15 and the pin 16 engaged with the heart-shaped cam. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 12A, the heart-shaped cam 15 has a cam groove 15a formed on the outer periphery of a central heart-shaped projection 15b so that the lower end of the pin 16 can follow. The depth and width of the cam groove 15a differ depending on the location as shown in FIG. 12 (b). In principle, the lower end of the pin 16 has grooves (a), (b), (c),. Sliding in the order of (g). At the first stable point shown by the groove (f) in FIG. 12A, the groove depth is the deepest, and the bottom surface is not inclined. At the groove (g) following the groove (f), the plane shape is an arc-shaped groove, and the groove gradually becomes shallower and lower as it goes down along the side surface of the heart-shaped projection 15b.

The groove (g) is connected to the groove (a) through a descending step indicated by G1. The step G1 regulates the sliding direction of the lower end of the pin 16 that slides in the cam groove 15a, and prevents the pin 16 that has once stopped in the groove (a) from moving backward to the groove (g). The bottom surface of the groove (a) is not inclined, and a groove (b) having an upward slope is formed on the right outer peripheral portion of the heart-shaped protrusion 15b following the bottom surface. At the right corner of the heart-shaped projection 15b, a groove (c) having the smallest groove depth is formed, and then a groove (d) is formed via the descending step G2. The bottom surface of the groove (d) is not inclined, and a retreat portion is formed at the upper part. Further, a groove (e) is formed via the descending step G3, and the bottom surface thereof is not inclined. An evacuation portion that is cut out in an arc shape is formed on the lower side also on the heart-shaped projection 15b side of the groove (e). This retreat is the second stable point where the pin 16 stops. The groove (e) is connected to the above-mentioned groove (f) via a descending step G4. The groove (f) also has an evacuation section at its upper part. When the pin 16 urged by the coil spring 17 moves up and down (alternate operation), the retracted portion of the groove (d) and the groove (f) serves as a back stroke (play in the pressing direction) of the lock button 11a once pressed. It is an engagement groove for ensuring the above.

Now, as shown in FIG.
A fastening release notch 11g is formed on the inner surface of the outer peripheral frame b. The notch 11g for releasing the tightening is a notch cut in a wedge shape, and is provided at two locations vertically inside the left and right side surfaces. Next, the pin 16 shown in FIG.
A metal pin formed in a U-shape has an upper end engaged with a pin holder 12a provided in a cable holder 12 described later, and a lower end engaged with a cam groove 15a of the heart-shaped cam 15. I agree. The lower end surface of the pin 16 has a flat cut surface so as to slide smoothly on the sliding surface of the cam groove 15a.

Next, regarding the cable holder 12, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a front view of one cable holder 12 viewed from the direction of the holder tightening member 11,
FIG. 14 is a side view, and FIG. 15 is a rear view of the cable holder 12 viewed from the main body case 14 side. As shown in FIG. 6B, the cable holder 12 is integrally formed for four channels or two channels.

FIG. 16A is a sectional view of the cable holder 12 shown in FIG. 13 taken along the line K1-K4.
FIG. 6B is a top view of the cable holder 12. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13B and FIG. 13, the cable holder 12 is formed by integrally forming a plurality of fiber mounting holes 12c and a pin holder 12a. Here, a fiber mounting hole 12c for two channels is provided. As in the case of the first embodiment, the cable holder 12 fits into the main body case 14 while holding the optical fiber cable, and the upper fiber mounting hole 12c has a mounting hole for the optical fiber cable on the light receiving side. The lower side is a mounting hole on the light emitting side.

As shown in FIG. 13, the cable holder 12 has a base formed with an inverted U-shaped projection having a vertical groove 12b, and upper and lower fiber mounting holes 12c of each channel are divided in half on the left and right. It is open to. Each of the fiber mounting holes 12c has a flexible portion 12d that is partially cut out in an arc shape so as to match the outer peripheral surface of the optical fiber cable. The flexible portion 12d is resin-molded outward as viewed from the longitudinal groove 12b. A fin-shaped projection 12e is formed at the lower end of each flexible portion 12d. Nail 1
2e, when the holder tightening member 11 moves downward, the flexible portion 12g holding the optical fiber cable is locked, or when the holder tightening member 11 moves upward,
This is to be engaged with the notch 11g for releasing the tightening, and to release the flexible portion 12g.

The vertical groove 12b is fitted with the square projection 11f shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, and forms a guide groove for the holder tightening member 11 to slide up and down. 13 and 16
The pin holder 12a shown in FIG.
Is a cylindrical member provided at the upper end of the protrusion formed in an inverted U-shape. A pin hole 12f is opened in the side surface of the cylinder to hold a bent portion at the upper end of the pin 16 as shown in FIG. Also, FIGS. 14, 15, 16 (a), (b)
As shown in FIG. 2, two claws 12g are formed on the side surface of the cable holder 12, and are configured to engage and lock with the main body case 14.

Next, the cover 13 shown in FIG. 7 (a) is provided with four channels of fiber insertion ports 13a for passing the optical fiber cables of each channel. Also cover 1
3 is provided with a lock button 11a of the holder tightening member 11.
Are provided at two places. The cover 13 has a function of shielding the two sets of the cable holders 12 engaged with the holder tightening member 11 by being fitted to the main body case 14.

On the other hand, the main body case 14 shown in FIG. 7B includes the photoelectric sensor main body of the optical fiber photoelectric sensor 10. Two engagement holes 1 are provided on the front of the main body case 14.
4a are formed and fitted with the cable guide 12h formed on the back surface of the cable holder 12 shown in FIG.

In order to assemble the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor 10 having the above components, first, a coil spring 17 as shown in FIG. 6A is housed in the spring holding portion 11e of the holder tightening member 11. Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the upper end of the pin 16 is inserted into the pin hole 12 of the pin holder 12a.
f and held inside the coil spring 17 so as not to fall out of this hole. In this state, the holder tightening member 1
1 is inserted from above the cable holder 12, and the lower end of the pin 16 is inserted into any one of the grooves (a) to (f) of the cam groove 15 a of the heart-shaped cam 15. When the holder tightening portion 11b shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 is further pushed down to the lower side of the cable holder 12, the flexible portion 12d of the cable holder 12 is elastically deformed inward, and the holder tightening portion 11b is further lowered. Slide. Eventually, the claws 12e are tightened with the notches 1 shown in FIG.
1g, the holder tightening member 11b and the cable holder 1
2 are elastically connected via the coil spring 17. Next, the holder tightening member 11 and the cable holder 1
2 is attached via the engaging hole 14a of the main body case 14, and the cover 13 is further attached.

The operation of inserting an optical fiber cable (not shown) and locking or releasing the cable in the optical fiber lock device of the second embodiment assembled as described above will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. I do. First, when the lock button 11 a is pressed downward, the holder tightening member 11 moves downward against the elastic force of the coil spring 17. As shown in FIG. 17, since the upper end of the pin 16 is inserted into the pin holder 12a, it does not move up and down. The lower end of the pin 16 has its upper end as a center of rotation, and can swing freely while sliding within the cam groove 15a. Therefore, when the holder tightening member 11 moves downward, the pin 1
The lower end of 6 attempts to move upward relative to the heart-shaped cam 15.

If the lower end of the pin 16 is initially in the groove (a) as shown in FIG. 12 (a), the pin 16 tends to move upward along the side surface of the heart-shaped projection 15b. Since a rising step G1 is formed in the groove (a) as viewed from the left side of the groove,
The lower end of the pin 16 cannot move to the groove (g) and slides upward along the slope of the groove (b). Thus, the lower end of the pin 16 moves upward along the grooves (a), (b), and (c), and eventually falls into the groove (d). In this state, the holder tightening member 11
When the pressing force of the lock button 11a is released, the lower end of the pin 16 attempts to move downward again by the returning force of the coil spring 17. However, due to the step G2 in the groove (d), the pin 16 cannot move toward the groove (c), and is moored in a state of contacting the lower retreating portion in the groove (e). 19A and 19B show this state. FIG. 19A is a side view showing an engagement state between the holder tightening member 11 and the cable holder 12, and FIG. 19B is a longitudinal sectional view thereof.

In order to insert and lock the optical fiber cable, the lock button 11a of the holder tightening member 11 is pressed again. At this time, the lower end of the pin 16 is
However, the groove (d) cannot move in this direction because of the rising step G3, and moves to the groove (f) via the falling step G4. Once the pressing force of the lock button 11a is released in this state, the holder tightening member 11b including the heart-shaped cam 15 moves upward. Then, the lower end of the pin 16 moves to the lowermost end of the cam groove 15a via the groove (g). FIGS. 18A and 18B show this state. Here, the lower end of the pin 16 is moored in the groove (a), and the holder tightening member 11 is positioned at the uppermost position with respect to the cable holder 12. At this time, the claw 12e of the flexible portion 12d is in a state of being fitted in the fastening release notch 11g shown in FIG. At this time, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8B, the inner diameter of the fiber mounting hole 12c becomes larger than the outer diameter of the coating of the optical fiber cable,
The optical fiber cable can be inserted through the third fiber insertion port 13a.

Thus, the optical fiber cable of the necessary channel is inserted into the fiber mounting hole 12c.
After inserting until the connection end face of each optical fiber cable hits the end face of the light emitting element and the light receiving element provided in the main body case 14, the lock button 11a of the holder tightening member 11 is pressed again. At this time, as in the case described above, the lower end of the pin 16 is moved from the groove (a) to the grooves (b) and (c) shown in FIG.
And moves into the groove (d). In the flexible portion 12d shown in FIG. 13, the claw 12e relatively slides along the inner surface of the outer peripheral frame of the holder tightening portion 11b shown in FIG. 10, so that the flexible portion 12d is forcibly bent inward. . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, the inner diameter of the fiber mounting hole 12c is smaller than the outer diameter of the optical fiber cable, and the optical fiber cable is completely locked.

After the lock of the optical fiber cable, even if the pressing force of the lock button 11a is released, the lower end of the pin 16 is moored in the retreating portion (recess) of the groove (e) shown in FIG.
It is in a state of being pressed downward. In this state, the lower end of the pin 16 cannot move to the left and right of the cam groove 15a as well as downward. In this way, the lock of the optical fiber cable is stably held. FIG. 19 (a),
As shown in (b), the locking of the optical fiber cable is performed at once for two channels, and the locking and release of four optical fiber cables can be performed simultaneously by operating one lock button 11a. .

As shown in FIG. 10, the holder tightening member 11e
11g is formed symmetrically with respect to a rectangular projection 11f serving as a central sliding shaft. As shown in FIG. 13, also in the cable holder 12, the flexible portion 12d of each channel is formed symmetrically with respect to the rectangular projection 11f. For this reason, there is an advantage that the tightening force of the optical fiber cable between the left and right can be made uniform regardless of the processing accuracy of the holder tightening member 11 and the cable holder 12.
When the holder tightening member 11 performs the alternate operation, the lower end of the pin 16 swings right and left when viewed from the stationary system, but the corner of the pin 16 is positioned inside the outer peripheral end of the coil spring 17 as shown in FIG. The pin 16
The whole does not rise from the cam groove 15a of the heart-shaped cam 15. Although there is an alternate mechanism for performing such a snap hit operation, a leaf spring or the like is attached to the back surface of the pin in order to prevent the pin from floating from the cam groove. In this embodiment, since the fulcrum side of the pin 16 is held by the inner surface of the coil spring 17, such a leaf spring member becomes unnecessary.

In the present embodiment, the heart-shaped cam 15 is provided at the center of the outer peripheral frame of the holder tightening member 11, but may be provided on the side surface of the outer peripheral frame when the number of optical fiber cable clamps is small. Further, the holder tightening member 11 and the cable holder 12 can be configured to be long in the sliding direction so that an optical fiber cable having four or more channels can be held. Further, the holder tightening member 11 and the cable holder 12 can be further lengthened in the vertical direction, and the optical fiber cable of two or more channels can be locked or released at the same time.

Next, an optical fiber lock device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 20 is an external view showing the configuration of an optical fiber photoelectric sensor 20 including the optical fiber lock device of the present embodiment. 20A is a side view of the optical fiber photoelectric sensor 20, FIG. 20B is a top view thereof, FIG. 20C is a front view of a portion including a holder fastening member and a cable holder, and FIG. (E) is a rear view of the main body case.

In the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor of the first and second embodiments described above, the operation unit for locking or releasing the optical fiber cable of a plurality of channels is as follows.
The lock lever 1 or the lock button 11a is provided. For this reason, the narrowing of the mounting pitch of the operation unit is eliminated. On the other hand, in the optical fiber photoelectric sensor provided with an operation unit for each channel, when the number of channels of the optical fiber cable increases and the arrangement pitch decreases, the arrangement pitch of the lock buttons 11a also needs to be reduced. Also, even when the optical fiber photoelectric sensor 20 as shown in FIG. 20 is installed in units of a plurality of channels, the lock button connected to the holder tightening member generally has a small vertical stroke when moving during the alternate operation.

Therefore, it is difficult to visually confirm whether the optical fiber cable is in the locked state or the released state by the height of the lock button. Even in a multi-channel optical fiber type photoelectric sensor, when all channels are locked or released simultaneously, the lock buttons have the same upper surface, so that it is difficult to visually confirm the state. Therefore, there is a demand for an optical fiber lock device that can easily identify the locked state or the released state of the optical fiber cable in each channel from the outside.

FIG. 20 is an external view of the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor 20 configured for such a purpose.
As shown in FIG. 20A, a holder tightening member 22 is mounted on the front surface of the main body case 21 together with a cable holder (not shown), and a cover 23 is mounted outside the holder. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20C, the holder fastening member 22 is provided with a lock button 22a on the upper part thereof. The lock button 22a is a pressing portion for locking or releasing the optical fiber cable as in the second embodiment. However, unlike the second embodiment, the lock button 22
A key top 22b having a large area in the longitudinal direction of the main body case 21 is integrally formed with the key top 22a. Key top 22b
Shall be within the width of the main body case 21.

In this case, the operation surface of the lock button 22a becomes large, and even when the flat optical fiber type photoelectric sensor 20 is provided adjacent to many channels, touching the lock buttons 22a with a plurality of channels enables the operation of the lock buttons 22a. The locked or released state of the lock button 22a can be easily confirmed by touch. As described in the second embodiment, the elastic force of the coil spring is large, and when locking the optical fiber cable, a large pressing force must be applied against the elastic force of the coil spring. Since the lock button 22a of this embodiment has a large contact surface with the finger, the lock button 22a can be easily pressed.

Next, the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor 30 shown in FIG. 21 is an example in which the lock button 32a is formed in two colors. As shown in FIG. 21, the optical fiber photoelectric sensor 30
In FIG. 20, the cable holder and the holder fastening member 32 and the cover 33 are respectively connected to the front surface of the main body case 31 in the same manner as that shown in FIG.

The lock button 32a differs from that shown in FIG. 20 in that the side that slides up and down is molded in two colors with resins of different colors. That is, the upper part of the side surface is molded in the first color, and the lower part of the side surface is molded in the second color. For example, FIG.
In the state where the lock button 32a is pressed as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21D, only the portion molded in the first color appears, and as shown in FIGS.
In the state where 2a is released, the second color also covers 33.
Appears above. In this way, even when a large number of optical fiber photoelectric sensors 30 are arranged adjacent to each other, the locked state or the released state can be easily identified from the outside by checking the presence or absence of the second color on the lock button 32a. can do. Note that in these embodiments, the holder fastening member and the cable holder are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Further, a light emitting element similar to that used for a general mechanical switch is provided in a lock button or a key top so that the light emitting element illuminates the upper surface of the lock button 32 when the lock button is pressed. It is clear that this may be done. When the lock button 32a is formed in two colors, for example, if the color arranged at the upper part is gray and the color arranged at the lower part is red, the optical fiber lock device is released when red is visible, and the optical fiber lock device is in the released state. This indicates that the photoelectric sensor is not operating. This also has the effect of preventing careless removal of the optical fiber cable.

Next, in a multi-channel optical fiber type photoelectric sensor including an optical fiber lock device, first to third
As a modified example of the embodiment, an optical fiber photoelectric sensor having a display unit for displaying a channel at a fiber insertion port of each optical fiber cable or the like will be described.

In general, a multi-channel optical fiber type photoelectric sensor is often used by being incorporated in a device at the site, and the optical fiber type photoelectric sensor may not be directly visible. In particular, when a large number of optical fiber cables are detached and each optical fiber cable is attached to the optical fiber lock device again via the fiber insertion port, there is a danger of incorrect insertion due to the narrow attachment pitch. For this reason, it is necessary to display the channel number for each fiber insertion port.However, if the label is attached near the fiber insertion port, the price cannot be ignored, and the fiber label must be attached so that it exactly matches each fiber insertion port. Must. Also, when inserting the optical fiber cable, it is necessary to look into each fiber insertion port from the front, and the mounting operability is poor.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an optical fiber type photoelectric sensor 40 in which such a point is improved. As shown in the figure, a concave or convex arrow-shaped display indicating the light emitting side and the light receiving side is provided on the side surface of the cover 42 connected to the case body 41. Also, a cut 42b or an unevenness 42c as shown in FIG. 23A or 23B is provided on the surface of the cover 42 including the fiber insertion port 42a of each channel. FIG.
The cuts 42b shown in (a) are linear cuts provided between the fiber insertion openings 42a on the light emitting side and the light receiving side of each channel so that the correspondence between the upper and lower insertion openings can be understood. In the example shown in FIG. 23 (b), unevenness 42c is provided between the upper and lower fiber insertion ports 42a. The unevenness 42c is a portion in which the front surface of the cover 42 is formed into a concave or convex resin, and the channel number can be directly confirmed by touching the front surface of the cover 42 with a hand.

As shown in FIG. 22, a display element 41a may be provided on the top surface of the main body case 41 corresponding to each channel. In this case, the fiber insertion port 42a on the front surface and the channel display on the top surface of the case main body 41 are displayed. And display element 41
As long as the arrangement of a corresponds to one row, the channel number of each optical fiber cable can be easily identified from the upper part of the optical fiber photoelectric sensor 40.

If the channel display and the display element 41a are provided in the main body case 41, as shown in FIG.
The corresponding relationship can be easily identified without displaying the channel on the front of the device 2. With this configuration, the optical fiber cable of each channel can be accurately inserted into a predetermined fiber insertion port without looking into the fiber mounting surface.

[0066]

As described above in detail, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of optical fiber cables are bundled.
To lock and release from the photoelectric sensor body
A pair of cable holders and lock levers are provided. this
Therefore, one operation of the lock lever requires two channels of optical fiber.
Fiber cable can be locked or released
You. This simplifies the configuration of the optical fiber lock device.
This has the effect of reducing the number of parts. In addition,
Fiber optic lock to lock several fiber optic cables
Since the equipment is simplified, the number of assembly steps is reduced.
The above effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the lock lever installation interval
Wider for better lock or release operability
This also produces the effect.

According to the invention of claim 2 of the present application, a plurality of
Fiber optic cable
To lock to the main body such as
A holder fastening member is provided. Therefore the number of locking devices
Is half the number of channels of the optical fiber cable. Obedience
One push of the lock button means two channels
Lock or release at the same time
Can be Cable holder and holder tightening member
Because the internal structure of
The fiber clamping force for the channel does not depend on the processing accuracy,
The effect of becoming one is produced. Further to cable holder
The pin installed inside is the coil spring inside the lock button.
Because it is held inside, pin holding is not required,
The effect of reducing the number of parts is produced. In addition to the lock device
The sliding parts involved are reduced,
Lock defects are greatly reduced.

[0068]

[0069]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of an optical fiber lock device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing shapes of a cover and a main body case in the optical fiber photoelectric sensor including the optical fiber lock device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a lock lever used in the optical fiber lock device of the first embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are configuration diagrams of a cable holder used in the optical fiber lock device according to the first embodiment, where FIG. 4A is a front view and FIG.
Is a sectional view taken along line XX, and (c) is a sectional view taken along line YY.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a projection cam formed on the cable holder of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing an engagement state between a lock lever and the projection cam.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of an optical fiber lock device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7A is an external perspective view of a cover of an optical fiber photoelectric sensor including an optical fiber lock device according to a second embodiment,
(B) is an external perspective view of a main body case.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a configuration of a holder tightening member used in the optical fiber lock device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE showing a configuration of a holder fastening member in the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a rear view illustrating a configuration of a holder fastening member according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a sectional view taken along line FF showing the configuration of a holder fastening member according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 11B is a top view.

FIG. 12A is a plan view showing the shape of a heart-shaped cam provided in the optical fiber lock device according to the second embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a sliding surface of a cam groove of a heart-shaped cam.

FIG. 13 is a front view showing a configuration of a cable holder used in the optical fiber lock device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a side view showing the configuration of the cable holder of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a rear view showing the configuration of the cable holder of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a sectional view taken along line K1-K2-K3-K4 showing the configuration of the cable holder of the second embodiment, and FIG.
Is a top view thereof.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a mounting relationship among a pin, a cable holder, and a holder tightening member in the optical fiber lock device of the second embodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are explanatory views showing the operation of the optical fiber lock device according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. 18A is a side view showing the relationship between the holder tightening member and the cable holder in a released state, and FIG. is there.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are explanatory views showing the operation of the optical fiber lock device according to the second embodiment, in which FIG. 19A is a side view showing the relationship between the holder tightening member and the cable holder in the locked state, and FIG. is there.

20A and 20B are external views of an optical fiber photoelectric sensor (part 1) including an optical fiber lock device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 20A is a side view, FIG. 20B is a top plan view, and FIG. () Is a front view, (d) is a partial side view, and (e) is a rear view.

21A and 21B are external views of an optical fiber photoelectric sensor (part 2) including an optical fiber lock device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 21A is a side view, FIG. 21B is an upper plan view, and FIG. () Is a front view, (d) is a partial side view, and (e) is a rear view.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a multi-channel optical fiber photoelectric sensor.

FIG. 23 is a front view showing a front surface of a cover of a multi-channel optical fiber photoelectric sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lock lever 1a Operation part 1b Projection cam 1c Shaft hole 1d Depression projection 1e Slit 2,12 Cable holder 2a, 2a 'Fan-shaped projection 2b, 12b Vertical groove 2c, 12c Fiber mounting hole 2d, 12f Pin hole 2e, 16 pin 2f, 4b, 12e Claw 2g, 12d Flexible part 3, 13, 33 Cover 3a, 42a Fiber insertion port 4, 14, 21, 31 Main body case 4a Housing 10, 20, 30, 40 Optical fiber photoelectric sensor 11, 22, 32 Holder tightening members 11a, 22a, 32a Lock button 11b Holder tightening portion 11c Flat plate portion 11d Long hole 11e Spring holding portion 11f Square protrusion 11g Notch for tightening release 12a Pin holder 12h Cable guide portion 13a Fiber insertion opening 13b Notch 14a Engagement hole 15 Heart-shaped cam 15a Groove 15b Heart-shaped protrusion 17 Coil spring 22a Key top 41a Display element 42b Cut 42c Roughness

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-3-231706 (JP, A) JP-A-5-8510 (JP, U) JP-A-4-9908 (JP, U) JP-A-3-99 94504 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G02B 6/42

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A cable holder for detachably holding a pair of optical fiber cables each comprising a light emitting side and a light receiving side optical fibers, and a cable holder rotatably held with respect to the cable holder. A lock lever that tightens and releases the cable holder, a light-emitting element that engages with the cable holder and outputs light to the light-emitting optical fiber, and a light-receiving element that photoelectrically converts light from the light-receiving optical fiber Wherein the cable holder has the light emitting side and the light receiving side optical fibers inserted therein, and the inner diameter of the insertion port is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber. A plurality of sets of fiber mounting holes that are elastically deformed, and are formed integrally in a fan shape on the side surface of the fiber mounting hole, and the hole diameter of a specific fiber mounting hole is formed by pressing. A plurality of sets of fan-shaped projections to be changed, and a vertical groove that provides a rotation space for the lock lever to simultaneously press two sets of the fan-shaped projections. A projection cam having a pair of pressing projections formed on both side surfaces at positions axially symmetric with each other; and an arm for rotating the projection cam at a position where the projection cam comes into contact with the fan-shaped projection and a position where it does not come into contact. An optical fiber lock device, comprising: 2. A cable holder for removably holding a pair of optical fiber cables each comprising an optical fiber on a light emitting side and a light receiving side, and slidably held on the cable holder. A holder tightening member that tightens and releases the cable holder; a light emitting element that engages with the cable holder and outputs light to the light emitting side optical fiber; and performs photoelectric conversion of light from the light receiving side optical fiber. A body case including a light-receiving element, wherein the cable holder has the light-emitting side and the light-receiving side optical fibers inserted therein, and an inner diameter of the insertion port is equal to or larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber. A plurality of sets of fiber mounting holes that are elastically deformed below, and are integrally formed on the side surface of the fiber mounting hole, and the hole diameter of the fiber mounting hole is changed by pressing. A pin formed in a U-shape, one end of which is rotatably held by a part of the cable holder, and the other end of which is slidably engaged with a part of the holder tightening member. Wherein the holder tightening member is provided with a lock button for applying a pressing force, and a notch for releasing the tightening, which is formed integrally with the lock button and which is fitted with the claw of the cable holder. A holder tightening portion; a heart-shaped member formed at a part of the holder tightening portion, which moves the holder tightening member to a tightening position or a releasing position of the optical fiber cable by engaging with the other end of the pin. An optical fiber lock device comprising: a cam;