JP3731865B2

JP3731865B2 - Optical coupling device

Info

Publication number: JP3731865B2
Application number: JP2000393146A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 朗宏藤田
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2000-12-25
Filing date: 2000-12-25
Publication date: 2006-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-25
Also published as: JP2002198557A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、パチンコ玉等の被検出物を検出する光結合装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
周知の様に、パチンコ球等の鋼球を検出する装置としては、多数のパチンコ球を連続的に自然落下させ、その落下軌跡の途中で、パチンコ球の通過を逐一検出するというものがある。例えば、パチンコ球が通過する通過孔に光を出射して、この通過孔を横切った光を検出するという光学式センサを設け、この光が遮断されたときに、パチンコ球が通過したものとみなして、パチンコ球を検出している。
【０００３】
図１７（ａ）及び（ｂ）は、従来の光学式センサの一例を示す平面図及び側面図である。これらの図に示す様に、ホルダー１０１にパチンコ球の通過孔１０１ａを形成し、この通過孔１０１ａの周縁に沿って、透光性の合成樹脂からなる第１光ガイド１０２を設けている。また、ホルダー１０１にプリント基板１０３を固定しており、このプリント基板１０３上に発光素子１０４、受光素子１０５、コンデンサ１０６、抵抗１０７及びコネクタ１０８等を搭載している。受光素子１０５の受光面は、下方に向いており、この受光面に、透光性の合成樹脂からなる第２光ガイド１０９を設けている。
【０００４】
発光素子１０４から出射された光は、点線で示す光路Ａを経て受光素子１０５に至る。すなわち、この光は、第１光ガイド１０２に入射し、第１光ガイド１０２によって３回反射されてから、通過孔１０１ａを横切り、第２光ガイド１０９へと導かれる。そして、この光は、第２光ガイド１０９によって反射されて、受光素子１０５の受光面に入射する。
【０００５】
パチンコ球が通過孔１０１ａを通過するときには、光路Ａが遮断され、受光素子１０５の出力が変化する。この受光素子１０５の出力変化に基づいて、パチンコ球を検出することができる。
【０００６】
その他には、パチンコ玉の通過孔内に、電磁コイルによって磁界を形成しておき、パチンコ玉が通過するときのインピーダンスの変化に基づいて、パチンコ玉を非接触で検出する近接方式センサや、パチンコ玉の通過孔内にレバーを設けると共に、このレバーに連動するスイッチを設けておき、パチンコ玉によってレバーが倒されたときのスイッチのオンオフに基づいてパチンコ玉を検出する機械式センサ等がある。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記従来の光学式センサは、１組の発光素子及び受光素子のみを用いているので、人工光を受光素子に意図的に入射させ、誤検出を誘発させるという不正行為を行い易かった。
【０００８】
また、近年、インバータを内蔵し、高周波数で光源を点灯させる照明器具が普及してきている。この種の照明器具は、通常、その光に、単一周波数成分ではなく、多様な周波数の成分を含んでいる。このため、照明器具の光成分が受光素子に入射して、センサの誤検出が発生することがあった。
【０００９】
更に、近接方式センサは、その原理上、セラミックやガラス等の非磁性体を検出することができない。また、機械式センサは、検出応答速度が遅く、多数のパチンコ玉を連続して高速に検出することができない。
【００１０】
そこで、本発明は、上記従来の問題に鑑みてなされたものであり、外乱光や人工光の影響を受け難く、また意図的な誤検出の誘因が困難な光結合装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するために本発明の光結合装置は、第１発光素子の光を被検出物の通過孔を介して第１受光素子で受光するという光経路、及び第２発光素子の光を被検出物の通過孔を介して第２受光素子で受光するという光経路を形成しており、前記各光経路は、被検出物の通過孔において該被検出物の通過方向と直交する方向で相互にずらされて略平行又は襷状に配置され、第１及び第２発光素子を交互に発光させ、第１発光素子の複数回の発光及び第２発光素子の複数回の発光に対応する第１及び第２受光素子の出力に基づいて検出物を検出している。
また、他の本発明の光結合装置は、第１発光素子の光を通過孔を通過する被検出物に出射して、該被検出物で反射された光を第１受光素子で受光するという光経路、及び第２発光素子の光を通過孔を通過する被検出物に出射して、該被検出物で反射された光を第２受光素子で受光するという光経路を形成しており、前記各光経路は、被検出物の通過孔において該被検出物の通過方向と直交する方向で相互にずらされて配置され、第１及び第２発光素子を交互に発光させ、第１発光素子の複数回の発光及び第２発光素子の複数回の発光に対応する第１及び第２受光素子の出力に基づいて被検出物を検出している。
【００１２】
本発明によれば、第１及び第２発光素子を交互に発光させているので、これに同期して第１及び第２受光素子の出力も交互に変化する。従って、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子のいずれかに異なるタイミングで入射したとき、あるいは両者の受光素子に同時に入射したときには、外乱光や人工光による第１及び第２受光素子の出力を識別することができる。このため、外乱光や人工光を原因とする誤検出を防止することができる。あるいは、人工光を受光素子に意図的に入射させ、誤検出を誘発させるという不正行為が行い難くなる。また、光により被検出物を検出するので、検出応答速度が早く、セラミックやガラス等の非磁性体を検出することができる。
【００１３】
また、本発明においては、第１発光素子と第１受光素子を対向配置し、第２発光素子と第２受光素子を対向配置し、第１発光素子から第１受光素子への光経路と第２発光素子から第２受光素子への光経路を略平行又は襷状に配置している。
【００１４】
この様に各光経路の配置を工夫すれば、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に同時に入射し難くなり、外乱光や人工光による誤検出を防止することができる。
【００１５】
更に、本発明においては、第１受光素子は、第１発光素子から出射されて、被検出物で反射された光が入射する位置に配置され、第２受光素子は、第２発光素子から出射されて、被検出物で反射された光が入射する位置に配置されている。
【００１６】
この様に本発明の光結合装置は、反射型のセンサとして用いることができる。勿論、透過型のセンサとしても用いることができる。
【００１７】
また、本発明においては、第１発光素子及び第１受光素子と、第２発光素子及び第２受光素子によって被検出物の略同一側が共に検出される様に、該各発光素子及び該各受光素子を接近させて配置している。
【００１８】
これにより、装置の小型化を図ることができる。
【００１９】
更に、本発明においては、第１発光素子から出射された光を被検出物で複数回反射させた後に、この光を第１受光素子に入射させる第１光ガイドと、第２発光素子から出射された光を被検出物で複数回反射させた後に、この光を第２受光素子に入射させる第２光ガイドとを更に備えている。
【００２０】
この様に光を被検出物で複数回反射させると、被検出物の形状により、この光の入射位置が大きく変化する。このため、特定の形状の被検出物で反射された光のみが受光素子に入射する。これにより、誤検出を防止することができる。
【００２１】
また、本発明においては、第１発光素子からの光が通過する偏光フィルタ、第１受光素子への光が通過する偏光フィルタ、第２発光素子からの光が通過する偏光フィルタ、第２受光素子への光が通過する偏光フィルタをそれぞれ設け、第１発光素子及び第１受光素子の偏光フィルタによる直線偏光方向と、第２発光素子及び第２受光素子の偏光フィルタによる直線偏光方向が相互に異なる。
【００２２】
この様に偏光フィルタを用いれば、第１発光素子からの光が第２受光素子に入射したり、第２発光素子からの光が第１受光素子に入射し難くなり、また外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に入射し難くなり、誤検出が防止される。
【００２４】
また、本発明においては、第１発光素子から出射された光及び第１受光素子に入射される光の少なくとも一方を導く第１光案内経路と、第２発光素子から出射された光及び第２受光素子に入射される光の少なくとも一方を導く第２光案内経路とを更に備えている。
【００２５】
この様な第１及び第２光案内経路を設けることにより、各発光素子及び各受光素子の配置の自由度が高くなる。
【００２６】
更に、本発明においては、第１及び第２発光素子から出射されるそれぞれの光の波長を異ならせ、第１発光素子からの光を選択的に透過する帯域フィルタを第１受光素子の受光面側に設け、第２発光素子からの光を選択的に透過する帯域フィルタを第２受光素子の受光面側に設けている。
【００２７】
これにより、第１発光素子からの光のみが第１受光素子に入射し、第２発光素子からの光のみが第２受光素子に入射する。このため、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に入射し難くなり、誤検出が防止される。
【００２８】
また、本発明においては、第１及び第２受光素子に入射する光の経路の周囲に、外乱光を遮蔽する光トラップを設けている。
【００２９】
この様な光トラップにより、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に入射し難くなり、誤検出が防止される。
【００３０】
更に、本発明においては、第１発光素子及び第１受光素子と、第２発光素子及び第２受光素子を被検出物の通過方向に沿ってずらして配置している。
【００３１】
この様なずれを設定すれば、第１受光素子の出力変化のタイミングと第２受光素子の出力変化のタイミングに基づいて、被検出物の通過速度を測定することが可能になる。
【００３２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の実施形態を添付図面を参照して詳細に説明する。
【００３３】
図１は、本発明の光結合装置の第１実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサである。
【００３４】
図１に示す様に、ホルダー１には、パチンコ玉の通過孔１ａが形成されている。この通過孔１ａの断面形状は、正多角形であり、パチンコ玉に複数箇所で接触し易く、これによりパチンコ玉の回転を止めて、パチンコ玉を速やかに落下させることができる。
【００３５】
このホルダー１の通過孔１ａの周縁に、第１発光素子２と、第１発光素子２に対向する第１受光素子３と、第２発光素子４と、第２発光素子４に対向する第２受光素子５とを配設している。第１発光素子２から出射された光は、第１受光素子３に入射する。また、第２発光素子４から出射された光は、第２受光素子５に入射する。第１発光素子２から第１受光素子３への光経路７と、第２発光素子４から第２受光素子５への光経路８とが略平行となる様に、各発光素子２，４及び各受光素子３，５を位置決めしている。
【００３６】
第１及び第２発光素子２，４は、交互に発光する。この発光に同期して、第１及び第２受光素子３，５の出力も交互に変化する。
【００３７】
図２は、本実施形態の光結合装置の構成を示すブロック図である。図２において、方形波発振器１１は、予め設定された周期の方形波信号を生成し、この方形波信号を第１及び第２単安定マルチバイブレータ１２，１３に出力する。第１単安定マルチバイブレータ１２は、この方形波信号の立上りで、一定幅のパルス信号Ｐ1 を形成し、このパルス信号Ｐ1 を同期信号及び復調回路１４及び第１発光素子駆動回路１５に出力する。また、第２単安定マルチバイブレータ１３は、方形波信号の立下がりで、一定幅のパルス信号Ｐ2 を形成し、このパルス信号Ｐ2 を同期信号及び復調回路１４及び第２発光素子駆動回路１６に出力する。
【００３８】
各パルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 は、同一の方形波信号の立上り及び立ち下がりでそれぞれ形成されるので、交互にかつ一定の周期で出力される。
【００３９】
第１及び第２発光素子駆動回路１５，１６は、スイッチ回路や定電流回路等を備えており、それぞれのパルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 に応答して、一定の駆動電流を第１及び第２発光素子２，４に流す。これにより、第１及び第２発光素子２，４が交互にかつ一定の周期で発光する。そして、第１及び第２受光素子３，５は、交互にかつ一定の周期で受光することになる。
【００４０】
第１及び第２受光素子３，５は、交互にかつ一定の周期で受光する度に、パルス状の信号をそれぞれ出力する。これらのパルス状の信号は、第１及び第２増幅器１７，１８により増幅されてから、該各信号の直流成分を遮断するそれぞれのコンデンサ２１，２２を介して、各コンパレータ２３，２４に加えられる。各コンパレータ２３，２４は、これらのパルス状の信号が予め設定された閾値に達すると、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 をそれぞれハイレベルにする。
【００４１】
同期信号及び復調回路１４は、第１及び第２単安定マルチバイブレータ１２，１３からの各パルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 、及び各コンパレータ２３，２４からの各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 を入力し、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 がそれぞれのパルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 に同期して３回連続でハイレベルになると、パチンコ玉が無いと判定して、判定信号Ｊをローレベルに設定する。また、各パルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 の３周期以上の間、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 のローレベルが維持されると、パチンコ玉が有ると判定して、判定信号Ｊをハイレベルに設定する。
【００４２】
すなわち、第１及び第２発光素子２，４の発光周期に同期して、第１及び第２受光素子３，５の出力が３回連続でハイレベルになると、パチンコ玉が無いと判定し、また第１及び第２発光素子２，４の発光周期の３倍以上の間、第１及び第２受光素子３，５の出力がローレベルであれば、パチンコ玉が有ると判定する。
【００４３】
図３は、光結合装置における各信号等を示すタイミングチャートである。ここには、第１及び第２発光素子２，４の交互の発光タイミングを示す各パルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 、第１及び第２受光素子３，５の交互の受光タイミングを示す各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 、パチンコ玉の有無、及び判定信号Ｊが示されている。また、ここでは、Ａ〜Ｅを１サイクルとする。
【００４４】
図３において、時点Ｔ0 〜Ｔ1 の３サイクルの間、パチンコ玉が有り、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 のローレベルが維持されるので、時点Ｔ1 より、判定信号Ｊがハイレベルとなる。また、時点Ｔ1 〜Ｔ2 の３サイクルの間、パチンコ玉が無く、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 がそれぞれのパルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 に同期して３回連続でハイレベルになるので、時点Ｔ2 より、判定信号Ｊがローレベルとなる。更に、時点Ｔ3 で、判定信号Ｊが再びハイレベルとなるが、その直後の各時点Ｔ4 ，Ｔ5 で、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 がそれぞれのパルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 に同期せずにハイレベルになるので、つまり第１及び第２発光素子２，４の発光周期に同期せずに、第１及び第２受光素子３，５が受光したので、時点Ｔ6 より、判定信号Ｊがローレベルに直ちに戻される。この様に各パルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 が非同期でハイレベルになったときには、少なくとも１サイクルの間、判定信号Ｊがローレベルに維持され、この後にパチンコ玉の有無の判定が再開される。
【００４５】
図４は、本発明の光結合装置の第２実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図４において、図１の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００４６】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する反射型のセンサである。第１及び第２発光素子２，４は、交互に発光する。
【００４７】
第１発光素子２から出射された光は、パチンコ玉Ｂで反射されてから、第１受光素子３に入射する。同様に、第２発光素子４から出射された光は、パチンコ玉Ｂで反射されてから、第２受光素子５に入射する。
【００４８】
従って、反射型の場合は、パチンコ玉が有るときに、発光素子からの光が受光素子に入射する。これに対して、上記第１実施形態の透過型の場合は、パチンコ玉が無いときに、発光素子からの光が受光素子に入射する。
【００４９】
この様な反射型の光結合装置にも、図２の回路構成を適用することができる。ただし、同期信号及び復調回路１４による処理が異なり、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 がそれぞれのパルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 に同期して３回連続でハイレベルになると、パチンコ玉が有ると判定して、判定信号Ｊをハイレベルに設定する。また、各パルス信号Ｐ1 ，Ｐ2 の３周期以上の間、各検出信号Ｃ1 ，Ｃ2 のローレベルが維持されると、パチンコ玉が無いと判定して、判定信号Ｊをローレベルに設定する。
【００５０】
図５は、本発明の光結合装置の第３実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図５において、図１の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００５１】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサである。この装置では、第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５の位置が第１実施形態の装置と逆になっている。このため、一方向の外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子３，５に同時に入射することがなく、外乱光や人工光による誤検出が発生し難い。
【００５２】
図６は、本発明の光結合装置の第４実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図６において、図１の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００５３】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサであり、第１発光素子２から第１受光素子３への光経路７と、第２発光素子４から第２受光素子５への光経路８とが襷状となる様に、各発光素子２，４及び各受光素子３，５を位置決めしている。
【００５４】
図７は、本発明の光結合装置の第５実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図７において、図１の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００５５】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する反射型のセンサであり、第１発光素子２及び第１受光素子３と、第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５を接近させて、第１及び第２受光素子３，５によりパチンコ玉Ｂの略同一側を共に検出している。これにより、構造の簡単化と小型化を図っている。
【００５６】
図８は、本発明の光結合装置の第６実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図８において、図１の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００５７】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサであり、第１発光素子２の発光面側及び第１受光素子３の受光面側にそれぞれの第１偏光フィルタ３１，３２を設け、第２発光素子４の発光面側及び第２受光素子５の受光面側にそれぞれの第２偏光フィルタ３３，３４を設けている。各第１偏光フィルタ３１，３２による直線偏光方向が相互に一致し、各第２偏光フィルタ３３，３４による直線偏光方向が相互に一致し、前者と後者の直線偏光方向が相互に９０°異なる。
【００５８】
第１発光素子２から出射された光は、第１偏光フィルタ３１を通過して、直線偏光された光となり、この直線偏光された光が第１偏光フィルタ３２を通過して、第１受光素子３に入射する。同様に、第２発光素子４から出射された光は、第２偏光フィルタ３３を通過して、直線偏光された光となり、この直線偏光された光が第２偏光フィルタ３４を通過して、第２受光素子５に入射する。
【００５９】
この様に第１及び第２受光素子３，５には、直線偏光された光のみが入射するので、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射し難く、外乱光や人工光による誤検出が発生し難い。また、第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射するそれぞれの光の直線偏光の方向が異なるので、第１発光素子２の光が第２受光素子５に入射したり、第２発光素子４の光が第１受光素子３に入射することがなく、相互の光により誤検出を招くことが無い。
【００６０】
図９は、本発明の光結合装置の第７実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図９において、図８の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００６１】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する反射型のセンサであり、第６実施形態と同様に、第１発光素子２及び第１受光素子３にそれぞれの第１偏光フィルタ３１，３２を付設し、第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５にそれぞれの第２偏光フィルタ３３，３４を付設している。第１発光素子２から出射された光は、第１偏光フィルタ３１を通過し、パチンコ玉Ｂで反射されてから、第１偏光フィルタ３２を通過して、第１受光素子３に入射する。同様に、第２発光素子４から出射された光は、第２偏光フィルタ３３を通過し、パチンコ玉Ｂで反射されてから、第２偏光フィルタ３４を通過して、第２受光素子５に入射する。
【００６２】
図１０は、本発明の光結合装置の第８実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図１０において、図８の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００６３】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する反射型のセンサであり、第６実施形態と同様に、第１発光素子２及び第１受光素子３にそれぞれの第１偏光フィルタ３１，３２を付設し、第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５にそれぞれの第２偏光フィルタ３３，３４を付設している。また、第１発光素子２及び第１受光素子３と、第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５を接近させて、構造の簡単化と小型化を図っている。
【００６４】
図１１は、本発明の光結合装置の第９実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図１１において、図８の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００６５】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する反射型のセンサであり、通過孔１ａの周縁に沿って、第１発光素子２及び第１受光素子３間に、２つの第１光ガイド３５，３６を設け、また通過孔１ａの周縁に沿って、第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５間に、２つの第２光ガイド３７，３８を設けている。
【００６６】
各第１光ガイド３５，３６及び各第２光ガイド３７，３８は、プリズムや反射ミラー等からなり、パチンコ玉Ｂで反射された光を入射して、この光をパチンコ玉へと出射する。
【００６７】
第１発光素子２から出射された光は、第１偏光フィルタ３１を通過し、パチンコ玉Ｂに入射して、ここで反射される。更に、この光は、一方の第１光ガイド３５に入射して、ここから出射され、パチンコ玉Ｂで反射され、他方の第１光ガイド３６に入射して、ここから出射され、パチンコ玉Ｂで反射され、第１偏光フィルタ３２を通過し、第１受光素子３に入射する。同様に、第２発光素子４から出射された光は、第２偏光フィルタ３３→パチンコ玉Ｂ→一方の第２光ガイド３７→パチンコ玉Ｂ→他方の第１光ガイド３８→パチンコ玉Ｂ→第２偏光フィルタ３４という経路を経て、第２受光素子５に入射する。
【００６８】
従って、第１及び第２発光素子２，４から出射された光は、パチンコ玉Ｂで３回反射されてから、第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射する。
【００６９】
この様に光を被検出物で複数回反射させると、被検出物の形状により、この光の入射位置が大きく変化する。このため、特定の形状のパチンコ玉Ｂで反射された光のみが第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射し、異物で反射された光が第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射することは殆どない。これにより、誤検出を防止することができる。
【００７０】
図１２は、本発明の光結合装置の第１０実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図１２において、図８の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００７１】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサであり、第１発光素子２及び第１受光素子３を隣接して配置し、第１発光素子２からの光の入射位置Ｓ1 と第１受光素子３を第１光案内経路４１を通じて接続し、また第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５を隣接して配置し、第２発光素子４からの光の入射位置Ｓ2 と第２受光素子５を第２光案内経路４２を通じて接続している。
【００７２】
第１及び第２光案内経路４１，４２は、例えば複数のプリズムや反射ミラーを組み合わせたものである。第１発光素子２から出射され、入射位置Ｓ1 に光が入射すると、この光が第１光案内経路４１により導かれて第１受光素子３に入射する。同様に、第２発光素子４から出射され、入射位置Ｓ2 に光が入射すると、この光が第２光案内経路４２により導かれて第２受光素子５に入射する。
【００７３】
図１３は、図１２の光結合装置の変形例を示している。この光結合装置では、第１及び第２光案内経路４１Ａ，４２Ａとして、光ファイバーを適用している。
【００７４】
図１４は、本発明の光結合装置の第１１実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図１４において、図１の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００７５】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサであり、第１及び第２発光素子２，４の発光波長が相互に異なる。また、第１受光素子３の受光面側には、第１発光素子２の発光波長の光のみを透過させる第１帯域フィルタ４３を配設し、第２受光素子５の受光面側には、第２発光素子３の発光波長の光のみを透過させる第２帯域フィルタ４４を配設している。
【００７６】
第１受光素子３には、第１帯域フィルタ４３によって選択された第１発光素子２からの光のみが入射し、また第２受光素子５には、第２帯域フィルタ４４によって選択された第２発光素子４からの光のみが入射する。
【００７７】
このため、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射し難く、外乱光や人工光による誤検出が発生し難い。また、第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射するそれぞれの光の波長が異なるので、第１発光素子２の光が第２受光素子５に入射したり、第２発光素子４の光が第１受光素子３に入射することがなく、相互の光により誤検出を招くことが無い。
【００７８】
図１５は、本発明の光結合装置の第１２実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。尚、図１５において、図８の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００７９】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサであり、第１及び第２受光素子３，５の手前に、それぞれの光トラップ５１，５２を設けている。これらの光トラップ５１，５２は、複数のスリットを離間させて配置したものである。
【００８０】
各光トラップ５１，５２は、第１及び第２発光素子２，４の光のみを通過させ、他の方向からの光を遮断して、この光が第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射するのを防止する。このため、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子３，５に入射し難く、外乱光や人工光による誤検出が発生し難い。
【００８１】
図１６（ａ）は、本発明の光結合装置の第１３実施形態を概略的に示す平面図であり、図１６（ｂ）は、（ａ）のＸ−Ｘに沿う断面図である。尚、図１６（ａ）及び（ｂ）において、図８の装置と同様の作用を果たす部位には同じ符号を付している。
【００８２】
本実施形態の光結合装置は、パチンコ玉を検出する透過型のセンサであり、第１発光素子２及び第１受光素子３と、第２発光素子４及び第２受光素子５とをパチンコ玉の通過方向Ｙに沿ってずらしている。
【００８３】
この場合、第１及び第２発光素子２，４の発光タイミングが同じでも、パチンコ玉の通過に際し、第１及び第２受光素子３，５の出力変化のタイミングが僅かにずれる。このタイミングのずれの方向がパチンコ玉の通過方向に対応し、また、このずれの時間がパチンコ玉の速度に比例する。このため、このタイミングのずれの方向と、このずれの時間に基づいて、パチンコ玉の通過方向と通過速度を検出することができる。
【００８４】
尚、本発明は、上記各実施形態に限定されるものでなく、多様に変形することができる。例えば、第１及び第２発光素子、第１及び第２受光素子だけでなく、３組以上の発光素子及び受光素子を設け、各発光素子の発光タイミングをずらし、各受光素子の出力変化に基づいて、被検出物を検出しても構わない。また、各組の発光素子及び受光素子の位置を適宜に変更しても良い。
【００８５】
更に、本発明は、パチンコ玉だけでなく、他の種類の鋼球や、非磁性体の球や、あるいは異なる形状の被検出物の検出に適用することができる。
【００８６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した様に本発明によれば、第１及び第２発光素子を交互に発光させているので、これに同期して第１及び第２受光素子の出力も交互に変化する。従って、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子のいずれかに異なるタイミングで入射したとき、あるいは両者の受光素子に同時に入射したときには、外乱光や人工光による第１及び第２受光素子の出力を識別することができる。このため、外乱光や人工光を原因とする誤検出を防止することができる。あるいは、人工光を受光素子に意図的に入射させ、誤検出を誘発させるという不正行為が行い難くなる。また、光により被検出物を検出するので、検出応答速度が早く、セラミックやガラス等の非磁性体を検出することができる。
【００８７】
また、本発明によれば、第１発光素子から第１受光素子への光経路と第２発光素子から第２受光素子への光経路を略平行又は襷状に配置している。この様に各光経路の配置を工夫すると、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に同時に入射し難くなり、外乱光や人工光による誤検出を防止することができる。
【００８８】
更に、本発明の光結合装置は、反射型のセンサとして用いることができる。勿論、透過型のセンサとしても用いることができる。
【００８９】
また、本発明によれば、該各発光素子及び該各受光素子を接近させて配置しているので、装置の小型化を図ることができる。
【００９０】
更に、本発明によれば、発光素子から出射された光を被検出物で複数回反射させた後に、この光を受光素子に入射させている。この様に光を被検出物で複数回反射させると、被検出物の形状により、この光の入射位置が大きく変化する。このため、特定の形状の被検出物で反射された光のみが受光素子に入射する。これにより、誤検出を防止することができる。
【００９１】
また、本発明によれば、第１発光素子からの光が通過する偏光フィルタ、第１受光素子への光が通過する偏光フィルタ、第２発光素子からの光が通過する偏光フィルタ、第２受光素子への光が通過する偏光フィルタをそれぞれ設けているので、第１発光素子からの光が第２受光素子に入射したり、第２発光素子からの光が第１受光素子に入射し難くなり、また外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に入射し難くなり、誤検出が防止される。
【００９２】
更に、本発明によれば、光を導く光案内経路を設けているので、各発光素子及び各受光素子の配置の自由度が高くなる。
【００９３】
また、本発明によれば、第１及び第２発光素子から出射されるそれぞれの光の波長を異ならせ、それぞれの帯域フィルタを第１及び第２受光素子の受光面側に設けている。これにより、第１発光素子からの光のみが第１受光素子に入射し、第２発光素子からの光のみが第２受光素子に入射する。このため、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に入射し難くなり、誤検出が防止される。
【００９４】
更に、本発明によれば、受光素子に入射する光の経路の周囲に、外乱光を遮蔽する光トラップを設けているので、外乱光や人工光が第１及び第２受光素子に入射し難くなり、誤検出が防止される。
【００９５】
また、本発明によれば、第１発光素子及び第１受光素子と、第２発光素子及び第２受光素子を被検出物の通過方向に沿ってずらして配置しているので、第１受光素子の出力変化のタイミングと第２受光素子の出力変化のタイミングに基づいて、被検出物の通過速度を測定することが可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の光結合装置の第１実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図２】図１の光結合装置の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図３】図２の光結合装置における各信号を示すタイミングチャートである。
【図４】本発明の光結合装置の第２実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図５】本発明の光結合装置の第３実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図６】本発明の光結合装置の第４実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図７】本発明の光結合装置の第５実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図８】本発明の光結合装置の第６実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図９】本発明の光結合装置の第７実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図１０】本発明の光結合装置の第８実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図１１】本発明の光結合装置の第９実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図１２】本発明の光結合装置の第１０実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図１３】図１２の光結合装置の変形例を示す平面図である。
【図１４】本発明の光結合装置の第１１実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図１５】本発明の光結合装置の第１２実施形態を概略的に示す平面図である。
【図１６】（ａ）は本発明の光結合装置の第１３実施形態を概略的に示す平面図であり、（ｂ）は（ａ）のＸ−Ｘに沿う断面図である。
【図１７】（ａ）は従来の光学式センサを概略的に示す平面図であり、（ｂ）は同光学式センサを示す側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ホルダー
２第１発光素子
３第１受光素子
４第２発光素子
５第２受光素子
７，８光経路
１１方形波発振器
１２第１単安定マルチバイブレータ
１３第２単安定マルチバイブレータ
１４同期信号及び復調回路
１５第１発光素子駆動回路
１６第２発光素子駆動回路
１７第１増幅器
１８第２増幅器
２１，２２コンデンサ
２３，２４コンパレータ
３１，３２第１偏光フィルタ
３３，３４第２偏光フィルタ
３５，３６第１光ガイド
３７，３８第２光ガイド
４１第１光案内経路
４２第２光案内経路
４３第１帯域フィルタ
４４第２帯域フィルタ
５１，５２光トラップ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optical coupling device that detects an object to be detected such as a pachinko ball.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As is well known, as an apparatus for detecting a steel ball such as a pachinko ball, there is a device that continuously and naturally drops a large number of pachinko balls and detects the passage of the pachinko balls one by one in the middle of the fall trajectory. For example, an optical sensor is provided that emits light to a passage hole through which a pachinko sphere passes and detects light that has crossed the passage hole. When this light is blocked, it is considered that the pachinko sphere has passed. The pachinko sphere is detected.
[0003]
17A and 17B are a plan view and a side view showing an example of a conventional optical sensor. As shown in these drawings, a pachinko ball passage hole 101a is formed in the holder 101, and a first light guide 102 made of a translucent synthetic resin is provided along the periphery of the passage hole 101a. A printed circuit board 103 is fixed to the holder 101, and a light emitting element 104, a light receiving element 105, a capacitor 106, a resistor 107, a connector 108, and the like are mounted on the printed circuit board 103. The light receiving surface of the light receiving element 105 faces downward, and a second light guide 109 made of a light transmitting synthetic resin is provided on the light receiving surface.
[0004]
The light emitted from the light emitting element 104 reaches the light receiving element 105 through an optical path A indicated by a dotted line. That is, this light enters the first light guide 102 and is reflected three times by the first light guide 102, and then crosses the passage hole 101 a and is guided to the second light guide 109. Then, this light is reflected by the second light guide 109 and enters the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 105.
[0005]
When the pachinko sphere passes through the passage hole 101a, the optical path A is blocked and the output of the light receiving element 105 changes. Based on the output change of the light receiving element 105, the pachinko sphere can be detected.
[0006]
In addition, a proximity type sensor that detects a pachinko ball in a non-contact manner based on a change in impedance when a pachinko ball passes through a magnetic field formed in the passage hole of the pachinko ball, and a pachinko ball. There is a mechanical sensor that detects a pachinko ball based on on / off of a switch when a lever is provided in a ball passage hole and a switch that is linked to the lever is provided and the lever is tilted by the pachinko ball.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional optical sensor uses only one set of light emitting element and light receiving element, it is easy to perform an illegal act of intentionally making artificial light incident on the light receiving element and inducing false detection.
[0008]
In recent years, lighting fixtures that incorporate an inverter and light a light source at a high frequency have become widespread. This type of luminaire typically includes various frequency components in its light, rather than a single frequency component. For this reason, the light component of the lighting fixture may enter the light receiving element, and the sensor may be erroneously detected.
[0009]
Furthermore, the proximity sensor cannot detect a non-magnetic material such as ceramic or glass due to its principle. In addition, the mechanical sensor has a slow detection response speed and cannot continuously detect a large number of pachinko balls at a high speed.
[0010]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide an optical coupling device that is hardly affected by disturbance light or artificial light and that is difficult to induce intentional erroneous detection. And
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the optical coupling device of the present invention isAn optical path in which light from the first light emitting element is received by the first light receiving element through the passage hole of the detection object, and light of the second light emitting element is received by the second light receiving element through the passage hole of the detection object. Each of the optical paths is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the direction of passage of the detected object in the passage hole of the detected object and arranged in a substantially parallel or bowl shape. The first and second light emitting elements emit light alternately, and a detection object is detected based on the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements corresponding to the plurality of times of light emission of the first light emitting element and the plurality of times of light emission of the second light emitting element. is doing.
According to another optical coupling device of the present invention, the light of the first light emitting element is emitted to the detected object passing through the passage hole, and the light reflected by the detected object is received by the first light receiving element. An optical path is formed in which the light of the second light emitting element is emitted to the detected object passing through the passage hole, and the light reflected by the detected object is received by the second light receiving element, The respective light paths are arranged in the passage hole of the detected object so as to be shifted from each other in a direction orthogonal to the passing direction of the detected object, and the first and second light emitting elements emit light alternately, and the first light emitting element The detected object is detected based on the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements corresponding to the plurality of times of light emission and the plurality of times of light emission of the second light emitting element.
[0012]
According to the present invention, since the first and second light emitting elements are caused to emit light alternately, the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements are also alternately changed in synchronism with this. Therefore, when disturbance light or artificial light is incident on one of the first and second light receiving elements at different timings, or when incident on both light receiving elements at the same time, the first and second light receiving elements due to disturbance light or artificial light. Can be identified. For this reason, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection caused by disturbance light or artificial light. Alternatively, it is difficult to perform an illegal act of intentionally entering artificial light into the light receiving element to induce false detection. In addition, since the object to be detected is detected by light, the detection response speed is high, and a non-magnetic material such as ceramic or glass can be detected.
[0013]
In the present invention, the first light-emitting element and the first light-receiving element are arranged to face each other, the second light-emitting element and the second light-receiving element are arranged to face each other, and the optical path from the first light-emitting element to the first light-receiving element and the first light-receiving element are arranged. The light paths from the two light emitting elements to the second light receiving element are arranged substantially in parallel or in a bowl shape.
[0014]
If the arrangement of each light path is devised in this way, disturbance light and artificial light are unlikely to enter the first and second light receiving elements simultaneously, and erroneous detection due to disturbance light and artificial light can be prevented.
[0015]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the first light receiving element is disposed at a position where the light emitted from the first light emitting element and reflected by the detection object is incident, and the second light receiving element is emitted from the second light emitting element. The light reflected by the object to be detected is disposed at a position where the light is incident.
[0016]
Thus, the optical coupling device of the present invention can be used as a reflective sensor. Of course, it can also be used as a transmissive sensor.
[0017]
In the present invention, each light emitting element and each light receiving element are detected so that the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element, and the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element can detect substantially the same side of the object to be detected. The elements are placed close to each other.
[0018]
Thereby, size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the present invention, after the light emitted from the first light emitting element is reflected by the detection object a plurality of times, the light is incident on the first light receiving element, and then emitted from the second light emitting element. And a second light guide that causes the light to be incident on the second light receiving element after the reflected light is reflected by the object to be detected a plurality of times.
[0020]
When the light is reflected by the detected object a plurality of times in this way, the incident position of the light greatly changes depending on the shape of the detected object. For this reason, only the light reflected by the object to be detected having a specific shape enters the light receiving element. Thereby, erroneous detection can be prevented.
[0021]
In the present invention, the polarizing filter through which the light from the first light emitting element passes, the polarizing filter through which the light to the first light receiving element passes, the polarizing filter through which the light from the second light emitting element passes, and the second light receiving element A polarizing filter through which light passes through the first light-emitting element and the first light-receiving element are different from each other in a linear polarization direction by the polarizing filter of the first light-emitting element and the first light-receiving element. .
[0022]
If the polarizing filter is used in this way, the light from the first light emitting element is incident on the second light receiving element, the light from the second light emitting element is not easily incident on the first light receiving element, and disturbance light or artificial light is used. Becomes difficult to enter the first and second light receiving elements, and erroneous detection is prevented.
[0024]
In the present invention, the first light guide path for guiding at least one of the light emitted from the first light emitting element and the light incident on the first light receiving element, the light emitted from the second light emitting element, and the second light And a second light guide path for guiding at least one of the light incident on the light receiving element.
[0025]
By providing such first and second light guide paths, the degree of freedom of arrangement of each light emitting element and each light receiving element is increased.
[0026]
Furthermore, in the present invention, the band-pass filter that selectively transmits the light from the first light emitting element is made different from each other in wavelength of the light emitted from the first and second light emitting elements, and the light receiving surface of the first light receiving element. A band-pass filter is provided on the light receiving surface side of the second light receiving element. The band pass filter selectively transmits light from the second light emitting element.
[0027]
Thereby, only the light from the first light emitting element enters the first light receiving element, and only the light from the second light emitting element enters the second light receiving element. For this reason, disturbance light or artificial light becomes difficult to enter the first and second light receiving elements, and erroneous detection is prevented.
[0028]
In the present invention, an optical trap for shielding ambient light is provided around the path of light incident on the first and second light receiving elements.
[0029]
Such an optical trap makes it difficult for disturbance light and artificial light to be incident on the first and second light receiving elements, thereby preventing erroneous detection.
[0030]
Further, in the present invention, the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element, and the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element are arranged so as to be shifted along the passing direction of the detection object.
[0031]
If such a deviation is set, the passing speed of the detection object can be measured based on the output change timing of the first light receiving element and the output change timing of the second light receiving element.
[0032]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033]
FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a first embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. The optical coupling device of this embodiment is a transmission type sensor that detects a pachinko ball.
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 1, the holder 1 has a pachinko ball passage hole 1a. The cross-sectional shape of the passage hole 1a is a regular polygon, and can easily come into contact with the pachinko balls at a plurality of locations, thereby stopping the rotation of the pachinko balls and allowing the pachinko balls to fall quickly.
[0035]
A first light emitting element 2, a first light receiving element 3 facing the first light emitting element 2, a second light emitting element 4, and a second light emitting element 4 facing the second light emitting element 4 are arranged on the periphery of the passage hole 1 a of the holder 1. A light receiving element 5 is provided. The light emitted from the first light emitting element 2 enters the first light receiving element 3. The light emitted from the second light emitting element 4 is incident on the second light receiving element 5. The light emitting elements 2, 4, and 4 are arranged so that the light path 7 from the first light emitting element 2 to the first light receiving element 3 and the light path 8 from the second light emitting element 4 to the second light receiving element 5 are substantially parallel to each other. The light receiving elements 3 and 5 are positioned.
[0036]
The first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4 emit light alternately. In synchronization with this light emission, the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 also change alternately.
[0037]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the optical coupling device of the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the square wave oscillator 11 generates a square wave signal having a preset period, and outputs the square wave signal to the first and second monostable multivibrators 12 and 13. The first monostable multivibrator 12 forms a pulse signal P1 having a constant width at the rising edge of the square wave signal, and outputs the pulse signal P1 to the synchronization signal and demodulation circuit 14 and the first light emitting element driving circuit 15. The second monostable multivibrator 13 forms a pulse signal P2 having a constant width at the falling edge of the square wave signal, and outputs the pulse signal P2 to the synchronization signal and demodulation circuit 14 and the second light emitting element driving circuit 16. To do.
[0038]
Since the pulse signals P1 and P2 are formed at the rising and falling edges of the same square wave signal, they are output alternately and at a constant cycle.
[0039]
The first and second light emitting element driving circuits 15 and 16 include a switch circuit, a constant current circuit, and the like, and in response to the respective pulse signals P1 and P2, a constant driving current is supplied to the first and second light emitting elements. Flow to 2 and 4. Thereby, the 1st and 2nd light emitting elements 2 and 4 light-emit alternately and with a fixed period. The first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 receive light alternately and at a constant cycle.
[0040]
The first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 each output a pulsed signal each time light is received alternately and at a constant period. These pulse signals are amplified by the first and second amplifiers 17 and 18 and then applied to the comparators 23 and 24 via the capacitors 21 and 22 that cut off the direct current components of the signals. . Each of the comparators 23 and 24 sets the detection signals C1 and C2 to a high level when these pulse signals reach a preset threshold value.
[0041]
The synchronization signal and demodulation circuit 14 inputs the pulse signals P1 and P2 from the first and second monostable multivibrators 12 and 13 and the detection signals C1 and C2 from the comparators 23 and 24, and receives the detection signals. When C1 and C2 become high level three times in synchronization with the respective pulse signals P1 and P2, it is determined that there is no pachinko ball and the determination signal J is set to low level. Further, if the low level of each detection signal C1, C2 is maintained for three or more periods of each pulse signal P1, P2, it is determined that there is a pachinko ball and the determination signal J is set to a high level.
[0042]
That is, in synchronism with the light emission periods of the first and second light-emitting elements 2 and 4, when the outputs of the first and second light-receiving elements 3 and 5 are continuously at a high level three times, it is determined that there is no pachinko ball, Further, if the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 are at a low level for more than three times the light emission period of the first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4, it is determined that there is a pachinko ball.
[0043]
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing signals and the like in the optical coupling device. Here, each pulse signal P1, P2 indicating the alternate light emission timing of the first and second light emitting elements 2, 4 and each detection signal C1, indicating the alternate light reception timing of the first and second light receiving elements 3, 5 are shown. C2, the presence / absence of a pachinko ball, and a judgment signal J are shown. Here, A to E are defined as one cycle.
[0044]
In FIG. 3, there is a pachinko ball for three cycles from time T0 to time T1, and the low level of each of the detection signals C1 and C2 is maintained, so that the determination signal J becomes high level from time T1. In addition, there is no pachinko ball for three cycles from time T1 to T2, and the detection signals C1 and C2 become high level three times in synchronization with the respective pulse signals P1 and P2. The signal J becomes low level. Further, at time T3, the determination signal J becomes high level again, but at each time point T4 and T5 immediately thereafter, the detection signals C1 and C2 become high level without being synchronized with the respective pulse signals P1 and P2. That is, since the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 receive light without synchronizing with the light emission periods of the first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4, the determination signal J immediately returns to the low level from time T6. It is. As described above, when the pulse signals P1 and P2 are asynchronously at a high level, the determination signal J is maintained at a low level for at least one cycle, and thereafter the determination of the presence or absence of a pachinko ball is resumed.
[0045]
FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a second embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same function as the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0046]
The optical coupling device of this embodiment is a reflective sensor that detects a pachinko ball. The first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4 emit light alternately.
[0047]
The light emitted from the first light emitting element 2 is reflected by the pachinko ball B and then enters the first light receiving element 3. Similarly, the light emitted from the second light emitting element 4 is reflected by the pachinko ball B and then enters the second light receiving element 5.
[0048]
Therefore, in the case of the reflection type, when there is a pachinko ball, light from the light emitting element enters the light receiving element. On the other hand, in the case of the transmission type of the first embodiment, light from the light emitting element enters the light receiving element when there is no pachinko ball.
[0049]
The circuit configuration of FIG. 2 can also be applied to such a reflective optical coupling device. However, the processing by the synchronization signal and the demodulation circuit 14 is different, and if each detection signal C1, C2 becomes high level three times in synchronization with the respective pulse signals P1, P2, it is determined that there is a pachinko ball and the determination is made. Set signal J to high level. When the low level of each of the detection signals C1 and C2 is maintained for three or more periods of each of the pulse signals P1 and P2, it is determined that there is no pachinko ball and the determination signal J is set to a low level.
[0050]
FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing a third embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to parts that perform the same operation as the apparatus of FIG.
[0051]
The optical coupling device of this embodiment is a transmission type sensor that detects a pachinko ball. In this apparatus, the positions of the second light emitting element 4 and the second light receiving element 5 are opposite to those of the apparatus of the first embodiment. For this reason, disturbance light or artificial light in one direction does not enter the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 at the same time, and erroneous detection due to disturbance light or artificial light is unlikely to occur.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a fourth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same function as the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0053]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a transmission type sensor that detects a pachinko ball, and includes an optical path 7 from the first light emitting element 2 to the first light receiving element 3, and a second light receiving element 4 to the second light receiving element 5. The light-emitting elements 2 and 4 and the light-receiving elements 3 and 5 are positioned so that the light path 8 is in a bowl shape.
[0054]
FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a fifth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those of the apparatus of FIG.
[0055]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a reflective sensor that detects a pachinko ball, and brings the first light emitting element 2 and the first light receiving element 3 close to the second light emitting element 4 and the second light receiving element 5, Both the substantially identical sides of the pachinko ball B are detected by the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5. This simplifies the structure and reduces the size.
[0056]
FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a sixth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to parts that perform the same function as the apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0057]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a transmissive sensor that detects a pachinko ball, and the first polarizing filters 31 and 32 on the light emitting surface side of the first light emitting element 2 and the light receiving surface side of the first light receiving element 3, respectively. The second polarizing filters 33 and 34 are provided on the light emitting surface side of the second light emitting element 4 and the light receiving surface side of the second light receiving element 5, respectively. The linear polarization directions by the first polarizing filters 31 and 32 are coincident with each other, the linear polarization directions by the second polarizing filters 33 and 34 are coincident with each other, and the linear polarization directions of the former and the latter are 90 ° different from each other.
[0058]
The light emitted from the first light emitting element 2 passes through the first polarizing filter 31 and becomes linearly polarized light. The linearly polarized light passes through the first polarizing filter 32 and passes through the first light receiving element. 3 is incident. Similarly, the light emitted from the second light emitting element 4 passes through the second polarizing filter 33 and becomes linearly polarized light, and this linearly polarized light passes through the second polarizing filter 34 and passes through the second polarizing filter 34. 2 is incident on the light receiving element 5.
[0059]
Since only linearly polarized light is incident on the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 in this way, disturbance light and artificial light are not easily incident on the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5, and the disturbance light And false detection by artificial light is unlikely to occur. In addition, since the directions of the linearly polarized lights of the light incident on the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 are different, the light of the first light emitting element 2 enters the second light receiving element 5 or the second light emitting element 4. Light does not enter the first light receiving element 3 and misdetection is not caused by mutual light.
[0060]
FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a seventh embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same operation as the apparatus of FIG.
[0061]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a reflective sensor that detects pachinko balls, and the first polarizing filters 31 and 32 are provided in the first light emitting element 2 and the first light receiving element 3, respectively, as in the sixth embodiment. The second polarizing filters 33 and 34 are attached to the second light emitting element 4 and the second light receiving element 5, respectively. The light emitted from the first light emitting element 2 passes through the first polarizing filter 31, is reflected by the pachinko ball B, passes through the first polarizing filter 32, and enters the first light receiving element 3. Similarly, the light emitted from the second light emitting element 4 passes through the second polarizing filter 33, is reflected by the pachinko ball B, passes through the second polarizing filter 34, and enters the second light receiving element 5. To do.
[0062]
FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing an eighth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those of the apparatus of FIG. 8.
[0063]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a reflective sensor that detects pachinko balls, and the first polarizing filters 31 and 32 are provided in the first light emitting element 2 and the first light receiving element 3, respectively, as in the sixth embodiment. The second polarizing filters 33 and 34 are attached to the second light emitting element 4 and the second light receiving element 5, respectively. Further, the first light-emitting element 2 and the first light-receiving element 3, and the second light-emitting element 4 and the second light-receiving element 5 are brought close to each other to simplify the structure and reduce the size.
[0064]
FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a ninth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals are given to parts that perform the same function as the apparatus of FIG. 8.
[0065]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a reflective sensor that detects a pachinko ball, and two first light guides are provided between the first light emitting element 2 and the first light receiving element 3 along the periphery of the passage hole 1a. 35 and 36 are provided, and two second light guides 37 and 38 are provided between the second light emitting element 4 and the second light receiving element 5 along the periphery of the passage hole 1a.
[0066]
Each of the first light guides 35 and 36 and each of the second light guides 37 and 38 includes a prism, a reflection mirror, and the like. The light reflected by the pachinko ball B is incident and the light is emitted to the pachinko ball.
[0067]
The light emitted from the first light emitting element 2 passes through the first polarizing filter 31, enters the pachinko ball B, and is reflected here. Further, this light enters one of the first light guides 35 and exits from here, is reflected by the pachinko ball B, enters the other first light guide 36 and exits from here, and the pachinko ball B , Passes through the first polarizing filter 32, and enters the first light receiving element 3. Similarly, the light emitted from the second light emitting element 4 is the second polarizing filter 33 → the pachinko ball B → the one second light guide 37 → the pachinko ball B → the other first light guide 38 → the pachinko ball B → the second. The light enters the second light receiving element 5 through a path called a two-polarization filter 34.
[0068]
Therefore, the light emitted from the first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4 is reflected by the pachinko ball B three times and then enters the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5.
[0069]
When the light is reflected by the detected object a plurality of times in this way, the incident position of the light greatly changes depending on the shape of the detected object. For this reason, only the light reflected by the pachinko ball B having a specific shape is incident on the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5, and the light reflected by the foreign matter is incident on the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5. There is little to do. Thereby, erroneous detection can be prevented.
[0070]
FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing a tenth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to parts that perform the same function as the apparatus of FIG.
[0071]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a transmission type sensor that detects a pachinko ball, and the first light emitting element 2 and the first light receiving element 3 are arranged adjacent to each other, and the incident position of light from the first light emitting element 2 S1 and the first light receiving element 3 are connected through the first light guide path 41, the second light emitting element 4 and the second light receiving element 5 are disposed adjacent to each other, and the incident position S2 of light from the second light emitting element 4 The second light receiving element 5 is connected through the second light guide path 42.
[0072]
The first and second light guide paths 41 and 42 are, for example, a combination of a plurality of prisms and reflection mirrors. When light is emitted from the first light emitting element 2 and incident on the incident position S 1, the light is guided by the first light guide path 41 and enters the first light receiving element 3. Similarly, when light is emitted from the second light emitting element 4 and incident on the incident position S2, this light is guided by the second light guide path 42 and enters the second light receiving element 5.
[0073]
FIG. 13 shows a modification of the optical coupling device of FIG. In this optical coupling device, optical fibers are applied as the first and second light guiding paths 41A and 42A.
[0074]
FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing an eleventh embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those of the apparatus of FIG.
[0075]
The optical coupling device of this embodiment is a transmissive sensor that detects pachinko balls, and the emission wavelengths of the first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4 are different from each other. Further, a first band filter 43 that transmits only light having the emission wavelength of the first light emitting element 2 is disposed on the light receiving surface side of the first light receiving element 3, and on the light receiving surface side of the second light receiving element 5, A second band filter 44 that transmits only light having the emission wavelength of the second light emitting element 3 is provided.
[0076]
Only the light from the first light emitting element 2 selected by the first band filter 43 is incident on the first light receiving element 3, and the second light selected by the second band filter 44 is incident on the second light receiving element 5. Only light from the light emitting element 4 enters.
[0077]
For this reason, disturbance light and artificial light do not easily enter the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5, and erroneous detection due to disturbance light and artificial light is unlikely to occur. In addition, since the wavelengths of light incident on the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 are different, the light of the first light emitting element 2 enters the second light receiving element 5 or the light of the second light emitting element 4 There is no incidence on the first light receiving element 3, and no erroneous detection is caused by mutual light.
[0078]
FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a twelfth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 15, the same reference numerals are given to parts that perform the same function as the apparatus of FIG.
[0079]
The optical coupling device of the present embodiment is a transmission type sensor that detects a pachinko ball, and has optical traps 51 and 52 in front of the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5, respectively. These optical traps 51 and 52 are formed by separating a plurality of slits.
[0080]
Each of the light traps 51 and 52 allows only light from the first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4 to pass therethrough, blocks light from other directions, and this light is transmitted to the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5. Prevents incidence. For this reason, disturbance light and artificial light do not easily enter the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5, and erroneous detection due to disturbance light and artificial light is unlikely to occur.
[0081]
FIG. 16A is a plan view schematically showing a thirteenth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention, and FIG. 16B is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. In FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b), the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same functions as those of the apparatus of FIG.
[0082]
The optical coupling device according to the present embodiment is a transmission type sensor that detects a pachinko ball. The first light emitting element 2 and the first light receiving element 3, and the second light emitting element 4 and the second light receiving element 5 are connected to the pachinko ball. It is shifted along the passing direction Y.
[0083]
In this case, even if the light emission timings of the first and second light emitting elements 2 and 4 are the same, the timing of the output change of the first and second light receiving elements 3 and 5 is slightly shifted when the pachinko ball passes. The direction of this timing shift corresponds to the passing direction of the pachinko ball, and the time of this shift is proportional to the speed of the pachinko ball. For this reason, the passing direction and passing speed of the pachinko ball can be detected based on the direction of this timing shift and the time of this shift.
[0084]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said each embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible. For example, not only the first and second light emitting elements and the first and second light receiving elements, but also three or more sets of light emitting elements and light receiving elements are provided, the light emission timing of each light emitting element is shifted, and the output change of each light receiving element is based on Thus, the object to be detected may be detected. Further, the positions of each set of light emitting elements and light receiving elements may be changed as appropriate.
[0085]
Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to detection of not only pachinko balls but also other types of steel balls, non-magnetic balls, or objects having different shapes.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the first and second light emitting elements are caused to emit light alternately, the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements are also alternately changed in synchronization therewith. Therefore, when disturbance light or artificial light is incident on one of the first and second light receiving elements at different timings, or when incident on both light receiving elements at the same time, the first and second light receiving elements due to disturbance light or artificial light. Can be identified. For this reason, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection caused by disturbance light or artificial light. Alternatively, it is difficult to perform an illegal act of intentionally entering artificial light into the light receiving element to induce false detection. In addition, since the object to be detected is detected by light, the detection response speed is high, and a non-magnetic material such as ceramic or glass can be detected.
[0087]
According to the present invention, the light path from the first light emitting element to the first light receiving element and the light path from the second light emitting element to the second light receiving element are arranged substantially in parallel or in a bowl shape. If the arrangement of the respective light paths is devised in this way, disturbance light and artificial light are unlikely to enter the first and second light receiving elements simultaneously, and erroneous detection due to disturbance light and artificial light can be prevented.
[0088]
Furthermore, the optical coupling device of the present invention can be used as a reflective sensor. Of course, it can also be used as a transmissive sensor.
[0089]
In addition, according to the present invention, since the light emitting elements and the light receiving elements are arranged close to each other, the apparatus can be reduced in size.
[0090]
Further, according to the present invention, the light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the detection object a plurality of times, and then this light is made incident on the light receiving element. When the light is reflected by the detected object a plurality of times in this way, the incident position of the light greatly changes depending on the shape of the detected object. For this reason, only the light reflected by the object to be detected having a specific shape enters the light receiving element. Thereby, erroneous detection can be prevented.
[0091]
Further, according to the present invention, the polarizing filter through which the light from the first light emitting element passes, the polarizing filter through which the light to the first light receiving element passes, the polarizing filter through which the light from the second light emitting element passes, the second light receiving Since each of the polarizing filters through which the light to the element passes is provided, the light from the first light emitting element is incident on the second light receiving element, or the light from the second light emitting element is difficult to enter the first light receiving element. In addition, disturbance light and artificial light are not easily incident on the first and second light receiving elements, and erroneous detection is prevented.
[0092]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the light guide path for guiding the light is provided, the degree of freedom of arrangement of each light emitting element and each light receiving element is increased.
[0093]
According to the present invention, the wavelengths of the light emitted from the first and second light emitting elements are made different, and the respective band-pass filters are provided on the light receiving surface sides of the first and second light receiving elements. Thereby, only the light from the first light emitting element enters the first light receiving element, and only the light from the second light emitting element enters the second light receiving element. For this reason, disturbance light or artificial light becomes difficult to enter the first and second light receiving elements, and erroneous detection is prevented.
[0094]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the light trap for shielding the disturbance light is provided around the path of the light incident on the light receiving element, the disturbance light and the artificial light are not easily incident on the first and second light receiving elements. Thus, false detection is prevented.
[0095]
Further, according to the present invention, the first light receiving element and the first light receiving element, and the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element are arranged so as to be shifted along the passing direction of the detection object. Based on the output change timing and the output change timing of the second light receiving element, the passing speed of the detection object can be measured.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a first embodiment of an optical coupling device of the present invention.
2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the optical coupling device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing each signal in the optical coupling device of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a second embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing a third embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing a fourth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing a fifth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a sixth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a seventh embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing an eighth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing a ninth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing a tenth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
13 is a plan view showing a modification of the optical coupling device of FIG. 12. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a plan view schematically showing an eleventh embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a plan view schematically showing a twelfth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention.
16A is a plan view schematically showing a thirteenth embodiment of the optical coupling device of the present invention, and FIG. 16B is a sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 16A.
FIG. 17A is a plan view schematically showing a conventional optical sensor, and FIG. 17B is a side view showing the optical sensor.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Holder
2 First light emitting element
3 First light receiving element
4 Second light emitting element
5 Second light receiving element
7,8 Optical path
11 Square wave oscillator
12 First monostable multivibrator
13 Second monostable multivibrator
14 Synchronization signal and demodulation circuit
15 1st light emitting element drive circuit
16 Second light emitting element driving circuit
17 First amplifier
18 Second amplifier
21 and 22 capacitors
23, 24 Comparator
31, 32 First polarizing filter
33, 34 Second polarizing filter
35, 36 First light guide
37, 38 Second light guide
41 First light guide route
42 Second light guide route
43 First band filter
44 Second band filter
51,52 Optical trap

Claims

An optical path in which light from the first light emitting element is received by the first light receiving element through the passage hole of the detection object, and light of the second light emitting element is received by the second light receiving element through the passage hole of the detection object. To form an optical path
Each of the optical paths is arranged so as to be shifted from each other in a direction perpendicular to the passing direction of the detected object in the passing hole of the detected object.
The first and second light emitting elements are caused to emit light alternately, and the detection object is detected based on the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements corresponding to the multiple light emission of the first light emitting element and the multiple light emission of the second light emitting element. An optical coupling device characterized by detecting.

A light path for emitting light from the first light emitting element to a detected object passing through the passage hole and receiving light reflected by the detected object by the first light receiving element, and passing through the light from the second light emitting element A light path is formed in which the second light receiving element receives the light that is emitted to the detected object passing through the hole and reflected by the detected object,
Each of the light paths is arranged so as to be shifted from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction of passage of the detected object in the passage hole of the detected object,
The first and second light emitting elements emit light alternately, and an object to be detected is based on the outputs of the first and second light receiving elements corresponding to the plurality of times of light emission of the first light emitting element and the plurality of times of light emission of the second light emitting element. Detecting an optical coupling device.

The light emitting elements and the light receiving elements are arranged close to each other so that substantially the same side of the object to be detected is detected by the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element, and the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element. The optical coupling device according to claim 2.

A first light guide for reflecting the light emitted from the first light emitting element by the object to be detected a plurality of times and then making the light incident on the first light receiving element;
A second light guide for reflecting the light emitted from the second light emitting element by the object to be detected a plurality of times and then making the light incident on the second light receiving element;
The optical coupling device according to claim 2, further comprising:

A polarizing filter through which light from the first light emitting element passes, a polarizing filter through which light to the first light receiving element passes, a polarizing filter through which light from the second light emitting element passes, and a polarization through which light to the second light receiving element passes Each with a filter,
5. The linear polarization direction by the polarization filter of the first light emitting element and the first light receiving element and the linear polarization direction by the polarization filter of the second light emitting element and the second light receiving element are different from each other. An optical coupling device according to claim 1.

A first light guide path for guiding at least one of light emitted from the first light emitting element and light incident on the first light receiving element;
A second light guide path for guiding at least one of light emitted from the second light emitting element and light incident on the second light receiving element;
The optical coupling device according to claim 1, further comprising:

A band-pass filter that selectively transmits the light from the first light emitting element is provided on the light receiving surface side of the first light receiving element, and the second light emission is performed. 7. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein a band-pass filter that selectively transmits light from the element is provided on the light receiving surface side of the second light receiving element.

8. The optical coupling device according to claim 1, wherein an optical trap that shields ambient light is provided around a path of light incident on the first and second light receiving elements. 9.

The first light-emitting element and the first light-receiving element, and the second light-emitting element and the second light-receiving element are arranged so as to be shifted along the passing direction of the object to be detected. Optical coupling device.