TW201921016A - Fiber sensor, light receiving fiber, and diffusing member - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a display lamp in a head of a light receiving fiber. A light projecting fiber 22 projects light (detection light) output from a first light emitting element onto a detection region for work. A light receiving fiber 23 receives the light reflected from the detection region. A second light emitting element is provided on one end side of the light receiving fiber 23 in addition to a light receiving element. A diffusing member 88 is provided on the other end side of the light receiving fiber 23. The diffusing member 88 diffuses light output from the second light emitting element and propagated in the light receiving fiber 23 and functions as a display lamp.

Description

Optical fiber sensor, light receiving fiber, and diffusion member

The invention relates to an optical fiber sensor, a light receiving optical fiber and a diffusion member.

The products (workpieces) produced in the factory are conveyed by conveying devices such as belt conveyors, and are detected by photoelectric switches to reach specific locations. As a kind of photoelectric switch, there is a fiber sensor. According to Patent Document 1, it is proposed to provide a display section on a detection head of an optical fiber sensor, to divide a part of light from a projection optical fiber, and guide the light to the display section so that the display section emits light. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-141961

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

According to Patent Document 1, if the light emitting optical fiber is disconnected, the display section does not light up, so it may be possible to detect the light emitting optical fiber disconnection. However, disconnection of the receiving fiber cannot be detected. For example, if the light-receiving fiber is unable to transmit light from the light-emitting fiber despite the display portion is lit, it is considered that there is a problem in the light-receiving fiber or a problem in the light-receiving element. At this time, the indicator light on the body of the optical fiber sensor can be turned on. However, there is a case where the body of the fiber optic sensor and the fiber head are far away, and only one user cannot confirm the display lamp of the fiber head and the display lamp of the body at the same time. In addition, in the transmission type optical fiber sensor, it is necessary to adjust the optical axis of the optical axis of the projection fiber and the optical axis of the receiving fiber. However, since the amount of received light is displayed on the body of the optical fiber sensor, only one It is still difficult for the user to perform the optical axis adjustment. For example, if a display lamp can also be provided on the head of the light-receiving fiber, it is easy to find the disconnection of the light-receiving fiber, and it can also help adjust the optical axis.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a display lamp on the head of a light receiving fiber. [Technical means to solve the problem]

The present invention provides, for example, an optical fiber sensor, which is characterized by having: a first light emitting element that outputs light; and a light projection fiber that projects light output from the first light emitting element to a detection area of a workpiece A light-receiving fiber that receives light from the detection area; a light-receiving element that is disposed on one end side of the light-receiving fiber and receives light incident from the other end side of the light-receiving fiber and transmitted from the light-receiving fiber; an output section Based on the light-receiving signal output from the light-receiving element, outputting information indicating the presence or absence of the aforementioned workpiece; the second light-emitting element, which outputs light and makes the light incident on the one end side of the light-receiving fiber; and a diffusing member provided on the aforementioned The other end side of the light-receiving fiber diffuses light output from the second light-emitting element and transmitted from the light-receiving fiber. [Effect of the invention]

According to the present invention, light can be projected from one end of a light-receiving optical fiber, so that a diffusion member mounted on the other end of the light-receiving optical fiber can emit light. That is, according to the present invention, a display lamp can be provided on the head of the light receiving fiber.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown below. The individual embodiments described below can help to understand various concepts such as the superordinate concept, the median concept, and the subordinate concept of the present invention. In addition, the technical scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of patent application, and is not limited by the following individual embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a photoelectric switch. The photoelectric switch 1 has a substantially rectangular case. Here, the z-axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction. The x-axis corresponds to the short-side direction. The y-axis corresponds to the height direction. The housing has approximately six outer surfaces. The six outer surfaces include an upper surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surface. The upper surface, the front surface, and the right surface can be observed in FIG. 1. The casing has a lower casing 2 and an upper casing 3. The lower case 2 and the upper case 3 are fitted to form an internal space in which the control board and the like are housed. A part of the upper case 3 forms an upper surface. The upper surface is provided with a display 5, a mode button 7, an active receiver button 8, an adjustment button 9, a slide switch 10, a setting button 11, a display lamp 24, a clamping module 14, and the like. The display 5 is a dot matrix display such as an OLED, which displays a threshold value, a light receiving amount, and the like. The display 5 is fixed by being sandwiched between the outer surface of the upper case 3 and the cover member 4. The display 5 is provided so as to be shifted toward the front side from the center of the upper surface. The adjustment button 9 is a button for raising or lowering the threshold value or operating a menu. The menu is a menu displayed on the display 5 and having various setting items for setting the operation of the photoelectric switch 1. The mode button 7 is a button for switching an operation mode related to the amount of light emitted. The active receiver button 8 is a special button for projecting light from the photoelectric switch 1 to the outside through a light receiving fiber. The photoelectric switch 1 uses the light-receiving optical fiber as a light-emitting optical fiber when it detects the pressing of the active receiver button 8, and receives light incident from the outside while projecting light toward the outside. This light is not used to detect the workpiece, but is used to assist the user in adjusting the optical axis. The light-emitting element that outputs auxiliary light may be disposed, for example, in the center of the light-receiving element. At this time, the light receiving surface of the light receiving element is larger than the light emitting surface of the light emitting element. The slide switch 10 is a switch for selecting a plurality of setting parameter groups. The setting button 11 is a button for automatically setting a threshold value. When the photoelectric switch 1 detects that the setting button 11 is pressed, it determines a threshold value based on the received light amount. The display lamp 24 is turned on or off, for example, when a workpiece is detected. The clamping module 14 is a module that clamps and holds the light-emitting fiber and the light-receiving fiber. A cylindrical hole 12 through which a light-projecting optical fiber is inserted and a cylindrical hole 13 through which a light-receiving optical fiber is inserted are provided on the front surface of the housing. An output cable is installed on the back of the case. The cable bushing 15 is a bushing for holding an output cable.

A connector 16a and connection portions 17a and 17b are provided on the right side of the case. FIG. 2 (A) shows that a plurality of photoelectric switches 1 are connected to each other by a connector 16a and connecting portions 17a, 17b, and are fixed to a DIN rail 18. DIN stands for German Standards Association. The incident end of the light-emitting optical fiber 22 is inserted into the hole 12, and the exit end of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 is inserted into the hole 13. An openable and closable upper cover 19 covering the upper surface of the casing is also shown in FIG. 2 (A). In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), when the upper cover 19 is translucent, no hole may be provided on the upper surface of the upper cover 19. This is because if the upper cover 19 is translucent, the user can confirm the display content of the display 5 even if the upper cover 19 is closed. When the upper cover 19 does not have translucency, as shown in FIG. 2 (A), holes or even windows may be provided on the upper surface of the upper cover 19. The upper cover 19 functions as a dust cover. As shown in FIG. 2 (A) and FIG. 2 (B), since the plurality of photoelectric switches 1 can be connected horizontally respectively, they are also referred to as connected sensors.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the photoelectric switch 1. A decorative member 20 may be provided on the end side behind the upper cover 19. A rotation pin 19 a is provided on the end side behind the upper cover 19. The rotation pin 19a is fitted into a holding hole 19b provided on the rear end side of the upper case 3. Thereby, the upper cover 19 is rotatably connected to the upper case 3. In order that the user can confirm the information displayed on the display 5 even when the upper cover 19 is closed, the upper cover 19 may be formed of a transparent member. A spine member 36 for supporting the display 5 is provided near the center of the upper case 3. Four edge portions 47 are provided on the left and right of the spine member 36. The four edge portions 47 are protruding portions that protrude upward from the upper casing 3 and position the display 5 in the short-side direction (x direction). Further, the four edge portions 47 are fitted into the recessed portions of the cover member 4. Two claw portions 48 are provided on the left and right of the spine member 36. The claw portion 48 fits into a recessed portion provided inside the center leg of the cover member, and fixes the cover member 4 to the upper case 3. The recess may be a groove or a through hole. An opening portion 25 is provided at the rear end of the display mounting portion centered on the spine member 36. The opening portion 25 is a through hole or a cutout through which the signal cable passes from the outer surface to the inner surface side of the upper case 3. The signal cable includes a power supply line supplying power to the display 5 and a control line supplying control signals. The signal cable is connected to the control substrate 30. Here, the control substrate 30 may be a substrate. If two substrates are provided in the x-axis direction, the length in the x-axis direction of the photoelectric switch 1 becomes longer. Therefore, in this embodiment, only one control substrate 30 is provided in the x-axis direction. A controller 6 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is mounted on the control board 30. The controller 6 causes the display 5 to display the threshold value and the received light amount. The upper case 3 is provided with an adjustment button 9, a mode button 7, an active receiver button 8, a slide switch 10 and a setting button 11, and a control board 30 is provided with corresponding switches. These buttons may be formed of a resin such as POM (polyacetal). In addition, the upper cover 19, the cover member 4, and the case can be formed of polycarbonate in principle. An LED (light emitting diode) that supplies light to the light diffusing member of the display lamp 24 is also mounted on the control substrate 30. The control board 30 is provided with a connector 16 a for communicating with or receiving power from another adjacent photoelectric switch 1. A component holder 26 is provided on the front side of the control substrate 30, and a light-emitting element module 32 and a light-receiving element module 33 are mounted. The element holder 26 has a hole for the light-projecting optical fiber 22 inserted through the hole 12 and a hole for the light-receiving optical fiber 23 inserted through the hole 13. A clamping module 14 is disposed on the front side of the element holder 26 to hold the light-emitting optical fiber 22 and the light-receiving optical fiber 23. A fixture 28 and a metal cover 29 for fixing to the DIN rail 18 are mounted on the bottom surface of the lower case 2. The metal cover 29 can play a role of heat radiation and electromagnetic shielding.

FIG. 4 (A) is a perspective view of the photoelectric switch 1 in a state where the cover member 4 is fixed to the upper case 3. FIG. 4 (B) is a perspective view of the photoelectric switch 1 in a state where the cover member 4 is not fixed to the upper case 3. Here, various buttons and displays 5 are fixed to the upper case 3, and the control substrate 30 is also fixed to the upper case 3. The signal cable 51 electrically connecting the display 5 and the control substrate 30 enters the inside of the casing through the opening portion 25 and is connected to the connector of the control substrate 30. A connector 16b is provided on the left side of the control substrate 30. The connector 16b of the photoelectric switch 1 is a female connector, which is mated with and electrically connected to the male connector 16a of another photoelectric switch 1 located to the left of the photoelectric switch 1.

In addition, it can be seen from FIG. 4 (A) and the like that the height of the active receiver button 8 is lower than that of the mode button 7 and the adjustment button 9. This is to prevent the wrong operation of the active receiver button 8.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the cover member 4 in detail. The cover member 4 includes two front legs 42, two center legs 43, and two rear legs 44. A window portion 40 is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 4. The user can observe the display surface of the display 5 through the window portion 40. The window portion 40 is surrounded by four frames. The left frame 41a and the right frame 41b are thinner than the front frame 41d and the rear frame 41c. This is because the short-side display area of the photoelectric switch 1 is ensured. The rear frame 41c has a larger area than the other frames. This is because the rear frame 41c protects the IC of the control display 5 and the like. Text information and the like can be printed on the rear frame 41c. In addition, since the rear frame 41c has a certain area, even if the user presses the adjustment button 9 with a finger, the display information of the display 5 is not easily blocked by the finger. That is, the rear frame 41c can sufficiently separate the distance between the display 5 and the buttons. In addition, since the area of the front bezel 41d is small, the display lamp 24 can be brought close to the display 5. In this way, it is possible to gather the information transmission organizations that are concerned by users in one place. A total of four notches 46 are provided on the right side surface and the left side surface of the cover member 4. The four cutouts 46 are fitted into four edge portions 47 provided in the upper case 3 to position and fix the cover member 4 relative to the upper case 3. Recesses 45 are respectively provided on the inner surface sides of the two central legs 43. The recessed portions 45 are fitted into claw portions 48 provided on the right and left sides of the upper case 3, respectively. In order to protect the front surface, the bottom surface, the left surface, and the right surface of the display 5, a shielding member 50 may be used. The shielding member 50 includes a front wall 50d for protecting the front face of the display 5, a bottom 50a for protecting the bottom face of the display 5, a right wall 50b for protecting the right side of the display 5, and a left wall 50c for protecting the left side of the display 5. The display 5 is sandwiched between the spine member 36 and the cover member 4 in a state covered by the shield member 50. The shielding member 50 may be formed of an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board).

FIG. 6 (A) is a plan view showing the upper surface of the photoelectric switch 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6 (A), no switch or button is provided in the short-side direction of the display 5. Therefore, the size in the short-side direction of the display 5 can be sufficiently increased. In addition, the frame behind the cover member 4 has an area to which characters and the like can be printed.

FIG. 6 (B) shows the left side of the upper case 3. FIG. 6 (C) shows the left side of the casing 3 on which the control board 30 is mounted. The terminal 52 of the signal cable 51 extending from the display 5 is connected to the connector 16c mounted on the control substrate 30 and is fixed. The signal cable 51 is formed from a thin and flexible FPC cable because it enters the inside from the outside of the housing and is connected to the control substrate 30.

Fig. 6 (D) shows the photoelectric switch 1 in a state where the lower case 2 is mounted. Fixing holes 63a and 63b are provided on the left side of the lower case 2. The fixing holes 63a and 63b of the photoelectric switch 1 are respectively inserted into the connecting portions 17a and 17b of the other photoelectric switch 1 located on the left. In addition, a hole is provided on the left side of the lower case 2 to expose the connector 16b, and the hole is protected by a cover 64 in FIG. 6 (D).

<Arrangement of Signal Cable to Display> FIG. 7 (A) shows a right side sectional view of the display 5. The display 5 is formed by laminating the transparent member 70, the OLED layer 71, and the transparent base material 72 in the height direction. The material of the transparent member 70 and the transparent base material 72 is a transparent substrate (second substrate) including glass, resin, or the like. A transparent electrode extending from the long side of the OLED layer 71 and a transparent electrode extending from the short side are formed on the bottom surface of the transparent member 70 and are electrically connected to the driving IC 54. The driving IC 54 is an integrated circuit that drives the display 5. The driving IC 54 is protected by an adhesive 73 on the bottom surface of the transparent member 70. A signal cable 51 extending from the control substrate 30 is electrically connected to a terminal of the driving IC 54. In this way, a signal cable 51 is connected to an end portion in the longitudinal direction of the display 5, that is, a terminal (connection portion 70 a) provided on the short side of the display 5. It is easy to ensure the display area in the short-side direction of the display 5. A plurality of photoelectric switches 1 are connected and used at the manufacturing and inspection site of a workpiece. Therefore, the length in the short-side direction of the photoelectric switch 1 is, for example, 5 mm or more and 14 mm or less. If the driver IC 54 and the signal cable 51 are installed in the short-side direction of the display 5, the display area of the display 5 is narrowed. That is, it is difficult to read the characters displayed on the display 5. Therefore, it is preferable that the driver IC 54 or the signal cable 51 is not attached to the end (long side) in the short-side direction of the display 5.

FIG. 7 (B) shows that the driver IC 54 is provided in the middle of the signal cable 51. It can help shorten the length in the long-side direction of the transparent member 70. A transparent electrode extending from the long side of the OLED layer 71 is connected to the signal cable 51 as a terminal (connection portion 70 a) provided on the short side of the display 5.

FIG. 7 (C) uses the spine member 36 of the upper case 3 as a base material instead of the transparent base material 72. It helps to thin the display 5. That is, it helps to reduce the height of the display 5. The spine member 36 is provided with an opening portion 25 through which the signal cable 51 enters the inside of the housing. The driving IC 54 is arranged in the middle of the signal cable 51 and is located inside the housing. Further, a transparent electrode extending from the long side of the OLED layer 71 and provided on the transparent member 70 is connected to the signal cable 51 as a terminal (connection portion 70 a) provided on the short side of the display 5.

As such, the display 5 includes an OLED layer 71 and a transparent member 70 that function as a display layer. The transparent electrode functions as a signal line from the OLED layer 71 toward the signal cable 51. The transparent electrode is disposed near an interface between the OLED layer 71 and the transparent member 70. The cover member 4 covers a side surface near the interface between the OLED layer 71 and the transparent member 70. Since the vicinity of the interface is easily damaged, the cover member 4 protects the vicinity of the interface.

<Arrangement of Cable Passing Section> FIG. 8 (A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper case 3. As shown in FIG. 8 (B) to 8 (E) are perspective views of the display mounting portion. The upper casing 3 includes: a first upper surface 38, a second upper surface (anterior wall 37), a third upper surface (spine member 36), a fourth upper surface (rear wall 35), and a supply for the setting button 11; The sixth upper surface 34 and the like of the adjustment buttons 9 and the like are arranged. In addition, the first upper surface 38 and the sixth upper surface 34 may be referred to as an upper segment, and the spine member 36 may be referred to as a lower segment. As such, the upper surface of the upper casing 3 may have a step difference. The spine member 36 may be referred to as a mounting portion. From the viewpoint of improving rigidity, the mounting portion may be solid. As shown in FIG. 8 (A), in a section along the longitudinal direction of the casing, the second upper surface (front wall 37), the third upper surface (spine member 36), and the fourth upper surface (rear wall) 35) Form a recess. The display 5 is pressed against the wall surface (front wall 37) of the two wall surfaces forming the recessed portion on the side closer to the second surface. According to FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B), the opening portion 25 is a slot-shaped hole provided at the rear end side of the spine member 36. This means that the opening portion 25 may be provided on the front end side of the spine member 36. According to FIG. 8 (C), the opening portion 25 is provided below the rear wall 35. This means that the opening portion 25 may be provided below the front wall 37. An opening portion 25 may be provided at a connection portion between the spine member 36 and the rear wall 35 (anterior wall 37). That is, a slot may be formed across the spine member 36 and the posterior wall 35 (anterior wall 37). FIG. 8 (D) shows that an opening portion 25 is provided in the center of the spine member 36. Here, the area of the opening portion 25 is substantially smaller than the bottom area of the display 5. This is because the bottom surface of the display 5 is supported by the spine member 36. However, it is sufficient that the bottom surface of the display 5 is supported by either of two long frames extending in the long side direction of the spine member 36 or two short frames extending in the short side direction of the spine member 36. FIG. 8 (E) shows that a notched opening 25 is provided on the right side of the spine member 36. This means that a notch-shaped opening portion 25 may be provided on the left side of the spine member 36. If the signal cable 51 is a flexible and flexible cable such as an FPC cable, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the openings 25 can be increased. In addition, the case of FIG. 8 (E) may be mainly the case where the signal cable 51 is connected to the long side of the display 5. However, if the signal cable 51 is an FPC cable, the signal cable 51 extending from the short side of the display 5 can be bent through the notched opening portion shown in FIG. 8 (E). 25.

FIG. 9 (A) shows an opening portion 25 provided at the rear end of the spine member 36. As shown in FIG. 9 (A), the housing of the photoelectric switch 1 is slender. When the spine member 36 is focused, it can be seen that the display mounting portion exists up to the edge of the casing. This helps to expand the display area of the display 5. Moreover, providing the opening portion 25 on the rear end side of the spine member 36 also contributes to expanding the display area of the display 5. FIG. 9 (B) shows the signal cable 51 bent to pass through the opening 25. In this way, the signal cable 51 extends from the outside to the inside of the upper case 3 through the opening portion 25.

<Integration of Shielding of Signal Cable> FIG. 10 shows a signal cable 51 composed of an FPC 60. Here, the display module including the display 5 and the driving IC 54 is also shown together with the signal cable 51. The signal cable 51 and the shield member 50 are integrated by the FPC 60. The shielding member 50 includes a metal layer such as copper and a base film layer. The right wall 50b is formed by folding the FPC 60 at a right angle at the crease 56c. The left wall 50c is formed by folding the FPC 60 at a right angle at the crease 56d. The front wall 50d is formed by folding the FPC 60 at a right angle at the crease 56e. In addition, in order to easily fold the FPC 60, a plurality of holes 55 may be provided in the metal layer along the creases 56c, 56d, and 56e. The metal layer is connected to a ground line of the signal cable 51. Thereby, the shielding member 50 can protect the OLED (display 5) from electrical noise.

Furthermore, the FPC 60 is valley-folded along the crease 56a, and the shielding member 50 covers the bottom surface of the display 5. The portion of the signal cable 51 shown in FIG. 9 (B) that is bent into a U shape is formed by overlapping the signal wiring portion 53a and the shield wiring portion 53b in the FPC 60. That is, the FPC 60 is valley-folded along the crease 56a, so that the signal wiring portion 53a and the shield wiring portion 53b overlap. Furthermore, when the signal wiring portion 53a and the shield wiring portion 53b overlap with each other, the portion overlapping the signal wiring portion 53a and the shield wiring portion 53b is bent into a U shape. Further, the FPC 60 is bent at a right angle at the crease 56b, and the mounting surface of the terminal 52 and the control substrate 30 are parallel.

11 (A) to 11 (E) show the positional relationship between the display 5 and the signal cable 51. FIG. 11 (A) is a plan view of the display 5 to which the signal cable 51 is connected. FIG. 11 (B) is a left side view of the display 5. The signal cable 51 extending from the rear end of the display 5 overlaps the signal wiring portion 53a and the shield wiring portion 53b, and the overlapping portion 53 formed by being folded is U-shaped. Further, the signal cable 51 is bent at a right angle at the crease 56b, and the mounting surface of the terminal 52 is parallel to the control substrate 30. 11 (C) to 11 (E) are perspective views of the display 5. The mounting surface of the terminal 52 is parallel to the control substrate 30, but is orthogonal to the bottom surface of the display 5.

The terminal 52 may be composed of eight pins, for example. The VCC pin is a pin that supplies power to the driving IC 54. The VSS pin is a pin that is grounded (provides a ground potential). The RES pin is a pin that supplies a reset signal to the driver IC 54 for starting or restarting the driver IC 54. The SCLK pin is a clock pin for serial communication. The SDA pin is a pin for transmitting data for serial communication. The IREF pin is a pin for adjusting a current flowing in the OLED layer 71. The VCOMH pin is a pin for connecting an external capacitor and the driving IC 54 to stabilize the internal power of the driving IC 54. The VDD pin is a pin for supplying a voltage for the logic operation of the driving IC 54.

The shielding member 50 may be a shielding sheet made of a different member from the signal cable 51.

<Shielding> Fig. 12 (A) is an A-A cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the photoelectric switch 1 by the A-A cutting line of Fig. 6 (D). Fig. 12 (B) is a B-B cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the photoelectric switch 1 by the B-B cutting line of Fig. 6 (D). FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing an enlarged part of FIG. 12 (A). As shown in FIGS. 12A and 13, the claw portion 48 of the upper case 3 is fitted into a recessed portion 45 provided at the center leg 43 on the left and right of the cover member 4. As shown in FIG. 12 (A), FIG. 12 (B), and FIG. 13, the height of the right wall 50b and the left wall 50c of the shielding member 50 are such that the OLED layer 71 and the transparent substrate 72 of the display 5 are covered and covered, respectively. The height of at least a part of the transparent member 70. The transparent member 70 and the transparent base material 72 are glass or the like. Glass is easier to break than resin. Therefore, the shielding member 50 protects the transparent member 70 and the transparent base material 72 from impact and the like. In addition, the OLED layer 71 is further protected by the shielding member 50 from electrical noise. The bottom surface of the display 5 is covered by the bottom portion 50 a of the shielding member 50. The spine member 36 cannot easily transfer heat generated from the control substrate 30 to the display 5.

As shown in FIG. 12 (B), the left and right front legs 42 and the front end portions of the cover member 4 are held by the lower case 2 and the upper case 3. Thereby, the cover member 4 is firmly fixed to the case.

<Optical axis alignment> ● Transmissive type Figure 14 (A) is a diagram illustrating the adjustment of the optical axis for a transmissive photoelectric switch (optical fiber sensor). In the transmission-type optical fiber sensor, the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the light receiving optical fiber 23 are arranged to face each other. The light projection fiber 22 projects light toward the detection area 80. When the workpiece 81 does not exist in the detection area 80, the light emitted from the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber 22 is incident on the incident end of the light-receiving fiber 23. When the workpiece 81 is present in the detection area 80, the light emitted from the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber 22 is blocked by the workpiece 81, and the light does not enter the incident end of the light-receiving fiber 23. The controller 6 detects the presence or absence of a work 81 based on whether or not light is incident on the light receiving fiber 23.

● Reflective Figure 14 (B) is a diagram explaining the adjustment of the optical axis of a reflective photoelectric switch (fiber optic sensor). In the reflection type optical fiber sensor, the light output from the light projection fiber 22 is reflected by the workpiece 81 and the reflected light is incident on the light reception fiber 23 to adjust the optical axis of the light projection fiber 22 and the light axis of the light reception fiber 23. When the workpiece 81 does not exist in the detection area 80, the light emitted from the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber 22 will not be incident on the incident end of the light-receiving fiber 23. When a workpiece 81 is present in the detection area 80, light emitted from the emitting end of the light-emitting optical fiber 22 is reflected by the workpiece 81, and the reflected light is incident on the incident end of the light-receiving optical fiber 23. The controller 6 detects the presence or absence of a work 81 based on whether or not light is incident on the light receiving fiber 23.

● Retro-reflective Figure 14 (C) is a diagram explaining the adjustment of the optical axis of a retro-reflective photoelectric switch (fiber optic sensor). In the retro-reflective optical fiber sensor, the light output from the light projection fiber 22 is reflected by the reflector 83 and the reflected light is incident on the light reception fiber 23 to adjust the optical axis of the light projection fiber 22 and the light axis of the light reception fiber 23 . When there is no workpiece 81 in the detection area 80, the light emitted from the emission end of the light-emitting optical fiber 22 is reflected by the reflector 83 and is incident on the light-receiving optical fiber 23's incident end. When the workpiece 81 is present in the detection area 80, since the light emitted from the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber 22 is shielded by the workpiece 81, the reflected light does not enter the incident end of the light-receiving fiber 23. The controller 6 detects the presence or absence of a work 81 based on whether or not light is incident on the light receiving fiber 23.

● Difficulty of adjusting the optical axis The diameter of the optical fiber is several mm, but the distance from the exit end of the projection fiber 22 to the entrance end of the light receiving fiber 23 may reach several meters. Therefore, it is not easy to align the optical axis of the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the optical axis of the light receiving optical fiber 23. A display lamp 24 is provided on the body of the photoelectric switch 1, but the distance from the body of the photoelectric switch 1 to the emission end of the light-emitting optical fiber 22 or the light-receiving fiber 23 is the number of meters apart, and it is difficult for users to confirm the display. The situation where the lamp 24 is turned on / off or the display content of the display 5.

Therefore, the present invention reduces the burden on the user who performs the adjustment of the optical axis by outputting the auxiliary light for the adjustment of the optical axis from the incident end of the light receiving fiber 23. This can be solved by providing a display lamp at the front end of the light receiving fiber 23. In addition, the color (wavelength) of the auxiliary light may be different from the color (wavelength) of the detection light output from the projection fiber 22. Thereby, the user may easily recognize the auxiliary light. Furthermore, the present invention provides a diffusion member (light-transmitting member) that is mounted on the entrance end (the exit end of the auxiliary light) of the light-receiving fiber 23 and diffuses the auxiliary light.

● Auxiliary light diffusing member Fig. 15 (A) is a side view showing a light-emitting optical fiber 22 of a transmission-type optical fiber sensor and a light-receiving optical fiber 23 without a diffusion member. FIG. 15 (B) is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the front end (optical fiber head) of the light receiving fiber 23. FIG. 15 (C) is a diagram showing the vicinity of the front end of the light-receiving fiber 23 when the light-receiving fiber 23 is viewed from the light-emitting fiber 22. A cylindrical holding portion 85 that holds the optical fiber cable of the light receiving fiber 23 is attached to the front end of the light receiving fiber 23. A lens attachment portion and a mounting portion 86 of a diffusion member are provided near the front end of the holding portion 85. The optical fiber core portion 87 is exposed on an end surface of the mounting portion 86. In addition, the teeth for screwing the lens attachment portion and the diffusion member may be cut out on the peripheral surface of the mounting portion 86. In this way, the holding portion 85, the mounting portion 86, and the optical fiber core portion 87 form an optical fiber head. As shown in FIG. 15 (A), the shape of the light projection fiber 22 and the light receiving fiber 23 may be substantially common, and the light receiving fiber 23 may have a holding portion 85.

FIG. 16 (A) is a side view showing the light-emitting optical fiber 22 of the transmission-type optical fiber sensor and the light-receiving optical fiber 23 on which the diffusion member 88 is mounted. FIG. 16 (A) is a cross-sectional view showing a light-emitting optical fiber 22 of a transmission-type optical fiber sensor and a light-receiving optical fiber 23 on which a diffusion member 88 is installed. Although the cable portion 84 of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 has a coating, the coating near the front end is peeled off, and the optical fiber core portion 87 is exposed. The optical fiber core portion 87 is inserted through the cylindrical holding portion 85. FIG. 16 (C) is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the front end of the light receiving fiber 23. FIG. FIG. 16 (C) is a diagram showing the vicinity of the front end of the light-receiving fiber 23 when the light-receiving fiber 23 is viewed from the light-emitting fiber 22. The auxiliary light is emitted radially from the end surface of the optical fiber core 87 at an angle of about 60 degrees. Therefore, by attaching a cap-shaped diffusion member 88 to the front end of the light-receiving optical fiber 23, the auxiliary light incident on the diffusion member 88 from the end surface of the optical fiber core 87 is diffused by the diffusion member 88, and the diffusion member 88 appears to emit light. That is, the diffusion member 88 functions as a display lamp. For example, if the color of the auxiliary light is green, the diffusion member 88 emits light in green. Therefore, the user can easily confirm whether the auxiliary light is emitted from the light receiving fiber 23.

The timing of lighting the auxiliary light by several controllers 6 can be considered. For example, the controller 6 may make the auxiliary light flicker when the adjustment of the optical axis is started, and make the auxiliary light continuously light when the light receiving amount of the light receiving fiber 23 exceeds a specific value. In addition, the controller 6 can illuminate the auxiliary light when performing an operation at a specific point via the operation section. This is useful for confirming that the light receiving fiber 23 is disconnected or badly connected. The controller 6 lights the auxiliary light when the lighting of the auxiliary light is instructed via the operation unit. When the diffusing member 88 emits light, the user can judge that the light-receiving optical fiber 23 is not disconnected, and no connection failure has occurred. On the other hand, if the diffusion member 88 is not emitting light, the user can judge that the light receiving fiber 23 is disconnected or a connection failure occurs. The controller 6 can turn on / off the auxiliary light in conjunction with the power on / off of the photoelectric switch 1. The controller 6 can turn on / off the auxiliary light in conjunction with turning on / off of the display lamp 24. The body of the photoelectric switch 1 is far from the front end of the light receiving fiber 23, and a user located near the front end of the light receiving fiber 23 cannot confirm that the display lamp 24 is on / off. At this time, the user can recognize the on / off of the display lamp 24 by confirming the auxiliary light.

As can be seen from the cross-section of the diffusion member 88 shown in FIG. 16 (B), the diffusion member 88 is substantially cylindrical. The diffusion member 88 includes a cylindrical member 88 a provided on the other end side of the light receiving fiber 23. The cylindrical member 88 a extends toward the light-emitting optical fiber 22 side from the end surface of the mounting portion 86. This is because the auxiliary light that is emitted in a radial shape easily enters the cylindrical member 88a. In the solid-type diffusion member 88, a transparent member 88b may be provided inside the cylindrical member 88a. In the hollow-type diffusion member 88, a cover 88c may be provided at the front end portion of the cylindrical member 88a. In such a hollow-type diffusion member 88, dust generated in a factory may enter the hollow portion. Therefore, by providing the cover 88c, intrusion of dust can be prevented. In addition, the cover 88c as described above may be omitted in an environment where a large amount of dust is not generated. If the cover 88c is omitted, the amount of received light increases. The cover 88c may be a lens. It can collect the projected light toward the core 87 of the optical fiber. The diffusion member 88 may be solid. That is, the light-transmitting member or the transparent member 88 b which is the same as the diffusion member 88 may be filled in the hollow portion. From the viewpoint of reducing the decrease in the amount of received light, it may be preferable that the transparent member 88b is a member with high transparency (small attenuation rate). If the refractive index of the transparent member 88b is the same as the refractive index of the core of the optical fiber core 87, useless reflection does not occur, and the reduction in the amount of received light may be reduced.

● Diffusion member for reflective fiber sensor Figure 17 (A) is a side view of the fiber head of a reflective fiber sensor. Fig. 17 (B) is a B-B cross-sectional view of a reflection-type optical fiber sensor. FIG. 17 (C) shows an end face of the optical fiber sensor in a state where the diffusion member 88 is not installed. Fig. 17 (D) is a perspective view of a reflection type optical fiber sensor. The holding section 85 integrally holds the light-emitting fiber 22 and the light-receiving fiber 23. The optical fiber core portion 87 a of the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the optical fiber core portion 87 b of the light receiving optical fiber 23 are inserted into the cylindrical holding portion 85 and extend to the end surface of the holding portion 85. A mounting portion 86 is provided at the front end of the holding portion 85, and a diffusion member 88 is screwed or fitted. As described above, at the front end portion of the holding portion 85, the optical fiber core portion 87a of the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the optical fiber core portion 87b of the light receiving optical fiber 23 are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the diffusing member 88 is formed so as not to cover the optical fiber core portion 87 a of the light projecting optical fiber 22 and to cover the optical fiber core portion 87 b of the light receiving optical fiber 23. As shown in FIG. 17 (C), in order to suppress the transmission of light from the optical fiber core portion 87a of the light projecting optical fiber 22 to the optical fiber core portion 87b of the light receiving optical fiber 23, the optical fiber core portion 87a of the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the light receiving fiber 23 A light shielding plate 99 is provided between the optical fiber cores 87b. The light shielding plate 99 only needs to be a light shielding member. The light shielding plate 99 is, for example, a metal plate. Metal plates are more rigid than resin plates. Therefore, it is easy to drive the light shielding plate 99 between the optical fiber core portion 87a and the optical fiber core portion 87b.

FIG. 18 (A) shows a state in which auxiliary light is output. The shadow given to the diffusion member 88 represents a state where the diffusion member 88 emits light due to the auxiliary light. The optical fiber core portion 87a of the light projecting optical fiber 22 is set as a shadow so that the detection light is output from the optical fiber core portion 87a. The diffusion member 88 covers the optical fiber core portion 87 b of the light receiving optical fiber 23 and does not cover the optical fiber core portion 87 a of the light projecting optical fiber 22. Therefore, the detection light is not attenuated by the diffusion member 88. In addition, as shown in FIG. 17 (B), the emission angle of the detection light is θ. θ is about 60 degrees. The diffusion member 88 can be chamfered in such a manner as not to interfere with the space of the cross-sectional sector. FIG. 18 (B) shows a state in which auxiliary light is not output. Since the auxiliary light is not lit, the diffusion member 88 does not emit light.

As the diffusion member 88 of the reflection-type optical fiber sensor, a hat-shaped diffusion member 88 shown in FIG. 16 (B) and the like can be used. At this time, the detection light is attenuated by the diffusion member 88 twice. However, if the distance from the reflective optical fiber sensor to the workpiece 81 or the reflector 83 is sufficiently short, the attenuation of the detection light will not be a problem. If the red detection light and the green auxiliary light are output at the same time, the cap-shaped diffusion member 88 should emit light in orange.

<Element Holder> FIG. 19 shows a light-emitting element module 32 and a light-receiving element module 33 mounted on the element holder 26. The light-emitting element module 32 includes a first light-emitting element 91a that emits detection light, and a light-receiving element 92a for monitoring the amount of light emitted by the first light-emitting element 91a. The detection light output from the first light emitting element 91 a is incident on the incident end of the light projection fiber 22, is transmitted in the core of the light projection fiber 22, and is emitted from the emission end of the light projection fiber 22. The controller 6 controls the amount of driving current flowing in the first light-emitting element 91 a according to the light-receiving amount of the light-receiving element 92 a to become the light-emission amount associated with the operation mode selected by the mode button 7.

The light-receiving element module 33 includes a light-receiving element 92b that receives the detection light transmitted through the light-receiving fiber 23 and is emitted from the emitting end, and a second light-emitting element 91b that outputs auxiliary light (display light). The auxiliary light output from the second light-emitting element 91 b is incident from the emission end of the light-receiving fiber 23, is transmitted through the core of the light-receiving fiber 23, and is emitted from the light-receiving fiber 23. In addition, one end side of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 is an emission end of the detection light, and is an incidence end of the auxiliary light. The other end side of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 is an incident end of the detection light and an outgoing end of the auxiliary light.

<Summary> As described using FIG. 1 and the like, the photoelectric switch 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case. That is, the casing is elongated. The display 5 is an example of a display portion that is mounted on the outer surface of the casing and is the first surface. Previously, since the display was housed inside the housing of the photoelectric switch, there was a distance from the outer surface of the housing to the display, making it difficult to view the display information. In this embodiment, since the display 5 is mounted on the outer surface of the casing, the distance from the outer edge of the photoelectric switch 1 to the display 5 becomes shorter, and it is easy to view the display information of the display 5. The light emitting element module 32, the hole 12, and the like are examples of the light projecting portion provided near the second surface beside the first surface. The light-receiving element module 33 and the hole 13 are examples of light-receiving portions provided near the second surface beside the first surface. The adjustment button 9 and the like are provided on the first surface or the display portion, and are examples of a reception portion that accepts a user operation. The controller 6 is an example of a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted by the receiving unit and a signal value that indicates the amount of light received by the light receiving unit. The control board 30 is an example of a control board (first board) that is housed inside the housing and is used to mount or connect a display control unit. The signal cable 51 is an example of a signal cable connecting the control substrate 30 and the display 5. As shown in FIGS. 6 (A) to 6 (C), the display 5 has a connection portion connected to the signal cable 51. The connection portion of the display 5 is less disposed between the display area and the signal cable 51 in the longitudinal direction of the casing. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7 (A) to 7 (C) and FIG. 10, the display 5 may have two short sides and two long sides, and be connected to one of the two short sides. There are signal cables 51. Accordingly, a connection structure of the signal cable 51 capable of securing a sufficient display area for the display 5 of the photoelectric switch 1 is provided.

The display unit may include a dot matrix display and a driving circuit for driving the dot matrix display. The display 5 is an example of a dot matrix display. The drive IC 54 is an example of a drive circuit. As shown in FIG. 7 (A) and the like, the driving IC 54 is provided at an end in the longitudinal direction of the display 5 and a signal cable 51 is connected. That is, the driving IC 54 may be provided between the display 5 and the connection portion in the longitudinal direction of the casing. In addition, the display 5 and the driving IC 54 may be disposed on the same component. According to FIG. 7 (A), the OLED layer 71 and the driving IC 54 of the display 5 are disposed on the transparent member 70.

As shown in FIGS. 11 (B) and 11 (C), the signal cable 51 may have a first portion connecting the display 5 and the driving IC 54 and a second portion connecting the driving IC 54 and the control substrate 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the signal cable 51 may be an FPC cable. Thereby, it is easy to connect the display 5 disposed outside the casing and the control substrate 30 disposed inside the casing.

The casing may have an upper casing 3 and a lower casing 2. In this case, the first surface is attached to the upper surface of the casing 3.

According to the present invention, the opening portion 25 is provided on the outer surface, particularly the upper surface, of the housing. The opening portion 25 can arrange the signal cable 51 from the inside to the outside of the casing, and can mount the display 5 on the outer surface of the casing. That is, the signal cable 51 is connected to the control board 30 via the opening 25. Since the display 5 is provided on the outer surface of the casing, it is not easy to give the user the impression that the display 5 is deeply arranged. Therefore, it is easy for the user to observe the display 5. The side of the short side of the display 5 to which the signal cable 51 is connected may be the side of the short side of the two short sides of the display 5 that is far from the second side (the front side of the display 5). At this time, the opening portion 25 may be provided on the rear end side of the spine member 36 or the like. The side of the short side of the display 5 to which the signal cable 51 is connected may be the side of the short side close to the second side (front side) of the two short sides of the display 5. At this time, the opening portion 25 may be provided on the front end side of the spine member 36 or the like. The spine member 36 of the upper case 3 is supported by the control substrate 30. It helps to increase the rigidity of the casing. Furthermore, the thickness of the spine member 36 is made thicker than the thickness of other parts of the upper case 3, so that the structure of the upper case 3 itself is improved. In particular, it is easy to protect the display 5 by increasing the rigidity of the spine member 36.

The first surface (upper surface) of the upper case 3 has an opening portion 25 as described with reference to FIGS. 8 (A) to 8 (E) and the like. The opening portion 25 functions as a hole-shaped or notch-shaped passing portion for passing the signal cable 51 from the outside to the inside of the housing. As shown in FIG. 8 (B) and the like, the opening portion 25 may be a slot provided along the short side direction (x-axis direction) of the first surface. As shown in FIG. 8 (E) and the like, the opening portion 25 may be a slot provided along the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the first surface. As shown in FIG. 7 (C), the driving IC 54 can be housed inside the casing. This reduces the size of the mounting portion of the display 5. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the longitudinal direction of the display 5 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first surface.

As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, a cover member 4 is used as a holding member for holding the display 5 provided on the outer surface of the casing. Thereby, the display 5 can be arranged on the outer surface of the casing, and it is easy for a user to observe the information displayed on the display 5. Thus, by disposing the cover member 4 on the outer side of the casing, the display area of the display 5 can be increased. However, if the display 5 is provided on the outer surface of the casing, the display 5 can easily receive an impact from the outside. Therefore, the cover member 4 has a role of protecting the display 5. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 10, the shielding member 50 is an example of a shielding member provided on at least a part of a side surface of the display 5. As shown in FIG. 13 and the like, the cover member 4 is an example of a cover member that sandwiches the shielding member 50 between the cover member 4 and the side surface of the display 5 to shield at least part of the side surface of the display 5. In this way, the shielding member 50 also has a function of protecting the display 5 from impact.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cover member 4 may have a window portion 40 that exposes a display area of the display 5. The cover member 4 may be configured to cover a non-display area of the display 5. The non-display area is a portion on the upper surface of the display 5 where no information is displayed.

Of the four frames located around the window portion 40 of the cover member 4, the thickness of one frame (eg, right frame 41b, left frame 41a) at the end in the longitudinal direction of the window portion 40 is thicker than that of the frame located at the window portion 40. Thickness of the two borders (eg, front border 41d, rear border 41c) at both ends in the short-side direction. It is easy to ensure the display area in the short-side direction of the display 5. The cover member 4 may be configured to engage with a protruding portion protruding from the first surface. For example, a protruding portion (edge portion 47) protruding from the upper surface of the upper case 3 may be engaged with the cutout 46 of the cover member 4.

The shielding member 50 may be electrically connected to a ground line of the signal cable 51. Thereby, the shielding member 50 reduces the influence of the electrical noise on the display 5.

As shown in FIG. 13, the length of the short side of the first side of the upper casing 3 is approximately equal to the length of the short side of the display 5, the thickness of the side surfaces (the central leg 43) located at both ends of the short side direction of the cover member 4, And the thickness of the shielding member 50 (right wall 50b, left wall 50c). Thereby, the shielding member 50 can protect the display 5 and make the length of the short-side direction of the display 5 close to the length of the short-side direction of the upper surface of the photoelectric switch 1. That is, it is easy to increase the size of characters that can be displayed on the display 5.

As shown in FIG. 10, the signal cable 51 and the shielding member 50 may be integrated FPC cables. This can reduce the number of parts. In addition, it is easy to integrate the ground wire toward the shield member 50 and the signal cable 51.

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 (B) and the like, the FPC cable can be bent at at least one place. Moreover, a part of the shielding member 50 and a part of the signal cable 51 are foldable.

The shielding member 50 may have a first region (bottom 50a) covering the bottom surface of the display 5, a second region (right wall 50b) protecting the first side of the display 5, and a third region (left) protecting the second side of the display 5 Wall 50c), and a fourth area (front wall 50d) that protects the third side of the display 5. As shown in FIG. 10, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region may be connected to the first region.

The upper cover 19 is an example of an openable and closable cover that covers the receiving section and the display 5 that is shielded by the cover member 4. This makes it difficult for oil droplets and the like generated in the factory to adhere to the adjustment button 9 or the display 5. In addition, breakage of the adjustment button 9 or the display 5 should not be easily caused. The cover member 4 is a cover covering a part of the display 5 and is provided on the outer side of the first surface of the casing. As shown in FIGS. 6 (B) and 9 (B), the height of the upper surface of the cover member 4 in the height direction of the housing may be substantially the same as the height of the surface on which the receiving portion is provided in the first surface.

As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the opening portion 25 may be covered by the cover member 4 or the display 5. This makes it difficult for foreign matter to enter the inside of the casing through the opening portion 25.

Characters may be written on the surface of one frame (for example, the rear frame 41c) located at the end in the longitudinal direction of the window portion 40. For example, when a transmission-type optical fiber is used, there are D-ON (Dark-ON) where the display lamp 24 lights when a workpiece is detected, or L-ON (Light- ON, ON) mode. At this time, the display 5 may display a mark (for example, an arrow mark or the like) indicating either one of "L-ON" and "D-ON" printed on the rear frame 41c. Since the rear end of the display 5 is adjacent to the rear frame 41c, the display 5 can display display information that cooperates with the information displayed on the rear frame 41c.

As shown in FIG. 7 (A), the display 5 may include a transparent member (transparent member 70), an OLED (OLED layer 71) provided on the lower surface side of the transparent member, and a substrate (located on the lower surface side of the OLED) Transparent base material 72, spine member 36). The cover member 4 is provided to protect at least the OLED layer 71. This reduces the damage of the OLED layer 71 and the influence of electrical noise.

As shown in FIG. 13, the thickness of the cover member 4 is thinner than the thickness of the casing (the upper casing 3 and the lower casing 2). Thereby, the length in the short-side direction of the display 5 can be increased as much as possible. In addition, the display area of the display 5 can be increased, and the size of the displayed characters can be increased.

As shown in FIG. 14, the light projecting optical fiber 22 is an optical fiber module that projects light (detection light) output from the first light emitting element 91 a to a passage area (detection area 80) of the workpiece 81. The light receiving fiber 23 is an optical fiber module that receives light from a passing area. As shown in FIG. 19, the light receiving element 92 b is provided on one end side of the light receiving fiber 23, and receives light incident from the other end side of the light receiving fiber 23 and transmitted through the light receiving fiber 23. The controller 6 and the display lamp 24 are examples of an output unit that outputs information on the presence or absence of a workpiece 81 based on a light receiving signal output from the light receiving element 92b. The second light emitting element 91 b is an example of a light emitting element that outputs light (auxiliary light) and makes the light incident on one end side of the light receiving fiber 23. The diffusion member 88 functions as a display lamp provided on the head of the light receiving fiber 23. The diffusion member 88 is provided on the other end side of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 and diffuses the light output from the second light-emitting element 91 b and transmitted through the light-receiving optical fiber 23. Thereby, the auxiliary light (display light) can be easily observed by the user.

The diffusion member 88 may be detachably screwed to the mounting portion 86 of the light receiving fiber 23 or may be fitted. This has the advantage that the diffusion member 88 can be easily replaced when the diffusion member 88 is contaminated or damaged. The diffusion member 88 may be screwed to the mounting portion 86 of the light receiving fiber 23. The diffusion member 88 may be attached to the mounting portion 86 of the light receiving fiber 23.

As shown in FIG. 16 (B) and the like, the diffusion member 88 may be a cap portion provided to cover the other end side of the light-receiving optical fiber 23. The cap can be hollow or solid. The cap portion may include a cylindrical member 88a provided on the other end side of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 and a transparent member 88b provided inside the cylindrical member 88a. A cover 88c may be provided at the front end of the cylindrical member 88a. The cover 88c functions to remove dust.

As shown in FIG. 14 (A), the light-emitting fiber 22 and the light-emitting fiber 22 can be arranged so that the light-emitting fiber 22 and the light-receiving fiber 23 from which the light output from the light-emitting fiber 22 enters are incident. Light receiving fiber 23. Such a photoelectric switch 1 is called a transmission-type optical fiber sensor. As shown in FIG. 14 (B) and FIG. 14 (C), the light output fiber 22 can be configured in such a manner that the light output from the light output end of the light projection fiber 22 is reflected by the workpiece or a reflection member and incident on the other end side of the light reception fiber 23 And light receiving fiber 23. Such a photoelectric switch 1 is called a reflection-type optical fiber sensor.

As shown in FIG. 17 (B), FIG. 18 (A), etc., the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the light receiving optical fiber 23 can form a single optical fiber cable. At this time, as shown in FIG. 17 (C), the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber 22 is disposed adjacent to the other end side of the light-receiving fiber 23. A light shielding plate 99 may be provided between the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the light receiving optical fiber 23. Thereby, the detection light transmitted through the light projecting optical fiber 22 does not leak toward the light receiving optical fiber 23. As shown in FIG. 17 (D), FIG. 18 (A), and the like, the diffusion member 88 may be fixed to the optical fiber cable so as not to cover the exit end of the light projection fiber 22 and cover the other end side of the light reception fiber 23.

The diffusion member 88 may be further attached to the mounting portion 86 provided near the front end of the light receiving fiber 23. On the other hand, it is feasible that the diffusion member 88 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 86 provided near the front end of the light receiving fiber 23. It is feasible that the diffusion member 88 is detachably screwed or fitted to the mounting portion 86. With the detachable diffusion member 88, the contaminated or damaged diffusion member 88 can be easily replaced.

According to the present invention, a light-receiving optical fiber 23 for a transmission-type optical fiber sensor or a reflection-type optical fiber sensor is provided. Furthermore, a diffusion member 88 for an optical fiber sensor is also provided.

As shown in FIG. 15 (A) and the like, the holding portion 85 of the light-emitting optical fiber 22 and the holding portion 85 of the light-receiving optical fiber 23 can function as independent external-facing mounting portions, respectively. Since the transmission-type optical fiber sensor is disposed so that the light-emitting fiber 22 and the light-receiving fiber 23 face each other, the light-emitting fiber 22 and the light-receiving fiber 23 are independent. Therefore, it is feasible that the holding portion 85 of the light projecting optical fiber 22 is mounted on the first supporting member, and the holding portion 85 of the light receiving fiber 23 is mounted on the second supporting member.

As shown in FIG. 17 (D) and the like, in the reflection type optical fiber sensor, the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the light receiving optical fiber 23 each have a mounting portion (holding portion 85) that is integrally mounted to the outside. That is, the holding portion 85 is attached to the support member. The supporting members may be a holder or the like that holds the holding portion 85.

1‧‧‧Photoelectric Switch

2‧‧‧ lower case

3‧‧‧ upper shell

4‧‧‧ cover member

5‧‧‧ Display

6‧‧‧controller

7‧‧‧ mode button

8‧‧‧ Active Receiver Button

9‧‧‧ adjust button

10‧‧‧ Slide switch

11‧‧‧set button

12‧‧‧hole

13‧‧‧hole

14‧‧‧ clamping module

15‧‧‧cable bushing

16a‧‧‧Connector

16b‧‧‧connector

17a‧‧‧Connection Department

17b‧‧‧Connecting Department

18‧‧‧DIN rail

19‧‧‧ Upper cover

19a‧‧‧Rotating Pin

19b‧‧‧holding hole

20‧‧‧Decorative components

22‧‧‧Fiber Optic Fiber

23‧‧‧Receiving fiber

24‧‧‧ Display Light

25‧‧‧ opening

26‧‧‧ component holder

28‧‧‧ Fixture

29‧‧‧ metal cover

30‧‧‧control board

32‧‧‧Light-emitting element module

33‧‧‧ light receiving module

34‧‧‧ sixth upper surface

35‧‧‧ Fourth upper surface / rear wall

36‧‧‧Spine component / third upper surface

37‧‧‧ Second upper surface / front wall

38‧‧‧ first upper surface

40‧‧‧Window

41a‧‧‧left border

41b‧‧‧Right border

41c‧‧‧Rear border

41d‧‧‧Front border

42‧‧‧ Forefoot

43‧‧‧central foot

44‧‧‧ hind foot

45‧‧‧ recess

46‧‧‧ gap

47‧‧‧Edge

48‧‧‧ claw

50‧‧‧shield member

50a‧‧‧ bottom

50b‧‧‧right wall

50c‧‧‧left wall

50d‧‧‧front wall

51‧‧‧Signal cable

52‧‧‧terminal

53‧‧‧Coincident Department

53a‧‧‧Signal wiring department

53b‧‧‧Shielded wiring section

54‧‧‧Driver IC

55‧‧‧hole

56a‧‧‧crease

56b‧‧‧ crease

56c‧‧‧crease

56d‧‧‧crease

56e‧‧‧ crease

60‧‧‧FPC

63a‧‧‧Fixing hole

63b‧‧‧Fixing holes

64‧‧‧ cover

70‧‧‧ transparent member

70a‧‧‧Connection section

71‧‧‧OLED layer

72‧‧‧ transparent substrate

73‧‧‧ Adhesive

80‧‧‧ detection area

81‧‧‧Workpiece

83‧‧‧ reflector

84‧‧‧Cable Department

85‧‧‧ holding department

86‧‧‧Mounting Department

87‧‧‧ fiber core

87a‧‧‧ Fiber Core

87b‧‧‧ Fiber Core

88‧‧‧ Diffusion member

88a‧‧‧ cylindrical member

88b‧‧‧transparent member

88c‧‧‧ cover

91a‧‧‧first light emitting element

91b‧‧‧Second light emitting element

92a‧‧‧ light receiving element

92b‧‧‧ light receiving element

99‧‧‧ Shading plate

A-A‧‧‧cut line

B-B‧‧‧cut line

x‧‧‧ axis

y‧‧‧axis

z‧‧‧axis

θ‧‧‧ exit angle

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a photoelectric switch. 2 (A) and 2 (B) are perspective views showing a plurality of photoelectric switches connected. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a photoelectric switch. 4 (A) and 4 (B) are perspective views showing a photoelectric switch. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between a cover member, a display, and a shield member. 6 (A) to 6 (D) are diagrams illustrating an upper case and the like. 7 (A) to 7 (C) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between a display and a signal cable. 8 (A) to 8 (E) are diagrams illustrating the positions of the slots. 9 (A) and 9 (B) are diagrams illustrating the positions of the slots. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an integrated signal cable and a shield member. 11 (A) to 11 (E) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between a display and a signal cable. 12 (A) and 12 (B) are cross-sectional views of a photoelectric switch. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of a cross section of a photoelectric switch. 14 (A) to 14 (C) are diagrams illustrating types of optical fiber sensors. 15 (A) to 15 (C) are diagrams illustrating the front end of the optical fiber cable of the transmission type optical fiber sensor. 16 (A) to 16 (D) are diagrams illustrating a diffusion member. 17 (A) to 17 (D) are diagrams illustrating a diffusion member. FIG. 18 (A) and FIG. 18 (B) are diagrams illustrating the lighting of the auxiliary light. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a light emitting element module and a light receiving element module.

Claims (17)

An optical fiber sensor, comprising: a first light-emitting element that outputs light; a light-emitting fiber that projects light output from the first light-emitting element to a detection area of a workpiece; and a light-receiving fiber that receives from the aforementioned detection Area light; a light receiving element, which is disposed on one end side of the light receiving fiber and receives light incident from the other end side of the light receiving fiber and transmitted through the light receiving fiber; an output section based on the light received by the light receiving element Signal, output indicating the presence or absence of information about the aforementioned workpiece; a second light emitting element that outputs light and makes the light incident on the one end side of the light receiving fiber; and a diffusing member that is provided on the other end side of the light receiving fiber, and The light output from the second light emitting element and transmitted through the light receiving fiber is diffused. The optical fiber sensor according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion member is provided as a cap portion covering the other end side of the light receiving optical fiber. The fiber optic sensor according to claim 2, wherein the cap is hollow. The fiber optic sensor of claim 2, wherein the cap is solid. The optical fiber sensor according to claim 4, wherein the cap portion includes a cylindrical member provided on the other end side of the light receiving optical fiber, and a transparent member provided on an inner side of the cylindrical member. The optical fiber sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an exit end of the light of the aforementioned light-emitting optical fiber and an incident end of the aforementioned light-receiving optical fiber to which the light output from the exit end of the optical fiber is incident In this way, the light-emitting fiber and the light-receiving fiber are arranged. The optical fiber sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light projection is configured in such a manner that the light output from the light-emitting end of the light-emitting fiber is reflected by the workpiece or a reflection member and incident on the other end side of the light-receiving fiber An optical fiber and the aforementioned light receiving fiber. The optical fiber sensor according to claim 6, wherein the light-emitting fiber and the light-receiving fiber form a single optical fiber cable; the emitting end of the light-emitting fiber is disposed adjacent to the other end side of the light-receiving fiber; A light shielding plate is provided between the aforementioned light-projecting optical fiber and the aforementioned light-receiving optical fiber. The optical fiber sensor according to claim 8, wherein the diffusion member is fixed to the optical fiber cable so as not to cover the exit end of the light-projecting optical fiber and cover the other end side of the light-receiving optical fiber. The optical fiber sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the diffusion member is detachably mounted on a mounting portion provided near a front end of the light receiving fiber. The optical fiber sensor according to claim 10, wherein the diffusion member is detachably screwed or fitted to the mounting portion. The optical fiber sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the diffusion member is next to a mounting portion provided near a front end of the light receiving fiber. The optical fiber sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the aforementioned light-emitting optical fiber and the aforementioned light-receiving optical fiber has an independent external installation portion. The optical fiber sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the light-projecting optical fiber and the light-receiving optical fiber has a mounting portion integrally mounted to the outside. A light-receiving optical fiber is characterized in that it is used for a transmission-type optical fiber sensor. The transmission-type optical fiber sensor includes: a first light-emitting element that outputs light; and a light-emitting optical fiber that will receive light from the first light-emitting element. The output light is projected to the detection area of the workpiece; the light-receiving fiber receives the light from the detection area; the light-receiving element is disposed on one end side of the light-receiving fiber, and is received from the other end side of the light-receiving fiber and incident on the light-receiving fiber The light transmitted from the light; the output unit, based on the light receiving signal output from the light receiving element, outputs information indicating the presence or absence of the workpiece; and the second light emitting element, outputting light, and incident the light to the one end of the light receiving fiber And the transmission-type optical fiber sensor has a diffusing member provided on the other end side of the light-receiving fiber and transmitting from the second light-emitting element and incident from the one end side to the light-receiving fiber and Incoming light is diffused; and the other end side of the light receiving fiber is The light projecting optical fiber to the end of the exit. A light-receiving optical fiber is characterized in that it is used in a reflection-type optical fiber sensor. The reflection-type optical fiber sensor has: a first light-emitting element that outputs light; and a light-emitting fiber that will receive light from the first light-emitting element. The output light is projected to the detection area of the workpiece; the light-receiving fiber receives the light from the detection area; the light-receiving element is disposed on one end side of the light-receiving fiber, and is received from the other end side of the light-receiving fiber and incident on the light-receiving fiber The light transmitted from the light; the output unit, based on the light receiving signal output from the light receiving element, outputs information indicating the presence or absence of the workpiece; and the second light emitting element, outputting light, and incident the light to the one end of the light receiving fiber And the reflective optical fiber sensor has a diffusing member provided on the other end side of the light receiving fiber, outputting from the second light emitting element, incident from the one end side, and transmitting through the light receiving fiber. Incoming light diffuses; and the light output from the exit end of the aforementioned projection fiber Or the workpiece to the reflective member reflecting the incident light mode the other end of the optical fiber by the, with respect to the light projecting fiber and the light-receiving fibers disposed. A diffusion member is characterized in that it is a diffusion member for an optical fiber sensor. The optical fiber sensor has: a first light emitting element that outputs light; and a light projection fiber that projects light output from the first light emitting element to The detection area of the workpiece; the light-receiving fiber receives the light from the detection area; the light-receiving element is disposed on one end side of the light-receiving fiber, receives the light incident from the other end side of the light-receiving fiber and passes through the light-receiving fiber. Light; an output section that outputs information indicating the presence or absence of the workpiece based on the light receiving signal output from the light receiving element; and a second light emitting element that outputs light and makes the light incident on the one end side of the light receiving fiber; and the optical fiber The diffusing member for the sensor is provided on the other end side of the light receiving fiber, and diffuses light output from the second light emitting element and transmitted through the light receiving fiber.