JP5194101B2 - Photoelectric switch - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a photoelectric switch that detects the presence or absence of an object in a predetermined detection region.

Conventionally, a photoelectric switch has been used to detect the presence or absence of an object in a production line of a factory. The photoelectric switch projects the light onto the detection area of the object and receives the return light from the object, thereby determining the presence or absence of the object.

As one of such photoelectric switches, a triangulation photoelectric switch that applies the principle of triangulation has been developed. The triangulation photoelectric switch is called a distance setting type photoelectric switch.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a main part of a conventional triangulation photoelectric switch.

In FIG. 19, the photoelectric switch 800 includes a light emitting diode 801, a light projecting lens 802, a light receiving lens 803, and a PSD (light position detecting element) 804. The light emitted from the light emitting diode 801 is irradiated to the detection object 900 through the light projection lens 802. The reflected light from the detection object 900 is received as a light spot on the light receiving surface of the PSD 804 through the light receiving lens 803.

The position of the light spot on the light receiving surface of the PSD 804 changes depending on the distance between the photoelectric switch 800 and the detection object 900. When the detection object 900 approaches the photoelectric switch 800, a light spot is formed on the one end e1 side of the light receiving surface of the PSD 804, and when the detection object 900 moves away from the photoelectric switch 800, the light spot is another on the light receiving surface of the PSD 804. It is formed on the end e2 side.

The PSD 804 outputs two light reception signals N and F corresponding to the position of the light spot on the light receiving surface. One light receiving signal N has a level (current value) proportional to the distance from one end e1 of the light receiving surface of PSD 804 to the light spot, and the other light receiving signal F is from the other end e2 of the light receiving surface to the light spot. It has a level (current value) proportional to the distance. Therefore, the distance from the photoelectric switch 800 to the detection object 900 can be detected using the two light reception signals N and F.

On the optical axis of the projection light from the light emitting diode 801, a range in which the reflected light from the detection target can enter the light receiving surface of the PSD 804 is a detection region. A set position ST is set in advance in the detection area, and a side closer to the photoelectric switch 800 with respect to the set position ST becomes a detectable range, and a side away from the photoelectric switch 800 with respect to the set position ST becomes a non-detection range. The photoelectric switch 800 determines that the detection target 900 exists when the PSD 804 receives reflected light from the detectable range.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining determination processing using the light reception signals N and F output from the PSD 804. A difference (N−F) between the light reception signal N and the light reception signal F corresponds to the position of the detection object 900 in the detection region. In actual processing, normalization is performed by dividing the difference (NF) of the received light signal by (N + F) corresponding to the total received light amount, and the position signal {(NF) / (N + F)} is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 20A, when the level of the position signal is higher than a preset threshold value TH, it is determined that the detection target 900 exists within the detectable range, and shown in FIG. As described above, when the level of the position signal is lower than the threshold value TH, it is determined that the detection target 900 does not exist within the detectable range. By adjusting the threshold value TH, the set position ST in the detection area can be moved.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining a threshold value setting method in a conventional photoelectric switch. The photoelectric switch 800 is provided with a trimmer switch 810 for adjusting a threshold value, a detection indicator lamp 811 that displays a detection result, and a stability indicator lamp 812 that indicates the stability of detection.

First, as shown in FIG. 21A, the detection object 900 is arranged at a predetermined position in front of the photoelectric switch 800, and the trimmer switch 810 is turned to the right until the detection indicator lamp 811 is turned on.

Next, as shown in FIG. 21B, the detection object 900 is removed, and the trimmer switch 810 is further rotated to the right until the detection indicator lamp 811 is turned on in a state where light is projected onto the background object 901. When there is no background object 901, the trimmer switch 810 is set to the maximum position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21 (c), the trimmer switch 810 is returned to the left and set to an intermediate position between the position of FIG. 21 (a) and the position of FIG. 21 (b). Thereby, the set position ST is set in the middle between the position of the detection target 900 and the position of the background object 901.

In this state, when the detection object 900 is present, the detection indicator lamp 811 and the stability indicator lamp 812 are turned on. When the detection object 900 is not present, the detection indicator lamp 811 is turned off and the stability indicator lamp 812 is turned on. Check that it lights up. When the stability indicator lamp 812 is not turned on, readjustment is performed because the margin between the set position ST and the position of the detection target 900 or between the set position ST and the background object 901 is small.

As described above, in the conventional photoelectric switch 800, the set position ST is set and adjusted by turning the trimmer switch 810 while looking at the detection indicator lamp 811 and the stability indicator lamp 812. It cannot be accurately grasped, and it is difficult to finely adjust the set position ST. It is also difficult to grasp the margin between the detection object 900 and the set position ST and the margin between the set position ST and the background object 901.

The objective of this invention is providing the photoelectric switch which can recognize the value regarding the process of a received light signal easily and correctly.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric switch capable of easily and accurately recognizing a value related to processing of a received light signal and adjusting the value easily and accurately.

(1) First Invention A photoelectric switch according to the first invention is a photoelectric switch that detects the presence or absence of an object in the detection region by projecting light to the detection region and receiving feedback light from the detection region. A light receiving means for receiving light and outputting a light receiving signal corresponding to the light receiving state, and provided on the first outer surface of the casing having a plurality of outer surfaces and the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing, and returning from the detection region A light receiving unit that receives light and guides it to the light receiving unit, a processing unit that processes a light reception signal output from the light receiving unit, and a second outer surface that faces the first outer surface among the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing, Display means for displaying values relating to the processing of the means.

In the photoelectric switch according to the present invention, the feedback light from the detection region is received by the light receiving means through the light receiving unit, and a light reception signal corresponding to the light reception state is output. Then, the received light signal is processed by the processing means. Further, a value related to the processing of the processing means is displayed by the display means.

In this case, since the light receiving portion and the display means are provided on the outer surfaces of the casing facing each other, the area of the light receiving portion and the area of the display means can be sufficiently ensured while reducing the size of the casing. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately recognize the value related to the processing of the received light signal while ensuring high detection accuracy.

(2) Second invention A photoelectric switch according to the second invention is provided in the second outer surface of the casing in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the first invention, and the value displayed on the display means is displayed in the processing means. An adjustment means for adjusting is further provided.

In this case, since the adjusting means is provided on the same outer surface as the display means of the casing, the user can easily and accurately adjust the value while viewing the value displayed on the display means.

(3) Third invention A photoelectric switch according to a third invention is configured in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the second invention, wherein the display means is configured to be able to switch and display a plurality of types of values relating to the processing of the processing means, A selection means for selecting a value type to be displayed on the display means from among a plurality of kinds of values related to the processing of the processing means, provided on a third outer surface different from the first and second outer faces among the plurality of outer faces of the casing. Is further provided.

In this case, a plurality of types of values related to the processing of the processing means are switched and displayed on the display means. The user can select the type of the value to be displayed on the display unit from among a plurality of types of values related to the processing unit using the selection unit, and adjust the value displayed on the display unit using the adjustment unit. can do.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the selecting means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the selecting means is prevented.

(4) Fourth invention A photoelectric switch according to a fourth invention is the photoelectric switch according to the first invention, wherein the display means is adjustable for detecting the presence or absence of an object as well as processing of the processing means. An adjustment unit configured to display a value, provided on the second outer surface of the casing and configured to adjust an adjustable value displayed on the display unit; and first and second of the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing And a determination unit that is provided on a third outer surface different from the outer surface and determines a value adjusted by the adjustment unit as a value related to processing of the processing unit.

In this case, a value that can be adjusted to detect the presence or absence of an object as well as the processing of the processing means is displayed on the display means. The user can adjust the value displayed on the display unit using the adjusting unit, and can determine the value adjusted by the adjusting unit using the determining unit as a value related to the processing of the processing unit.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the determining means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the determining means is prevented.

(5) 5th invention The photoelectric switch which concerns on 5th invention is the structure of the photoelectric switch which concerns on 1st invention, The 3rd outer surface different from the 1st and 2nd outer surface among the some outer surfaces of a casing Provided on the second outer surface of the casing; and a setting means for setting an adjustable value for detecting the presence or absence of an object and a value relating to the processing of the processing means. And adjusting means for adjusting the adjustable value set by the setting means and displayed on the display means in the processing means.

In this case, the user can set a value that is generated based on the processing of the processing unit and that can be adjusted to detect the presence or absence of an object as a value related to the processing of the processing unit using the setting unit. The adjustable value set by the setting means is displayed on the display means. The user can adjust the adjustable value displayed on the display unit using the adjustment unit.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the setting means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the setting means is prevented.

(6) Sixth Invention In the photoelectric switch according to the sixth invention, in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to any one of the third to fifth inventions, the processing means processes the received light signal output from the light receiving means. Thus, a detection process for detecting the presence or absence of an object in the detection region is performed, and a display unit is provided on the third outer surface of the casing and displays information regarding the detection state of the processing means.

In this case, since the display unit is provided on the same outer surface as the casing selection unit, determination unit, or setting unit, the user can operate the selection unit while viewing information on the detection state displayed on the display unit.

(7) Seventh Invention The photoelectric switch according to the seventh invention is configured in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the first invention, wherein the display means is configured to be able to switch and display a plurality of types of values related to the processing of the processing means, A selection means provided on the second outer surface of the casing for selecting a type of value to be displayed on the display means from among a plurality of types of values related to processing by the processing means, and first and second of the plurality of outer faces of the casing. And adjusting means for adjusting the value displayed on the display means by the processing means. The adjusting means is provided on a third outer surface different from the outer surface.

In this case, a plurality of types of values related to the processing of the processing means are switched and displayed on the display means. The user can select the type of value to be displayed on the display unit from among a plurality of types of values related to the processing of the processing unit using the selection unit, and can process the value displayed on the display unit using the adjustment unit. Can be adjusted.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the selecting means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the selecting means is prevented. Further, since the display means and the selection means are provided on the same outer surface of the casing, the user can select a value to be displayed on the display means by the selection means while looking at the value displayed on the display means. Therefore, the selection operation by the selection means can be performed accurately.

(8) Eighth Invention In the photoelectric switch according to the eighth invention, in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the first invention, the display means can be adjusted to detect the presence or absence of an object as well as processing of the processing means. An adjustment unit configured to display a value, provided on a third outer surface different from the first and second outer surfaces of the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing, and for adjusting an adjustable value displayed on the display unit; And determining means for determining a value adjusted by the adjusting means as a value relating to processing of the processing means, provided on the second outer surface of the casing.

In this case, a value that can be adjusted to detect the presence or absence of an object as well as the processing of the processing means is displayed on the display means. The user can adjust the value displayed on the display unit using the adjusting unit, and can determine the value adjusted by the adjusting unit using the determining unit as a value related to the processing of the processing unit.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the determining means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the determining means is prevented. Further, since the display means and the determination means are provided on the same outer surface of the casing, the user can perform the determination operation by the determination means while looking at the value displayed on the display means. Therefore, the determination operation by the determination unit can be performed accurately.

(9) Ninth Invention A photoelectric switch according to a ninth invention is provided on the second outer surface of the casing in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the first invention, and is generated based on the processing of the processing means and is an object. A setting unit for setting an adjustable value for detecting the presence or absence of the processing unit as a value related to processing of the processing unit, and a third outer surface different from the first and second outer surfaces among the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing. And adjusting means for adjusting the adjustable value set by the setting means and displayed on the display means in the processing means.

In this case, the user can set a value that is generated based on the processing of the processing unit and that can be adjusted to detect the presence or absence of an object as a value related to the processing of the processing unit using the setting unit. The adjustable value set by the setting means is displayed on the display means. The user can adjust the adjustable value displayed on the display unit using the adjustment unit.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the setting means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the setting means is prevented. Further, since the display means and the setting means are provided on the same outer surface of the casing, the user can perform a setting operation by the setting means while looking at the value displayed on the display means. Therefore, the setting operation by the setting means can be performed accurately.

(10) Tenth Invention A photoelectric switch according to a tenth invention is the photoelectric switch according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the casing further includes a light emitting means for generating light. The first outer surface is further provided with a light projecting unit that projects the light generated by the light emitting means onto the detection area.

In this case, since the light projecting portion and the display means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, the area of the light projecting portion and the area of the display means can be sufficiently ensured while reducing the size of the casing.

(11) Eleventh invention A photoelectric switch according to an eleventh invention is a photoelectric switch for detecting the presence or absence of an object in the detection region by projecting light to the detection region and receiving feedback light from the detection region. A light receiving means for outputting a light receiving signal corresponding to the light receiving state of the feedback light from the detection area, a casing having at least a light receiving means, a casing having a plurality of outer faces, and a first outer face among the plurality of outer faces of the casing. A light receiving portion that receives feedback light from the detection region and guides it to the light receiving means, and a second outer surface that faces the first outer surface of the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing, and is based on a light reception signal from the light receiving means Display means for displaying the generated value.

In the photoelectric switch according to the present invention, the feedback light from the detection region is received by the light receiving means through the light receiving unit, and a light reception signal corresponding to the light reception state is output. Then, a value generated based on the received light signal is displayed on the display means.

In this case, since the light receiving portion and the display means are provided on the outer surfaces of the casing facing each other, the area of the light receiving portion and the area of the display means can be sufficiently ensured while reducing the size of the casing. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately recognize the value generated based on the value of the received light signal while ensuring high detection accuracy.

(12) Twelfth Invention A photoelectric switch according to a twelfth invention is provided on the second outer surface of the casing in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the eleventh invention, for adjusting a value displayed on the display means. The adjusting means is further provided.

In this case, since the display unit and the adjustment unit are provided on the same outer surface of the casing, the user can easily and accurately adjust the value by the adjustment unit while viewing the value displayed on the display unit. At the same time, the value can be easily and accurately recognized.

(13) Thirteenth invention In the photoelectric switch according to the thirteenth invention, in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the twelfth invention, the display means switches among a plurality of types of values generated based on the light reception signal from the light reception means. The display means is configured to be provided on a third outer surface different from the first and second outer surfaces of the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing, and is used as a display means among a plurality of types of values generated based on a light reception signal from the light receiving means. It further includes selection means for selecting the type of value to be displayed.

In this case, a plurality of types of values generated based on the received light signal are switched and displayed on the display means. The user can select the type of value to be displayed on the display unit using the selection unit, and can adjust the value displayed on the display unit using the adjustment unit.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the selecting means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the selecting means is prevented.

(14) Fourteenth Invention A photoelectric switch according to a fourteenth invention is the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the twelfth or thirteenth invention, comprising a processing means for processing a received light signal output from the light receiving means, and a processing means. A storage unit that stores the generated value, and a value that is provided on a third outer surface that is different from the first and second outer surfaces of the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing and that is adjusted by the adjusting means is stored in the storage unit as a reference value. And a determination means for making a determination for making it happen.

In this case, the value generated by the processing means is stored in the storage unit. The user can adjust the value displayed on the display unit using the adjusting unit, and can store the value adjusted by the adjusting unit using the determining unit as a reference value in the storage unit.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the determining means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the determining means is prevented.

(15) Fifteenth Invention A photoelectric switch according to a fifteenth invention is a photoelectric switch according to the twelfth or thirteenth invention, wherein a third different from the first and second outer surfaces of the plurality of outer surfaces of the casing. And a setting means for setting a value that is generated based on a light reception signal from the light receiving means and that can be adjusted to detect the presence or absence of an object as a value related to processing of the processing means. Indicates an adjustable value set by the setting means.

In this case, the user can set a value that is generated based on the light reception signal from the light receiving means and that can be adjusted to detect the presence or absence of an object as a value related to the processing of the processing means using the setting means. The adjustable value set by the setting means is displayed on the display means. The user can adjust the adjustable value displayed on the display unit using the adjustment unit.

In particular, since the adjusting means and the setting means are provided on different outer surfaces of the casing, erroneous operation of the adjusting means and the setting means is prevented.

(16) Sixteenth Invention A photoelectric switch according to a sixteenth invention is based on the processing of the light receiving signal output from the light receiving means and the processing of the processing means in the configuration of the photoelectric switch according to the fifteenth invention. Of the generated values, a value set by the setting means is stored as a reference value, and a storage unit for storing the adjusted reference value after adjustment of the reference value by the adjusting means is further provided.

In this case, the light receiving signal output from the light receiving means is processed by the processing means. The value determined by the setting unit among the values generated based on the processing of the processing unit is stored as a reference value in the storage unit, and after the adjustment of the reference value by the adjustment unit, the adjusted reference value is stored in the storage unit. Is done.

It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the photoelectric switch of the triangulation system in one Example of this invention from one direction. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the photoelectric switch of FIG. 1 from the other direction. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating position information and threshold value information. It is a figure which shows the display part and indicator lamp in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of setting operation by the selection / decision / setting switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of setting operation by the selection / decision / setting switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the specific example of setting operation by the selection / decision / setting switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a figure which shows the other example of the display part in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the adjustment switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a front view which shows the other example of the adjustment switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a front view which shows the other example of the adjustment switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the adjustment switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the adjustment switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the other example of the adjustment switch in the photoelectric switch of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other example of a selection / decision / setting switch. It is a figure which shows the selection switch and decision / setting switch which were provided independently, respectively. It is an external appearance perspective view of the photoelectric switch of the triangulation system in the other Example of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the principal part of the conventional triangulation system photoelectric switch. It is a figure for demonstrating the determination process using the light reception signal output from PSD. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the setting method of the threshold value in the conventional photoelectric switch.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a triangulation type photoelectric switch in one embodiment of the present invention as seen from one direction, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the photoelectric switch in FIG. 1 and 2, the casing 10 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having end surface portions 11 and 12 facing each other, a back surface portion 13 and a front surface portion 14 facing each other, and side surface portions 15 and 16 facing each other. Has been. For example, the longitudinal length L of the casing 10 is 30 mm, the lateral length D is 20 mm, and the width W is 10.8 mm.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front surface portion 14 of the casing 10 is provided with a light projecting / receiving unit 20 that projects light onto the detection region and receives feedback light from the detection region. As shown in FIG. 1, a display unit 30 and two push-type adjustment switches 50 are provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10. A push type selection / decision / setting switch 40 and an indicator lamp 60 are provided on one end surface portion 11 of the casing 10. An output cable 70 is connected to a corner between the back surface portion 13 and the other end surface portion 12 of the casing 10. The side surface parts 15 and 16 of the casing 10 are used to fix the photoelectric switch 1 in contact with other devices.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the photoelectric switch of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the photoelectric switch 1 includes a light projecting lens 21, an LED (light emitting diode) 22, a light receiving lens 23, a PSD (light position detecting element) 24, a control circuit 81, amplifiers 82 and 83, and an LED (light emitting diode). A drive circuit 84, a display unit 30, a selection / decision / setting switch 40, an adjustment switch 50 and an indicator lamp 60 are provided. The control circuit 81 includes a memory 88.

The light projecting lens 21 and the light receiving lens 23 constitute the light projecting / receiving unit 20. Further, the LED 22, PSD 24, control circuit 81, amplifiers 82 and 83, and LED drive circuit 84 are built in the casing 10 of FIG.

The LED drive circuit 84 drives the LED 22 under the control of the control circuit 81. Thereby, the LED 22 emits light. The light emitted from the LED 22 is projected onto the detection object 500 in the detection region through the light projecting lens 21. The reflected light from the detection object 500 is received as a light spot on the light receiving surface of the PSD 24 through the light receiving lens 23.

The PSD 24 outputs two light reception signals N and F corresponding to the position of the light spot on the light receiving surface. One light reception signal N has a level (current value) substantially proportional to the distance from one end e1 of the light receiving surface of the PSD 24 to the light spot, and the other light reception signal F is from the other end e2 of the light receiving surface to the light spot. It has a level (current value) approximately proportional to the distance. The light reception signals N and F output from the PSD 24 are given to the control circuit 81 via amplifiers 82 and 83, respectively.

As described with reference to FIG. 20, the control circuit 81 performs a determination process using the light reception signals N and F and a preset threshold value. That is, the control circuit 81 calculates the position signal {(NF) / (N + F)} based on the light reception signals N and F corresponding to the current position of the light spot on the light receiving surface of the PSD 24, and the position The presence / absence of the detection object 500 in the detection region is detected by comparing the value of the signal with a threshold value.

The control circuit 81 displays the detection result and detection stability on the indicator lamp 60 and outputs a detection signal DT indicating the detection result to the outside through the output cable 70. Here, a case where it is determined that a detection target exists within the detectable range of the detection area is referred to as an on state, and a case where it is determined that there is no detection target within the detectable range of the detection area is referred to as an off state. The detection stability is expressed by the difference between the position signal value and the threshold value when the detection target exists or does not exist within the detectable range of the detection region, and when the difference is a predetermined value or more. Is called a stable state, and when the difference is smaller than a predetermined value, it is called an unstable state.

The control circuit 81 further includes position information (information indicating the value of the current position signal) to be described later indicating the position of the detection object, threshold information indicating the threshold value, and detection information indicating the detection result of the detection object. Various information such as maximum position information indicating the maximum value of the position signal, minimum position information indicating the minimum value of the position signal, and error information is stored in the memory 88.

In addition, the control circuit 81 switches and displays various information such as position information, threshold information, detection information, stability information, maximum position information, minimum position information, and error information stored in the memory 88 on the display unit 30. .

The selection / determination / setting switch 40 is used for a selection operation for selecting the type of information to be displayed on the display unit 30 and sets a value that is generated based on the position signal and can be adjusted with respect to processing of the control circuit 81. A new setting value (reference value) relating to the processing of the control circuit 81 is used for the setting operation for setting as a value (reference value), and the information value displayed on the display unit 30 and adjusted by an adjustment switch 50 described later. ) Is used for the determination operation for determining as). Here, the value that is generated based on the position signal and can be adjusted is a value calculated using the value of the position signal in a certain period or state or the value of the position signal itself, for example, in a certain period. An intermediate value between the maximum value and the minimum value of the position signal, an intermediate value of the value of the position signal in two states, a value of the position signal in a certain state, and the like.

The control circuit 81 switches the type of information to be displayed on the display unit 30 in response to the selection operation of the selection / determination / setting switch 40, and changes the position signal in response to the setting operation of the selection / determination / setting switch 40. A value generated based on this value and stored in memory 88 as a setting value, and a value of information displayed on display unit 30 in response to the determination operation of selection / determination / setting switch 40 as a new setting value The data is stored in the memory 88.

The adjustment switch 50 is used to adjust the value of information displayed on the display unit 30 among various values related to the processing of the control circuit 81.

In this embodiment, the LED 22 corresponds to a light emitting unit, the PSD 24 corresponds to a light receiving unit, the light projecting lens 21 corresponds to a light projecting unit, and the light receiving lens 23 corresponds to a light receiving unit. The display unit 30 corresponds to display means, the adjustment switch 50 corresponds to adjustment means, and the selection / determination / setting switch 40 corresponds to selection means, determination means, and setting means. Further, the control circuit 81 corresponds to a processing unit, and the memory 88 corresponds to a storage unit. The indicator lamp 60 corresponds to a display unit, and the output cable 70 corresponds to an output line.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining position information and threshold information. On the optical axis of the projection light from the LED 22, the range in which the reflected light from the detection target can enter the light receiving surface of the PSD 24 is the detection region D0. A set position ST is set in advance in the detection area D0. This set position ST means a position where the detection result based on the reflected light from the detection region D0 changes between the on state and the off state.

In the detection area D0, the detectable range D1 is between the end P1 closest to the photoelectric switch 1 and the set position ST, and the non-detected range D2 is between the end P2 farthest from the photoelectric switch 1 and the set position ST. Become. The control circuit 81 in FIG. 3 determines that a detection target exists when the PSD 24 receives reflected light from the detectable range D1.

The position of the detection object in the detection area D0 is represented by position information with the end P1 of the detection area D0 as the origin. For example, the position information of the end portion P1 of the detection area D0 is set to 0, and the position information of the end portion P2 is set to 999. Similarly to the position information, the set position ST is represented by threshold information whose origin is the end portion P1 of the detection area D0. When the set position ST is set at the end P1 of the detection area D0, the threshold information is 0, and when the set position ST is set at the end P2 of the detection area D0, the threshold information is 999. It becomes. With such position information and threshold information, it is possible to easily grasp the position of the detection object and the set position ST in the detection region D0 and the relative relationship between the position of the detection object and the set position ST. .

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the display unit 30 and the indicator lamp 60 in the photoelectric switch 1 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5A, various kinds of information such as position information and threshold information are displayed on the display unit 30 as characters such as numbers and letters. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the indicator lamp 60 includes a detection display LED (light emitting diode) 62a for displaying the detection result and a stability display LED (light emitting diode) 62b for displaying the detection stability. Is built-in.

When the detection result is on, the detection display LED 62a is turned on, and when the detection result is off, the detection display LED 62a is turned off. When the detection stability is stable, the stability display LED 62b is turned on, and when the detection stability is unstable, the stability display LED 62b is turned off.

In the photoelectric switch 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the type of information displayed on the display unit 30 can be switched by the selection operation of the selection / determination / setting switch 40 in FIG. For example, each time the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is pressed and released, the display content of the display unit 30 is in the order of position information, threshold information, detection information, stability information, maximum position information, minimum position information, error information, and the like. Can be switched.

In addition, a value that can be generated and adjusted based on the position signal by the setting operation of the selection / determination / setting switch 40 can be set as a setting value. In this case, the set value is displayed on the display unit 30 and stored in the memory 88 after a predetermined time of the setting operation.

6, 7 and 8 are diagrams showing specific examples of the setting operation of the selection / decision / setting switch 40. FIG. 6 (c), 7 (c), and 8 (b), the state where the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is pressed is indicated by a high level, and the state where the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is not depressed is indicated by a low level. Is shown.

As a first method, as shown in FIG. 6A, when the threshold value is set based on the moving detection object 500, as shown in FIG. 6C, the selection / determination / After pressing the setting switch 40 for a predetermined time (3 seconds in the example of FIG. 6) or more, the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is released. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, the position signal {(NF) / (N + F)} calculated using the received light signals N and F during the period when the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is being pressed. An intermediate value between the maximum value and the minimum value is automatically set as the threshold value th. The threshold value th set in this way is displayed on the display unit 30.

As a second method, when the threshold value is set based on the stationary detection target object 500, the detection target object is first placed in front of the background object 501, as shown in FIGS. After the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is pressed briefly in the absence of 500, the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is released, and then the selection / determination is performed with the detection object 500 placed in front of the background object 501. After pressing the / setting switch 40 again briefly, the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is released. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the intermediate value of the position signal {(NF) / (N + F)} calculated using the light reception signals N and F in the above two states. Is automatically set as the threshold th. The threshold value th set in this way is displayed on the display unit 30.

As a third method, when the threshold value is set based on the detection target object 500 existing at a predetermined position, the detection target object is first placed in front of the background object 501 as shown in FIG. After the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is pressed briefly in the absence of 500, the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is released, and then the selection / determination / setting is performed with the detection object 500 placed at a predetermined position. After pressing the switch 40 for a predetermined time (3 seconds in the example of FIG. 8) or more, the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is released. As a result, the value of the position signal {(NF) / (N + F)} calculated using the received light signals N and F with the detection object 500 placed at a predetermined position is automatically set as the threshold th. Is set automatically. The threshold value th set in this way is displayed on the display unit 30.

Further, the value of information displayed on the display unit 30 can be adjusted by operating the adjustment switch 50 of FIG. For example, when threshold information is displayed on the display unit 30, when one adjustment switch 50 is pressed, the value of the threshold information increases, and when the other adjustment switch 50 is pressed, the threshold information is displayed. The value of decreases.

Furthermore, the information displayed on the display unit 30 can be switched between position information and threshold information by operating the adjustment switch 50. For example, when the position information value is displayed on the display unit 30, when one of the adjustment switches 50 is pressed briefly, the threshold information value set so far is displayed on the display unit 30, Subsequently, when any of the adjustment switches 50 is pressed briefly, the value of the threshold information displayed on the display unit 30 changes by one. Along with this, the threshold value stored in the memory 88 is also automatically updated. If the adjustment switch 50 is not operated for a predetermined time after adjusting the threshold, the display on the display unit 30 is automatically switched to position information.

Further, the value of information displayed on the display unit 30 can be determined as a new set value by the determination operation of the selection / determination / setting switch 40 of FIG. For example, when the value of the threshold information is displayed on the display unit 30, if the selection / decision / setting switch 40 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the value of the threshold information displayed on the display unit 30 is not updated. It is stored in the memory 88 as a threshold value.

In the photoelectric switch 1 according to the present embodiment, the light projecting / receiving unit 20 and the display unit 30 are provided on the front part 14 and the rear part 13 of the casing 10 facing each other. The area of the part 20 and the display area of the display part 30 can be sufficiently secured. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately recognize various information while ensuring high detection accuracy.

In addition, since the display unit 30 and the adjustment switch 50 are provided on the same back surface part 13 of the casing 10, the user can easily and accurately set various information values by operating the adjustment switch 50 while viewing the display on the display unit 30. Can be adjusted.

Further, since the selection / determination / setting switch 40 and the adjustment switch 50 are provided on the end surface portion 11 and the rear surface portion 13 of the casing 10, respectively, erroneous operation of the selection / determination / setting switch 40 and the adjustment switch 50 can be prevented. it can.

In addition, since the indicator lamp 60 is provided on the same end surface portion 11 as the selection / decision / setting switch 40, the user performs a selection operation and a decision operation while looking at the detection result displayed on the indicator lamp 60 and the stability of the detection. It can be carried out.

Furthermore, by providing the output cable 70 at the corner between the end surface portion 12 and the back surface portion 13 that faces the end surface portion 11, it is possible to select / enlarge the end surface portion 11 while maintaining the downsizing of the casing 10. The determination / setting switch 40 and the indicator lamp 60 can be provided, and the display unit 30 and the adjustment switch 50 having a sufficiently large size can be provided on the back surface unit 13. Further, it is possible to prevent the output cable 70 from interfering with the light projecting / receiving unit 20 of the front surface part 14. Note that the output cable 70 may be attached to the end surface portion 12.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the display unit 30 in the photoelectric switch 1 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 30 includes a plurality of LEDs (light emitting diodes) arranged in a row, and displays various information such as position information and threshold information in a bar graph shape using the plurality of LEDs. For example, when the information value is minimum, one LED at the bottom is lit, and when the information value is maximum, all LEDs are lit.

10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams showing other examples of the adjustment switch 50. FIG.

In the example of FIG. 10, a seesaw type adjustment switch 50 is provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10 in a lateral direction. When the left side of the adjustment switch 50 is pressed, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 decreases, and when the right side is pressed, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 increases.

In the example of FIG. 11, a seesaw type adjustment switch 50 is provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10 in a vertically oriented manner. When the lower side of the adjustment switch 50 is pressed, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 is decreased, and when the upper side is pressed, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 is increased.

In the example of FIG. 12, a seesaw type adjustment switch 50 having two pressing portions arranged obliquely is provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10. When the lower left pressing portion of the adjustment switch 50 is pressed, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 decreases, and when the upper right pressing portion is pressed, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 increases. .

In the example of FIG. 13, a volume dial type adjustment switch 50 is provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10. When the adjustment switch 50 is turned to the left, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 is decreased. When the adjustment switch 50 is turned to the right, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 is increased.

In the example of FIG. 14, a trimmer type adjustment switch 50 is provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10. When the adjustment switch 50 is turned to the left, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 is decreased. When the adjustment switch 50 is turned to the right, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 is increased.

In the example of FIG. 15, a jog dial type adjustment switch 50 is provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10. When the adjustment switch 50 is slid downward, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 decreases, and when the adjustment switch 50 is slid upward, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 increases.

In addition, the kind of adjustment switch 50 provided in the back surface part 13 of the casing 10 is not limited to said example, A various switch can be used.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the selection / decision / setting switch. In the example of FIG. 16, a plurality of selection / determination / setting switches 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e are provided on the end surface portion 11 of the casing 10 of FIG. For example, when the selection / decision / setting switch 40a is pressed, the position information is displayed on the display unit 30 in FIG. When the selection / decision / setting switch 40b is pressed, threshold information is displayed on the display unit 30. When the selection / decision / setting switch 40c is pressed, the detection information is displayed on the display unit 30. When the selection / decision / setting switch 40d is pressed, the stability information is displayed on the display unit 30. When the selection / decision / setting switch 40e is pressed, error information is displayed on the display unit 30.

Further, when two of the selection / determination / setting switches 40a to 40e are pressed at the same time, a value generated and adjustable based on the position signal is set as a setting value and stored in the memory 88. Further, when other predetermined two of the selection / determination / setting switches 40 a to 40 e are pressed at the same time, the value of the information displayed on the display unit 30 is determined as a new setting value and stored in the memory 88.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a selection switch and a determination / setting switch provided independently. In the example of FIG. 17, the selection switch 40 </ b> A and the determination / setting switch 40 </ b> B are separately provided on the end surface portion 11 of the casing 10 of FIG. 1. The type of information displayed on the display unit 30 can be switched by pressing and releasing the selection switch 40A. Further, by pressing and releasing the enter / set switch 40B, a value that is generated based on the position signal and can be adjusted can be set as a set value and stored in the memory 88 or displayed on the display unit 30. The information value can be determined as a new set value and stored in the memory 88.

Furthermore, the determination switch and the setting switch may be separately provided on the end surface portion 11 of the casing 10.

In the photoelectric switch 1 of the above-described embodiment, the value of information displayed on the display unit 30 is adjusted using the adjustment switch 50 and then displayed by performing a determination operation using the selection / determination / setting switch 40. The value of the information displayed on the unit 30 is stored in the memory 88 as a new set value. However, when the value displayed on the display unit 30 is adjusted using the adjustment switch 50, the adjusted value is stored in the memory 88. You may comprise so that it may memorize | store automatically.

FIG. 18 is an external perspective view of a triangulation type photoelectric switch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the photoelectric switch 1 a of FIG. 18, a display unit 30 and a push-type selection / determination / setting switch 40 are provided on the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10. Further, a trimmer type adjustment switch 50 and an indicator lamp 60 are provided on one end surface portion 11 of the casing 10. The configuration of other parts of the photoelectric switch 1a in FIG. 18 is the same as the configuration of the photoelectric switch 1 in FIG.

In the photoelectric switch 1a of the present embodiment, the light projecting / receiving unit 20 and the display unit 30 are respectively provided on the front surface portion 14 and the back surface portion 13 of the casing 10 that are opposite to each other, as in the photoelectric switch 1 of FIG. The area of the light projecting / receiving unit 20 and the display area of the display unit 30 can be sufficiently secured while downsizing the casing 10. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately recognize various information while ensuring high detection accuracy.

Further, since the display unit 30 and the selection / decision / setting switch 40 are provided on the same back surface part 13 of the casing 10, the user performs selection operation and decision of the selection / determination / setting switch 40 while viewing the display on the display unit 30. The operation can be performed.

Further, since the selection / determination / setting switch 40 and the adjustment switch 50 are provided on the back surface portion 13 and the end surface portion 11 of the casing 10, respectively, erroneous operation of the selection / determination / setting switch 40 and the adjustment switch 50 can be prevented. it can.

In addition, since the adjustment switch 50 and the indicator lamp 60 are provided on the same end surface portion 11 of the casing 10, the user displays the detection result displayed on the indicator lamp 60 and the detection stability on the display unit 30. It is possible to easily and accurately adjust the value of information.

Furthermore, by providing the output cable 70 at the corner between the end surface portion 12 and the back surface portion 13 that faces the end surface portion 11, it is possible to select / enlarge the end surface portion 11 while maintaining the downsizing of the casing 10. The determination / setting switch 40 and the indicator lamp 60 can be provided, and the display unit 30 and the adjustment switch 50 having a sufficiently large size can be provided on the back surface unit 13. Further, it is possible to prevent the output cable 70 from interfering with the light projecting / receiving unit 20 of the front surface part 14. Note that the output cable 70 may be attached to the end surface portion 12.

Also in the photoelectric switch 1a of this embodiment, the pair of push type adjustment switches 50 shown in FIG. 1 as the adjustment switch 50, the seesaw type adjustment switch 50 shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. The volume dial type adjustment switch 50 shown in FIG. 13 or the jog dial type adjustment switch 50 shown in FIG. 15 may be used. Various other switches can also be used as the adjustment switch 50.

Also in the photoelectric switch 1a of the present embodiment, a plurality of selection / determination / setting switches 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e shown in FIG. 16 may be used. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, a selection switch 40A and a determination / setting switch 40B provided independently may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the photoelectric switch according to the present invention is applied to the photoelectric switch of the triangulation method has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the photoelectric switch of the triangulation method, but from the detection object. A photoelectric switch that detects the presence or absence of a detection object based on the amount of received light of reflected or transmitted light, and displays the amount of received light and an adjustable threshold value on a display unit, and reflected or transmitted light from the detection object Similarly, the present invention can be applied to a photoelectric switch that displays a threshold value calculated based on the received light amount and a margin with respect to the threshold value on a display unit. The margin corresponds to the difference between the threshold value and the amount of received light when detected or not detected.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,1a Photoelectric switch 10 Casing 11,12 End surface part 13 Back surface part 14 Front surface part 15,16 Side surface part 20 Light projecting / receiving part 21 Light projection lens 22 LED
23 Photosensitive lens 24 PSD
30 display units 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e selection / determination / setting switch 40A selection switch 40B determination / setting switch 50 adjustment switch 60 indicator lamp 62a LED for detection display
62b LED for stability display
70 Output cable 500 Object to be detected

Claims (3)

A triangulation photoelectric switch that detects the presence or absence of an object in the detection region by projecting light to the detection region and receiving feedback light from the detection region,
Built-in light emitting means for generating light and light receiving means for receiving a light generated by the light emitting means and outputting a light reception signal according to a light receiving state, the first and second rectangular outer surfaces facing each other are provided. said second adjacent to the outer surface have a corner portion inclined with respect to said second outer surface, the long casing along the longitudinal direction of the first outer surface and having,
A light projecting portion that is provided on one end side corresponding to the corner portion on the first outer surface of the casing, and projects the light generated by the light emitting means to the detection area;
A light receiving portion that is provided on the other end side of the first outer surface of the casing and that receives the feedback light from the detection region and guides it to the light receiving means;
Processing means for obtaining position information by processing a light reception signal output from the light receiving means, and detecting the presence or absence of an object in the detection region by comparing the position information and threshold information;
Display means provided on the second outer surface of the casing, wherein the position information obtained by the processing means and the threshold information are numerically displayed in a switchable manner;
The threshold value provided on the second outer surface of the casing and displaying the threshold value information instead of the position information in a state where the position information is displayed on the display means and the threshold value displayed on the display means An adjustment switch for adjusting value information in the processing means;
A display unit having two adjacent indicator lamps for displaying the detection result and detection stability by the processing means by turning on and off, respectively;
The photoelectric switch comprising: output means for outputting a detection signal indicating a detection result by the processing means to the outside from a corner portion of the casing.   A setting switch for switching the type of information displayed on the display means and setting an adjustable value generated as the threshold information, which is generated based on the processing of the processing means and detects the presence or absence of an object. The photoelectric switch according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The photoelectric switch according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment switch includes two adjacent push type switches.

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