sensor

Abstract

A sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes: an elongated hollow housing having a first opening portion formed in a longitudinal direction of the housing and a second opening portion formed at one end of the housing; a cap for closing the second opening portion; an elongated cover covering the first opening portion and having one end coupled to the cap; a first accommodating groove positioned adjacent to the first opening portion and formed on the housing to face the cover; a second accommodating groove formed on the cap to face the cover; a front sealing member inserted into the first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove and in contact with the cover; a groove positioned adjacent to the second opening portion and formed on the cap to face the one end of the housing; and a side sealing member inserted into the groove and in contact with the one end of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor, and more particularly to an area sensor capable of sensing a predetermined area. Background Art

[0002] Area sensors are sensors that sense a specific area by using multiple light sources. Area sensors can be used in various applications such as entrances, elevators, moving walkways, escalators, etc. That is, area sensors can sense the presence of individuals or objects in a specific area and can be widely used where such a function is required.

[0003] The sensor or area sensor may be installed in various places. That is, the sensor or area sensor may be installed indoors or outdoors. In the case where the sensor or area sensor is installed outdoors (or even indoors), the durability of the sensor may be reduced, or the performance of the sensor may be deteriorated due to external air or water with high humidity.

[0004] Recently, many studies have been conducted to improve the degradation of performance or durability of sensors due to the external environment. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above and other problems. Another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor capable of preventing the performance or durability of the sensor from being deteriorated due to moisture.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to improve the waterproof structure of the sensor.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to improve the structural features of the sensor while reducing the production cost.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the above and other purposes can be achieved by providing a sensor, which includes: an elongated hollow shell, the shell having a first opening formed in the longitudinal direction of the shell and a second opening formed at one end of the shell; a cap, the cap closing the second opening; an elongated cover, the cover covering the first opening and having one end connected to the cap; a first accommodating groove, the first accommodating groove is formed on the shell at a position adjacent to the first opening and facing the cover; a second accommodating groove, the second accommodating groove is formed on the cap at a position facing the cover; a front sealing member, the front sealing member is inserted into the first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove and contacts the cover; a groove, the groove is formed on the cap at a position adjacent to the second opening and facing one end of the shell; and a side sealing member, the side sealing member is inserted into the groove and contacts the one end of the shell.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, in a direction from the cap toward the housing, an area of ​​the front sealing member provided on the second accommodating groove may decrease toward the housing.

[0012] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the front sealing member disposed on the first accommodating groove may be in contact with at least two surfaces of the cover based on an edge of the cover facing the first accommodating groove.

[0013] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the cap may further include: an insertion groove connecting the second accommodating groove and the groove; and a connecting portion disposed in the insertion groove and connecting the front sealing member and the side sealing member.

[0014] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the cap may have a bottom facing the second opening of the housing, a side wall formed around the bottom, and a cable hole formed by passing through the bottom.

[0015] And the side sealing member may have a plurality of portions disposed in the groove and a bridge connecting the portions across the bottom, wherein the bridge may be coupled to the bottom.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may further include: a cable, the cable being inserted into the cable hole; a waterproof ring, the waterproof ring being inserted into the cable hole and contacting the cable hole; and rubber, the rubber being in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cable and being inserted into the waterproof ring to be in close contact with the waterproof ring.

[0017] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof ring and the rubber may have inclined surfaces corresponding to each other.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cap may have a slit disposed adjacent to one end of the cover, wherein the one end of the cover may be inserted into the slit.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the cover may be attached to the front sealing member.

[0020] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the sensor may further include a light emitting part or a light receiving part installed in the housing, wherein the cover may be formed as a light-transmitting plate.

[0021] Beneficial effects

[0022] The sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the performance or durability of a sensor from being deteriorated due to moisture.

[0024] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof structure of the sensor can be improved.

[0025] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the production cost of the sensor can be reduced while improving the structural characteristics of the sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figures 1 to 14 is a diagram showing an example of a sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to designate the same or like components and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The terms “module” and “unit” used for elements in the following description are given only for convenience of description and have no distinct meanings or roles.

[0029] It should be noted that the detailed description of known arts will be omitted if it is determined that the detailed description of known arts may obscure the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] In addition, the accompanying drawings are used to help easily understand various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the present disclosure should be interpreted as extending to any changes, equivalents and substitutes other than those specifically described in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0032] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there can be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intermediate elements.

[0033] As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0034] It should be understood that when used in this specification, the terms "includes", "comprising", "having", etc. specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components or a combination thereof.

[0035] Considering that the sensor 100 senses a predetermined area, the sensor 100 may be referred to as an area sensor 100 .

[0036] refer to Figure 1 , the area sensor 100 may include an emitter 100E and a receiver 100R. The emitter 100E may face the receiver 100R. The emitter 100E may emit light. The emitter 100E may include a light emitting element. The emitter 100E may be referred to as a light emitting unit 100E or a light emitter 100E. The emitter 100E may include a plurality of light emitting elements. The plurality of light emitting elements may be arranged sequentially or in series on one surface of the emitter 100E.

[0037] The receiver 100R may sense light. The receiver 100R may include a light receiving element. The receiver 100R may be referred to as a light receiving unit 100R or a light receiving device 100R. The receiver 100R may include a plurality of light receiving elements. The plurality of light receiving elements may be arranged sequentially or in series on one surface of the receiver 100R.

[0038] The light provided by the transmitter 100E may be sensed by the receiver 100R. If there is an individual or an object between the transmitter 100E and the receiver 100R, the light provided by the transmitter 100E is partially blocked, so that the presence of the individual or the object in the sensing area may be sensed.

[0039] Reference Figure 2, the transmitter 100E may include a housing 110E, a light emitting portion 120E, and caps 130E and 140E. The housing 110E may be elongated and may have a receiving space formed therein. The light emitting portion 120E may be formed on one surface of the housing 110E. The light emitting portion 120E may be elongated along the longitudinal direction of the housing 110E on one surface or one side of the housing 110E. The caps 130E and 140E may be mounted on one end and / or opposite ends of the housing 110E. For example, the light emitting portion 120E and the housing 110E may be coupled to each other by the caps 130E and 140E.

[0040] The transmitter 100E may include a cable CA. The cable CA may be electrically connected to the light emitting portion 120E. The cable CA may be connected to an external source on one side of the housing 110E or the cap 140E. The cable CA has one side electrically connected to the light emitting portion 120E and an opposite side connected to the connection portion CN. Therefore, the transmitter 100E may receive power or a control signal from an external source.

[0041] The transmitter 100E may include a bracket BKT. The bracket BKT may be mounted or connected to one or both ends of the transmitter 100E. The bracket BKT may be used to install or mount the transmitter 100E in a predetermined device. The bracket BKT may be mounted on the transmitter 100E via a coupling member f.

[0042] The receiver 100R may include a housing 110R, a light receiving portion 120R, and caps 130R and 140R. The receiver 100R may include a cable CA and a bracket BKT. When describing the housing 110R, the caps 130R and 140R, the cable CA, and / or the bracket BKT, the description of the transmitter 100E or those descriptions may be equally applied here. Figure 2 , the description of the light emitting portion 120E can be equally applied to the description of the light receiving portion 120R.

[0043] In the following description, the transmitter 100E and the receiver 100R will be collectively referred to as the sensor 100 without being distinguished from each other.

[0044] Reference Figure 3, the housing 110 may be elongated and hollow to provide a housing space. For example, the housing 110 may have a long cylindrical or square cylindrical shape. The housing 110 may have an opening 110P1, which is elongated in the longitudinal direction on one surface thereof. The opening 110P1 may be referred to as a first opening 110P1. The housing 110 may have an opening 110P2 or multiple openings 110P2 on one end or both ends. An opening 110P2 or multiple openings 110P2 may be referred to as a second opening 110P2 or multiple second openings 110P2. The opening 110P2 may include an upper opening 110P2T and a lower opening 110P2B. The first opening 110P1 may be connected to the second opening 110P2.

[0045] A light emitting element and / or a light receiving element may be installed in the accommodation space of the housing 110. The sensing module 190 may include a light emitting element and / or a light receiving element.

[0046] The cap 130 may close an upper opening 110P2T formed on an upper end of the housing 110. Also, the cap 140 may close a lower opening 110P2B formed on a lower end of the housing 110. The structures of both ends of the housing 110 may be the same.

[0047] The sealing member 160T may be disposed between the cap 130 and one end of the housing 110. The sealing member 160T may be disposed around the upper opening 110P2T of the housing 110. The sealing member 160T may be referred to as a first sealing member 160T. The first sealing member 160T may be referred to as an upper sealing member 160T.

[0048] The cover 150 may have a shape of an elongated flat plate and may cover the first opening 110P1 of the housing 110. The cover 150 may be referred to as a front cover 150 or a light-transmitting cover 150.

[0049] The sealing member 170 may be disposed between the housing 110 and the cover 150. The sealing member 170 may be referred to as a second sealing member 170. The second sealing member may be referred to as a front sealing member 170.

[0050] Reference Figures 3 to 5 , the front sealing member 170 may be coated on the grooves 210 and 220 formed on the front surface of the housing 110 and the grooves 230 and 240 formed on the front surfaces of the caps 130 and 140. The grooves 210, 220, 230, and 240 may be collectively referred to as the receiving groove 200. The grooves 210 and 220 may be referred to as first receiving grooves 210 and 220, and the grooves 230 and 240 may be referred to as second receiving grooves 230 and 240.

[0051] The front sealing member 170 may have elasticity and / or adhesive strength. The coated front sealing member 170 may be cured after a predetermined period of time has passed. By coating the front sealing member 170, processing time may be reduced.

[0052] The front sealing member 170 may include a first longitudinal portion 170L1, a second longitudinal portion 170L2, a first side portion 170S1, and a second side portion 170S2. The first longitudinal portion 170L1 and / or the second longitudinal portion 170L2 may be formed on the grooves 210 and 220 of the housing 110, and the first side portion 170S1 and / or the second side portion 170S2 may be formed on the grooves 230 and 240 of the caps 130 and 140.

[0053] The first side portion 170S1 and / or the second side portion 170S2 may have an overall triangular shape. The center width D2 may be greater than the side width D1. Therefore, the components may be prevented from being separated due to the contraction and / or expansion of the front sealing member 170.

[0054] By increasing the contact area between the front sealing member 170 and the cover 150, the waterproofness of the sensor can be improved.

[0055] Reference Figure 6 , the housing 110 may include a bottom 110B and side walls 110S1 and 110S2. The bottom 110B may be an elongated plate. The side walls 110S1 and 110S2 may be disposed opposite to each other and may be formed on both sides of the bottom 110B.

[0056] The side walls 110S1 and 110S2 may have rings 110R1 and 110R2 formed on upper sides thereof. The rings 110R1 and 110R2 may protrude from the side walls 110S1 and 110S2 toward the inside of the housing 110 .

[0057] The grooves 210 and 220 may be formed in the rings 110R1 and 110R2, or may be formed in the rings 110R1 and 110R2 and the side walls 110S1 and 110S2. The groove 210 may be formed in the ring 110R1 and / or the side wall 110S1, and the groove 220 may be formed in the ring 110R2 and / or the side wall 110S2. The grooves 210 and 220 may have an overall L-shape. As the contact area between the front sealing member 170 and the cover 150 increases, the cover 150 may be securely fixed, and waterproofness may be improved.

[0058] The dams 110R1S and 110R2S may protrude from the rings 110R1 and 110R2 to prevent the sealing member 170 to be applied from overflowing. The dams 110R1S and 110R2S may be referred to as stepped portions 110R1S and 110R2S.

[0059] See also Figure 7and Figure 8 , the first longitudinal portion 170L1 may form most of the length of the second sealing member 170. The first longitudinal portion 170L1 may correspond to the length of the housing 110 (see Figure 3 ). The first longitudinal portion 170L1 may have a first horizontal portion 170L1H and a first vertical portion 170L1V. The second longitudinal portion 170L2 may be parallel to the first longitudinal portion 170L1. The second longitudinal portion 170L2 may have a second horizontal portion 170L2H and a second vertical portion 170L2V. The first side portion 170S1 may connect one end of the first longitudinal portion 170L1 and one end of the second longitudinal portion 170L2. The second side portion 170S2 may connect opposite ends of the first longitudinal portion 170L1 and opposite ends of the second longitudinal portion 170L2.

[0060] The first longitudinal portion 170L1 may be located or attached to the groove 210 of the housing 110; the second longitudinal portion 170L2 may be located or attached to the groove 220 of the housing 110; the first side portion 170S1 may be located or attached to the groove 230 of the cap 130; the second side portion 170S2 may be located or connected to the groove 240 of the cap 140. The second sealing member 170 may be symmetrical in the length direction relative to the center line CL. The second sealing member 170 may be symmetrical in the width direction relative to the center line CS.

[0061] Reference Fig. 9 , the cap 130 may have an overall barrel shape. The cap 130 may include a bottom 130B and a side wall 130S. A through hole 130H may be formed in the bottom 130B. The side wall 130S may have an upper end surface 130SF that faces the housing (see Figure 3 ) of an end surface 111 (see Figure 3 ) and in contact therewith. The groove 300 may be formed on the upper end surface 130SF of the side wall 130S. The groove 300 may have an overall C-shape. In this case, the opening portion OL of the ring of the groove 300 may be in contact with the cover 150 (see Figure 3 ) adjacent positioning.

[0062] The first sealing member 160T may have an overall C-shape corresponding to the groove 300. The first sealing member 160T may be referred to as a side sealing member 160T. The first sealing member 160T may include a first portion 161, a second portion 162, a third portion 163, a fourth portion 164, a fifth portion 165, and a bridge 166. The second portion 162 may extend by bending from the first portion 161. The third portion 163 may be disposed opposite to the second portion 162 and may extend by bending from the first portion 161. The fourth portion 164 may extend by bending from the second portion 162 and may be disposed opposite to the first portion 161. The fifth portion 165 may extend by bending from the third portion 163 and may be disposed opposite to the first portion 161. The bridge 166 may connect the second portion 162 and the third portion 163. The bridge 166 may contact the bottom 130B of the cap 130. The bridge accommodating portion 130LB may be recessed from the bottom 130B, and the bridge 166 may be placed in the bridge accommodating portion 130LB. The bridge 166 may not only improve the convenience of assembly, but also seal the through hole 130H formed on the cap 130, etc., thereby improving the waterproofness of the sensor.

[0063] Reference Fig.10 , the cap 140 may have an overall barrel shape. The cap 140 may include a bottom 140E and a side wall 140S. A through hole 140H may be formed in the bottom 140H. The side wall 140S may have an upper end surface 140SF, which faces the housing 110 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) of an end surface 112 (see Figure 3 ) and in contact therewith. The groove 400 may be formed on the upper end surface 140SF of the side wall 140S. The groove 400 may have an overall C-shape. In this case, the opening portion OL of the ring of the groove 400 may be in contact with the cover 150 (see Figure 3 ) adjacent positioning.

[0064] The cap 140 may have a cable hole 140H. The cable hole 140H may pass through the bottom 140B.

[0065] The third sealing member 180T may have an overall C-shape corresponding to the groove 400. The third sealing member 180T may be referred to as a side sealing member 180T. The third sealing member 180T may include a first portion 181, a second portion 182, a third portion 183, a fourth portion 184, a fifth portion 185, and a bridge 186. The second portion 182 may extend by bending from the first portion 181. The third portion 183 may be disposed opposite to the second portion 182 and may extend by bending from the first portion 181. The fourth portion 184 may extend by bending from the second portion 182 and may be disposed opposite to the first portion 181. The fifth portion 185 may extend by bending from the third portion 183 and may be disposed opposite to the first portion 181. The bridge 186 may connect the second portion 182 and the third portion 183. The bridge 186 may contact the bottom 140B of the cap 140. The bridge accommodation portion 140LB may be recessed from the bottom portion 140B, and the bridge 186 may be placed in the bridge accommodation portion 140LB. The third sealing member 180T may have a cable hole 186H. The cable hole 186H may pass through the bridge 186. The bridge 186 may improve the convenience of assembly and the waterproofness of the sensor.

[0066] See also Figures 9 to 12 , the second sealing member 170 may be connected to the first sealing member 160T and / or the third sealing member 180T.

[0067] The connection portion CN may connect the first longitudinal portion 170L1 of the second sealing member 170 and the fourth portion 164 of the first sealing member 160T. The connection portion CN may connect the second longitudinal portion 170L2 of the second sealing member 170 and the fifth portion 165 of the first sealing member 160T.

[0068] The connection portion CN may connect the first longitudinal portion 170L1 of the second sealing member 170 and the fifth portion 185 of the third sealing member 180T. The connection portion CN may connect the second longitudinal portion 170L2 of the second sealing member 170 and the fourth portion 184 of the third sealing member 180T.

[0069] Refer to above Figure 5 During the coating process of the described sealing members, the connection portion CN may be formed in the insertion grooves 1H of the caps 130 and 140. The first sealing member 160T, the second sealing member 170, and the third sealing member 180T may be integrally formed in one coating process.

[0070] The post 167 may be formed on an outer surface of the bridge 166 , and may be inserted into the through hole 130H of the caps 130 and 140 to seal the through hole 130H.

[0071] Therefore, the waterproof performance of the sensor can be further improved.

[0072] Reference Fig.13 The cover 150 may expand or contract according to the external environment (eg, temperature change) where the sensor is installed, and may expand or contract repeatedly. The cover 150 may be further deformed according to the external environment compared to the housing 110 and / or the cap 130 .

[0073] The cap 130 may have a slit 132. One end 150E1 of the cap 150 may be inserted into the slit 132. In the case where the cap 150 having a different thermal expansion coefficient from the housing 110 and / or the cap 130 is relatively more deformed due to heat, the waterproofness of the sensor may be reduced, but the sealing structure of the above-mentioned sensor has an advantage in that the waterproofness of the sensor can be kept constant at an initially set level.

[0074] Reference Fig.14 , the cap 140 may have a slit 142 . The opposite end 150E2 of the cover 150 may be inserted into the slit 142 .

[0075] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.14 , the rubber 500 may be inserted into or fixed to the outer periphery of the cable CA. The rubber 500 having the inclined surface 510 in the insertion direction of the cable CA may have an overall wedge shape. The waterproof ring 600 may be inserted into the cable hole 140H. The waterproof ring 600 may have an inner surface corresponding to the rubber 500. In other words, the waterproof ring 600 has the inclined surface 610 in the insertion direction of the cable CA, so that when the rubber 500 is inserted, the waterproof ring 600 may be in close contact with the rubber 500 or pressed into the rubber. When in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cable CA, the rubber 500 may be in close contact with the waterproof ring 600, and the waterproof ring 600 may be in close contact with the cable hole 140H. Therefore, the waterproofness around the cable CA can be improved.

[0076] Some embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Some embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above can be used together or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0077] The above detailed description should not be interpreted as limiting in all aspects, but should be regarded as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are intended to be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sensor, comprising: an elongated hollow housing having a first opening formed in a longitudinal direction of the housing and a second opening formed at one end of the housing; a cap disposed in the second opening; an elongated cover covering the first opening and having one end coupled to the cap; a first accommodating groove formed on the housing at a position adjacent to the first opening and facing the cover; a second accommodating groove formed on the cap at a position facing the cover; a front sealing member inserted into the first accommodating groove and the second accommodating groove and in contact with the cover; a groove formed on the cap at a position adjacent to the second opening and facing the one end of the housing; as well as a side sealing member inserted into the groove and in contact with the one end of the housing, Wherein, the front sealing member comprises: a side portion, the side portion being located at the second receiving groove; and a longitudinal portion, the longitudinal portion being located at the first receiving groove and extending from the side portion, Wherein, the longitudinal portion of the front sealing member comprises: a vertical portion that contacts a side surface of the cover; and a horizontal portion extending from the vertical portion and contacting an inner surface of the cover, and Wherein, the side portion of the front sealing member comprises: a side width adjacent a corner between the longitudinal portion and the side portion of the front seal member; and a center width that is further away from the corner than the side widths, and Wherein, the center width is greater than the side width.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The front sealing member disposed on the first accommodating groove contacts at least two surfaces of the cover based on an edge of the cover facing the first accommodating groove.

3. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The cap further comprises: an insertion groove connecting the second receiving groove and the groove; and A connecting portion is provided in the insertion groove and connects the front sealing member and the side sealing member.

4. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The cap includes a bottom facing the second opening of the housing, a side wall formed around the bottom, and a cable hole formed by passing through the bottom; and The side sealing member includes a plurality of parts disposed in the groove and a bridge connecting the parts across the bottom. Wherein, the bridge is connected to the bottom.

5. The sensor according to claim 4, further comprising: a cable, the cable being inserted into the cable hole; A waterproof ring, the waterproof ring is inserted into the cable hole and contacts the cable hole; as well as A rubber is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cable and is inserted into the waterproof ring to be in close contact with the waterproof ring.

6. The sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The waterproof ring and the rubber have inclined surfaces corresponding to each other.

7. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The cap has a slit disposed adjacent to the one end of the cover, Wherein, the one end of the cover is inserted into the slit.

8. The sensor according to claim 7, wherein: A space is formed between the one end of the cover and the slit.

9. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The cap includes a bottom facing the second opening of the housing, a side wall formed around the bottom, and a through hole formed in the bottom; and The side sealing member includes a plurality of portions disposed in the groove, a bridge connecting the portions, and a post formed on an outer surface of the bridge and inserted into the through hole.

10. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The cover is attached to the front sealing member.

11. The sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting portion or a light receiving portion installed in the housing, in, The cover is formed as a light-transmitting plate.

12. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The housing comprises: a bottom portion extending in a longitudinal direction; a side wall formed around the bottom; a ring protruding inwardly from the side wall and formed with the first receiving groove; and A dam projects from the ring toward the cover.

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