Opto-switch and sensor unit

Abstract

Optical switch and sensor unit. The object is to make it easy for a user to observe the display of an optical switch. The optical switch (1) comprises a housing having a substantially cuboid shape. A display unit (5) is mounted to a first surface of an outer surface of the housing. A control substrate (30) is housed inside the housing. A controller is mounted to the control substrate (30). The first surface comprises an opening portion (25) in the form of a hole or a notch for allowing a signal cable to pass from outside the housing to inside the housing. The signal cable electrically connects the control substrate (30) arranged inside the housing with the display unit (5) arranged outside the housing. A cover member (4) comprises a window portion (40) for exposing a display area of the display unit (5) and covers a non-display area of the display unit (5). The cover member (4) is provided outside the housing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a photoelectric switch and a sensor unit. BACKGROUND

[0002] A product (workpiece) produced in a factory is conveyed by a conveying device such as a belt conveyor. The arrival of the workpiece at a predetermined position is detected by a photoelectric switch. Generally, the photoelectric switch projects light toward the workpiece or the like, receives reflected light from the workpiece, and displays a numerical value representing the amount of received light and a threshold value compared with the numerical value on a seven-segment display (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-141961). When the workpiece is detected based on the amount of received light and the threshold value, the photoelectric switch outputs an ON signal indicating that the workpiece is detected.

[0003] In this way, the photoelectric switch is a relatively simple sensor that outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not the workpiece is detected. Therefore, the seven-segment display has been adopted as the display for many years. There are still photoelectric switches that do not include a display that displays a numerical value.

[0004] However, in recent years, the seven-segment display has not been able to provide sufficient information to the user according to the upgrading of the photoelectric switch. Therefore, the inventors of the present application examined the adoption of a dot matrix display such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). When the dot matrix display is arranged inside the housing of the photoelectric switch, the distance from the outer edge of the housing to the display surface of the dot matrix display increases. The user is left with the impression that the display surface is arranged deep. It is not easy for the user to observe the information displayed on the dot matrix display. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present application to make it easy for the user to observe the display of the photoelectric switch.

[0006] The present application provides, for example, a photoelectric switch including: a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; a display unit mounted to a first surface of an outer surface of the housing; a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit provided to a second surface adjacent to the first surface; a receiving unit provided to the first surface and configured to receive an operation; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted by the receiving unit and a signal value indicating the amount of light received by the light receiving unit; a control substrate housed inside the housing, the display control unit being mounted to the control substrate; a signal cable for connecting the control substrate and the display unit; and a cover member including a window portion for exposing a display region of the display unit, the cover member being configured to cover a non-display region of the display unit, and the cover member being provided outside the housing.

[0007] The present application also provides, for example, an opto-electric switch including: a case having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; a display unit mounted to a first surface of an outer surface of the case; a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit provided to a second surface adjacent to the first surface; a receiving unit provided to the first surface and configured to receive an operation; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted by the receiving unit and a signal value representing an amount of light received by the light receiving unit; a control substrate housed inside the case, the display control unit being mounted to the control substrate; a signal cable for connecting the control substrate and the display unit; a shielding member provided to at least a portion of a side surface of the display unit; and a cover member configured to sandwich the shielding member between the cover member and the side surface of the display unit and cover at least a portion of at least the side surface of the display unit.

[0008] The present application also provides a sensor unit including: a case having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; a display unit mounted to a first surface of an outer surface of the case; a detection unit provided to a second surface adjacent to the first surface and configured to output a detection signal according to a physical quantity detected from a detection target; a receiving unit provided to the first surface and configured to receive an operation; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted by the receiving unit and a signal value representing the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; a control substrate housed inside the case, the display control unit being connected to the control substrate; a signal cable for connecting the control substrate and the display unit; and a cover member including a window portion for exposing a display area of the display unit, the cover member being configured to cover a non-display area of the display unit, and the cover member being provided outside the case.

[0009] According to the present application, the cover member holds the display provided to the outer surface of the case. Therefore, it is possible for a user to easily observe the display in the opto-electric switch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an opto-electric switch;

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a plurality of opto-electric switches coupled to each other;

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded view showing the photoelectric switch;

[0013] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a perspective view showing the photoelectric switch;

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the cover member, the display, and the shield member;

[0015] Figures 6A to 6D is a view for explaining the upper case or the like;

[0016] Figures 7A to 7C is a view for explaining the relationship between the display and the signal cable;

[0017] Figures 8A to 8E is a view for explaining the position of the slit;

[0018] Figure 9A and Figure 9B is a view for explaining the position of the slit;

[0019] Figure 10 is a view showing the signal cable and the shield member integrated with each other;

[0020] Figures 11A to 11E is a view for explaining the relationship between the display and the signal cable;

[0021] Figure 12A and Figure 12B is a sectional view of the photoelectric switch; and

[0022] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the section of the photoelectric switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Embodiments of the present application are described below. Each of the embodiments described below is useful for understanding various concepts of the present application, such as the upper concept, the middle concept, and the lower concept. The technical scope of the present application is determined by the technical

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the photoelectric switch. The photoelectric switch 1 includes a substantially rectangular housing. In Figure 1 , the z-axis corresponds to the length direction, the x-axis corresponds to the lateral direction, and the y-axis corresponds to the height direction. The housing generally has six outer surfaces. The six outer surfaces include an upper surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a left side surface, and a right side surface. In Figure 1In the figure, the upper surface, the front surface, and the right side surface are observed. The housing includes a lower case 2 and an upper case 3. An internal space in which a control substrate or the like is accommodated is formed by fitting the lower case 2 and the upper case 3 to each other. A part of the upper case 3 forms the upper surface. A display 5, a mode button 7, an active receiver button 8, an adjustment button 9, a slide switch 10, a setting button 11, a display lamp 24, a clamping module 14, or the like are provided on the upper surface. The display 5 is a dot matrix display such as an OLED and displays a threshold value and a light reception amount. The display 5 is held and fixed by an outer surface of the upper case 3 and a cover member 4. The display 5 is provided to be further shifted toward the front surface side than the center of the upper surface. The adjustment button 9 is a button for increasing and decreasing the threshold value and operating a menu. The menu is a menu displayed on the display 5 and includes various setting items for setting operations of the photoelectric switch 1. The mode button 7 is a button for switching an operation mode related to a light projection amount or the like. The active receiver button 8 is a special button for projecting light from the photoelectric switch 1 to the outside through a light receiving optical fiber. When it is detected that the active receiver button 8 is pressed, the photoelectric switch 1 uses the light receiving optical fiber as a light projecting optical fiber and projects light toward the outside while receiving light incident from the outside. The projected light is not light for detecting a workpiece but light for assisting a user in adjusting an optical axis. Note that a light emitting element configured to output assist light can be arranged in the center of a light receiving element. In this case, a light receiving surface of the light receiving element is larger than a light emitting surface of the light emitting element. The slide switch 10 is a switch for selecting a group of a plurality of setting parameters. The setting button 11 is a button for starting automatic setting of the threshold value. When it is detected that the setting button 11 is pressed, the photoelectric switch 1 determines the threshold value in accordance with the light reception amount. The display lamp 24 is lit or turned off, for example, when it is detected that a workpiece is present. The clamping module 14 is a module configured to clamp and hold the light projecting optical fiber and the light receiving optical fiber. A cylindrical hole 12 for insertion of the light projecting optical fiber and a cylindrical hole 13 for insertion of the light receiving optical fiber are provided on the front surface of the housing. An output cable is attached to the rear surface of the housing. A cable bush 15 is a bush for holding the output cable.

[0025] A connector 16a and coupling portions 17a and 17b are provided on the right side surface of the housing. Figure 2A It is shown that a plurality of photoelectric switches 1 are coupled to each other through the connector 16a and the coupling portions 17a and 17b and fixed to a DIN rail 18. DIN is an abbreviation of Deutsches Institut für Normung. The incident end of the light projecting optical fiber 22 is inserted into the hole 12. The emission end of the light receiving optical fiber 23 is inserted into the hole 13. In Figure 2A In the figure, a switchable upper cover 19 configured to cover the upper surface of the housing is also shown. Note that, as Figure 2B shown in the figure, when the upper cover 19 has light transmittance, the upper surface of the upper cover 19 can not be provided with a hole. This is because, if the upper cover 19 has light transmittance, the user is able to confirm the display content of the display 5 even in the closed state of the upper cover 19. When the upper cover 19 has light transmittance asFigure 2A When the ground cover 19 shown is not translucent, holes or windows can be provided on the upper surface of the top cover 19. The top cover 19 functions as a dust cover. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, multiple photoelectric switches 1 can be connected laterally. Therefore, multiple photoelectric switches 1 are also referred to as interconnected sensors.

[0026] Figure 3is an exploded view of the photoelectric switch 1. A decorative member 20 can be provided at the rear end side of the upper cover 19. A rotation pin 19a is provided at the rear end side of the upper cover 19. The rotation pin 19a is fitted into a holding hole 19b provided at the rear end side of the upper case 3. As a result, the upper cover 19 is rotatably coupled to the upper case 3. In order for the user to be able to confirm the information displayed on the display 5 even in the closed state of the upper cover 19, the upper cover 19 can be formed by a transparent member. A back bone member 36 for supporting the display 5 is provided near the center of the upper case 3. Four edge strips 47 are provided at the left and right of the back bone member 36. The four edge strips 47 are protrusions that protrude upward from the upper case 3. The four edge strips 47 position the display 5 in the lateral (x direction). Note that the four edge strips 47 are fitted into the recesses of the cover member 4. Two claw portions 48 are provided at the left and right of the back bone member 36. The claw portions 48 are fitted into the recesses provided at the inner side of the central leg portion of the cover member 4 and fix the cover member 4 to the upper case 3. The recesses can be grooves or can be through holes. An opening portion 25 is provided at the rear end side of the display mounting portion centered on the back bone member 36. The opening portion 25 is a through hole or a notch for passing a signal cable from the outer surface to the inner surface side of the upper case 3. The signal cable includes a power supply line for supplying power to the display 5 and a control line for supplying a control signal to the display 5. The signal cable is connected to the control substrate 30. The control substrate 30 can be one substrate. If two substrates are provided in the x axis direction, the length of the photoelectric switch 1 in the x axis direction increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, only one control substrate 30 is provided in the x axis direction. A controller 6 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is mounted on the control substrate 30. The controller 6 causes the display 5 to display the threshold value and the light receiving amount. Switches corresponding to the adjustment knob 9, the mode knob 7, the active receiver knob 8, the slide switch 10, and the setting knob 11 are mounted on the control substrate 30. These knobs can be formed of a resin such as POM (Polyoxymethylene). Note that the upper cover 19, the cover member 4, and the housing can be formed substantially of polycarbonate. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) for supplying light to the light diffusion member of the display lamp 24 is also mounted on the control substrate 30. On the control substrate 30, a connector 16a for communicating with another photoelectric switch 1 adjacent thereto and receiving power is provided. An element holder 26 is provided at the front surface side of the control substrate 30. The light emitting element 32 and the light receiving element 33 are mounted on the element holder 26. The element holder 26 includes a hole for inserting the light projecting optical fiber 22 from the hole 12 and a hole for inserting the light receiving optical fiber 23 from the hole 13. The clamping module 14 is arranged at the front surface side of the element holder 26. The clamping module 14 holds the light projecting optical fiber 22 and the light receiving optical fiber 23. A metal cover 29 and a fixing member 28 for fixing to the DIN rail 18 are mounted on the bottom surface of the lower case 2. The metal cover 29 can function as a heat radiation and electromagnetic shield.

[0027] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the photoelectric switch 1 in a state in which the cover member 4 is fixed to the upper case 3.Figure 4B is a perspective view of the opto-switch 1 in a state where the cover member 4 is not fixed to the upper case 3. The display 5 and various buttons are fixed to the upper case 3. Further, the control substrate 30 is fixed to the upper case 3. A signal cable 51 electrically connected to the display 5 and the control substrate 30 passes through the opening portion 25 into the inside of the case. The signal cable 51 is connected to a connector of the control substrate 30. A connector 16b is provided on the left side surface of the control substrate 30. The connector 16b of the opto-switch 1 is a female connector. The connector 16b is fitted to and electrically connected with a male connector 16a of another opto-switch 1 located on the left of the opto-switch 1.

[0028] Note that, as observed from the front of the opto-switch 1, the height of the active receiver button 8 is smaller than the height of the mode button 7 and the adjustment button 9. This is to prevent erroneous operation of the active receiver button 8. Figure 4A

[0029] Figure 5 ​is a perspective view for explaining the cover member 4 in detail. The cover member 4 includes two front leg portions 42, two central leg portions 43, and two rear leg portions 44. The upper surface of the cover member 4 is provided with a window portion 40. A user can observe the display surface of the display 5 through the window portion 40. The window portion 40 is surrounded by four frames. The left frame 41a and the right frame 41b are thin compared with the front frame 41d and the rear frame 41c. This is to secure the display area in the lateral direction of the photoelectric switch 1. The rear frame 41c has a large area compared with the other frames. This is to protect, for example, an IC configured to control the display 5 with the rear frame 41c. Character information or the like can be printed on the rear frame 41c. Even if a user presses the adjustment knob 9 with a finger, since the rear frame 41c has a certain degree of area, the display information on the display 5 is not easily blocked by the finger. That is, the rear frame 41c can sufficiently separate the display 5 and the knob from each other. Note that since the front frame 41d is small in area, the display lamp 24 and the display 5 can be set close to each other. As a result, the information transmission mechanism to which the user pays attention can be integrated at one position. Four notches 46 are provided on the right and left side surfaces of the cover member 4. The four notches 46 are engaged with four edge strips 47 provided on the upper case 3, positioning the cover member 4 with respect to the upper case 3 and fixing the cover member 4 to the upper case 3. A recessed portion 45 is provided on the inner surface side of each of the two central leg portions 43. The recessed portion 45 is engaged with a claw portion 48 provided on the right and left side surfaces of the upper case 3, respectively. A shield member 50 can be employed to protect the front surface, the bottom surface, the left side surface, and the right side surface of the display 5. The shield member 50 includes a front wall 50d configured to protect the front surface of the display 5, a bottom portion 50a configured to protect the bottom surface of the display 5, a right wall 50b configured to protect the right side surface of the display 5, and a left wall 50c configured to protect the left side surface of the display 5. The display 5 is held by the back bone member 36 and the cover member 4 in a state in which the display 5 is covered with the shield member 50. The shield member 50 is formed by an FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0030] Figure 6A is a plan view showing the upper surface of the photoelectric switch 1. As shown in Figure 6A , no switch and knob are provided in the lateral direction of the display 5. Therefore, the size in the lateral direction of the display 5 can be set sufficiently large. Note that the rear frame of the cover member 4 has an area sufficient to print characters or the like.

[0031] Figure 6B shows the left side surface of the upper case 3. Figure 6C shows the left side surface of the upper case 3 on which the control substrate 30 is mounted. The terminal 52 of the signal cable 51 extending from the display 5 is connected and fixed to the connector 16c mounted to the control substrate 30. The signal cable 51 enters the inside of the case from the outside of the case and is connected to the control substrate 30. Therefore, the signal cable 51 is formed by a thin FPC cable or the like having flexibility.

[0032] Figure 6D The opto-switch 1 is shown in a state where the lower case 2 is mounted to the opto-switch 1. Fixing holes 63a and 63b are provided on the left side surface of the lower case 2. The coupling portions 17a and 17b of the other opto-switch 1 located on the left of the opto-switch 1 are inserted into the fixing holes 63a and 63b of the opto-switch 1, respectively. Note that a hole for exposing the connector 16b is provided on the left side surface of the lower case 2. In Figure 6D the cover 64 protects the hole.

[0033] <Arrangement of signal cable with respect to display>

[0034] Figure 7A The right side surface of the display 5 is shown. The display 5 is formed by stacking the transparent member 70, the OLED layer 71, and the transparent substrate 72 in the height direction. The materials of the transparent member 70 and the transparent substrate 72 are transparent substrates (second substrates) including glass and resin. Transparent electrodes extending from the long sides of the OLED layer 71 and transparent electrodes extending from the short sides of the OLED layer 71 are formed on the bottom surface of the transparent member 70 and are electrically connected to the drive IC 54. The drive IC 54 is an integrated circuit configured to drive the display 5. The drive IC 54 is fixed to the bottom surface of the transparent member 70 by an adhesive 73. The signal cable 51 extending from the control substrate 30 is electrically connected to a terminal of the drive IC 54. In this way, the signal cable 51 is connected to the end portion in the length direction of the display 5, that is, to a terminal (coupling portion 70a) provided on the short side side of the display 5. This makes it easy to secure the display area in the lateral direction of the display 5. In the manufacturing and inspection site of workpieces, a plurality of opto-switches 1 are coupled and used. Therefore, the length in the lateral direction of the opto-switch 1 is set to, for example, 5 mm or more and 14 mm or less. If the drive IC 54 and the signal cable 51 are mounted on the lateral direction of the display 5, the display area of the display 5 is narrow. That is, it is difficult to read the characters displayed on the display 5. Therefore, it is desirable that the drive IC 54 and the signal cable 51 are not mounted to the end portion (long side side) in the lateral direction of the display 5.

[0035] Figure 7B The drive IC 54 is shown as being provided at the middle of the signal cable 51. This will be useful for reducing the length in the length direction of the transparent member 70. The transparent electrodes extending from the long sides of the OLED layer 71 are connected to the signal cable 51 as terminals (coupling portions 70a) provided on the short side side of the display 5.

[0036] Figure 7CThe backbone member 36 of the upper case 3 is shown instead of the transparent substrate 72 as a substrate. This is useful for reducing the thickness of the display 5. That is, this is useful for reducing the height of the display 5. The opening portion 25 is provided to the backbone member 36. The signal cable 51 passes through the opening 25 into the inside of the case. The driving IC 54 is disposed midway of the signal cable 51 and inside the case. Note that the transparent electrode extending from the long side of the OLED layer 71 and provided to the transparent member 70 is connected to the signal cable 51 as a terminal (connection portion 70a) provided to the short side of the display 5.

[0037] In this way, the display 5 includes the transparent member 70 and the OLED layer 71 having the function of a display layer. The transparent electrode has the function of a signal line extending from the OLED layer 71 toward the signal cable 51. The transparent electrode is provided near the interface between the OLED layer 71 and the transparent member 70. The cover member 4 covers the side surface near the interface between the OLED layer 71 and the transparent member 70. The cover member 4 protects the interface near the interface because the interface near the interface is easily broken.

[0038] <Arrangement of cable passing portion>

[0039] Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper case 3. Figures 8B to 8E is a perspective view of the display mounting portion. The upper case 3 includes a first upper surface 38 for arranging the setting knob 11, a second upper surface (front wall 37), a third upper surface (backbone member 36), a fourth upper surface (rear wall 35), and a sixth upper surface 34 for arranging the adjustment knob 9 and the like. Note that the first upper surface 38 and the sixth upper surface 34 can be referred to as an upper stage, and the backbone member 36 can be referred to as a lower stage. In this way, the upper surface of the upper case 3 can have a height difference. The backbone member 36 can be referred to as a placement portion. From the viewpoint of improving rigidity, the placement portion can be solid. As Figure 8A indicated, the second upper surface (front wall 37), the third upper surface (backbone member 36), and the fourth upper surface (rear wall 35) form a recess in a cross section extending in the length direction of the case. The display 5 is pressed against the wall surface (front wall 37) on the side near the second upper surface of the two wall surfaces forming the recess. According to Figure 8A and Figure 8B , the opening portion 25 is a slit-like hole provided to the rear end side of the backbone member 36. This indicates that the opening portion 25 can also be provided to the front end side of the backbone member 36. According to Figure 8C , the opening portion 25 is provided to the lower side of the rear wall 35. This indicates that the opening portion 25 can also be provided to the lower side of the front wall 37. The opening portion 25 can be provided to the joint portion of the backbone member 36 and the rear wall 35 (front wall 37). That is, a slit can be formed extending across the backbone member 36 and the rear wall 35 (front wall 37).Figure 8D An opening portion 25 is shown to be provided at the center of the backbone member 36. The area of the opening portion 25 is smaller than the bottom area of the display 5. This is to support the bottom surface of the display 5 with the backbone member 36. However, the bottom surface of the display 5 needs to be supported only by two long frames extending in the length direction of the backbone member 36 or two short frames extending in the lateral direction of the backbone member 36. Figure 8E A notch-shaped opening portion 25 is shown to be provided at the right side of the backbone member 36. This indicates that the notch-shaped opening portion 25 can also be provided at the left side of the backbone member 36. If the signal cable 51 is a cable having high flexibility and being bendable like an FPC cable, the arrangement freedom of the opening portion 25 will increase. Note that in the case shown in Fig. 8, the signal cable 51 will be mainly connected to the long side of the display 5. However, if the signal cable 51 is an FPC cable, it is also possible to make the signal cable 51 pass through the notch-shaped opening portion 25 by bending the signal cable 51 extending from the short side of the display 5. Figure 8E A notch-shaped opening portion 25 is shown in the middle.

[0040] Figure 9A An opening portion 25 provided at the rear end portion of the backbone member 36 is shown. As shown in Figure 9A The housing of the opto-electric switch 1 is elongated. When focusing on the backbone member 36, it is observed that a display mounting portion exists at the edge of the housing. This is useful to expand the display area of the display 5. The opening portion 25 provided at the rear end side of the backbone member 36 is also useful to expand the display area of the display 5. Figure 9B A signal cable 51 bent to pass through the opening portion 25 is shown. In this way, the signal cable 51 extends from the outside of the upper case 3 to the inside of the upper case 3 via the opening portion 25.

[0041] <Integration of signal cable and shield>

[0042] Figure 10 A signal cable 51 configured by an FPC 60 is shown. A display module including the display 5 and the drive IC 54 is also shown together with the signal cable 51. Note that the signal cable 51 is integrated with a shield member 50 by the FPC 60. The shield member 50 includes a base film layer and a metal layer of copper or the like. A right wall 50b is formed by folding the FPC 60 at a right angle along a folding line 56c. A left wall 50c is formed by folding the FPC 60 at a right angle along a folding line 56d. A front wall 50d is formed by folding the FPC 60 at a right angle along a folding line 56e. Note that in order to easily fold the FPC 60, a plurality of holes 55 can be provided in the metal layer along the folding lines 56c, 56d and 56e. The metal layer is connected to the ground line of the signal cable 51. As a result, the shield member 50 can protect the OLED (display 5) from electric noise.

[0043] Further, when the FPC 60 is valley folded along the folding line 56a, the shielding member 50 covers the bottom surface of the display 5. The overlapping of the signal wiring portion 53a and the shielding wiring portion 53b is formed by overlapping in the FPC 60 Figure 9B The portion of the signal cable 51 shown in FIG. 6 is bent in a U-shape. That is, when the FPC 60 is valley folded along the folding line 56a, the signal wiring portion 53a and the shielding wiring portion 53b overlap. Further, the overlapping portion of the signal wiring portion 53a and the shielding wiring portion 53b is bent in a U-shape when inserted through the opening portion 25. Further, when the FPC 60 is folded at a right angle along the folding line 56b, the mounting surface of the terminal 52 becomes parallel to the control substrate 30.

[0044] Figures 11A to 11E A plan view of the display 5 is shown in FIG. 7. The signal cable 51 extending from the rear end side of the display 5 is bent in a U-shape in the overlapping portion 53 formed by overlapping the signal wiring portion 53a and the shielding wiring portion 53b. Further, when the signal cable 51 is bent at a right angle along the folding line 56b, the mounting surface of the terminal 52 becomes parallel to the control substrate 30. Figure 11A A plan view of the display 5 is shown in FIG. 7. The signal cable 51 extending from the rear end side of the display 5 is bent in a U-shape in the overlapping portion 53 formed by overlapping the signal wiring portion 53a and the shielding wiring portion 53b. Further, when the signal cable 51 is bent at a right angle along the folding line 56b, the mounting surface of the terminal 52 becomes parallel to the control substrate 30. Figure 11B A plan view of the display 5 is shown in FIG. 7. The signal cable 51 extending from the rear end side of the display 5 is bent in a U-shape in the overlapping portion 53 formed by overlapping the signal wiring portion 53a and the shielding wiring portion 53b. Further, when the signal cable 51 is bent at a right angle along the folding line 56b, the mounting surface of the terminal 52 becomes parallel to the control substrate 30. Figures 11C to 11E A plan view of the display 5 is shown in FIG. 7. The signal cable 51 extending from the rear end side of the display 5 is bent in a U-shape in the overlapping portion 53 formed by overlapping the signal wiring portion 53a and the shielding wiring portion 53b. Further, when the signal cable 51 is bent at a right angle along the folding line 56b, the mounting surface of the terminal 52 becomes parallel to the control substrate 30.

[0045] The terminal 52 can be configured by, for example, eight pins. The VCC pin is a pin for supplying power to the driving IC 54. The VSS pin is a pin connected to the ground (for providing a ground potential). The RES pin is a pin for supplying a reset signal for starting and restarting the driving IC 54 to the driving IC 54. The SCLK pin is a pin for providing a clock for serial communication. The SDA pin is a pin for transmitting data for serial communication. The IREF pin is a pin for regulating current supplied to the OLED layer 71. The VCOMH pin is a pin for connecting an external capacitor and the driving IC 54 to stabilize internal power supply of the driving IC 54. The VDD pin is a pin for providing a voltage for logic operation of the driving IC 54.

[0046] Note that the shielding member 50 can be a shield seat configured by a member independent of the signal cable 51.

[0047] <Shielding>

[0048] Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A cut line in FIG. 5. Figure 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along the A-A cut line in FIG. 5.Figure 12B is a B-B cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the opto-switch 1 along Figure 6D a B-B cut line. Figure 13 is an enlarged view showing a part of Figure 12A . As shown in Figure 12A and Figure 13 , the claw portion 48 of the upper case 3 is fitted into the recessed portions 45 provided in the left and right central leg portions 43 of the cover member 4. As shown in Figure 12A , Figure 12B and Figure 13 , the height of the right wall 50b and the height of the left wall 50c of the shielding member 50 are the heights for covering the OLED layer 71 and the transparent substrate 72 of the display 5 and the height for covering at least a part of the transparent member 70, respectively. The transparent member 70 and the transparent substrate 72 are glass or the like. Glass is easily broken as compared with resin. Therefore, the shielding member 50 protects the transparent member 70 and the transparent substrate 72 from the impact or the like. The OLED layer 71 is also protected from the electric noise by the shielding member 50. The bottom surface of the display 5 is covered by the bottom portion 50a of the shielding member 50. The backbone member 36 prevents the heat generated by the control substrate 30 from easily transmitting to the display 5.

[0049] As shown in Figure 12B , the tip portions of the left and right front leg portions 42 of the cover member 4 are held by the lower case 2 and the upper case 3. As a result, the cover member 4 is firmly fixed to the case.

[0050] <CONCLUSION>

[0051] As with reference to Figure 1As described above, the photoelectric switch 1 includes a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. That is, the housing is elongated. The display 5 is an example of a display unit mounted to an outer surface, that is, a first surface of the housing. In the past, because the display is housed inside the housing of the photoelectric switch, the distance from the outer surface of the housing to the display is long and it is not easy to observe the display information. In the present embodiment, because the display 5 is mounted to the outer surface of the housing, the distance from the outer edge of the photoelectric switch 1 to the display 5 is short and it is easy to observe the display information of the display 5. The light emitting element 32, the hole 12, and the like are examples of a light projecting unit provided near a second surface adjacent to the first surface. The light receiving element 33 and the hole 13 are examples of a light receiving unit provided near the second surface adjacent to the first surface. The adjustment knob 9 and the like are examples of a reception unit provided to the first surface or the display unit and configured to receive a user operation. The controller 6 is an example of a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted by the reception unit and a signal value representing the amount of light received by the light receiving unit. The control substrate 30 is an example of a control substrate (first substrate) housed inside the housing, and the display control unit is mounted to or connected to the control substrate. The signal cable 51 is an example of a signal cable for connecting the control substrate 30 and the display 5. As shown in Figures 6A to 6C , the display 5 includes a connection portion connected to the signal cable 51. The connection portion of the display 5 is disposed between the display region and the signal cable 51 in the length direction of the housing. Note that, as shown in Figures 7A to 7C and Figure 10 , the display 5 has two short sides and two long sides. The signal cable 51 can be connected to the side on which one of the two short sides is located. As a result, a connection structure of the signal cable 51 is provided, which can ensure sufficient display area with respect to the display 5 in the photoelectric switch 1.

[0052] The display unit can include a dot matrix display and a drive circuit configured to drive the dot matrix display. The display 5 is an example of the dot matrix display. The drive IC 54 is an example of the drive circuit. As shown in Figure 7A and the like, the drive IC 54 is provided at an end portion in the length direction of the display 5. The signal cable 51 is connected to the drive IC 54. That is, the drive IC 54 can be provided between the display 5 and the connection portion in the length direction of the housing. Note that the display 5 and the drive IC 54 can be disposed in the same member. According to Figure 7A , the drive IC 54 and an OLED layer 71 of the display 5 are disposed in a transparent member 70.

[0053] As shown in Figure 11B and 11C , the signal cable 51 can include a first portion for connecting the display 5 and the drive IC 54 and a second portion for connecting the drive IC 54 and the control substrate 30. As shown in Figure 10As shown, the signal cable 51 can be an FPC cable. As a result, it is easy to connect the display 5 disposed outside the housing and the control substrate 30 disposed inside the housing.

[0054] The housing can include an upper case 3 and a lower case 2. In this case, the first surface is an upper surface of the upper case 3.

[0055] According to the present application, the opening portion 25 is provided to the outer surface, particularly, to the upper surface of the housing. The opening portion 25 makes it possible to dispose the signal cable 51 from the inside of the housing to the outside and makes it possible to mount the display 5 to the outer surface of the housing. That is, the signal cable 51 is connected to the control substrate 30 via the opening portion 25. Since the display 5 is provided to the outer surface of the housing, it is not easy for the user to have an impression that the display is disposed in a deep place. Therefore, it is easy for the user to observe the display 5. The short side of the display 5 to which the signal cable 51 is connected can be the side on which the short side of the display 5 distant from the second surface (front surface of the display 5) is located. In this case, the opening portion 25 can be provided to, for example, the rear end side of the backbone member 36. The short side of the display 5 to which the signal cable 51 is connected can be the side on which the short side of the display 5 close to the second surface (front surface) is located. In this case, the opening portion 25 can be provided to, for example, the front end side of the backbone member 36. Note that the backbone member 36 of the upper case 3 is supported by the control substrate 30. This is useful for improving the rigidity of the housing. Further, the thickness of the backbone member 36 is set to be greater than the thickness of other portions of the upper case 3, which improves the configuration of the upper case 3 itself. Particularly, the increase in the rigidity of the backbone member 36 makes it easy to protect the display 5.

[0056] As described with reference to Figures 8A to 8E The first surface (upper surface) of the upper case 3 includes the opening portion 25. The opening portion 25 has a function as a hole-like or notch-like through portion for allowing the signal cable 51 to pass from the outside of the housing to the inside of the housing. As Figure 8B The opening portion 25 can be a slit provided along the lateral direction (x-axis direction) of the first surface. As Figure 8E The opening portion 25 can be a slit provided along the length direction (z-axis direction) of the first surface. As Figure 7C As shown, the drive IC 54 can be housed inside the housing. This reduces the size of the mounting portion of the display 5. As Figure 1 The length direction of the display 5 and the length direction of the first surface are parallel to each other.

[0057] As Figure 5As shown, a cover member 4 is used as a retaining member configured to hold the display 5 disposed on the outer surface of the housing. As a result, the display 5 can be disposed on the outer surface of the housing. For the user, it is easy to observe the information displayed on the display 5. By disposing the cover member 4 on the outside of the housing in this manner, the display area of ​​the display 5 can be increased. However, when the display 5 is disposed on the outer surface of the housing, the display 5 is susceptible to impacts from the outside. Therefore, the cover member 4 serves to protect the display 5. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the shielding member 50 is an example of a shielding member disposed on at least a portion of the side of the display 5. Figure 13 As shown, the cover member 4 is an example of a cover member configured to sandwich the shielding member 50 between the side of the display 5 and the cover member 4, and to cover at least a portion of the side of the display 5. In this way, the shielding member 50 also serves to protect the display 5 from impacts.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the cover member 4 may include a window 40 configured to expose the display area of ​​the display 5. The cover member 4 may also be configured to cover the non-display area of ​​the display 5. The non-display area is the portion of the upper surface of the display 5 that does not display information.

[0059] In the cover member 4, the thickness of one of the four frames positioned around the window 40 along the length of the window 40 (e.g., right frame 41b or left frame 41a) is greater than the thickness of the two frames located at the two ends of the window 40 along the lateral direction (e.g., front frame 41d and rear frame 41c). This makes it easy to ensure the display area of ​​the display 5 in the lateral direction. The cover member 4 can be configured to engage with a protrusion projecting from the first surface. For example, a protrusion (strip 47) projecting from the upper surface of the upper shell 3 can engage with a notch 46 in the cover member 4.

[0060] The shielding member 50 can be electrically connected to the ground wire of the signal cable 51. As a result, the shielding member 50 reduces the impact of electrical noise on the display 5.

[0061] like Figure 13 As shown, the length of the short side of the first surface of the upper shell 3 is approximately equal to the length of the short side of the display 5, the thickness of the sides (central leg 43) at both lateral ends of the cover member 4, and the thickness of the shielding member 50 (right wall 50b and left wall 50c). As a result, it is possible to make the lateral length of the display 5 close to the lateral length of the upper surface of the photoelectric switch 1 while protecting the display 5 using the shielding member 50. That is, it is easy to increase the size of the characters that can be displayed on the display 5.

[0062] like Figure 10As shown, the signal cable 51 and the shield member 50 can be an integrated FPC cable. As a result, the number of components can be reduced. It is easy to integrate the ground wire with the shield member 50 using the signal cable 51.

[0063] As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11B , the FPC cable can be bent at least in a part. In addition, a part of the shield member 50 and a part of the signal cable 51 can overlap.

[0064] The shield member 50 can include a first region (bottom 50a) configured to cover a bottom surface of the display 5, a second region (right wall 50b) configured to protect a first side surface of the display 5, a third region (left wall 50c) configured to protect a second side surface of the display 5, and a fourth region (front wall 50d) configured to protect a third side surface of the display 5. As shown in Figure 10 , the second region, the third region, and the fourth region can be connected to the first region.

[0065] The upper cover 19 is an example of an openable cover configured to cover the receiving unit and the display 5 covered by the cover member 4. As a result, oil droplets and the like generated in a factory are less likely to adhere to the adjustment knob 9 and the display 5. Breakage of the adjustment knob 9 and the display 5 is less likely to occur. The cover member 4 is a cover configured to cover a part of the display 5 and disposed outside the first surface of the housing. As shown in Figure 6B and Figure 9B , in the height direction of the housing, the height of the upper surface of the cover member 4 and the height of the surface of the first surface on which the receiving unit is disposed can be substantially the same.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1 and the like, the opening portion 25 can be covered by the cover member 4 or the display 5. As a result, foreign matter is less likely to intrude into the inside of the housing through the opening portion 25.

[0067] Characters can be written on the surface of one frame (for example, the rear frame 41c) at an end portion in the length direction of the window portion 40. For example, when a transmissive fiber is used, there are operation modes such as D-ON (dark on) for lighting the display lamp 24 when a workpiece is detected and L-ON (light on) for extinguishing the display lamp 24 when a workpiece is detected. In this case, the display 5 can display a mark (for example, an arrow mark) indicating one of "L-ON" and "D-ON" printed on the rear frame 41c. The rear end of the display 5 is adjacent to the rear frame 41c. Therefore, the display 5 can display display information associated with the information displayed on the rear frame 41c.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7AAs shown, the display 5 may include a transparent member (transparent member 70), an OLED (OLED layer 71) disposed on the lower surface side of the transparent member, and a substrate (transparent substrate 72 and back member 36) disposed on the lower surface side of the OLED. The cover member 4 is configured to at least protect the OLED layer 71. As a result, damage to the OLED layer 71 and the impact of electrical noise are reduced.

[0069] like Figure 13 As shown, the thickness of the cover member 4 is less than the thickness of the housing (upper shell 3 and lower shell 2). As a result, the lateral length of the display 5 can be increased as much as possible. The surface area of ​​the display 5 can be increased. The size of the characters displayed on the display 5 can be increased.

[0070] In the embodiments described above, photoelectric switch 1 is used as an example of a sensor unit. However, the sensor unit can be a sensor unit configured to detect other physical quantities, such as a pressure sensor. Light-receiving element 33 is an example of a detection unit. However, light-receiving element 33 can be a detection element configured to detect a physical quantity (e.g., light intensity or pressure) detected from a detection target and output a detection signal based on that physical quantity. Display 5 is an example of a display unit configured to display the physical quantity detected by the detection unit. Display lamp 24 and the output cable to the outside are examples of an output unit configured to output a comparison result between a threshold and the physical quantity detected by the detection unit. Adjustment knob 9 is an example of a receiving unit and an operating unit configured to receive adjustment operations on the threshold. Adjustment knob 9 is an example of a threshold adjustment unit configured to adjust the threshold. Controller 6 is an example of a display control unit configured to display the threshold adjusted by the receiving unit and a signal value representing the physical quantity detected by the detection unit in the display area of ​​the display unit. The connection part of the display 5 is arranged between the display area (OLED layer) of the display 5 and the adjustment knob 9.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the lower shell 2 is an opening in its upper surface and has a concave cross-section. The upper shell 3 is an upper shell configured to mount a cover on the upper surface of the lower shell 2. The housing of the photoelectric switch 1 is formed by the upper shell 3 and the lower shell 2. The control substrate 30 is an example of a first substrate. The control substrate 30 is housed in the lower shell with a third surface adjacent to the first and second surfaces. The first surface is the upper surface of the upper shell 3. The third surface is, for example, the connecting portions 17a and 17b. More precisely, the third surface is one of the inner surfaces forming the lower shell 2.

Claims

1. A photoelectric switch comprising: a housing having a substantially cuboid shape, the housing including an upper housing and a lower housing, an internal space being formed by fitting the upper housing and the lower housing to each other; a display unit installed to a first surface of an outer surface of the upper housing outside the housing; a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit disposed to a second surface adjacent to the first surface; a receiving unit disposed to the first surface and configured to receive an operation; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted through the receiving unit and a signal value representing an amount of light received through the light receiving unit; a control substrate housed inside the housing, the display control unit being installed to the control substrate; a signal cable for connecting the control substrate disposed inside the housing and the display unit disposed outside the housing; and a cover member including a window portion for exposing a display area of the display unit, the cover member being configured to cover a non-display area of the display unit, and the cover member being disposed outside the housing. 2.The photoelectric switch according to claim 1, wherein the first surface includes an opening portion in a hole shape or a notch shape for allowing the signal cable to pass through the opening portion from outside the housing to inside the housing, and the opening portion is covered by the cover member or the display unit.

3. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 2, characterized in that a character is written on a surface of one frame located at an end portion in a length direction of the window portion.

4. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that The photoelectric switch further includes a shielding member configured to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the display unit, wherein the cover member sandwiches the shielding member between the cover member and the side surface of the display unit, and covers at least a portion of at least the side surface of the display unit.

5. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that The shielding member is electrically connected to a ground line of the signal cable.

6. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that A length of a short side of the first surface is substantially equal to a sum of a length of a short side of the display unit, a thickness of side surfaces at both end portions in a transverse direction of the cover member, and a thickness of the shielding member.

7. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that The signal cable and the shielding member are an integrated flexible printed circuit board cable.

8. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 7, characterized in that The flexible printed circuit board cable is bent at least in a portion thereof, and a portion of the shielding member and a portion of the signal cable overlap each other.

9. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 7, characterized in that The shielding member includes a first area for covering a bottom surface of the display unit, a second area for protecting a first side surface of the display unit, a third area for protecting a second side surface of the display unit, and a fourth area for protecting a third side surface of the display unit, the second area, the third area, and the fourth area being connected to the first area.

10. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 4, characterized in that A thickness of one frame located at an end portion in a length direction of the window portion among four frames located around the window portion in the cover member is greater than thicknesses of two frames located at both end portions in a transverse direction of the window portion.

11. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that The cover member is configured to engage with a protrusion protruding from the first surface.

12. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that The display unit includes a dot matrix display and a drive circuit configured to drive the dot matrix display and disposed in the non-display area.

13. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 1, characterized in that The optoelectronic switch further includes an openable cover configured to cover the receiving unit and the display unit covered by the cover member.

14. The optoelectronic switch according to claim 2, wherein The first surface includes an upper section and a lower section, The opening portion is provided in the lower section, and The receiving unit is provided in the upper section.

15. The optoelectronic switch according to claim 1, wherein The display unit includes a display layer and a transparent member, A signal line extending from the display layer to the signal cable is provided near an interface between the display layer and the transparent member, and The cover member covers a side surface near the interface between the display layer and the transparent member.

16. The optoelectrical switch of claim 1, wherein, The display unit includes a transparent member, an organic light emitting diode provided on a lower surface side of the transparent member, and a substrate provided on a lower surface side of the organic light emitting diode, and the cover member is provided to protect at least the organic light emitting diode.

17. The optoelectrical switch of claim 1, wherein, The cover member has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the housing.

18. An optoelectronic switch comprising: a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the housing including an upper case and a lower case, an internal space being formed by fitting the upper case and the lower case to each other; a display unit installed on a first surface of an outer surface of the upper case outside the housing; a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit provided on a second surface adjacent to the first surface; a receiving unit provided on the first surface and configured to receive an operation; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted by the receiving unit and a signal value indicating an amount of light received by the light receiving unit; a control substrate housed inside the housing, the display control unit being mounted on the control substrate; a signal cable for connecting the control substrate disposed inside the housing and the display unit disposed outside the housing; a shielding member provided to at least a part of a side surface of the display unit, and a cover member configured to sandwich the shielding member between the cover member and the side surface of the display unit and cover at least a part of at least the side surface of the display unit.

19. The optoelectrical switch according to claim 18, characterized in that The cover member includes a window portion for exposing a display area of the display unit, and the cover member is configured to cover a non-display area of the display unit.

20. A sensor unit comprising: a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, the housing including an upper case and a lower case, an internal space being formed by fitting the upper case and the lower case to each other; a display unit mounted to a first surface of an outer surface of the upper case outside the case; a detection unit provided to a second surface adjacent to the first surface and configured to output a detection signal according to a physical quantity detected from a detection target; a reception unit provided to the first surface and configured to receive an operation; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display a threshold value adjusted by the reception unit and a signal value representing the physical quantity detected by the detection unit; a control substrate housed inside the case, the display control unit being connected to the control substrate; a signal cable for connecting the control substrate disposed inside the case and the display unit disposed outside the case; and a cover member including a window portion for exposing a display area of the display unit, the cover member being configured to cover a non-display area of the display unit, and the cover member being provided outside the case.

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