Sensors and electronic devices

By designing an annular sealing ring with curved surface and ends, the problem of degradation of sealing performance due to frictional rotation is solved, and higher sealing performance and equipment stability in liquid environments are achieved.

CN113544808BActive Publication Date: 2025-03-11OMRON CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080015974.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-03-15
Filing Date
2020-03-10
Publication Date
2025-03-11
Estimated Expiration
2040-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In an environment where liquids such as medicines are used, the sealing rings of electronic devices such as sensors are excessively rotated due to friction, resulting in a degradation of sealing performance and the inability to fully prevent liquid from immersing.

Method used

An annular sealing ring is designed, and the sealing ring includes a curved surface portion and a pair of end portions. The curved surface portion is bent into a convex shape when cross-sectional viewed, and the end portion is connected to the curved surface portion in the axial direction of the sealing ring, has a different shape from the curved surface portion and extends along the axial direction of the sealing ring. With this design, when the sealing ring rotates due to friction, the end portion can abut with the shaft portion of the frame or the setting portion to suppress excessive rotation.

Benefits of technology

It effectively suppresses excessive rotation of the sealing ring, improves sealing performance, and ensures the sealing of electronic equipment in liquid environment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided are a sensor and an electronic device capable of suppressing the reduction in the sealing performance of a sealing material. The sensor (10) includes: a setting portion (18) for changing the setting of a sensor body; and an annular sealing ring (60) arranged to surround a shaft portion (18b) of the setting portion (18) and seal a gap between the shaft portion (18b) and a frame (12), wherein the sealing ring (60) includes: a curved portion (61) curved into a convex shape when viewed in cross section; and a pair of end portions (62a, 62b) on both sides of the curved portion (61) in the axial direction of the sealing ring (60), having a shape different from that of the curved portion (61) and extending along the axial direction of the sealing ring (60).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a sensor and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices such as sensors are sometimes used in an environment where liquids such as chemicals are used. For example, the photoelectric sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 is mainly installed in a production line or equipment in a factory, and therefore, it is used in an environment where a cleaning agent or running water is poured onto the sensor body during a cleaning process.

[0003] Electronic devices used in such environments are required to be water-resistant in order to prevent liquid from entering the interior, and their structures are required to have high airtightness.

[0004] For example, in photoelectric sensors, a sealed switch structure is used to prevent liquid from entering the interior. Fig. 9 In the example shown, a switch 218 for switching the setting of the photoelectric sensor (e.g., the operating mode, etc.) is provided in the frame 212. The switch 218 shown in this figure is composed of a push-button switch, and the user can operate the top 218a of the front end side to make adjustments such as switching the setting of the photoelectric sensor to a two-stage operating mode. An annular sealing material 260 (e.g., such as a sealing material 260) is provided around the switch 218 in a manner that fills the gap between the frame 212 and the shaft 218b of the switch 218. Fig. 9 As shown, an O-ring (which is substantially circular in cross-section) is provided, whereby the space inside the frame body 212 that houses the electronic components is sealed relative to the external space.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-073417 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] As described above, there is known a sealing structure in which an annular sealing material 260 is provided between the frame 212 and the switch 218. Fig.10 As shown, when the user operates the switch 218, the sealing material 260 in contact with the shaft portion 218b of the switch 218 may sometimes rotate excessively due to friction (for example, Fig.10 The axis H shown (in cross-section, passing through the axial direction of the sealing material 260 ( Fig.10 In this case, the sealing performance is reduced, and there is a concern that liquid cannot be sufficiently prevented from entering the interior of the electronic device.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor capable of suppressing a decrease in the sealing performance of a sealing material.

[0011] Technical means of solving problems

[0012] A sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention is a sensor that accommodates at least one of a light-emitting portion that emits light and a light-receiving portion that receives light in a frame, and includes: a setting portion that receives input operations from the outside to change the settings of the sensor body and has a shaft portion to be inserted into the frame; and an annular sealing ring that is arranged in a manner to surround the shaft portion and seals the gap between the shaft portion and the frame, and the sealing ring includes: a curved portion that is curved into a convex shape when viewed in section; and a pair of end portions that are on both sides of the curved portion in the axial direction of the sealing ring, have a shape different from the curved portion and extend along the axial direction of the sealing ring.

[0013] According to the embodiment, the sealing ring is provided with a pair of end portions, and the pair of end portions have a shape different from the curved surface portion and extend along the axial direction of the sealing ring. Therefore, when the setting portion is operated and the sealing ring rotates due to friction, at least one of the pair of end portions can be brought into contact with the frame or the shaft portion of the setting portion. By abutting in the above manner, it is possible to suppress excessive rotation of the sealing ring that contacts the shaft portion of the setting portion when the setting portion is operated. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of the sealing ring.

[0014] In the above embodiment, when the shaft portion of the setting portion moves in the axial direction in response to an external input operation, one of the pair of end portions may abut against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and the other of the pair of end portions may abut against a portion of the frame.

[0015] According to the embodiment, since one of the pair of end portions abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and the other of the pair of end portions abuts against a portion of the frame, for example, when the setting portion is operated by a user, excessive rotation of the sealing ring that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion of the setting portion can be suppressed.

[0016] In the above embodiment, the inner circumferential surfaces of the pair of end portions may be located radially outward from the inner circumferential surface of the curved surface portion in cross-sectional view, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of end portions may be located radially inward from the outer circumferential surface of the curved surface portion in cross-sectional view.

[0017] According to the embodiment, a pair of end portions of the sealing ring disposed between the shaft and the frame are disposed at positions not in contact with either the shaft or the frame when the setting portion is not operated. Therefore, excessive rotation of the sealing ring can be suppressed without hindering operability of the setting portion.

[0018] In the embodiment, one of the pair of end portions may present a cross-sectional plane shape extending from one axial end side of the curved portion along a first direction, and the other of the pair of end portions may present a cross-sectional plane shape extending from the other axial end side of the curved portion along a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0019] According to the embodiment, a pair of end portions have a planar shape extending in directions toward each other from one axial end side or the other axial end side of the curved portion. Therefore, for example, when a user operates the setting portion, at least one of the pair of end portions can be easily brought into contact with the shaft portion or a portion of the frame of the setting portion.

[0020] In the above-described embodiment, the curved surface portion and the pair of end portions may be formed of the same elastic material.

[0021] According to the above embodiment, the curved surface portion and the pair of end portions constituting the seal ring are formed of the same elastic material, so that cost reduction can be achieved compared to a structure in which the curved surface portion and the pair of end portions are formed of different materials.

[0022] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame and a substrate housed in the frame and equipped with a control circuit, the electronic device including: a setting portion that receives input operations from the outside to change the settings of the electronic device body and has an axis to be inserted into the frame; and an annular sealing ring that is arranged to surround the axis and seal the gap between the axis and the frame, and the sealing ring includes: a curved portion that is curved into a convex shape when viewed in section; and a pair of end portions that are on both sides of the curved portion in the axial direction of the sealing ring and have a shape different from the curved portion and extend along the axial direction of the sealing ring.

[0023] According to the embodiment, the pair of end portions have a shape different from the curved surface portion and extend along the axial direction of the sealing ring. Therefore, when the setting portion is operated and the sealing ring rotates due to the friction between the shaft portion of the setting portion and the sealing ring, at least one of the pair of end portions can be brought into contact with the frame or the shaft portion of the setting portion. Thus, when the setting portion is operated, excessive rotation of the sealing ring that contacts the shaft portion of the setting portion can be suppressed. As a result, a decrease in the sealing performance of the sealing ring can be suppressed.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, a sensor and an electronic device can be provided which can suppress a decrease in the sealing performance of a sealing material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the photoelectric sensor according to the embodiment as viewed from one direction.

[0027] Figure 2 Observe from another direction Figure 1 A stereogram of a photoelectric sensor.

[0028] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the VV line.

[0029] Figure 4 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the setting portion of the sensor.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the structure of an O-ring.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the structure of an O-ring.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a side view showing the structure of an O-ring.

[0033] Fig. 8A It is a diagram for explaining the state of the O-ring when the setting portion is operated.

[0034] Figure 8B It is a diagram for explaining the state of the O-ring when the setting portion is operated.

[0035] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a conventional O-ring.

[0036] Fig.10 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a conventional O-ring.

[0037] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0038] 10: Photoelectric sensor

[0039] 12: Frame

[0040] 14: Light projection department

[0041] 16: Light receiving part

[0042] 18: Teaching button (setting part)

[0043] 18b: Shaft

[0044] 40: Cable

[0045] 60: O-ring (sealing ring)

[0046] 61: Curved surface

[0047] 62a, 62b: Flat surface (ends) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2In each figure, the parts marked with the same reference numerals have the same or similar structures.

[0049] In the following, although the photoelectric sensor 10 is described as an example of an electronic device, the present invention is not limited to the photoelectric sensor 10 and can be applied to other electronic devices including sensors other than the photoelectric sensor 10 .

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the photoelectric sensor 10 includes a frame 12 . Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 . A light projecting unit 14 and a light receiving unit 16 are housed inside the frame 12. In addition, a teach button 18, an adjustment button 20, an indicator 22, and a display unit 24 are provided on the outer surface of the frame 12. The following description is based on an example in which the light projecting unit 14 and the light receiving unit 16 are housed in the frame 12, but is not limited to the example shown in the figure. In the present embodiment, at least one of the light projecting unit 14 and the light receiving unit 16 only needs to be housed in the frame 12. That is, the form in which the light projecting unit 14 and the light receiving unit 16 are housed in different frames is also included in the sensor of the present embodiment.

[0051] The light projecting unit 14 projects light onto the object to be detected, and has a light emitting element and a light projecting lens. The light emitting element is, for example, a laser diode, and its optical axis X is parallel to the front-back direction. The light receiving unit 16 receives the reflected light of the light projected onto the object to be detected, and has a light receiving element and a light receiving lens. The light receiving element is, for example, a two-division photodiode or a position detection element. As a detection principle for measuring the distance to the object to be detected, for example, the principle of time of flight (TOF) or triangulation distance measurement can be used. For example, in the case where the principle of triangulation distance measurement is used in the structure, the light emitted from the light emitting element is projected onto the object to be detected through the light projecting lens, and the light reflected by the object to be detected is formed on the light receiving element through the light receiving lens. The light receiving element outputs two light receiving signals corresponding to the imaging position, and sends them to the control circuit via an amplifier. The amplifier and the control circuit are built into the photoelectric sensor 10, and in the control circuit, the position signal value calculated based on the two received light receiving signals is compared with the threshold value to find the distance to the object to be detected.

[0052] The teaching button 18 functions as a setting unit for changing the settings of the sensor body, for example, it has a function of receiving an input operation from the outside to set a threshold. Here, the threshold refers to a reference value for judging whether the photoelectric sensor 10 detects the object to be detected or the distance to the object to be detected, and is one of the sensitivity parameters for adjusting the sensitivity. As sensitivity parameters, in addition to the threshold, the power of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 14, that is, the light intensity, or the amplification factor of the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit 16, that is, the gain, etc. can also be listed. For example, in the case of a transparent object to be detected with low reflectivity, a high light intensity is set. If the user presses the teaching button 18, a teaching process for setting the sensitivity parameter including at least the threshold is performed, and the sensitivity parameter including at least the threshold is automatically set to a certain value. As teaching processes, for example, there are one-point teaching processes and two-point teaching processes, and the contents thereof are described in detail in the past patent documents proposed by the present applicant (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-298614 Gazette), etc., so the description is omitted here.

[0053] The adjustment button 20 functions as an adjustment unit for accepting an input operation from the outside to fine-tune the threshold value set by the teaching button 18. The adjustment button 20 includes, for example, a push-type UP button 20a and a DOWN button 20b. The UP button 20a and the DOWN button 20b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. If the user presses the UP button 20a, the threshold values ​​set by the teaching button 18 change one by one in the increasing direction, and on the other hand, if the user presses the DOWN button 20b, the threshold values ​​change one by one in the decreasing direction. With such an input operation from the outside, the threshold value set by the teaching button 18 rises and falls, thereby updating the threshold value used in the photoelectric sensor 10. In addition, using the adjustment button 20, other adjustable values ​​other than the threshold value can also be fine-tuned. For example, the brightness of the display unit 24 can also be fine-tuned.

[0054] The indicator 22 lights up according to the power supply status or detection status of the photoelectric sensor 10. For example, the indicator 22 has a power light that lights up when the power is turned on (ON), and an operation display light that lights up when the object to be detected is detected. The power light and the operation display light each include, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED), and light up in different display colors. The display unit 24 displays various information. For example, the display unit 24 displays the threshold value set by the teaching button 18, the threshold value when fine-tuning is performed by the adjustment button 20, the distance value to the object to be detected obtained by the photoelectric sensor 10, etc.

[0055] The frame 12 is formed of, for example, resin or metal, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame 12 has a front surface 31, a back surface 32, a top surface 33, a bottom surface 34, a side surface 35, and a side surface 36, with respect to the six faces constituting the rectangular parallelepiped. The front surface 31 and the back surface 32 face each other across the interior of the frame 12. Similarly, the top surface 33 and the bottom surface 34 face each other across the interior of the frame 12, and the side surface 35 and the side surface 36 face each other across the interior of the frame 12. The vertical direction of the front surface 31 and the back surface 32 is formed longer than the horizontal direction. Similarly, the front and rear directions of the top surface 33 and the bottom surface 34 are formed longer than the left and right directions, and the vertical direction of the side surfaces 35 and 36 is formed longer than the front and rear directions. The front surface 31 has a light-projecting and light-receiving surface 31a, which transmits light from the light-projecting unit 14 and light toward the light-receiving unit 16. The display unit 24 is provided on the back surface 32 located on the side opposite to the front surface 31. The top surface 33 is adjacent to the front surface 31 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the front surface 31 and the back surface 32. On the top surface 33, the indicator 22 and the teaching button 18 are provided in order from the front surface 31 side.

[0056] In addition to the six faces, the frame 12 also has an inclined surface 37 and an inclined surface 38 at positions corresponding to the two corners of the rectangular parallelepiped. The adjustment button 20 is provided on the inclined surface 37. Specifically, the UP button 20a and the DOWN button 20b of the adjustment button 20 are arranged on the inclined surface 37 with a predetermined gap in the left-right direction. The cable 40 is provided on the inclined surface 38. The cable 40 is used, for example, to send a detection signal showing the detection result obtained by the photoelectric sensor 10 to the outside of the photoelectric sensor 10. The inclined surface 37 is inclined relative to the back surface 32 and the top surface 33, and connects the back surface 32 and the top surface 33. Similarly, the inclined surface 38 is inclined relative to the back surface 32 and the bottom surface 34, and connects these two surfaces.

[0057] In addition, the frame 12 contains a structure generally provided as a photoelectric sensor (for example, a light projecting element, a light receiving element, a light projecting circuit (not shown) for driving the light projecting element, a substrate (not shown) equipped with a light receiving circuit (not shown) for electrically processing the light receiving signal of the light receiving element, etc.). The cable 40 has a cable core (not shown) inside, and the cable core passes through the frame 12 and is connected to the substrate arranged in the frame 12. In addition, the so-called "substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape" related to the frame 12 does not mean a rectangular parallelepiped with all internal angles of 90 degrees, but includes a case where at least one corner of such a rectangular parallelepiped is chamfered like the inclined surface 37.

[0058] The structure around the teaching button 18 will be described. Figure 4This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the structure around the teaching button 18. In this specification, the structure around the teaching button 18 will be described, but the same structure as the structure described below can also be applied to other setting parts for adjusting the settings of the photoelectric sensor 10 (for example, other setting parts including the adjustment button 20).

[0059] The frame 12 is formed with a groove 121 for accommodating the lower portion of the teaching button 18. The groove 121 is recessed relative to its surroundings, and accommodates the lower portion of the teaching button 18 in a manner that the top 18a of the teaching button 18 is exposed to the outside. The groove 121 is formed corresponding to the outer shape of the teaching button 18, and the inner wall 121a of the groove 121 is configured to guide the movement of the teaching button 18 in the up and down directions. In addition, a through hole 121c is formed at the bottom of the groove 121, through which the shaft 18b of the teaching button 18 is inserted, and an annular O-ring 60 (sealing ring) is provided between the frame 12 and the shaft 18b of the teaching button 18.

[0060] Figure 4 The O-ring 60 shown in the figure is provided on the frame 12 so as to surround the shaft portion 18b and seal the space between the shaft portion 18b and the frame 12. The structure of the O-ring 60 in this embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 5 to Figure 7 middle. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the O-ring 60 . Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the structure of the O-ring 60 . Figure 7 It is a side view showing the structure of the O-ring 60 .

[0061] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the annular O-ring 60 includes a curved surface portion 61 that is convexly curved in cross-sectional view, and a pair of flat surface portions 62 a and 62 b (a pair of end portions) connected to the curved surface portion 61 .

[0062] A plane perpendicular to the axis AX1 of the O-ring 60 and passing through the center O of the O-ring 60 is defined as an intermediate plane M (see Figure 7 ), the curved surface portion 61 is formed symmetrically with respect to the middle surface M.

[0063] The outer peripheral surface 612 of the curved portion 61 is shown in cross-section as it extends from one end of the curved portion 61 (at Figure 4 The upper end of the curved surface 61 gradually approaches the middle surface M (refer to Figure 7 ) and is curved radially outward, and also presents a circular arc shape as it moves from the other end of the curved surface portion 61 (at Figure 4 The lower end of the curved surface portion 61 in the middle gradually approaches the intermediate surface M and bends radially outward in an arc shape.

[0064] The inner peripheral surface 611 of the curved surface portion 61 is shown in a cross-sectional view as it extends from one end of the curved surface portion 61 (at Figure 4 The curved surface portion 61 is an upper end of the curved surface portion 61 in the middle, and gradually approaches the intermediate surface M and bends radially inward. In addition, the curved surface portion 61 is formed into an arc shape as it moves from the other end (in the middle) of the curved surface portion 61 to the intermediate surface M. Figure 4 The lower end of the curved surface portion 61 gradually approaches the intermediate surface M and bends radially inward in an arc shape.

[0065] On one axial end side of the curved surface portion 61 (at Figure 7 The upper end side of the curved portion 61) and the other axial end side (in Figure 7 The curved surface 61 and the pair of flat surface portions 62a and 62b are connected to each other at the lower end side of the curved surface portion 61. In the present embodiment, the curved surface portion 61 and the pair of flat surface portions 62a and 62b are made of the same elastic material. Figure 7 The portion located on the upper side is referred to as the upper side plane portion 62a. Figure 7 The portion located on the lower side of the lower plane portion 62b is referred to as the lower side plane portion 62b. In addition, the pair of plane portions 62a and 62b are collectively referred to as the plane portion 62 in this specification.

[0066] On one axial end side of the curved surface portion 61 ( Figure 4 The upper side plane portion 62a is connected to the curved surface portion 61 (in the middle, the upper side). The upper side plane portion 62a extends from one axial end side of the curved surface portion 61 to the upper side (at Figure 4 The inner circumference 621a and the outer circumference 622a of the upper side plane portion 62a present a cross-sectional plane shape. The inner circumference 621a of the upper side plane portion 62a is as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, it is located radially outward of the inner peripheral surface 611 of the curved surface portion 61 in cross-sectional view. The outer peripheral surface 622a of the upper side flat surface portion 62a is located radially inward of the outer peripheral surface 612 of the curved surface portion 61 in cross-sectional view.

[0067] On the other axial end side of the curved surface portion 61 ( Figure 4 The lower side plane portion 62b is connected to the lower side plane portion 62b from the other axial end side of the curved surface portion 61 to the lower side (at Figure 4 The inner circumference 621b and the outer circumference 622b of the lower side plane portion 62b present a cross-sectional plane shape. The inner circumference 621b of the upper side plane portion 62b is as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, it is located radially outward of the inner peripheral surface 611 of the curved surface portion 61 in cross-sectional view. The outer peripheral surface 622b of the lower side flat surface portion 62b is located radially inward of the outer peripheral surface 612 of the curved surface portion 61 in cross-sectional view.

[0068] In addition, although a pair of planar portions 62a, 62b are shown Figure 7 In the example shown, the pair of planar portions 62a and 62b extend in parallel with the axis AX1 direction of the O-ring 60, but are not limited to the example. That is, in this specification, the pair of planar portions 62a and 62b extending in the axis AX1 direction of the O-ring 60 includes not only a form extending in parallel with the axis AX1 direction, but also a form extending at a predetermined angle relative to the axis AX1 direction.

[0069] In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the pair of planar portions 62a, 62b appear to be planar in shape when viewed in section, but as described below, as long as at least one of the pair of planar portions 62a, 62b has the function of abutting against the axis portion or a portion of the frame of the setting portion when the setting portion is operated, it can also be deformed into a shape other than a planar shape.

[0070] Hereinafter, the state of the O-ring 60 when the teaching button 18 (setting unit) is operated by receiving an input operation from the outside will be described using the photoelectric sensor 10 having the above configuration. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B It is a diagram for explaining the state of the O-ring 60 when the teaching button 18 is operated. Fig. 8A An example of the O-ring 60 when the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 moves upward is shown. Figure 8B An example of the O-ring 60 when the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 moves downward is shown.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 moves axially by an input operation from the outside, one of the flat portions 62 of the O-ring 60 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 18b, and the other abuts against a portion of the frame 12. Specifically, Fig. 8A As shown, when the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 moves upward and the O-ring 60 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 18b rotates due to friction (when viewed in a longitudinal section, when a line passing through the left-right center of the curved portion 61 and the flat portion 62 and aligned with the axis AX1 (see FIG. Figure 7 ) parallel to the axis AX2, when the O-ring 60 is twisted so that the axis N orthogonal to the axis AX2 is rotated to the axis N', the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 622a of the upper side plane portion 62a abuts against a part of the frame 12, and the lower end of the inner peripheral surface 621b of the lower side plane portion 62b abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18. On the other hand, Figure 8B As shown, when the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 moves downward and the O-ring 60 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 18b rotates due to friction (in a longitudinal section, when a line passing through the left-right center of the curved portion 61 and the flat portion 62 and aligned with the axis AX1 (see FIG. Figure 7) and the O-ring 60 is torsionally rotated from the axis N orthogonal to the axis AX2 to the axis N', the upper end of the inner circumferential surface 621a of the upper side plane portion 62a abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18, and the lower end of the outer circumferential surface 622b of the lower side plane portion 62b abuts against a part of the frame 12. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 moves in the axial direction due to an input operation from the outside, one of the pair of plane portions 62a and 62b abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 18b, and the other of the pair of plane portions 62a and 62b abuts against a part of the frame 12. As a result, it is possible to suppress excessive rotation of the O-ring 60 disposed between the frame 12 and the shaft portion 18b due to friction.

[0072] As described above, in the present embodiment, the O-ring 60 includes: the curved portion 61, which is curved in a convex shape in the radial direction when viewed in cross section; and the flat portion 62, which is connected to the axial one end side and the axial other end side of the curved portion 61, and has a shape different from the curved portion 61, and the flat portion 62 extends from the axial one end side and the axial other end side of the curved portion 61 in the direction along the axis AX1 of the O-ring 60. Thus, for example, when the user operates the teaching button 18 and the O-ring 60 that seals the gap between the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 and the frame 12 changes its shape due to friction, at least one of the flat portions 62 abuts against the shaft portion 18b of the teaching button 18 or a part of the frame 12. By abutting in this manner, it is possible to suppress excessive rotation of the O-ring 60 that seals between the shaft portion 18b and the frame 12, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0073] The embodiments described above are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. For example, in an electronic device including a frame and a substrate (a substrate equipped with a control circuit) other than the photoelectric sensor 10, a setting portion and a sealing ring are used as described above, the setting portion receives an input operation from the outside to change the setting of the sensor body, the sealing ring is arranged in a manner to surround the shaft portion of the setting portion, and seals the gap between the shaft portion and the frame, and the sealing ring can also be configured to include: a curved portion that is curved into a convex shape when viewed in section; and a pair of end portions, on both sides of the curved portion in the axial direction of the sealing ring, having a shape different from the curved portion and extending along the axial direction of the sealing ring. The various components included in the embodiments and their configuration, materials, conditions, shapes, and dimensions are not limited to the exemplified contents and can be appropriately changed. In addition, the structures shown in different embodiments can be partially replaced or combined with each other.

[0074] (Note)

[0075] 1. A sensor 10, comprising a frame 12, wherein the frame 12 accommodates at least one of a light projecting unit 14 for emitting light and a light receiving unit 16 for receiving light, and the sensor 10 comprises:

[0076] The setting unit 18 receives an input operation from the outside to change the setting of the sensor body, and has a shaft portion 18b to be inserted into the frame body 12; and

[0077] The annular sealing ring 60 is provided so as to surround the shaft portion 18b and seal the gap between the shaft portion 18b and the frame 12.

[0078] The seal ring 60 includes: a curved portion 61 curved into a convex shape in cross-sectional view; and a pair of end portions 62a, 62b, on both sides of the curved portion 61 in the axial direction of the seal ring 60, having a shape different from that of the curved portion 61 and extending along the axial direction of the seal ring 60.

[0079] 6. An electronic device, comprising a frame and a substrate housed in the frame and carrying a control circuit, the electronic device comprising:

[0080] The setting unit 18 receives an input operation from the outside to change the setting of the electronic device body, and has a shaft 18b to be inserted into the frame; and

[0081] The annular sealing ring 60 is provided so as to surround the shaft portion 18b and seal the gap between the shaft portion 18b and the frame.

[0082] The seal ring 60 includes: a curved portion 61 curved into a convex shape in cross-sectional view; and a pair of end portions 62a, 62b, on both sides of the curved portion 61 in the axial direction of the seal ring 60, having a shape different from that of the curved portion 61 and extending along the axial direction of the seal ring 60.

Claims

1. A sensor, wherein at least one of a light-emitting portion for emitting light and a light-receiving portion for receiving light is accommodated in a frame, comprising: a setting unit that receives an input operation from the outside to change the setting of the sensor body and has a shaft portion to be inserted into the frame; as well as an annular sealing ring is provided so as to surround the shaft portion and seal the gap between the shaft portion and the frame body, and The sealing ring comprises: The curved surface is curved into a convex shape when viewed in section; as well as A pair of end portions, on both sides of the curved portion in the axial direction of the seal ring, have a shape different from that of the curved portion and extend in the axial direction of the seal ring, When the shaft portion of the setting portion moves in the axial direction in response to an input operation from the outside, one of the pair of end portions abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and the other of the pair of end portions abuts against a portion of the frame.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The inner peripheral surfaces of the pair of end portions are located radially outward of the inner peripheral surface of the curved portion in cross-sectional view. The outer peripheral surfaces of the pair of end portions are located radially inward of the outer peripheral surface of the curved surface portion in a cross-sectional view.

3. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: One of the pair of end portions has a cross-sectional planar shape extending from one axial end side of the curved portion along the first direction, The other of the pair of end portions has a cross-sectional planar shape extending from the other axial end side of the curved surface portion in a direction opposite to the first direction.

4. The sensor according to claim 2, wherein: One of the pair of end portions has a cross-sectional planar shape extending from one axial end side of the curved portion along the first direction, The other of the pair of end portions has a cross-sectional planar shape extending from the other axial end side of the curved surface portion in a direction opposite to the first direction.

5. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The curved surface portion and the pair of end portions are respectively formed of the same elastic material.

6. The sensor according to claim 2, wherein: The curved surface portion and the pair of end portions are respectively formed of the same elastic material.

7. The sensor according to claim 3, wherein: The curved surface portion and the pair of end portions are respectively formed of the same elastic material.

8. An electronic device, comprising: Frame; as well as The substrate is contained in the frame and is equipped with a control circuit. The electronic device includes: a setting unit that receives an input operation from the outside to change the setting of the electronic device body and has a shaft portion to be inserted into the frame; and an annular sealing ring is provided so as to surround the shaft portion and seal the gap between the shaft portion and the frame body, and The sealing ring comprises: A curved surface portion that is curved to be convex in cross-section; and A pair of end portions, on both sides of the curved portion in the axial direction of the seal ring, have a shape different from that of the curved portion and extend in the axial direction of the seal ring, When the shaft portion of the setting portion moves in the axial direction in response to an input operation from the outside, one of the pair of end portions abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and the other of the pair of end portions abuts against a portion of the frame.

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