Sensor and its locking device

Abstract

A sensor and a locking device thereof are disclosed. The locking device may include: a bracket including a first portion and a second portion bent and extending from the first portion; a body coupled to the second portion to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the second portion of the bracket; and a cover pivotally connected to the body, wherein: the cover includes a central plate and a plurality of bridges extending from the central plate to have a long shape in one direction and including a first bridge extending in one direction and a second bridge extending in one direction and spaced apart from the first bridge; the body is positioned between the plurality of bridges; and the plurality of bridges are pivotally connected to the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following description relates to sensors, and more particularly to a locking device for a multi-axis sensor capable of detecting a predetermined area. Background Art

[0002] A multi-axis sensor is a sensor for detecting a specific area by using a plurality of light sources. The multi-axis sensor can be used in various applications, including entrances, elevators, moving walkways, escalators, etc. That is, the multi-axis sensor can detect the presence of individuals or objects in a specific area, and the sensor can be widely used in places where this function is required.

[0003] The multi-axis sensor can be used in workplaces such as manufacturing facilities. The workplace can be a space where automated instruments are installed. The automated instruments may require maintenance regularly or in the case of abnormal operation. When workers enter the workplace to maintain the automated instruments installed in the workplace, the operation of the multi-axis sensor can be stopped. In this case, a locking device for the multi-axis sensor may be required to stop the operation of the multi-axis sensor until the workers have completely finished the maintenance work. For example, a safety system may be required, where if a worker enters a dangerous area and light is blocked in the sensor, the sensor transmits a light blocking signal to the controller, and the controller stops the operation of the mechanical equipment in response to the light blocking signal.

[0004] Recently, research has been actively carried out to ensure workplace safety in the sensor installation environment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Problems

[0006] One object of the present disclosure is to solve the above and other problems. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking device for a sensor to prevent the sensor from malfunctioning.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking device for a sensor, wherein the cover of the locking device can be stably fixed in place.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking device for a sensor, wherein the locking device can be integrally coupled to the sensor.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a locking device for a sensor, wherein when the locking device covers the optical path of the sensor, the light to be incident on the sensor is blocked, and it is determined that a worker has entered a dangerous area, so that the operation of mechanical equipment (such as robots, conveyor belts, etc.) in the dangerous area can be stopped.

[0010] Technical Solutions

[0011] To achieve the above and other objects, a locking device is provided. The locking device includes: a bracket including a first part and a second part bent and extending from the first part; a body coupled to the second part so as to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the second part of the bracket; and a cover pivotally connected to the body, wherein the cover includes: a central plate; and a plurality of bridges extending from the central plate in one direction and including a first bridge extending in one direction and a second bridge extending in one direction and spaced apart from the first bridge, wherein the plurality of bridges are pivotally connected to the body.

[0012] Advantages of the present invention

[0013] A sensor and its locking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure have the following effects.

[0014] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a locking device for a sensor can be provided, in which a failure of the sensor can be prevented.

[0015] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a locking device for a sensor can be provided, in which the cover of the locking device can be stably fixed in place.

[0016] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a locking device for a sensor can be provided, in which the locking device can be integrally coupled to the sensor.

[0017] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the locking device covers the optical path of the sensor, the light to be incident on the sensor is blocked, and it is determined that a worker enters a dangerous area, so that the operation of mechanical equipment (such as robots, conveyor belts, etc.) in the dangerous area can be stopped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figures 1 to 18 is a diagram showing an example of a sensor and its locking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar components, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The terms "module" and "unit" of elements used in the following description are given only for ease of description and do not have a distinct meaning or function.

[0021] In addition, it should be noted that if the detailed description of known technologies may obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed description of known technologies will be omitted.

[0022] In addition, the accompanying drawings are used to facilitate an easy understanding of various technical features, and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. Thus, the present disclosure should be construed as extending to any variations, equivalents, and alternatives other than those specifically pointed out in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0024] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0025] As used herein, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0026] In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprising", "including", "having", etc. specify the presence of the features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0027] The sensor 100 may be referred to as a multi - optical - axis sensor 100. For example, in view of the multi - optical - axis sensor 100 detecting a predetermined area, the multi - optical - axis sensor 100 may be referred to as an area sensor 100.

[0028] Referring Figure 1 , the multi - optical - axis sensor 100 may include a transmitter 100E and a receiver 100R. The transmitter 100E may face the receiver 100R. The transmitter 100E may emit light. The transmitter 100E may include a light - emitting element. The transmitter 100E may be referred to as a light - emitting unit 100E or a light projector 100E. The transmitter 100E may include a plurality of light - emitting elements. The plurality of light - emitting elements may be arranged sequentially or serially on one surface of the transmitter 100E.

[0029] The receiver 100R may detect light. The receiver 100R may include a light - receiving element. The receiver 100R may be referred to as a light - receiving unit 100R or an optical receiver 100R. The receiver 100R may include a plurality of light - receiving elements. The plurality of light - receiving elements may be arranged sequentially or serially on one surface of the receiver 100R.

[0030] The light provided by the transmitter 100E can be detected by the receiver 100R. If an individual or an object is located between the transmitter 100E and the receiver 100R, a part of the light provided by the transmitter 100E is blocked, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the individual or object in the detection area.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 , the transmitter 100E may include a housing 110E, a light emitter 120E, and caps 130E and 140E. The housing 110E may be elongated and may have a receiving space therein. The light emitter 120E may be formed on one surface of the housing 110E. The light emitter 120E may be elongated on one surface or one side of the housing 110E in the longitudinal direction of the housing 110E. The caps 130E and 140E may be mounted at one end and / or the other end of the housing 110E. For example, the light emitter 120E and the housing 110E may be coupled to each other through the caps 130E and 140E.

[0032] The transmitter 100E may include a cable CA. The cable CA may be electrically connected to the light emitter 120E. On one side of the housing 110E or on the cap 140E, the cable CA may be connected to an external source. One side of the cable CA may be electrically connected to the light emitter 120E, and the other side of the cable CA may be connected to a connector CN. Accordingly, the transmitter 100E may receive power or a control signal from an external source.

[0033] The transmitter 100E may include a bracket BKT. The bracket BKT may be mounted at one end or both ends of the transmitter 100E, or may be coupled to one end or both ends of the transmitter 100E. The bracket BKT may be provided to mount or position the transmitter 100E in a predetermined device. The bracket BKT may be mounted to the transmitter 100E through a coupling member f.

[0034] The receiver 100R may include a housing 110R, a light receiver 120R, and caps 130R and 140R. The receiver 100R may include a cable CA and a bracket BKT. The above description of the transmitter 100E and its components may also be applied to the housing 110R, the caps 130R and 140R, the cable CA, and / or the bracket BKT. In Figure 2 this regard, the above description of the light emitter 120E may also be applied to the light receiver 120R.

[0035] In the following description, the transmitter 100E and the receiver 100R will not be distinguished from each other, but will be collectively referred to as the sensor 100.

[0036] Reference Figure 3, the housing 110 can be elongated and hollow to provide a receiving space. For example, the housing 110 can be formed in the shape of a long cylinder or a rectangular column. The housing 110 can have an opening 110P1 that extends on one side of the housing 110 in the longitudinal direction of the housing 110. The opening 110P1 can be referred to as the first opening 110P1. The housing 110 can have an opening 110P2 or a plurality of openings 110P2 at one or both ends of the housing 110. The opening 110P2 or the plurality of openings 110P2 can be referred to as the second opening 110P2 or the plurality of second openings 110P2. The opening 110P2 can include an upper opening 110P2T and a lower opening 110P2B. The first opening 110P1 can be connected to the second opening 110P2.

[0037] A light-emitting element and / or a light-receiving element can be installed in the receiving space of the housing 110. The sensing module 190 can include a light-emitting element and / or a light-receiving element.

[0038] The cap 130 can block the upper opening 110P2T formed at the upper end of the housing 110. In addition, the cap 140 can block the lower opening 110P2B formed at the lower end of the housing 110. Both ends of the housing 110 can have the same structure.

[0039] A sealing member 160T can be disposed between the cap 130 and one end of the housing 110. The sealing member 160T can be disposed around the periphery of the upper opening 110P2T of the housing 110. The sealing member 160T can be referred to as the first sealing member 160T. The first sealing member 160T can be referred to as the upper sealing member 160T.

[0040] The cover 150 can have an elongated flat shape and can cover the first opening 110P1. The cover 150 can be referred to as the front cover 150 or the transparent cover 150.

[0041] A sealing member 170 can be disposed between the housing 110 and the cover 150. The sealing member 170 can be referred to as the second sealing member 170. The second sealing member can be referred to as the front sealing member 170.

[0042] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the sensor safety device 200 can be mounted to the sensor 100. The sensor safety device 200 can be mounted on the outside of the sensor 100 while covering the outer surface of the sensor 100.

[0043] The bracket 210 can be bent. The bracket 210 can include a first portion 211, a second portion 213, and a third portion 215. The second portion 213 can be bent and extended from the first portion 211. For example, the second portion 213 can form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first portion 211.

[0044] The second part 213 can be bent by rounding from the first part 211. The third part 215 can extend from the second part 213. The width of the third part 215 can be smaller than the width of the second part 213. The second part 213 can be disposed between the first part 211 and the third part 215.

[0045] The coupling hole h can be formed in the first part 211. The bolt B and the nut N can be coupled to each other through the coupling hole h. The coupling hole h can be formed in the second part 213, and the first part 211 can be omitted. The locking hole H can be formed at a position adjacent to the end of the third part 215. The fixing hole C can be formed in the third part 215 or the second part 213. The fixing hole C can be disposed between the locking hole H and the first part 211. The main body 230 can be coupled to the bracket 210. The main body 230 can be fixed to the fixing hole C by the screw S. The main body 230 can be integrally formed with the bracket 210. In this case, the main body 230 can be integrally formed with the second part 213 or the third part 215.

[0046] The cover 250 can be pivotally coupled or connected to the main body 230. The cover 250 can have a substantially plate shape. The cover 250 can include a center plate 251, wing plates 257 and 259, and bridges 253 and 255. The recess G can be formed in the outer surface of the center plate 251.

[0047] The magnet 254 can be inserted into the recess G of the center plate 251 to be fixed to the center plate 251. The magnet 254 and / or the recess G can be positioned within the range of the width P2 of the second part 213. Thus, when the cover 250 is fully opened by rotating around the main body 230, the cover 250 can be fixed to the second part 213 by magnetic force.

[0048] The cover plate 252 can cover the front surfaces of the center plate 251 and the magnet 254. The length or width of the cover plate 252 can be greater than the size of the magnet 254 or the width of the second part 213. For example, the cover plate 252 can include metal. Thus, the magnetic force generated by the magnet 254 acts through the cover plate 252, so that the cover 250 and the second part 213 can be firmly coupled to each other.

[0049] The wing plates 257 and 259 can extend from the top and / or bottom of the center plate 251. Thus, the light-blocking range of the cover 250 can be increased. The bridges 253 and 255 can extend to the left or right of the center plate 251. For example, the wing plates 257 and 259 and the bridges 253 and 255 can form right angles with each other.

[0050] The main body 230 can be disposed between the bridges 253 and 255, and the cover 250 can be coupled to the main body 230 by a pin P passing through the bridges 253 and 255. The cover 250 can pivot or rotate about the pin P as an axis.

[0051] A plurality of ribs 256a and 256b can be formed on the front surface of the cover 250. The first rib 256a can be adjacent to the upper side of the center plate 251 and can extend along the upper side, and the second rib 256b can be adjacent to the lower side of the center plate 251 and can extend along the lower side. The first rib 256a can be parallel to the second rib 256b. The distance P1 between the first rib 256a and the second rib 256b can be substantially equal to the distance P2 between the upper side and the lower side of the second portion 213 of the bracket 210. Accordingly, the cover 250 rotates about the main body 230 such that the bracket 210 can be inserted into the ribs 256a and 256b of the cover 250 to be fixed in place.

[0052] Referring to Figure 6 , the main body 230 can include a first portion 231, a second portion 232, and a third portion 233. The first portion 231 can form a vertical wall. The second portion 232 can be fixed to the upper end of the first portion 231 and can form a horizontal bottom plate. The third portion 233 can be fixed to the lower end of the first portion 231 and can form a horizontal bottom plate. The third portion 233 can face the second portion 232 with respect to the first portion 231.

[0053] A first stopper 234 can be disposed on the second portion 232. The first stopper 234 can protrude from the top surface of the second portion 232. The first stopper 234 can be in the shape of a rectangular column or a cylinder. A second stopper 237 can be disposed on the third portion 233. The second stopper 237 can protrude from the bottom surface of the third portion 233. The second stopper 237 can be in the shape of a rectangular column or a cylinder. The second stopper 237 can be opposite or symmetric to the first stopper 234 with respect to the first portion 231.

[0054] A first pin hole PH1 can be formed in the top surface of the second portion 232. The first pin hole PH1 can be disposed at a position adjacent to a corner of the first stopper 234. A first fixing hole FH1 can be disposed adjacent to the first side S1 of the second portion 232, and a second fixing hole FH2 can be disposed adjacent to the second side S2 of the second portion 232. The first side S1 and the second side S2 can be connected to each other. The corner formed between the first side S1 and the second side S2 can correspond to a corner of the first stopper 234. For example, the first fixing hole FH1 can be disposed at a right angle to the second fixing hole FH2 with respect to the first pin hole PH1. A second pin hole PH2 can be formed in the bottom surface of the third portion 233. The second pin hole PH2 can be opposite or symmetric to the first pin hole PH1 with respect to the first portion 231.

[0055] The first rail 235 may extend parallel to the third side S3 of the second part 232 and may be formed on the second part 232 at a position adjacent to the third side S3 of the second part 232. The first rail 235 may have an inclined portion 235b and a flat portion 235a. The inclined portion 235b may be closer to the second side S2 of the second part 232 than the flat portion 235a, and the flat portion 235a may be closer to the fourth side S4 of the second part 232 than the inclined portion 235b. The inclined portion 235b may be connected to the flat portion 235a.

[0056] The second rail 236 may extend parallel to the fourth side S4 of the second part 232 and may be formed on the second part 232 at a position adjacent to the fourth side S4 of the second part 232. The second rail 236 may have an inclined portion 236b and a flat portion 236a. The inclined portion 236b may be closer to the first side S1 of the second part 232 than the flat portion 236a, and the flat portion 236a may be closer to the fourth side S4 of the second part 232 than the inclined portion 236b. The inclined portion 236b may be connected to the flat portion 236a.

[0057] Reference Figures 7 to 11 , the cover 250 may be pivotally or rotatably coupled to the body 230. The cover 250 may be coupled to the body 230 by inserting a pin P into the first pin hole PH1. The cover 250 may include a curved wall 256 for covering the multi-axis sensor 100. The curved wall 256 may extend from an end of the center plate 251 of the cover 250.

[0058] The cover 250 may rotate or pivot about the axis of the pin P. When the cover 250 faces the first part 211 of the bracket 210 (see Figure 8 ), the cover 250 may be disposed above the first fixing hole FH1, and the bridge 253 of the cover 250 may contact the second rail 236. While moving the inclined portion 236b of the second rail 236 upward, the bridge 253 of the cover 250 may slide on the flat portion 236a.

[0059] The cover 250 may include a fixing protrusion 253P protruding from the bridge 253 at a position between the bridge 253 and the body 230 (see Figure 11 ). The fixing protrusion 253P may be inserted into the first fixing hole FH1. This state may be referred to as a state where the locking device 200 covers or blocks the optical path of the sensor 100 or a state where the locking device 200 closes the sensor 100.

[0060] Therefore, the cover 250 may be fixed at the position where the cover 250 faces the first part 211 of the bracket 210.

[0061] When the cover 250 rotates about the pin P (see Figure 9 ), the cover 250 can face the second part 213 of the bracket 210 (see Figure 10 ). While moving upward the inclined portion 235b of the first track 235, the bridge 253 of the cover 250 can slide on the flat portion 235a. The fixing protrusion 253P can be inserted into the second fixing hole FH2. The magnet M can be magnetically coupled to the second part 213 of the bracket 210. That is, in the open state ( Figure 10 the state shown), the cover 250 can be fixed to the bracket 210 by the magnetic force generated by the magnet M (254). Accordingly, the work convenience can be improved. This state can be referred to as the state of locking device 200 opening the optical path of the sensor 100 or the state of locking device 200 opening the sensor 100.

[0062] Accordingly, the cover 250 can be firmly fixed at the position where the cover 250 faces the second part 213 of the bracket 210.

[0063] Referring to Figure 12 , the locking device 200 can be coupled to the sensor 100. The sensor 100 can include a coupling track 110R on the rear surface of the housing 110. The coupling track 110R can also be formed on the side surface of the housing 110. The coupling track 110R can have a substantially C shape. The nut N has a substantially T shape. The coupling track 110R can include retainers 110a and 110b facing each other. The retainers 110a and 110b can be inserted between the nut N and the first part 211 of the bracket 210. When the coupling track 110R is formed on the side surface of the housing 110, the retainers 110a and 110b can be inserted between the nut N and the second part 213 of the bracket 210.

[0064] The cover 250 of the locking device 200 can cover the transparent cover 150 of the sensor 100 (see Figure 3 ). The cover 250 can cover and wrap the housing 110 and / or the transparent cover 150 of the sensor 100. The curved wall 256 can cover the side surface of the housing 110 at the front portion of the curved wall 256. The flap 257 can protrude toward the transparent cover 150. When the cover 250 covers the transparent cover 150, the flap 257 can contact the transparent cover 150.

[0065] When the cover 250 of the locking device 200 covers the transparent cover 150 of the sensor 100, the light incident on the light receiver of the sensor 100 from the light emitter is blocked, and it is determined that a worker enters the dangerous area, so that the operation of mechanical equipment (such as robots, conveyor belts, etc.) in the dangerous area can be stopped.

[0066] Referring to Figure 13 andFigure 14 The bracket 210 can be bent. The bracket 210 can include a first part 211, a second part 213, and a third part 215. The second part 213 can be bent and extended from the first part 211. For example, the second part 213 can form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the first part 211.

[0067] The second part 213 can be bent by rounding from the first part 211. The third part 215 can extend from the second part 213. The width of the third part 215 can be substantially equal to the width of the second part 213. The second part 213 can be disposed between the first part 211 and the third part 215.

[0068] The bolt B and the nut N can be coupled to the first part 211 through the coupling holes. The coupling holes can be formed in the second part 213, and the first part 211 can be omitted. The locking hole H can be formed adjacent to the end of the third part 215.

[0069] The sliding groove 2130 can be formed in the second part 213 of the bracket 210. The second part 213 can be bent from the first part 211 to elongate. The third part 215 can be formed at the end of the second part 213, and the locking hole H can be formed in the third part 215. The sliding groove 2130 can elongate between the locking hole H and the first part 211 and can be formed to pass through the second part 213. The sliding groove 2130 can be referred to as the guiding groove 2130.

[0070] The main body 230 can include a slider 2310. The slider 2310 can be referred to as a stopper 2310 or a guiding protrusion 2310. The slider 2310 can protrude from one surface of the main body 230. The slider 2310 can protrude or extend from one surface of the first part 231. The slider 2310 can be disposed between the second part 232 and the third part 233. The slider 2310 can be inserted into the sliding groove 2130 of the bracket 210. The main body 230 can move from the first part 211 of the bracket 210 toward its third part 215 and can move from the third part 215 toward the first part 211. The sliding groove 2130 can limit the movement range of the main body 230.

[0071] The cover 250 can be pivotally coupled or connected to the main body 230. The cover 250 can have a generally plate shape. The cover 250 can include a central plate 251, wing plates 257 and 259, and bridges 253 and 255. A recess can be formed in the outer surface of the central plate 251.

[0072] The magnet 254 can be inserted into the recess of the center plate 251 to be fixed to the center plate 251. The magnet 254 and / or the recess can be positioned between the bridges 253 and 255. The magnet 254 and / or the recess can be positioned within the width range of the second portion 213. For example, the position of the magnet 254 can correspond to the sliding groove 2130 or the locking hole H. Thus, when the cover 250 is fixed to the second portion 213 of the bracket 210 by magnetic force or contacts the second portion 213 of the bracket 210, the body 230 can move in the sliding groove 2130. When the cover 250 is fully opened by rotating around the body 230, the cover 250 can be fixed to the second portion 213 by magnetic force.

[0073] The cover plate 252 can cover the front surfaces of the center plate 251 and the magnet 254. The size of the cover plate 252 can be larger than the size of the magnet 254 and smaller than the size of the center plate 251. For example, the distance between the upper side and the lower side of the cover plate 252 can correspond to the width of the second portion 213 of the bracket 210. The cover plate 252 can include metal. Thus, the magnetic force generated by the magnet 254 acts through the cover plate 252, so that the cover 250 and the second portion 213 can be firmly coupled to each other. In other words, when the magnet 254 is disposed at a position corresponding to the sliding groove 2130 and / or the locking hole H, the coupling force between the magnet 254 and the second portion 213 of the bracket 210 can be reduced. The coupling force can increase as the cover plate 252 allows a wider range of magnetic force.

[0074] The wing plates 257 and 259 can extend from the top and / or bottom of the center plate 251. Thus, the light-blocking range of the cover 250 can be increased. The bridges 253 and 255 can extend to the left or right side of the center plate 251. For example, the wing plates 257 and 259 and the bridges 253 and 255 can form a right angle with each other.

[0075] The body 230 can be disposed between the bridges 253 and 255, and the cover 250 can be coupled to the body 230 by a pin P passing through the bridges 253 and 255. The cover 250 can pivot or rotate around the pin P as an axis.

[0076] Reference Figure 15 , the body 230 can move on the bracket 210. The body 230 can move in the longitudinal direction of the second portion 213 of the bracket 210. The body 230 can move on a predetermined section of the bracket 210. The movement range of the body 230 can be limited by the length of the sliding groove 2130 (see Figure 13 ). When the body 230 moves on the bracket 210, the cover 250 can remain non-rotating on the body 230. This can be the state where the locking device 200 opens the sensor 100.

[0077] When the main body 230 approaches the first part 211 of the bracket 210, the cover 250 can be parallel to the second part 213 of the bracket 210. In this case, the cover 250 can be magnetically coupled to the second part 213 of the bracket 210 or in contact with the second part 213 of the bracket 210. The main body 230 can move on the bracket 210 from front to back or from left to right. While the main body 230 is moving on the bracket 210, the cover 250 can remain coupled to the second part 213 of the bracket 210 or in contact with the second part 213 of the bracket 210. When the main body 230 is moving on the bracket 210 and the main body 230 moves closer to the third part 215 of the bracket 210, the cover 250 can rotate around the main body 230 to be arranged parallel to the first part 211 of the bracket 210. That is, when the main body 230 moves closer to the third part 215 of the bracket 210, the cover 250 can rotate around the main body 230.

[0078] The cover 250 can rotate around the main body 230 as an axis in the clockwise direction and / or the counterclockwise direction. The cover 250 can rotate around the main body as an axis in both directions. For example, when the main body 230 moves closer to the third part 215, the cover 250 can rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise to cover the front surface of the sensor 100. This can be the state where the locking device 200 closes the sensor 100.

[0079] Therefore, even when the sensor 100 is installed in a narrow space, the cover 250 can be easily operated.

[0080] Reference Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bracket 210 can be bent. The bracket 210 can include a first part 211, a second part 213, and a third part 215. The second part 213 can be bent and extended from the first part 211. For example, the second part 213 can form a 90-degree angle with respect to the first part 211.

[0081] The second part 213 can be bent by rounding from the first part 211. The third part 215 can be extended from the second part 213. The second part 213 can be disposed between the first part 211 and the third part 215.

[0082] The bolt B and the nut N can be coupled to the first part 211 through the coupling holes. The coupling holes can be formed in the second part 213, and the first part 211 can be omitted. The locking hole H can be formed adjacent to the end of the third part 215.

[0083] The sliding groove 2130 may be formed in the second part 213 of the bracket 210. The second part 213 may be bent from the first part 211 to elongate. A third part 215 may be formed at the end of the second part 213, and a locking hole H may be formed in the third part 215. The sliding groove 2130 may extend between the locking hole H and the first part 211 and may be formed to pass through the second part 213. The sliding groove 2130 may be referred to as the guiding groove 2130.

[0084] The third part 215 of the bracket 210 may include a first extension part 215a and a second extension part 215b. The first extension part 215a may protrude and extend from one corner of the second part 213 or the third part 215. The second extension part 215b may protrude and extend from the other corner of the second part 213 or the third part 215. A first locking hole H may be formed in the first extension part 215a, and a second locking hole H may be formed in the second extension part 215b.

[0085] The main body 230 may include a slider 2310. The slider 2310 may be referred to as a stopper 2310 or a guiding protrusion 2310. The slider 2310 may protrude from one surface of the main body 230. The slider 2310 may protrude or extend from one surface of the first part 231. The slider 2310 may be disposed between the second part 232 and the third part 233 of the main body 230. The slider 2310 may be inserted into the sliding groove 2130 of the bracket 210. The main body 230 may move from the first part 211 of the bracket 210 toward its third part 215 and may move from the third part 215 toward the first part 211. The sliding groove 2130 may limit the movement range of the main body 230.

[0086] The cover 250 may be pivotally coupled or connected to the main body 230. The cover 250 may have a substantially plate shape. The cover 250 may include bridges 253 and 255. A recess may be formed in the outer surface of the cover 250.

[0087] The magnet 254 may be inserted into the recess of the cover 250. The magnet 254 and / or the recess may be positioned between the bridges 253 and 255. The magnet 254 and / or the recess may be positioned within the width range of the second part 213. For example, the position of the magnet 254 may correspond to the sliding groove 2130. Thus, while the cover 250 is fixed to the second part 213 of the bracket 210 by magnetic force or in contact with the second part 213 of the bracket 210, the main body 230 may move in the sliding groove 2130. When the cover 250 is fully opened by rotating around the main body 230, the cover 250 may be fixed to the second part 213 by magnetic force.

[0088] The cover plate 252 may cover the magnet 254. The size of the cover plate 252 may be larger than the size of the magnet 254. For example, the distance between the upper and lower sides of the cover plate 252 may correspond to the width of the second part 213 of the bracket 210, or may be smaller than the width of the second part 213. The cover plate 252 may include metal. Thus, the magnetic force generated by the magnet 254 acts through the cover plate 252, so that the cover 250 and the second part 213 can be firmly coupled to each other. In other words, when the magnet 254 is disposed at a position corresponding to the sliding groove 2130, the coupling force between the magnet 254 and the second part 213 of the bracket 210 may be reduced. The coupling force may increase as the cover plate 252 allows a wider range of magnetic force.

[0089] The cover 250 may have a plate shape. The cover 250 may include a first through hole 2511 and a second through hole 2512. The first through hole 2511 may have a shape corresponding to the first extension part 215a and may be formed by cutting the cover 250, and the second through hole 2512 may have a shape corresponding to the second extension part 215b and may be formed by cutting the cover 250. When the cover 250 rotates around the main body 230, the first extension part 215a of the bracket 210 may pass through the first through hole 2511 of the cover 250, and the second extension part 215b of the bracket 210 may pass through the second through hole 2512 of the cover 250.

[0090] The main body 230 may be disposed between the bridges 253 and 255, and the cover 250 may be coupled to the main body 230 by a pin P passing through the bridges 253 and 255. The cover 250 may pivot or rotate around the pin P as an axis.

[0091] Reference Figure 18 , the main body 230 may move on the bracket 210. The main body 230 may move in the longitudinal direction of the second part 213 of the bracket 210. The main body 230 may move on a predetermined section of the bracket 210. The movement range of the main body 230 may be limited by the length of the sliding groove 2130 (see Figure 13 ). While the main body 230 moves on the bracket 210, the cover 250 may remain non-rotating on the main body 230. This may be the state where the locking device 200 opens the sensor 100.

[0092] When the main body 230 approaches the first part 211 of the bracket 210, the cover 250 may be parallel to the second part 213 of the bracket 210. In this case, the cover 250 may be coupled to the second part 213 of the bracket 210 by magnetic force or in contact with the second part 213 of the bracket 210. The main body 230 may move on the bracket 210 from front to back or from left to right. When the main body 230 moves on the bracket 210, the cover 250 may remain coupled to the second part 213 of the bracket 210 or in contact with the second part 213 of the bracket 210.

[0093] When the body 230 moves on the bracket 210 and the body 230 moves closer to the third portion 215 of the bracket 210, the cover 250 can rotate around the body 230 to be disposed parallel to the first portion 211 of the bracket 210. That is, when the body 230 moves closer to the third portion 215 of the bracket 210, the cover 250 can rotate around the body 230.

[0094] The cover 250 can rotate around the body 230 serving as an axis in the clockwise direction and / or the counterclockwise direction. The cover 250 can rotate around the body 230 serving as an axis in both directions. For example, when the body 230 moves closer to the third portion 215, the cover 250 can rotate 90 degrees in the counterclockwise direction to cover the front surface of the sensor 100. This can be a state where the locking device 200 closes the sensor 100.

[0095] Therefore, even when the sensor 100 is installed in a narrow space, the cover 250 can be easily operated.

[0096] Referring to Figures 1 to 18 , the locking device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a bracket including a first portion and a second portion bent and extending from the first portion; a body coupled to the second portion so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the second portion of the bracket; and a cover pivotally connected to the body, wherein the cover includes: a central plate; and a plurality of bridges extending from the central plate in one direction and including a first bridge extending in one direction and a second bridge extending in one direction and spaced apart from the first bridge, wherein the body is disposed between the plurality of bridges, and the plurality of bridges are pivotally connected to the body.

[0097] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket may include a groove extending in the longitudinal direction of the second portion, wherein the body may include a guiding protrusion protruding from the body toward the second portion of the bracket and inserted into the groove to move in the groove.

[0098] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the body may include: a first portion; a second portion disposed on one side of the first portion and connected to the first portion; and a third portion facing the second portion with respect to the first portion and connected to the first portion, wherein the first bridge may be pivotally connected to a corner of the second portion, and the second bridge may be pivotally connected to a corner corresponding to a corner of the second portion of the third portion.

[0099] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second part of the body may include: a first side; a third side opposite the first side; a second side connecting the first side and the third side at a position between the first side and the third side; a fourth side opposite the second side and connecting the first side and the third side; a first pin hole positioned adjacent to a corner formed between the first side and the second side; a first fixing hole positioned adjacent to a corner formed between the first side and the fourth side; and a second fixing hole positioned adjacent to a corner formed between the second side and the third side, wherein the cover may include: a pin inserted into the first bridge and the first fixing hole; and a fixing protrusion protruding from the first bridge toward the second bridge and inserted into or removed from the first fixing hole or the second fixing hole.

[0100] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover may further include a magnet coupled within the center plate.

[0101] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover may further include a cover plate that covers the magnet and is fixed to the front surface of the center plate, wherein the cover plate may include metal.

[0102] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover plate may be disposed between the first bridge and the second bridge.

[0103] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the slot may include: a first end formed at one end adjacent to the first part along the longitudinal direction of the slot; and a second end formed at the other end along the longitudinal direction of the slot, wherein the guiding protrusion moves between the first end and the second end of the slot, and when the guiding protrusion is adjacent to or in contact with the second end, the cover may rotate around the body to be disposed parallel to the first part.

[0104] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket may further include a nut disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the first part, wherein the nut may be fastened to a coupling hole formed in the first part of the bracket.

[0105] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor assembly includes: a housing having an internal receiving space; a light emitter or a light receiver disposed in the internal receiving space; and a cover coupled to one surface of the housing and through which light emitted by the light emitter or incident on the light receiver passes, wherein the housing further includes a coupling track formed on the rear surface, wherein a nut of the locking device is mounted on the coupling track, and the cover of the locking device covers or opens the cover.

[0106] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or different from each other. Any or all elements of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined with or combined with each other in terms of structure or function.

[0107] The above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalents of the present disclosure are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A locking device for a multi - optical axis sensor, the locking device being configured to detect a predetermined area by using a plurality of light sources, the locking device comprising: A main body; A pin protruding from the main body; And A cover pivotally connected to the main body to pivot about the pin, Wherein, the cover comprises: A central plate; and A plurality of bridges extending from the central plate in one direction and including a first bridge extending in the one direction and a second bridge extending in the one direction and spaced apart from the first bridge, Wherein, the main body further comprises a locking hole formed in a bracket integrally formed with the main body, Wherein, the main body is disposed between the first bridge and the second bridge, and when the cover faces the main body, the cover is magnetically fixed to the main body, Wherein, when the cover covers the optical path of the multi - optical axis sensor, the locking hole protrudes from the outer surface of the cover of the locking device.

2. The locking device according to claim 1, wherein, The main body comprises: A first part; A second part disposed on one side of the first part and connected to the first part; and A third part facing the second part relative to the first part and connected to the first part, Wherein, the distance between the first bridge and the second bridge corresponds to the distance between the outer surface of the second part of the main body and the outer surface of the third part of the main body.

3. The locking device according to claim 1, the locking device further comprising: A bracket having a coupling hole and integrally formed with the main body; And A bolt coupled to the coupling hole of the bracket.

4. The locking device according to claim 3, the locking device further comprising a nut fastened to the bracket and contacting the bolt, Among them, To rotate the bolt to be coupled to the nut.

5. A sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising a sensor and a locking device coupled to the sensor, Among them, The sensor comprises: A transmitter configured to provide light; and a receiver configured to detect the light provided by the transmitter, Wherein, the transmitter comprises: A transmitter housing extending and having an internal receiving space; A light emitter disposed in the internal receiving space of the transmitter housing along the longitudinal direction of the transmitter housing; and A transmitter transparent cover coupled to one surface of the transmitter housing, and the light emitted by the light emitter passes through the transmitter transparent cover, Wherein, the receiver comprises: A receiver housing extending and having an internal receiving space; A light receiver disposed in the internal receiving space of the receiver housing along the longitudinal direction of the receiver housing and corresponding to the light emitter of the transmitter; and A receiver transparent cover coupled to one surface of the receiver housing, and the light incident on the light receiver passes through the receiver transparent cover, Wherein, the locking device comprises: Body; Pin, the pin protruding from the body; Cover, the cover pivotally connected to the body so as to pivot about the pin and magnetically fixed to the body when facing the body; and Locking hole, the locking hole formed in a bracket integrally formed with the body, wherein the cover includes: Central plate; and A plurality of bridges, the plurality of bridges extending from the central plate in one direction and including a first bridge extending in the one direction and a second bridge extending in the one direction and spaced apart from the first bridge, wherein the body is disposed between the first bridge and the second bridge, wherein when the cover of the locking device covers the transparent cover of the transmitter housing or the transparent cover of the receiver housing, the locking hole protrudes from the outer surface of the cover of the locking device.

6. The sensor assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The locking device includes: Bracket, the bracket having a coupling hole and integrally formed with the body; Bolt, the bolt coupled to the coupling hole of the bracket; and Nut, the nut fastened to the bracket and contacting the bolt.

7. The sensor assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The housing further includes a coupling track formed on another surface of the housing, wherein: The nut of the locking device is mounted on the coupling track; and The cover of the locking device covers or opens the transparent cover.

8. The sensor assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The cover of the locking device further includes a wall extending from an end, wherein when the cover of the locking device covers the transparent cover, the wall covers a corner of the housing adjacent to the transparent cover.

9. The sensor assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The coupling between the nut of the locking device and the coupling track of the housing is increased by rotation of the bolt.

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